bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics and Heterogeneity of Environmental Attitude, Willingness and Behavior in Germany from 1993 to 2021
Authors: Meyer Frauke , Shamon Hawal , Vögele Stefan
Published: December 2022

This paper analyzes environmental attitude, willingness, and behavior using a relatively broad range of survey items from the four Environment Modules of the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) in Germany. The ISSP Environment Module is a repeated cross-sectional large-scale survey in Germany covering a period of nearly 30 years with four survey waves (1993, 2000, 2010, and 2020). We find that environmental attitude, willingness, and behavior are relatively stable between 1993 and 2010 in Germany. However, in the fourth wave, we find a significant upward trend in attitude and willingness compared to 2010—even though the COVID-19 pandemic was omnipresent at the time of the survey. This could indicate that climate change and environmental issues have gained such significance that they cannot easily be fully displaced by other major events, such as a pandemic. Moreover, we detect systematic heterogeneity in environmental attitude, willingness, and behavior predominantly with respect to respondents’ education, residential region, and political orientation but also some heterogeneity regarding gender, age, and income. Finally, we reveal that the dynamic of environmental attitude, willingness, and behavior also depends on certain socio-demographic characteristics, such as residential region, or political orientation. Our findings are essential for a better understanding of the social feasibility of transformation pathways towards a sustainable energy system.
Cooling Performance Prediction for Hydraulic Thermoelectric Radiant Cooling Panels with Experimental Validation
Authors: Kim Minseong , Kang Yong-Kwon , Joung Jaewon , Jeong Jae-Weon
Published: December 2022

Thermoelectric technology has been developed as a substitute for existing refrigerants in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system applications for building decarbonization. A hydraulic thermoelectric radiant cooling panel (hTERCP) operated based on the Peltier effect can alternate a conventional cooling system using a chiller with refrigerators. This study aimed to develop a cooling performance prediction model for a hTERCP-integrated free cooling system according to the desirable range of five design factors. A mockup model of the hTERCP was constructed and tested in an environmental chamber to verify the proposed simulation model. The simulation and the experimental analysis confirmed that the heat rejection performance of the thermoelectric module (TEM) significantly affects the cooling performance of the hTERCP. The cooling water temperature was the primary design factor for releasing heat from the hot side of the TEM and significantly influenced the cooling performance of the hTERCP. A parametric analysis of the five design factors was conducted to investigate a method for improving the coefficient of performance (COP) of the hTERCP. The cooling water temperature affected the COP by 38.6–45.7%, and the heat exchange area of the cooling surface greatly influenced the cooling performance by 41.4%. The cooling water flow rate, heat exchange effectiveness of the water block, and heat resistance of the hot side were confirmed to have relatively little influence as 9.7–10.2%, 11.9–24.8%, and 0.7–11.1%, respectively.
The Significance of Digital Learning for Sustainable Development in the Post-COVID19 World in Saudi Arabia’s Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Alotaibi Nayef Shaie
Published: December 2022

Saudi Arabia, like other countries, has established several strategies and initiatives to support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision recognizes the technological dimension of the SDGs. Furthermore, higher education institutes are an essential component of Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development goals, and the government is eager to adopt sustainability measures in universities in this regard. Saudi universities have implemented significant e-learning and digital transformation projects aimed at long-term development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi universities discontinued traditional face-to-face classes in favor of online learning. The rate of use of online education has been extraordinary and overwhelming. Given this background, this paper aims to study the impact of digital learning on sustainable development in the higher education institutions of Saudi Arabia post COVID-19 by highlighting the educational processes followed during the pandemic. In addition, we analyze the obstacles and values of digital learning in Saudi higher education institutes. We used the PRISMA statement 2020 for the inclusion and exclusion of the records and the VOS viewer software for the classification of literature. The results identified the three primary data streams, higher education, e-learning and digital transformation after the co-occurrences of critical terms and content analysis. Findings indicate the significant changes brought by the recent pandemic outbreak for the higher education institutes in Saudi Arabia. Results suggest that E-learning programmes have gained recognition as effective learning aids for higher education since conventional education (face-to-face) was abruptly forced to relocate online owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, findings demonstrate a substantial and positive relationship between digital transformation performance and Saudi Arabia’s higher education institutions, as well as their potential for e-learning toward sustainable development, their capacity for improvisation, and their organizational readiness.
Climate Change, Time and Tourism Knowledge: The Relativity of Simultaneity
Authors: Schweinsberg Stephen , Darcy Simon
Published: December 2022

Climate clocks are currently ticking down to a point in time when it will be impossible to arrest the rate of CO2 emissions within the bounds of the parameters set by the Paris Climate Agreement. The tourism academy has been at the forefront of efforts to draw attention to the climate threat and to develop adaptation and mitigation responses in conjunction with industry. However, whilst the tourism academy is generally said to be in lock-step with the urgency of the climate threat and tourism’s need to respond, outliers do exist. Why might a tourism scholar view the urgency of the climate threat differently from his or her colleagues? Drawing on conceptual insights from Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity, the present paper explores the sociological framing of time in relation to tourism academics and the implications for the development of a tourism knowledge force-field as a foundation for tourism knowledge creation.
Effects of Top-Down Balanced Development Strategies on Regional Balance: Evidence from Public Big Data in Korea
Authors: Yoo Yejin , Choi Seungbee
Published: December 2022

The rapid economic growth of Korea was accompanied by the side effect of disproportionate growth between regions. The central government has implemented balanced development strategies by enacting the Special Act on Balanced National Development. For example, central administrative institutions were relocated to Sejong-si, which was built as the administrative capital. This study examines whether the top-down strategy promoted balanced growth between regions using public big data. We use various indicators to pay attention to not only quantitative growth, such as population size and economic growth, but also qualitative growth, such as life satisfaction. The results show that, despite the government’s efforts, the population was concentrated in the major metropolitan areas and the economic gap between regions did not narrow. While metropolitan areas achieved steady growth based on the preemption of spatial competitiveness, non-metropolitan areas did not take advantage of more investment from government. However, it shows a significant increase in job creation in Sejong-si, suggesting it is more efficient to move institutions in groups than to completely disperse public institutions in the balanced development strategy. In terms of the quality of life, Sejong-si had the lowest personal life satisfaction and local life satisfaction, indicating that the top-down strategy has failed to manage the quality of life. We propose that promoting a compact city with multiple functions in the non-metropolitan areas will help balance development. To achieve a better quality of life, centralized power should be transferred to local governments, and policies should be built based on communication with local residents. Innovative and sustainable policies that efficiently utilize the uniqueness and potential of the region are needed for balanced growth.
Application of BIM in Tunnel Design with Compaction Pile Reinforced Foundation Carrying Carbon Assessment Based on Advanced Dynamo Visual Programming: A Case Study in China
Authors: Wang Jie , Hou Xin , Deng Xujie , Han Huichao , Zhang Liuliu
Published: December 2022

Carbon emission assessment in civil engineering has gained worldwide attention due to the negative effects of greenhouse gases on the environment. Significant amounts of building materials and electric power are consumed during the construction of tunnels, causing the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In addition, building information modeling (BIM) can be utilized to realize the computerized design of tunnels, and improve construction efficiency. However, the traditional BIM software (Autodesk Revit) lacks tunnel components and is unable to directly create a three-dimensional tunnel axis. This paper adopted BIM to build a three-dimensional model of the tunnel components for tunnel and carried out batch parameterization and component lofting based on Dynamo visual programming. The BIM of the tunnel guided the construction procedures and improved the construction efficiency. Based on the emission coefficient method, we calculated the carbon emissions from each component and loaded them into the BIM during the parameterization process. After the tunnel modeling design was completed, a bill of quantities was obtained. Then, the carbon emissions from the whole tunnel construction were calculated according to the bill. Thus, the combination of BIM technology and tunnel engineering was realized; this has practical significance for reductions in emissions, and cleaner construction in relation to tunnel engineering.
Green Cities for Environmental Citizenship: A Systematic Literature Review of Empirical Research from 31 Green Cities of the World
Authors: Hadjichambis Andreas Ch. , Paraskeva-Hadjichambi Demetra , Sinakou Eleni , Adamou Anastasia , Georgiou Yiannis
Published: December 2022

During the last decade, many cities worldwide have implemented various green policies; in this way, they have gradually transformed into “green cities”. The emergence of green cities may provide a promising venue to address cities’ environmental degradation and citizens’ disengagement with current socio-environmental issues, thus giving rise to the notion of Environmental Citizenship (EC). Despite these assumptions, empirical research on the topic is currently emerging. In this study, we examine citizens’ engagement in green cities and its interrelatedness with EC through a systematic literature review. The selected empirical studies (n = 25) were published in peer-reviewed journals during the timespan of the last 12 years (2010–2021). In total, 31 green cities were analyzed in the 25 selected empirical studies. Thematic and frequency analysis revealed that green cities encourage citizens’ engagement with the implemented green policies, while also advancing citizens’ EC. Furthermore, correlational analysis between citizens’ engagement and the Education for Environmental Citizenship (EEC) model revealed that citizens’ engagement with the implemented green policies fosters citizens’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and behaviors, fueling the undertaking of various EC actions. Importantly, green cities have also proved successful in achieving EC’s outcomes leading to sustainability.
What Are the Topics That Business Ecosystems Navigate? Updating of Scientific Activity and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Espina-Romero Lorena , Guerrero-Alcedo Jesús , Noroño Sánchez José Gregorio , Ochoa-Díaz Angélica
Published: December 2022

The objective of this research was to review the manuscripts registered in the Scopus database related to business ecosystems during the period 2018–2022. A total of 96 documents were selected and examined under a bibliometric and bibliographic approach. The results showed an annual growth rate of 13.21%. The United Kingdom (n = 22) led the countries with the most documents, computer science (n = 40) is the subject area with the most publications, and articles (n = 61) and conference papers (n = 23) dominated the types of documents. The nine most studied topics were innovation ecosystems, collaborative ecosystems, sustainable business ecosystems, digital business ecosystems, ecosystems of the Internet of Things, circular ecosystems in companies, regulatory frameworks for digital business ecosystems, resilience of business ecosystems, and ecosystems in smart cities. Six unexplored themes were extracted for future research: ICT industries, smart contracts, electric vehicles, serious games, energy, and blockchain. It should be noted that this study is one of the most up to date, and 85.5% of the 96 publications were original studies, i.e., valuable information that supports the results.
Deep Insights into the Radiation Shielding Features of Heavy Minerals in Their Native Status: Implications for Their Physical, Mineralogical, Geochemical, and Morphological Properties
Authors: Masoud Mostafa A. , El-Khayatt Ahmed M. , Marashdeh Mohammad W. , Shahien Mohamed G. , Bakhit Bottros R. , Abdelwahab Wael , Abdel Rafea Mohamed , Zayed Ahmed M.
Published: December 2022

Barite and hematite are the most common heavy-weight minerals applied as aggregates in radiation shielding concrete (RSC). Therefore, to limit the cement consumption and reduce the CO2 emissions accompanying its production, the aim of this study is to use Egyptian barite and hematite minerals in their native status and evaluate their attenuation efficiency against fast neutrons and γ-rays. This was implemented through the measurement of their radiation attenuation against fast neutrons and γ-rays in the energy ranges of 0.80–11 and 0.40–8.30 MeV, respectively, employing a Pu-Be source and a stilbene scintillator. Theoretical calculations were prepared using the NXcom program to validate the fast neutron attenuation measurements. Furthermore, the implications of the physical, mineralogical, geochemical, and morphological characteristics of these heavy-weight minerals with respect to their attenuation efficiencies were considered. We found that barite has superior radiation attenuation efficiency for fast neutrons and γ-rays compared to hematite by 9.17 and 51% for fast neutrons and γ-rays, respectively. This was ascribed to the superior physical, mineralogical, geochemical, and morphological properties of the former relative to those of the latter. Furthermore, a satisfactory agreement between the experimental and theoretical results was achieved, with a deviation of 16 and 19.25% for the barite and hematite samples, respectively. Eventually, barite and hematite can be successful candidates for their use as sustainable alternatives to common RSC.
Multi-Oligopoly Sequential Pricing Mechanisms and Their Game Analysis in Raw Material Supply Chains
Authors: Yao Huilin , Gong Rizhao , Yuan Zhihui
Published: December 2022

The sequential pricing game model is an approach that can be effectively used to solve the problem with multi-oligopoly pricing mechanisms in raw material supply chains. However, the existing sequential pricing mechanism does not fully consider constraints such as the purchase volume of downstream firms and the change information of each parameter, which leads to the pricing mechanism being detached from the real market. According to the concept of the sequential pricing game model being used among multi-oligopolies under constraints, we constructed the constrained sequential pricing game model by incorporating the parameters related to the product demand function, marginal production cost, dominant coefficient, following coefficient, and agreed minimum purchase volume as constraints, and the model was converted into a nonlinear bilevel programming model to facilitate model solving. Furthermore, we provided the analytical solution formulas for six special cases, thus making the model more similar to the real market. In addition, the effects of the agreed minimum purchase volume and the dominant and following coefficients on the equilibrium quoted prices and profits of the firms were analyzed. The results of the numerical simulation show that the constrained sequential pricing game model is more effective than the unconstrained sequential pricing game model in solving the problem with the multi-oligopoly pricing mechanism, which means that it can be used to establish a better pricing mechanism and provide a more reasonable and scientific basis for market operation and policymakers in solving practical problems.
Nexus between Renewable Energy, Credit Gap Risk, Financial Development and R&D Expenditure: Panel ARDL Approach
Authors: Ünlü Ulaş , Yıldırım Furkan , Kuloğlu Ayhan , Ersoy Ersan , Çetenak Emin Hüseyin
Published: December 2022

In the study, we investigate the relationships between renewable energy consumption sub-indicators of G-8 countries and financial development, credit gap risk, and R&D expenditure from 1996 to 2018. The relationships among the variables in the study are analyzed by employing the Panel ARDL method and the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality test. The cointegration relationships between the variables have been analyzed using the bounds test approach, and an unrestricted error correction model has been established. Contrary to previous studies in the renewable energy literature, this study employed the variable of credit gap risk. Therefore, we believe that this study will fill the gap in the literature and attract the attention of researchers and policymakers. The results indicate that increases in total demand for renewable energy positively affect the financial development of countries. Moreover, R&D expenditures increase as the demand for hydro energy and solar energy increases. This result indicates that wind power consumption has a short-term impact on R&D expenditure, and such an impact ceases to exist in the long run. According to the empirical research findings, the rise in demand for renewable energy may be a factor mitigating the credit gap risk of countries. In other words, the credit gap risk, which is considered a leading indicator of systemic banking crises, can be mitigated by the rise in the demand for renewable energy.
Effective Implementation of Integrated Area Development Based on Consumer Attractiveness Assessment
Authors: Zelenskiy Ilya , Parygin Danila , Savina Oksana , Finogeev Alexey , Gurtyakov Alexander
Published: December 2022

This article examines the 11th UN Sustainable Development Goal through the lens of the needs of citizens. The study proposes to compare the means and goals of integrated area development (IAD) and sustainable development. It was proposed to implement a decision support system for choosing options for the area development, based on the assessment of indicators for achieving the desired result. The purpose of the article is to consider the possibility of using the attractiveness of the territory for potential consumers as such an indicator. The calculation method, as well as methods for collecting, filtering, and processing open sources of data on the state of the urban environment, were developed to evaluate this indicator. The obtained methods were tested on a sample of apartments in the Volgograd, Russia, in order to verify the adequacy of the proposed indicator. A comparison of the dynamics of the resulting assessments of attractiveness and the market prices of the studied apartments showed a correlation and adequacy of the proposed methods for practical application. The main limitation remains the need for large-scale collection and preliminary processing of data for the assessment, as well as setting up of the assessment method configuration: criteria, scales, etc.
Policy Recommendations for Handling Brain Drains to Provide Sustainability in Emerging Economies
Authors: Mukhtarov Shahriyar , Dinçer Hasan , Baş Halim , Yüksel Serhat
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study is to identify the most significant issues to handle brain drains to provide sustainability in emerging economies. In this framework, a new model has been created that consists of two different stages for this situation. Firstly, necessary criteria are identified based on the key items of the balanced scorecard approach. These factors are weighted by using a bipolar q-rung orthopair fuzzy multi stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (BOFQ M-SWARA) approach with golden ratio. Next, seven emerging economies are ranked with respect to their performance in decreasing brain drains by BOFQ, the elimination and choice of translating reality (ELECTRE) with the golden ratio. An evaluation is also carried out with intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) and Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFSs) to test the validity of the findings. The results are similar for all different fuzzy sets, which indicates that the findings are quite coherent and reliable. The most important factor in reducing brain drain has been identified as technical competency. It would be appropriate for countries to provide tax exemptions for research and development studies. This situation can easily attract the attention of companies, as it will contribute to the reduction of costs. Thus, it will be easier to provide technological innovations in the country in the future. Thanks to technological development, it is possible to increase the productivity of enterprises in the country. In this way, the brain drain problem can be minimized as qualified personnel stay in the country. With the high number of qualified people in the country, it will be possible to produce eco-innovative products and develop clean energy technology. Due to this issue, sustainability can be provided in the economic development of emerging economies.
Intellectual Structure in Supply Chain Risk Management from 2000 to 2022: A Review Based on Text Mining Approach
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Zhou Yuanyuan , Gao Song
Published: December 2022

This study illustrates the intellectual structure of research in the domain of supply chain risk management (SCRM) from the year 2000 to the year 2022. This paper employs a bibliometric analysis to investigate the foundations of the discipline and a quantitative approach to uncover the evolution of research in SCRM. Firstly, CiteSpace is used to evaluate and show the intellectual structure of this sector. With its help, we establish cooperation networks of institutions and countries, networks of different terms and keywords, and cooperation relations among writers. The process involves the extraction of certain useful information, such as core terms, leading authors, and major institutions. Secondly, with the help of the latent Dirichlet allocation technology, we look at the progression of the subject matter about the management of risks associated with supply chains. The outcome of this review provides a foundation for understanding developing patterns and new changes in the industry, and it is significant for future research on supply chain risk management. Our study not only updates the review of SCRM but also illustrates the possibility to objectively review literature with the support of text mining technology, using our newly developed framework. This framework can also be easily applied to other research fields.
Electrochemical Synthesis of 1,1′-Binaphthalene-2,2′-Diamines via Transition-Metal-Free Oxidative Homocoupling
Authors: Fan Duona , Khalid Md. Imrul , Kamble Ganesh Tatya , Sasai Hiroaki , Takizawa Shinobu
Published: December 2022

The facile and green synthesis of 1,1′-binaphthalene-2,2′-diamine (BINAM) derivatives was established via the anodic dehydrogenative homo-coupling of 2-naphthylamines. The sustainable protocol provided a series of BINAMs in excellent yields of up to 98% with good current efficiency (66%) and H2 as the sole coproduct without utilizing transition-metal reagents or stoichiometric oxidants.
Failure Evaluation of Electronic Products Based on Double Hierarchy Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Set and K-Means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Dai Jinkun , Pang Jihong , Luo Qiang , Huang Qianbing
Published: December 2022

The extent of failure evaluation depends on the complexity and significance of electronic products. However, traditional failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) has many shortcomings, which brings large difficulty to failure evaluating work. This paper uses the double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (DHHFLTS) and the K-means clustering algorithm to improve the shortcomings of traditional FMEA. The DHHFLTS is a set of language terms based on the symmetry method and uniform language granularity. Firstly, we determine the product failure mode and set up an evaluation team after formulating an evaluation symmetrical language set. The psychological changes of the evaluators can be truly expressed by using the DHHFLTS. Secondly, the entropy weight method is used to calculate the weight of the evaluation members. The evaluation information of the evaluation personnel on the failure mode is aggregated based on the weight of the evaluation members. Then, the K-means clustering algorithm is used to calculate the distance between failure modes and each cluster center point by using the normalized weight of influencing factors and the evaluation distance of each evaluator. Finally, the evaluation of an electromagnet failure mode is taken as an example to prove the objectivity and practicability of the new method.
Measurement of the Central Galactic Black Hole by Extremely Large Mass-Ratio Inspirals
Authors: Yang Shu-Cheng , Luo Hui-Jiao , Zhang Yuan-Hao , Zhang Chen
Published: December 2022

In the galaxy, extremely large mass-ratio inspirals (X-MRIs) composed of brown dwarfs and the massive black hole at the galactic center are expected to be promising gravitational wave sources for space-borne detectors. In this work, we simulate the gravitational wave signals from twenty X-MRI systems by an axisymmetric Konoplya–Rezzolla–Zhidenko metric with varied parameters. We find that the mass, spin, and deviation parameters of the Kerr black hole can be determined accurately (∼10−5−10−6) with only one X-MRI event with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The measurement of the above parameters could be improved with more X-MRI observations.
Bounds on the General Eccentric Connectivity Index
Authors: Yu Xinhong , Imran Muhammad , Javed Aisha , Jamil Muhammad Kamran , Zuo Xuewu
Published: December 2022

The general eccentric connectivity index of a graph R is defined as ξec(R)=∑u∈V(G)d(u)ec(u)α, where α is any real number, ec(u) and d(u) represent the eccentricity and the degree of the vertex u in R, respectively. In this paper, some bounds on the general eccentric connectivity index are proposed in terms of graph-theoretic parameters, namely, order, radius, independence number, eccentricity, pendent vertices and cut edges. Moreover, extremal graphs are characterized by these bounds.
Effects of Foundation Excavation on Metro Tunnels at Different Locations and Performance of Corresponding Reinforcement Measures: A Case of Shenzhen Metro Line 11, China
Authors: Zhou Zelin , Zhou Yunlei , Zhang Heng , Chen Shougen , Xiang Long , Wang Lu
Published: December 2022

Symmetrical excavation of a foundation pit inevitably causes stress redistribution and deformation in adjacent tunnels, even threatening the safety of their operation. Therefore, it is of practical significance to evaluate the deformation characteristics of adjacent tunnels and propose corresponding reinforcement measures after the excavation of a foundation pit. This study, based on the overlapping tunnel project of the section between Nanshan Station and Qianhaiwan Station of Shenzhen Metro Line 11, analyzes the influence of overlapping foundation pit excavation on adjacent tunnels by numerical simulation method. The deformation characteristics of adjacent tunnels at different locations caused by foundation pit excavation are studied, and the soil reinforcement measures applicable to tunnels at different locations are proposed, respectively. Some useful conclusions have been drawn as follows. The deformation characteristics of adjacent tunnels caused by foundation pit excavation can be divided into three areas: the settlement zone, the transition zone, and the uplift zone. Moreover, for different zones of the tunnel, corresponding soil reinforcement measures are taken, respectively. Soil reinforcement measure makes the soil more monolithic and thus make the stress and strain transfer more uniform, which is effective in reducing soil rebound displacement and tunnel uplift displacement.
Assessing Parameters of the Coplanar Components of Perturbing Accelerations Using the Minimal Number of Optical Observations
Authors: Baranov Andrey , Agapov Vladimir , Golosova Natalya , Karatunov Maksim
Published: December 2022

The method presented in this paper is developed to assess the parameters (the application moment and the magnitude of a velocity impulse) of a maneuver-like perturbation of motion of the center of mass of a spacecraft in a near-circular orbit. The assessment is based on the information on the spacecraft’s trajectory before the maneuver and the optical observations of the spacecraft’s angular position (right ascension and declination angles) after the maneuver. This study considers the cases of solely transversal (in-track) or transversal and radial components of the velocity increment vector. A single pair of the values of angles is used for the assessment of the single transversal maneuver parameters and two pairs are used in the other cases. The method also makes it possible to estimate the parameters of a continuous maneuver performed with low-thrust engines. For this case the property of its symmetry is used. The approach described in this article makes it possible to determine the spacecraft’s orbit after the maneuver much faster and more accurately in comparison to traditional methods.
Esakia Duality for Heyting Small Spaces
Authors: Piękosz Artur
Published: December 2022

We continue our research plan of developing the theory of small and locally small spaces, proposing this theory as a realisation of Grothendieck’s idea of tame topology on the level of general topology. In this paper, we develop the theory of Heyting small spaces and prove a new version of Esakia Duality for such spaces. To do this, we notice that spectral spaces may be seen as sober small spaces with all smops compact and introduce the method of the standard spectralification. This helps to understand open continuous definable mappings between definable spaces over o-minimal structures.
Identification of the Initial Value for a Time-Fractional Diffusion Equation
Authors: Yang Fan , Gao Yin-Xia , Li Dun-Gang , Li Xiao-Xiao
Published: December 2022

In this manuscript, we study the inverse problem for identifying the initial value of a time-fractional diffusion equation in an axisymmetric region. This is an ill-posed problem, i.e., the solution does not depend continuously on the data. We choose the Landweber iterative regularization method to solve this problem. Under the a priori and the a posteriori regularization parameter choice rules, we present the error estimates between the regularization solutions and the exact solution. We present some examples to show this method’s effectiveness.
Smile Reanimation with Masseteric-to-Facial Nerve Transfer plus Cross-Face Nerve Grafting in Patients with Segmental Midface Paresis: 3D Retrospective Quantitative Evaluation
Authors: Tarabbia Filippo , Bertozzi Filippo , Allevi Fabiana , Dell’Aversana Orabona Giovanni , Cupello Silvia , Dolci Claudia , Zago Matteo , Sforza Chiarella , Biglioli Federico
Published: December 2022

Facial paresis involves functional and aesthetic problems with altered and asymmetric movement patterns. Surgical procedures and physical therapy can effectively reanimate the muscles. From our database, 10 patients (18–50 years) suffering from unilateral segmental midface paresis and rehabilitated by a masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer combined with a cross-face facial nerve graft, followed by physical therapy, were retrospectively analyzed. Standardized labial movements were measured using an optoelectronic motion capture system. Maximum teeth clenching, spontaneous smiles, and lip protrusion (kiss movement) were detected before and after surgery (21 ± 13 months). Preoperatively, during the maximum smile, the paretic side moved less than the healthy one (23.2 vs. 28.7 mm; activation ratio 69%, asymmetry index 18%). Postoperatively, no differences in total mobility were found. The activity ratio and the asymmetry index differed significantly (without/with teeth clenching: ratio 65% vs. 92%, p = 0.016; asymmetry index 21% vs. 5%, p = 0.016). Postoperatively, the mobility of the spontaneous smiles significantly reduced (healthy side, 25.1 vs. 17.2 mm, p = 0.043; paretic side 16.8 vs. 12.2 mm, p = 0.043), without modifications of the activity ratio and asymmetry index. Postoperatively, the paretic side kiss movement was significantly reduced (27 vs. 19.9 mm, p = 0.028). Overall, the treatment contributed to balancing the displacements between the two sides of the face with more symmetric movements.
Applicability of Mönch’s Fixed Point Theorem on a System of (k, ψ)-Hilfer Type Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Fadhal Emad , Abuasbeh Kinda , Manigandan Murugesan , Awadalla Muath
Published: December 2022

In this article, we study a system of Hilfer (k,ψ)-fractional differential equations, subject to nonlocal boundary conditions involving Hilfer (k,ψ)-derivatives and (k,ψ)-integrals. The results for the mentioned system are established by using Mönch’s fixed point theorem, then the Ulam–Hyers technique is used to verify the stability of the solution for the proposed system. In general, symmetry and fractional differential equations are related to each other. When a generalized Hilfer fractional derivative is modified, asymmetric results are obtained. This study concludes with an applied example illustrating the existence results obtained by Mönch’s theorem.
Evaluation of Anterior and Posterior Corneal Higher Order Aberrations for the Detection of Keratoconus and Suspect Keratoconus
Authors: Salman Abdelrahman , Kailani Obeda , Marshall John , Ghabra Marwan , Balamoun Ashraf Armia , Darwish Taym R. , Badla Abdul Aziz , Alhaji Hala
Published: December 2022

Aim: To investigate the application of anterior and posterior corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in detecting keratoconus (KC) and suspect keratoconus (SKC). Method: A retrospective, case-control study evaluating non-ectatic (normal) eyes, SKC eyes, and KC eyes. The Sirius Scheimpfug (CSO, Italy) analyses was used to measure HOAs of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated. Results: Two-hundred and twenty eyes were included in the analysis (normal n = 108, SKC n = 42, KC n = 70). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a high predictive ability for anterior corneal HOAs parameters: the root mean square (RMS) total corneal HOAs, RMS trefoil, and RMS coma to detect keratoconus (AUC > 0.9 for all). RMS Coma (3, ±1) derived from the anterior corneal surface was the parameter with the highest ability to discriminate between suspect keratoconus and normal eyes (AUC = 0.922; cut-off > 0.2). All posterior corneal HOAs parameters were unsatisfactory in discriminating between SKC and normal eyes (AUC < 0.8 for all). However, their ability to detect KC was excellent with AUC of >0.9 for all except RMS spherical aberrations (AUC = 0.846). Conclusions: Anterior and posterior corneal higher-order aberrations can differentiate between keratoconus and normal eyes, with a high level of certainty. In suspect keratoconus disease, however, only anterior corneal HOAs, and in particular coma-like aberrations, are of value. Corneal aberrometry may be of value in screening for keratoconus in populations with a high prevalence of the disease.
Managing Modern Muslim Travellers: Emerging Trends and Issues for Islamic Tourism Destinations
Authors: Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Hasan Mohmed Razip , Mat Som Ahmad Puad
Published: December 2022

This research paper explores perspectives on the post-pandemic Islamic tourism market, policies, and challenges associated with sustainable growth. This paper also shares thoughts on emerging trends in the global Islamic tourism industry. The methodology used was descriptive qualitative research via in-depth interviews with twelve Muslim-friendly destination managers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Korea. The transcribed data were coded and then tabulated in cross-checked themes to confirm the reliability of the collected data. This study highlights two types of distinct Islamic markets whose needs and wants are unique from each other: the rigidly obedient Muslim and the modern, young, liberal Muslim. Next, this study highlights improper governance, inconsistency in Islamic tourism branding, and the lack of Muslim-based products and services as emerging issues within the modern Islamic tourism industry. This research also offers a set of future research questions on (i) the role of technology in forming the Muslim traveller experience; (ii) the importance of taking an innovative approach to form a memorable Muslim travel experience; and (iii) the dynamic nature of the modern Muslim traveller. This research paper offers fresh perspectives on understanding modern Muslim travellers which can inspire future research and advance theoretical and managerial practices among Muslim and non-Muslim tourism destinations.
Toxicological Comparison of Pesticide Active Substances Approved for Conventional vs. Organic Agriculture in Europe
Authors: Burtscher-Schaden Helmut , Durstberger Thomas , Zaller Johann
Published: December 2022

There is much debate about whether the (mostly synthetic) pesticide active substances (AS) in conventional agriculture have different non-target effects than the natural AS in organic agriculture. We evaluated the official EU pesticide database to compare 256 AS that may only be used on conventional farmland with 134 AS that are permitted on organic farmland. As a benchmark, we used (i) the hazard classifications of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and (ii) the dietary and occupational health-based guidance values, which were established in the authorization procedure. Our comparison showed that 55% of the AS used only in conventional agriculture contained health or environmental hazard statements, but only 3% did of the AS authorized for organic agriculture. Warnings about possible harm to the unborn child, suspected carcinogenicity, or acute lethal effects were found in 16% of the AS used in conventional agriculture, but none were found in organic agriculture. Furthermore, the establishment of health-based guidance values for dietary and non-dietary exposures were relevant by the European authorities for 93% of conventional AS, but only for 7% of organic AS. We, therefore, encourage policies and strategies to reduce the use and risk of pesticides, and to strengthen organic farming in order to protect biodiversity and maintain food security.
Legacy Chemical Pollutants in House Dust of Homes of Pregnant African Americans in Atlanta
Authors: Barr Kathryn J. , Johnson Cierra L. , Cohen Jordan , D’Souza Priya , Gallegos Estefani Ignacio , Tsai Chia-Chen , Dunlop Anne L. , Corwin Elizabeth J. , Barr Dana Boyd , Ryan P. Barry , Panuwet Parinya
Published: December 2022

We developed and applied a method for measuring selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (i.e., polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) in dust collected from pregnant African Americans (AAs) in Atlanta using isotope dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Limits of quantification were ranged from 0.10 to 2.50 ng/g dust. NIST standard reference material measurements demonstrated the robustness of our method. Our accuracies ranged from 82 to 108%, relative standard deviations ranged from 2 to 16%, and extraction recoveries ranged from 76 to 102%. We measured POPs in dust collected from 34 homes of pregnant AAs participating in the Atlanta AA birth cohort study who were enrolled from 2016 to 2019. Concentrations of POPs were detected in all samples with the frequencies of detection ranging from 8 to 100%. Concentrations of PBDE congeners 99 and 47, p,p’-DDT, and PCB153 were detected at some of the highest concentrations with geometric means of 1270, 730, 63.4 and 240 ng/g, respectively. The ratio of DDT/DDE was quite large (~2.7) indicating that p,p’-DDT remains intact in homes for long periods of time. These data demonstrate that care should be taken to remediate POPs in indoor dust, especially in vulnerable, disparate segments of the population.
Real-World Evaluation of the Tolerability to Onabotulinum Toxin A: The RETO Study
Authors: García-Azorín David , Martínez Blanca , Gutiérrez María , Ruiz-Piñero Marina , Echavarría Ana , Sierra Álvaro , Guerrero Ángel L.
Published: December 2022

Onabotulinumtoxin A (onabotA) has shown efficacy in chronic migraine (CM), with good tolerability and a low rate of adverse effects, most of them not severe. The aim of this study is to evaluate tolerability and adverse effects of onabotA in clinical practice and to analyze if there is a relationship between tolerability to treatment administration, adverse effects’ (AEs) occurrence and clinical response. We included patients with CM that received treatment with onabotA for the first time. Tolerability to treatment was evaluated by a 0–10 numeric rating scale (0: worst possible, 10: optimal tolerability). We assessed the presence of AEs by using a standardized questionnaire. Treatment response was based on the 50 and 75% responder rate between weeks 20 and 24, compared with the baseline, according to headache diaries. We analyzed whether the tolerability was associated with a higher frequency of AEs or a higher probability of clinical response. We included 105 patients, 87.7% female, with an age of 43.9 ± 10.7 years. Mean tolerability was 7.8/10 and 7.2/10 in the first and second onabotA administration, respectively. AEs were reported by (first-second) 71.4–68.6% patients. The percentage of patients with a 50% response was 56.3%. There was no association between tolerability and AEs’ occurrence or clinical response.
Combining mKate2-Kv1.3 Channel and Atto488-Hongotoxin for the Studies of Peptide Pore Blockers on Living Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Orlov Nikita A. , Ignatova Anastasia A. , Kryukova Elena V. , Yakimov Sergey A. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Nekrasova Oksana V. , Feofanov Alexey V.
Published: December 2022

The voltage-gated potassium Kv1.3 channel is an essential component of vital cellular processes which is also involved in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune, neuroinflammatory and oncological diseases. Pore blockers of the Kv1.3 channel are considered as potential drugs and are used to study Kv1 channels’ structure and functions. Screening and study of the blockers require the assessment of their ability to bind the channel. Expanding the variety of methods used for this, we report on the development of the fluorescent competitive binding assay for measuring affinities of pore blockers to Kv1.3 at the membrane of mammalian cells. The assay constituents are hongotoxin 1 conjugated with Atto488, fluorescent mKate2-tagged Kv1.3 channel, which was designed to improve membrane expression of the channel in mammalian cells, confocal microscopy, and a special protocol of image processing. The assay is implemented in the “mix and measure”, format and allows the screening of Kv1.3 blockers, such as peptide toxins, that bind to the extracellular vestibule of the K+-conducting pore, and analyzing their affinity.
Antiplasmodial Properties of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Ten Herbal Traditional Recipes Used in Thailand against Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Phuwajaroanpong Arisara , Chaniad Prapaporn , Plirat Walaiporn , Phoopha Sathianpong , Septama Abdi Wira , Chukaew Arnon , Punsawad Chuchard
Published: December 2022

This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial efficacy and toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from traditional recipes used in Thailand. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of ten traditional recipes were tested for in vitro antiplasmodial activity (parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay), cytotoxicity (MTT assay), and hemolysis). Oxidant levels were measured using cell-permeable probe 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent dye-based assays. The best candidate was chosen for testing in mouse models using 4-day suppressive and acute toxicity assays. An in vitro study showed that ethanolic extracts and three aqueous extracts exhibited antiplasmodial activity, with an IC50 in the range of 2.8–15.5 µg/mL. All extracts showed high CC50 values, except for ethanolic extracts from Benjakul, Benjalotiga, and Trikatuk in HepG2 and Benjalotiga and aqueous extract from Chan-tang-ha in a Vero cell. Based on the results of the in vitro antiplasmodial activity, an aqueous extract of Triphala was chosen for testing in mouse models. The aqueous extract of Triphala exhibited good antiplasmodial activity, was safe at an oral dose of 2 g/kg, and is a potential candidate as a new source for the development of antimalarial drugs.
Scalar Field Models of Barrow Holographic Dark Energy in f(R,T) Gravity
Authors: Sharma Umesh Kumar , Kumar Mukesh , Varshney Gunjan
Published: December 2022

This research study investigates Barrow holographic dark energy with an energy density of ρΛ=CH2−Δ by considering the Hubble horizon as the IR cut-off in the f(R,T) gravity framework. We employ Barrow holographic dark energy to obtain the equation of the state for the Barrow holographic energy density in a flat FLRW Universe. Concretely, we study the correspondence between quintessence, k-essence, and dilation scalar field models with the Barrow holographic dark energy in a flat f(R,T) Universe. Furthermore, we reconstruct the dynamics and potential for all these models for different values of the Barrow parameter: Δ. Via this study, we can show that for Barrow holographic quintessence, k-essence, and dilation scalar field models, if the corresponding model parameters satisfy some limitations, the accelerated expansion can be achieved.