bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Pruning-Caused Loss on Ecosystem Services of Air Pollution Removal and Runoff Avoidance
Authors: Wei Shuo , Cheng Su-Ting
Published: May 2022

Trees provide multiple ecosystem services (ES) and are generally considered an important natural-based approach for climate change adaptation and mitigation. In urban areas, proper pruning practices can help enhance ES provided by trees, but in areas with issues of typhoons or storms, routinely intensive pruning may reduce ES. Therefore, it is critical to determine proper pruning intensity in balancing the ES provision and life/property protection. With the aim of promoting sustainable urban forestry management, we applied the i-Tree Eco to quantify ES and ES values of air pollution removal and runoff avoidance provided by a total of 87,014 Taipei street trees and developed an analytical method to estimate the potential loss caused by different pruning intensities. Based on the i-Tree Eco estimates, the Taipei street trees on average provide ES values of air pollution removal and runoff avoidance at $2.31 and $1.87 USD/tree/y, respectively. By changing the ratio of crown missing as a surrogate for different pruning intensities, we found that with a less than 25% pruning intensity, the decline ratio of ES values was relatively constant, and the potential loss was estimated at $0.47 USD/tree/y at the 25% pruning intensity. As such, in general maintenance situations, we recommend a less than 25% pruning intensity. However, during typhoon or monsoon seasons, a less than 45% pruning intensity is suggested to balance the ES provision and public safety with an estimated loss at $0.96 USD/tree/y. We also suggest creating visualization maps incorporating the potential ES and the local in situ environmental and tree conditions at a community level to support decision making for a more comprehensive management plan. Based on the framework and method developed in this study, the science-based information can be used to assist maintenance practices and highlight the potential ES values to be enhanced by choosing proper pruning intensity for a more sustainable future.
Influence of Source Apportionment of PAHs Occurrence in Aquatic Suspended Particulate Matter at a Typical Post-Industrial City: A Case Study of Freiberger Mulde River
Authors: Qiu Zhuotao , Wang Zhenyu , Xu Jie , Liu Yi , Zhang Jin
Published: May 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have received extensive attention because of their widespread presence in various environmental media and their high environmental toxicity. Thus, figuring out the long-term variances of their occurrence and driving force in the environment is helpful for environmental pollution control. This study investigates the concentration levels, spatial variance, and source apportionment of PAHs in suspended particulate matter of Freiberger Mulde river, Germany. Results show that the concentrations of the 16 priority PAHs suggested by USEPA (Σ16PAHs) were in the range of 707.0–17,243.0 μg kg−1 with a mean value of 5258.0 ± 2569.2 μg kg−1 from 2002 to 2016. The relatively high average concentrations of Σ16PAHs were found in the midstream and upstream stations of the given river (7297.5 and 6096.9 μg kg−1 in Halsbrucke and Hilbersdorf, respectively). In addition, the annual average concentration of Σ16PAHs showed an obvious decreasing pattern with time. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) receptor model identified three potential sources: coke ovens (7.6–23.0%), vehicle emissions (35.9–47.7%), and coal and wood combustion (34.5–47.3%). The source intensity variation and wavelet coherence analysis indicated that the use of clean energy played a key role in reducing PAHs pollution levels in suspended sediments. The risk assessment of ecosystem and human health suggested that the Σ16PAHs in the given area posed a non-negligible threat to aquatic organisms and humans. The data provided herein could assist the subsequent management of PAHs in the aquatic environment.
Differences in Tax Avoidance According to Corporate Sustainability with a Focus on Delisted Firms
Authors: Shin Yoojin , Park Jungmi
Published: May 2022

This study analyzed whether the level of tax avoidance of delisted firms differs from that of non-delisted firms. A decrease in the corporate sustainability of listed firms eventually leads to delisting. If the financial risk of firms increases, the incentive to avoid taxes will also increase. In this case, an extremely aggressive tax strategy might negatively impact sustainability and prove to be non-continuous. This induces the possibility of delisting. Accordingly, this study analyzed whether delisted firms perform more tax avoidance than non-delisted companies from the perspective of corporate sustainability. The results of this study are as follows. The results of analyzing whether the cash effective tax rate and effective tax rate, which are proxies of tax avoidance, are different reveal that the cash effective tax rate and effective tax rate of the delisted companies are significantly low. This suggests that delisted companies are receiving more incentives to avoid taxes. Additionally, this study also analyzed whether there is a difference in tax risk between delisted and non-delisted companies. The results reveal that the delisted companies have a significantly higher tax risk. This study contributes to the literature on the tax strategy of delisted companies. It also contributes to enhancing the understanding of corporate sustainability.
Achieving Food and Livelihood Security and Enhancing Profitability through an Integrated Farming System Approach: A Case Study from Western Plains of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kashyap Poonam , Prusty Ashisa K. , Panwar Azad S. , Paramesh Venkatesh , Natesan Ravisankar , Shamim M. , Verma Nisha , Jat Phool Chand , Singh Mahendra Pal
Published: May 2022

The integrated farming system (IFS) is a comprehensive farm practice to improve small and marginal farmers’ livelihoods. The IFS enhances nutrient recycling and food security and promotes greater efficiency of fertilizers and natural resources. To improve livelihood, profits, and employment generation holistically through an IFS method, a study was conducted over four years, from 2016 to 2019, to define the farming condition in 1036 households in the Muzzafarnagar district of Western Uttar Pradesh. Crop + dairy was the most frequent farming method (68%) followed by crop + dairy + horticulture + goatary. Compared to older cultivars, improved rice, maize, wheat, and barley cultivars enhanced crop yield by 17 to 42%. Transplanting sugarcane and intercropping of mustard increased system yield from 58.89% to 86.17% compared to the sole sugarcane crop. Nutritional kitchen gardening resulted in an average saving of $20 to $25 during the Kharif season and $20 to $27 during Rabi season. Exotic vegetables such as broccoli, Chinese cabbage, cherry tomato, kale, parsley, and lettuce were introduced, which increased regular income. With the adoption of a multi-tier-based system, the net returns from the system improved from 0.6 lakh to 2.20 lakhs per ha. Enhancing the fodder availability resulted in a 27.5% milk yield improvement. The study’s outcomes demonstrated that a five-member family’s annual protein (110–125 kg) and carbohydrate (550 to 575 kg) requirements can be easily met using the IFS technique. According to the study, IFS approaches combined with better technical interventions can ensure the long-term viability of farming systems and improve livelihoods.
Catalytic Systems in the Reduction of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions in Diesel-Powered Trucks
Authors: Ferreira Jessimon , Andrade Dana I. , Fuziki Maria E. K. , de Almeida Lariana N. B. , Colpini Leda M. S. , Lenzi Giane G. , Tusset Angelo M.
Published: May 2022

In recent years, the number of motor vehicles in circulation has increased in proportion to Brazil’s economic growth, resulting in an increase in emissions of toxic gases from combustion, such as nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds, among other polluting compounds. This type of pollution has its impacts potentiated in large cities, accumulating due to the configuration of streets and buildings in large urban centers, and can even penetrate indoor environments, having harmful effects on the health of residents. To minimize the emission of these gases, catalytic converters can be used in the vehicle exhausts. Catalytic converters are a promising technology used to reduce exhaust emissions from the engine. In this context, this paper presents an overview of the emission of toxic gases by heavy transport powered by diesel oil and the influence of the use of automotive catalysts in reducing the emission of toxic gases. Additionally, a proposal for monitoring the useful life of automotive catalysts is presented through an electronic sensing system, which makes it possible to determine the catalyst efficiency and the appropriate point for its reactivation or replacement.
Discussions between Place Branding and Territorial Brand in Regional Development—A Classification Model Proposal for a Territorial Brand
Authors: Almeida Giovana Goretti Feijó de , Cardoso Lucília
Published: May 2022

There is a clear controversy between the concepts of place branding and territorial brand in the context of regional development, with different meanings being attributed depending on the regions of the world. On the one hand, there are the typological designations attributed to place branding coupled with marketing, and on the other hand, the typologies attributed to local governance and often mixed with the territorial brand but not considering the regional development. This discrepancy creates a gap in the scientific literature for a uniform classification model for the territorial brand. To fill this gap, this study adopts qualitative content analysis, and its main objective is to present a uniform territorial brand classification model. Through a review of the scientific literature on the subject, 18 variables were found to build the theoretical model, which was then applied to the analysis of 60 territorial brands. The results of this study led to the Territorial Brand (TRbrand) Classification Model, with 16 dimensions of analysis and generated 13 concepts. The conclusions reveal a new typological classification model for the territorial brand in regional development, the TRbrand Classification Model, which includes the brand, the territory, the cultural diplomacy, the local governance, the social actors, and the regional development.
Patents on Environmental Technologies and Environmental Sustainability in Spain
Authors: Oyebanji Modupe Oluyemisi , Castanho Rui Alexandre , Genc Sema Yilmaz , Kirikkaleli Dervis
Published: May 2022

Through an in-depth evaluation of the potential effectiveness of intellectual property protection on environmental technologies, the aim of the present research is to investigate the effect of patents on environmental innovation, energy use, GDP, and trade openness on environmental deregulation in Spain using nonlinear ARDL techniques. Specifically, the study findings indicate that patents on environmental technologies enhance environ-mental sustainability in Spain, as evidenced by the novel results from the nonlinear ARDL. Secondly, our study reveals that Spain’s growing economy degrades the quality of the environment. Based on the findings of the study, positive changes in trade openness could have positive effects on Spain’s environmental sustainability, suggesting that better productivity, more international trade, and increased economic openness could facilitate an improvement in Spain’s environmental impact. Lastly, this study provides evidence demonstrating that Spain’s environmental quality could suffer due to excessive energy consumption. In the light of this study’s policy recommendations, the policymakers and the Spanish government should encourage collaboration between private and public partnerships on environmental technologies to address global climate change or regional pollution. It is necessary for research and development to contribute to the development of technological progress in the Spanish energy sector; however, promoting patenting should be prioritized. By expanding patent protection, eco-friendly technologies that can combat carbon emissions can be developed swiftly in Spain, which will enable life to be more sustainable by lowering the use of energy and resources. A strong patent protection sys-tem will foster environmentally-friendly technologies and economic development while reducing CO2 emissions in Spain.
Grounds for Collaboration: A Model for Improving Coffee Sustainability Initiatives
Authors: Smith Evie , Antoshak Lisa , Brown Patrick H.
Published: May 2022

Smallholder coffee producers are the foundation of the specialty coffee industry and are currently facing a set of challenges that threaten the sustainability of the industry. Movement towards a more sustainable specialty coffee sector requires strong collaboration between interdisciplinary researchers and industry stakeholders to develop research projects and interventions that address critical social, economic, and environmental threats to the industry. To improve upon past sector initiatives it is essential that cross-sector collaboration better incorporate and center coffee farmers’ voices, which have often been absent from top-down interventions. This article describes one such collaboration, which investigated agronomic and market system needs of the Guatemalan smallholder coffee sector. We conducted participatory interviews with 33 coffee producers and 22 non-producer key informants, and used mixed-methods analysis of the interview data to better understand the key challenges facing smallholder coffee producers in Guatemala. The following factors emerged: pests and diseases, climate change, price, labor, nutrient management, market access, yield, nurseries and transplants, and technical assistance. Cross-sector, interdisciplinary collaborations that directly address these areas would directly improve the long-term sustainability of the coffee industry by reducing pressures currently limiting specialty coffee production. This research framework can also serve as a model for others interested in conducting interdisciplinary, cross-sector research.
The Impact of Sustained Exposure to Air Pollutant on the Mental Health: Evidence from China
Authors: Sun Jin , Lu Chuntian , Xie Jinchen
Published: May 2022

Emerging evidence suggests that poor mental health is particularly pronounced among Chinese residents, who are exposed to nearly the worst air pollution worldwide. However, the correlations between air pollutant concentration and mental health have not been consistently reported in previous studies. Methodologically speaking, a sufficiently rigorous design is required to demonstrate the causal relationship between the two factors. In this study, we aimed to infer the causal relationship between air pollutant concentration and mental health. In this panel research, the data were compiled through a combination of statistics from the China Family Panel Study, China Environmental Statistics Yearbook, World Meteorological Association, and China National Bureau of Statistics. Ultimately, this study enrolled 65,326 individuals whose mental health, air pollutant concentration, and other demographic information was available and robust. The RD design of this study utilizes the discontinuous variation in air pollutant concentrations and mental health as one crosses the Huai River boundary, which is an arbitrary heating policy that caused the difference in air pollutant concentrations between the north and south of China. In this study, we found that a 10 μg/m3 increase in air pollutant concentrations (air particulate matter smaller than 10 μm (PM10)) leads to a 4.9-unit decrease in the mental health of the Chinese residents(coeff = 0.49, SD = 0.07, p < 0.05), equivalent to 36% of the average of Chinese residents. In the heterogeneity model, the impairment of mental health by air pollutant concentrations was more pronounced in male residents (coeff = 1.37, SD = 0.10, p < 0.05) compared to female residents (coeff = 0.42, SD = 0.04, p < 0.05) and smokers (compared to non-smokers). The robustness of the results is ensured by changing the RD bandwidth and polynomial order, and by two unique sensitivity analyses. The results indicate that air pollutant concentrations significantly impair the mental health of Chinese residents, which provides empirical evidence supporting the Chinese government’s decision to invest more in combating air pollution and ensuring the mental health of Chinese residents.
Typological Transformation of Individual Housing in Hail City, Saudi Arabia: Between Functional Needs, Socio-Cultural, and Build Polices Concerns
Authors: Alnaim Mohammed Mashary , Noaime Emad
Published: May 2022

This research paper traces the evolution of housing typologies in five distinct periods of dwellings in Hail City, Saudi Arabia. The study reviews the formation and historical events of the Hail house by observing the significant changes on the layout, spatial form, and architectural form. The objective is to investigate the embedded socio-cultural and privacy patterns, in conjunction with economic and environmental factors, that influenced the development of housing in Hail City over the last several decades. The methodological approach is based on an ethnographic approach, users’ perception survey, and a review of multiple case studies representing local housing typologies from five distinct historic periods: traditional, transitional traditional, modern, transitional modern, and contemporary. The findings show that specific building policies and laws pertaining to house form, privacy, gender segregation, and hospitality influenced the spatial layout of Hail City dwellings and played a decisive role in determining the final built form. Conclusions are drawn to highlight current challenges while also providing projections for future housing typologies in Hail City, around Saudi Arabia, and similar countries.
Supporting a Sustainable and Engaging Online Transition for Co-Design through Gamification
Authors: Zhang Ziheng , Patricio Rui , Carella Gianluca , Zurlo Francesco
Published: May 2022

Co-design approach is increasingly popular in many organizations that address global change and social sustainability challenges, thanks to its unique and diverse methods of engaging relevant people in design processes and decision-making. However, the social distancing led by the COVID-19 pandemic seriously problematized the traditional in-person co-design activities. A sustainable online transition is unprecedentedly pressing. By acknowledging the limitations of online co-design, i.e., lack of means for participant engagement, we argue that gamification holds great promise for online co-design. This paper presents an empirical study to investigate this potential qualitatively. Based on the data collected from three gamified online co-design implementations, we examine the benefits of gamification and how future activities should be designed and implemented from the participants’ perspectives. Based on the participants’ perceptions, we propose several recommendations for designing impactful gamification. The finding suggests that gamification can facilitate online co-design activities in an enjoyable, relaxing, structuring, and creative manner, since they are perceived and recognized by the participants. Moreover, the successful implementation of online co-design implies that great sustainability benefits can be achieved through online transition, i.e., reducing paper consumption and time spent on meetings and unproductive discussions, supporting extensive diversity and density in representation. Online can enable this by overcoming not only the geographic and time limitations but also relevant social issues.
Workers and Climate Change: The Need for Academic–Industry Partnerships to Improve Agricultural Worker Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
Authors: Dally Miranda , Krisher Lyndsay , Macaluso Francesca , James Katherine A. , Newman Lee S.
Published: May 2022

Climate change will have negative consequences for human health worldwide. Agricultural workers are especially vulnerable to the health consequences of climate change. This communication demonstrates how a Total Worker Health® approach is utilized to protect Guatemalan agricultural workers from the negative health effects of climate change. DrPH researchers work alongside local partners to develop, implement, and evaluate climate adaptation strategies and other interventions to improve agricultural worker health, safety, and wellbeing. Training in public health ethics, communications, and leadership gives DrPH researchers the tools to help create successful academic–industry partnerships that increase local capacity and have sustainable public health impact.
How Banks Were Chosen and Rated in Hungary before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Szili Dóra , Guzsvinecz Tibor , Szűcs Judit
Published: May 2022

Banks can be chosen based on multiple factors, such as location, security, and e-banking functions. The characteristics of customers such as gender and age can also affect this decision. Since the digitalization of banking sped up due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the factors that affect this decision may change as well. To assess this, a questionnaire was completed by 156 respondents, and the results were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation test. According to the results, personal visits to the banks declined after the COVID-19 pandemic started. Furthermore, the number of e-bankers rose. When choosing banks, no gender-related relationships were found based on location, while older people chose different banks than their younger counterparts. The security of internet banking functions was not associated with bank choice, while the security of the mobile banking application was. Regarding the ratings of banks, males and females did not rate banks differently, and younger people tended to be more critical in their ratings. Security, accessible location, and good customer service can lead to more positive ratings as well. The findings can be used by banks in Hungary to improve their services in order to attract customers and increase their satisfaction.
Spatial Vegetation Patch Patterns and Their Relation to Environmental Factors in the Alpine Grasslands of the Qilian Mountains
Authors: Abalori Theophilus Atio , Cao Wenxia , Weobong Conrad Atogi-Akwoa , Li Wen , Wang Shilin , Deng Xiuxia
Published: May 2022

Globally, grasslands are affected by climate change and unsustainable management practices which usually leads to transitions from stable, degraded and then to desertification. Spatial vegetation patch configurations are regarded as key indicators of such transitions. Understanding the relationships between this grass-land vegetation and its environment is key to vegetation restoration projects. Spatial vegetation patch patterns were chosen across different soil and topographic conditions. Patch numbers, perimeter, and cover of each patch were measured along transects of each patch type. Using field surveys and multivariate statistical analysis, we investigated the differences in vegetation biomass and distribution and soil properties of four typical alpine plant species patches along with a range of environmental and topographic conditions. It was found that topographic conditions and soil properties, particularly soil moisture explained most of the variation in spatial patch vegetation characteristics and thus control vegetation restoration in the alpine grassland. The Kobresia humilis, Blysmus sinocompressus and Iris lactea patches under the drylands recorded small patch sizes, large patch numbers, low connectivity, and large total perimeter per unit area. Generally, species within the high moisture sites recorded small patch numbers, a large fraction of vegetation cover and a small total perimeter per m2. Patches in limited soil moisture areas recorded patch configurations indicating they are unstable and undergoing degradation and therefore need urgent restoration attention to forestall their further degradation and its resultant effect of desertification. These results would provide quantitative easy-to-use indicators for vegetation degradation and help in vegetation restoration projects.
Sufficiency, Consistency, and Efficiency as a Base for Systemizing Sustainability Measures in Food Supply Chains
Authors: Brinken Julius , Trojahn Sebastian , Behrendt Fabian
Published: May 2022

Due to severe biodiversity and climate crises, there is now a need for sustainable supply chains. Food supply chains contribute to biodiversity loss, especially through land use and agriculture. In addition, energy-intensive storage for refrigeration and intercontinental transportation lead to high emission along chains due to seasonality. Selecting and prioritizing decarbonization actions is a key task for decision makers along food supply chains this decade. Often, modernizing supply chains by integrating information and digital technologies is seen as beneficial for environmental goals. The aim of this work is to develop a new systematization of sustainability measures based on archetypal sustainability strategies (sufficiency, consistency, and efficiency) that support the prioritization and thus the selection of decarbonization measures. Existing measures will be researched through a structured literature review. At the same time, it is recorded how they are categorized or systematized. Forty-eight different systematizations are analyzed. The majority relate to specific sectors and are not generally transferable. Sustainability is often addressed using the triple bottom line. In particular, efficiency and consistency measures are often included in the categories found but are rarely used for systematization. A new systematization of sustainability measures is proposed and applied to a set of digitalization and logistics 4.0 measures using the example of a fresh apple supply chain. The advantages of the proposed systematization are discussed, and further research directions are given. The presented method has not been examined in the literature so far; this concerns both the width and depth of the consideration of supply chains.
Recent Advances in RO(CO)P of Bio-Based Monomers
Authors: Santoro Orlando , Izzo Lorella , Della Monica Francesco
Published: May 2022

Synthetic polymers have a key role in modern society as they have allowed for great technological advancement since their discovery. However, the use of fossil-fuel-based raw materials and the pollution derived from plastics accumulation in the environment raised enormous concern, driving research efforts toward the identification of more sustainable alternatives. Bio-based functional molecules susceptible to ring-opening (co)polymerisation [RO(C)OP], such as lactones, cyclic carbonates, and oxiranes, represent an attractive source of monomers for the synthesis of more sustainable polymers. In this review, we describe the main advancement in this research field reported during the last seven years. In particular, we describe the preparation of monomers from (renewable) bio-sources such as sugars, terpenes, fatty acids, and carbon dioxide with a focus on structurally novel substrates. Both metal-mediated and organo-catalytic RO(CO)P methods are described, and the properties of derived functional polymers are discussed when relevant.
Viable Requirements of Curvature Coupling Helical Magnetogenesis Scenario
Authors: Paul Tanmoy
Published: May 2022

In the present work, we examine the following points in the context of curvature coupling helical magnetogenesis scenario where the electromagnetic field couples with the background Ricci scalar as well as with the background Gauss-Bonnet cuvature term: (1) whether the model is consistent with the predictions of perturbative quantum field theory (QFT) and (2) whether the curvature perturbation induced by the generated electromagnetic (EM) field during inflation is consistent with the Planck data. Such requirements are well motivated in order to argue for the viability of the magnetogenesis model under consideration. In fact, our recently proposed helical magnetogenesis scenario seems to predict sufficient magnetic strength over large scales and also leads to the correct baryon asymmetry of the universe for a suitable range of the model parameter. However in the realm of inflationary magnetogenesis, these requirements are not enough to argue for the viability of the model; in particular, one needs to examine some more important requirements in this regard. We may recall that the calculations generally used to determine the magnetic field’s power spectrum are based on the perturbative QFT; therefore, it is important to examine whether the predictions of such perturbative QFT are consistent with the observational bounds of the model parameter. On other hand, the generated gauge field acts as a source of the curvature perturbation which needs to be suppressed compared to that contributed from the inflaton field in order to be consistent with the Planck observation. For the perturbative requirement, we examine whether the condition SCBScan<1 is satisfied, where SCB and Scan are the non-minimal and the canonical action of the EM field, respectively. Moreover, we determine the power spectrum of the curvature perturbation sourced by the EM field during inflation and evaluate necessary constraints in order to be consistent with the Planck data. Interestingly, both the aforementioned requirements in the context of the curvature coupling helical magnetogenesis scenario are found to be simultaneously satisfied by that range of the model parameter which leads to the correct magnetic strength over the large scale modes.
Characteristic Analysis of the Outer Sheath Circulating Current in a Single-Core AC Submarine Cable System
Authors: Li Peng , Guo Pengcheng
Published: May 2022

The single-core alternating current (AC) submarine cable can be provided with an outer sheath that is firmly grounded on both ends of the cable. The circulating currents of the outer sheath are generated to be almost as large as the conductor current. The outer sheaths, which have different structures and properties, generate unwanted losses, asymmetric distribution of circulating current, and extra heat in the single-core AC submarine cables. The formation mechanism of the circulating currents in the submarine cable sheath and armoring is analyzed from the perspective of electromagnetic shielding using electromagnetic transient theoretical analysis, simulation calculation, and field experiments. Equations for calculating the circulating currents of the sheath and armoring are proposed, and influences of these relationships that include the different material characteristics of the sheath and armoring are analyzed. The influence factors, which include different levels of magnetic armoring permeability, resistivity, and ground resistance of the outer sheath, can affect the symmetrical distribution of the circulating current in the outer sheaths. We propose using the phase differences to determine the material properties of each metallic section in the submarine cable.
The Intricate Web of Asymmetric Processing of Social Stimuli in Humans
Authors: Marzoli Daniele , D’Anselmo Anita , Malatesta Gianluca , Lucafò Chiara , Prete Giulia , Tommasi Luca
Published: May 2022

Although the population-level preference for the use of the right hand is the clearest example of behavioral lateralization, it represents only the best-known instance of a variety of functional asymmetries observable in humans. What is interesting is that many of such asymmetries emerge during the processing of social stimuli, as often occurs in the case of human bodies, faces and voices. In the present paper, after reviewing previous literature about human functional asymmetries for social and emotional stimuli, we suggest some possible links among them and stress the necessity of a comprehensive account (in both ontogenetic and phylogenetic terms) for these not yet fully explained phenomena. In particular, we propose that the advantages of lateralization for emotion processing should be considered in light of previous suggestions that (i) functional hemispheric specialization enhances cognitive capacity and efficiency, and (ii) the alignment (at the population level) of the direction of behavioral asymmetries emerges, under social pressures, as an evolutionary stable strategy.
Thermodynamics for a Rotating Chiral Fermion System in the Uniform Magnetic Field
Authors: Fang Ren-Hong
Published: May 2022

We study the thermodynamics for a uniformly rotating system of chiral fermions under the uniform magnetic field. Then, we obtain the mathematical expressions of some thermodynamic quantities in terms of the series with respect to the external magnetic field B, the angular velocity Ω and the chemical potential μ, expanded around B=0, Ω=0 and μ=0. Our results given by such series are a generalization of the expressions available in the references simply corresponding to the lower-order terms of our findings. The zero-temperature limit of our results is also discussed.
Nonparametric Tests for Multivariate Association
Authors: Harrar Solomon W. , Xu Yan
Published: May 2022

Testing the existence of association between a multivariate response and predictors is an important statistical problem. In this paper, we present nonparametric procedures that make no specific distributional, regression function, and covariance matrix assumptions. Our test is motivated by recent results in MANOVA tests for a large number of groups. Two types of tests are proposed. While it is natural to consider the classical approach for constructing the test by jointly considering all the variables together, we also investigate a composite test where variable-by-variable univariate tests are combined to form a multivariate test. The asymptotic distributions of the test statistics are derived in a unified manner by deriving the asymptotic matrix variate normal distribution of random matrices involved in the construction of the statistics. The tests have good numerical performance in finite samples. The application of the methods is illustrated with gene expression profiling of bronchial airway brushings.
Maximal Product and Symmetric Difference of Complex Fuzzy Graph with Application
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Mahmood Waqas , Xin Qin , Tchier Fairouz
Published: May 2022

A complex fuzzy set (CFS) is described by a complex-valued truth membership function, which is a combination of a standard true membership function plus a phase term. In this paper, we extend the idea of a fuzzy graph (FG) to a complex fuzzy graph (CFG). The CFS complexity arises from the variety of values that its membership function can attain. In contrast to a standard fuzzy membership function, its range is expanded to the complex plane’s unit circle rather than [0,1]. As a result, the CFS provides a mathematical structure for representing membership in a set in terms of complex numbers. In recent times, a mathematical technique has been a popular way to combine several features. Using the preceding mathematical technique, we introduce strong approaches that are properties of CFG. We define the order and size of CFG. We discuss the degree of vertex and the total degree of vertex of CFG. We describe basic operations, including union, join, and the complement of CFG. We show new maximal product and symmetric difference operations on CFG, along with examples and theorems that go along with them. Lastly, at the base of a complex fuzzy graph, we show the application that would be important for measuring the symmetry or asymmetry of acquaintanceship levels of social disease: COVID-19.
Novel Mathematical Modelling of Platelet-Poor Plasma Arising in a Blood Coagulation System with the Fractional Caputo–Fabrizio Derivative
Authors: Partohaghighi Mohammad , Akgül Ali , Guran Liliana , Bota Monica-Felicia
Published: May 2022

This study develops a fractional model using the Caputo–Fabrizio derivative with order α for platelet-poor plasma arising in a blood coagulation system. The existence of solutions ensures that there are solutions to the considered system of equations. Approximate solutions to the recommended model are presented by selecting different numbers of fractional orders and initial conditions (ICs). For each case, graphs of solutions are supplied through different dimensions.
Countermovement Jump in Female Sprinters: Kinetic Parameters and Asymmetry
Authors: Prvulović Nikola , Čoh Milan , Čular Dražen , Tomljanović Mario , Sporiš Goran , Fišer Suzana Žilič
Published: May 2022

Analyzing asymmetry from biomechanical parameters of the lower extremities has become a standard practice for accurate assessment of athletic performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. The aims of this study were (1) to determine differences between explosive strength and asymmetry of the lower extremities using kinetic parameters of the CMJ jump test in young female athletics, and (2) to investigate correlation between speed and asymmetry, as speed and kinetic parameters. The two groups of nine female sprinters (mean ± SD; G1-age 15.6 ± 1.34 years, height 170.1 ± 0.57 cm, body mass 62.54 ± 7.73 kg, and BMI 21.6 ± 2.05; G2-age 16.2 ± 1.3 years, height 168.4 ± 0.61 cm, body mass 57.69 ± 3.12 kg, and BMI 20.37 ± 1.38) performed the CMJ test without using an arm swing, as well as a 100 m test. Two tensiometric platforms were used for the kinetic parameters and asymmetry. Asymmetry was calculated by an AI equation, and the values of the takeoff velocities and jump height parameters were obtained by integral formula and the trapezoidal rule of impulse-momentum methods. The results show differences in four kinetic parameters: height (G1- 26.82 ± 3.56 cm, vs. G2- 17.45 ± 2.01 cm), concentric impulse, (G1- 96.05 ± 16.95 N⋅s, vs. G2- 68.41 ± 4.77 N⋅s), takeoff velocity, (G1- 2.29 ± 0.14 m/s, vs. 1.83 ± 0.12 m/s), and concentric velocity, m/s (G1- 1.5 ± 0.175 m/s, vs. 1.17 ± 0.122 m/s), as well as a negative strong and very strong correlation between asymmetry and kinetic parameters for three parameters: Peak Force (G1- r = −0.878, and all subjects r = −0.633), Eccentric Impulse of left leg (G1- r = −0.865) and Concentric Impulse of right leg (G2- r = −0.878), (p <.05). The younger sprinters did not show the principle of muscle activation in the form of a longer preparatory phase of contact time, eccentric and concentric phase, as well as a force impulse that is optimal. There was no correlation between asymmetry and sprint performance.
RETRACTED: Environmental Risk Assessment of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate and Tocilizumab Mixture in Zebrafish Early Life Stage (Danio rerio)
Authors: Di Paola Davide , Abbate Jessica , Iaria Carmelo , Cordaro Marika , Crupi Rosalia , Siracusa Rosalba , D’Amico Ramona , Fusco Roberta , Impellizzeri Daniela , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Spanò Nunziacarla , Gugliandolo Enrico , Peritore Alessio
Published: May 2022

Pharmaceuticals are widely regarded as a menace to the aquatic environment. The constant consumption of biologically active chemicals for human health has been matched by an increase in the leaking of these compounds in natural habitats over the last two decades. This study was aimed to evaluate the molecular pathway underling the developmental toxicity of exposure in the ecological environment. Zebrafish embryos were exposed at doses of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX) 1 μmol/L, tocilizumab 442.1 μmol/L and dexamethasone + tocilizumab (1 μmol/L and 442.1 μmol/L, respectively) from 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 96 hpf. This study confirmed that DEX exposure in association with tocilizumab 442.1 μmol/L at 1 μmol/L (non-toxic concentration) affected the survival and hatching rate, morphology score, and body length. Additionally, it significantly disturbed the antioxidant defense system in zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, a DEX 1 μmol/L and tocilizumab 442.1 μmol/L association also increased the production of apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, bax, and bcl-2).
Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Oxidative Potential of Particulate Matter: Case of Athens (Greece)
Authors: Paraskevopoulou Despina , Bougiatioti Aikaterini , Zarmpas Pavlos , Tsagkaraki Maria , Nenes Athanasios , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos
Published: May 2022

This work evaluates the aerosol oxidative potential (OP) and its changes from modified air pollution emissions during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020, with the intent of elucidating the contribution of aerosol sources and related components to aerosol OP. For this, daily particulate matter (PM) samples at an urban background site were collected and analyzed with a chemical (acellular) assay based on Dithiothreitol (DTT) during the COVID-19 restriction period in Athens (Greece). The obtained time-series of OP, PM2.5, organic matter (OM) and SO42− of the pre-, post- and lockdown periods were also compared to the data of the same time periods during the years 2017–2019. Even though all traffic-related emissions have been significantly reduced during the lockdown period (by 30%), there is no reduction in water-soluble OP, organics and sulfate concentrations of aerosol during 2020. The results reveal that the decrease in traffic was not sufficient to drive any measurable change on OP, suggesting that other sources—such as biomass burning and secondary aerosol from long-range transport, which remained unchanged during the COVID lockdown—are the main contributors to OP in Athens, Greece.
“It’s Like Jogging Next to the Highway”: A Qualitative Analysis of the Motivations and Experiences of Single-, Dual-, and Ex-Users of IQOS in The Netherlands
Authors: Havermans Anne , van Nierop Lotte E. , Pauwels Charlotte G. G. M. , Talhout Reinskje
Published: May 2022

The popularity of heated tobacco products (HTPs) is of concern, as most users are dual users exposed to emissions of both HTPs and conventional cigarettes. Furthermore, HTPs may appeal to young people and non-smokers. This study aims to build intelligence on user experiences in order to inform policy development. We conducted five semi-structured focus group interviews with single-, dual-, and ex-users of the HTP IQOS. The discussions focused on initiation and use, experiences and perception, and knowledge and information needs. We performed a thematic analysis of the transcripts. All users smoked cigarettes and/or roll your own (RYO) tobacco before using HTP. We found that almost all users started using IQOS after being introduced to it by others. Single users successfully quit smoking cigarettes using the IQOS, liked the taste, and experienced physical benefits. Dual users experienced more satisfaction from smoking cigarettes and used the IQOS for specific occasions, such as social situations or in places with smoking bans. All IQOS users described themselves as smokers and considered using the IQOS as an alternative way of smoking. Regulators may consider providing reliable and easily accessible information and regulating points of sale, promotional activities, and product properties such as flavors and devices in order to reduce product attractiveness and discourage use.
Effect of Hypoxic Stress and Levels of Mn on the Physiology and Biochemistry of Phyllostachys praecox
Authors: Ma Jiawei , Rukh Gul , Ye Zhengqian , Xie Xiaocui , Ruan Zhongqiang , Liu Dan
Published: May 2022

Hypoxic environments have an adverse effect on the growth and development of P. praecox, and this is accompanied by the production of reducing substances such as Fe and Mn. In this study, the effect of hypoxic stress and Mn concentrations on leaf chlorophyll contents, root morphology, root activity, element absorption, antioxidant enzymes, and respiratory enzyme system of P. praecox were evaluated in a hydroponics environment. The results revealed that application of Mn2+ during hypoxic stress enhanced leaf chlorophyll contents and boosted up the indexes of the root system. The root activity of P. praecox was reduced with stresses of hypoxia. The treatment of Mn2+ initially improved and then decreased the root activity of P. praecox, and attained its maximum with application of 300 μmol/L Mn2+ compared with control. The indexes of antioxidant enzymes of P. praecox were higher than that of 8 mg/L oxygen concentrations except for variable superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the treatment of 300 μmol/L Mn2+ with hypoxia stress. The application of Mn had inhibited the absorption of mineral elements in P. praecox. The activities of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were initially improved and then diminished with hypoxia stress. It is concluded that hypoxia is a key factor affecting the growth and degradation of P. praecox, while combining it with the increase of Mn concentration enhances the damage to Phyllostachys pubescens. Our research is helpful for the sustainable management and scientific fertilization management of Phyllostachys praecox.
Transport Characteristics and Transmission Risk of Virus-Containing Droplets from Coughing in Outdoor Windy Environment
Authors: Jiang Guoyi , Li Fengjiao , Hu Tingting
Published: May 2022

Particle dispersions have been widely studied inside rooms, but few databases have examined the transmission risk of respiratory droplets outdoors. This study investigated the wind effect on the dispersion of coughed droplets and the influence of social distancing on the infection risk in different susceptible persons using computational fluid dynamics simulations. Infection risk was evaluated based on direct depositions and exposure fractions. The results indicated that a reverse and upward flow formed in front of an infected man, and it enhanced as the wind strengthened, which transported more medium particles higher and increased the deposition on both infected and susceptible persons. Small particles moved above the neck, and they rarely deposited on the body. Medium particles larger than 60 μm were more likely to deposit and could reach the head of a healthy person under stronger winds. The exposure fraction achieved peak values when numerous particles passed the breathing zone. Although longer social distancing could alleviate the particle deposition on the face and delay the most dangerous time, its effect on infection risk was ambiguous. The infection risk was larger for a shorter susceptible person because more particles were deposited on the face, and the exposure fraction contributed by particles above the neck was larger.
Correlation Investigation between Pyrrole-DNA and Pyrrole-Protein Adducts in Male ICR Mice Exposed to Retrorsine, a Hepatotoxic Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid
Authors: Zhu Lin , Xue Junyi , He Yisheng , Xia Qingsu , Fu Peter P. , Lin Ge
Published: May 2022

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) have been found in over 6000 plants worldwide and represent the most common hepatotoxic phytotoxins. Catalyzed by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, PAs are metabolized into reactive pyrrolic metabolites, which can alkylate cellular proteins and DNA to form pyrrole-protein adducts and pyrrole-DNA adducts, leading to cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and tumorigenicity. To date, the correlation between these PA-derived pyrrole-protein and pyrrole-DNA adducts has not been well investigated. Retrorsine is a representative hepatotoxic and carcinogenic PA. In the present study, the correlations among the PA-derived liver DNA adducts, liver protein adducts, and serum protein adducts in retrorsine-treated mice under different dosage regimens were studied. The results showed positive correlations among these adducts, in which serum pyrrole-protein adducts were more accessible and present in higher abundance, and thus could be used as a suitable surrogate biomarker for pyrrole-DNA adducts to indicate the genetic or carcinogenic risk posed by retrorsine.