bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Sustainable Use of Machine Translation: Usability and Perceived Quality from the End-User Perspective
Authors: Kasperė Ramunė , Horbačauskienė Jolita , Motiejūnienė Jurgita , Liubinienė Vilmantė , Patašienė Irena , Patašius Martynas
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence-grounded machine translation has fundamentally changed public awareness and attitudes towards multilingual communication. In some language pairs, the accuracy, quality and efficiency of machine-translated texts of certain types can be quite high. Hence, the end-user acceptability and reliance on machine-translated content could be justified. However, machine translation in small and/or low-resource languages might yield significantly lower quality, which in turn may lead to potentially negative consequences and risks if machine translation is used in high-risk contexts without awareness of the drawbacks, critical assessment and modifications to the raw output. The current study, which is part of a more extensive project focusing on the societal impact of machine translation, is aimed at revealing the attitudes towards usability and quality as perceived from the end-user perspective. The research questions addressed revolve around the machine translation types used, purposes of using machine translation, perceived quality of the generated output, and actions taken to improve the quality by users with various backgrounds. The research findings rely on a survey of the population (N = 402) conducted in 2021 in Lithuania. The study reveals the frequent use of machine translation for a diversity of purposes. The most common uses include work, research and studies, and household environments. A higher level of education correlates with user dissatisfaction with the generated quality and actions taken to improve it. The findings also reveal that age correlates with the use of machine translation. Sustainable measures to reduce machine translation related risks have to be established based on the perceptions of different social groups in different societies and cultures.
Sustainability and Conflict Management in the University Environment. Analysis of Students of the Degrees in Labour Relations and Human Resources, and Social Work at the University of Granada (Spain)
Authors: Martínez-Martín Rafael , Lozano-Martín Antonio M.
Published: December 2021

In 2015 the United Nations approved the 2030 Agenda which established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The importance of these SGDs to universities, and universities’ commitment to them, requires not only involvement but also the development of research projects, instruments and practices that enable the SDGs to be carried out. Conflict is inherent within any social group and the need to perceive, analyse and manage it is crucial in order to move towards sustainable social development. This research paper analyses conflict existing within the university environment. It specifically relates to students studying for two degrees at the University of Granada (Spain): a degree in Social Work and a degree in Labour Relations and Human Resources. The main instrument used to gather information was a survey addressed to students of both degrees. As a quantitative research technique, it has allowed us to gather evidence about and analyse students’ perceptions of conflict. The main results reveal the existence of conflict resulting from interactions between the students themselves, interactions between the students and teaching staff and interactions between the students and service and administrative staff (SAS). Central to perceptions of conflict existing within the university environment are the professional and educational interests of students, as well as issues relating to academic assessment and excessive bureaucracy.
Moral Foundations and Willingness to Pay for Non-Wood Forest Products: A Study in Three European Countries
Authors: Di Cori Viola , Franceschinis Cristiano , Robert Nicolas , Pettenella Davide Matteo , Thiene Mara
Published: December 2021

Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) provide social and cultural services related to e.g., the tradition and social role of collecting berries, mushrooms and herbs. These services can be ranked among intangible outputs as a part of the recreational function of forests. However, their social value is only partially captured in non-forest activities. We used a Choice Experiment to explore individuals’ preferences towards NWFPs and associated services in Italy, Sweden, and Czechia. We estimated the individual marginal willingness to pay for the supply and maintenance of NWFPs. In addition, we analysed the determinants of people’s choices using the framework of the Moral Foundations Theory (MFT). The results show that people collect NWFPs mostly for self-consumption and recreation, rather than for livelihood or to sell them on the market. Despite this, they are willing to pay for sustainable forest management practices that favour NWFPs supply, as well as for forest conservation. Additionally, Care and Fairness traits in the MFT determine people’s willingness to pay for NWFPs. The results from this study highlight the value of the social component of non-wood forests products and the expenses related to picking. This is a first step towards a value chain analysis of the NWFPs.
The Role of Cause Involvement and Assortment Size on Decision Difficulty via Communal Relationships
Authors: Kim Claire Heeryung , Kim Joonkyung
Published: December 2021

Social enterprises aim to achieve both social and economic goals by reaching broader consumer segments through extensive assortments, but research into how this product proliferation strategy affects consumer response is scarce. In the current research we examine how consumers judge social enterprises providing large product assortments. Three experiments show that choice overload (i.e., having a decision difficulty when faced with many options) can be reversed among target consumers of social enterprises—specifically those whose involvement in a social cause is high. Because more-involved consumers view large assortments of cause-related products as an indicator of the company’s commitment to addressing social issues, they identify with the company and thereby form communal relationships. Thus, the consumers’ focus shifts from comparing options to helping the company, leading to reduced decision difficulty. The findings contribute to existing research on assortment size and the understanding of the information consumers use to evaluate the company’s commitment to social causes.
Local Community Satisfaction toward Tourism Development in Pushkar Region of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Tiwari Sunil , Tomczewska-Popowycz Natalia , Gupta Shiv Kumar , Swart Magdalena Petronella
Published: December 2021

Satisfaction of local residents is one of the key factors in responsible and sustainable tourism development. It helps tourism planners and policymakers in effective and strategic utilization of tourism resources. The present study investigates local residents’ satisfaction level toward sustainable tourism development through economic, socio-cultural, and environmental development. In order to achieve the goal of the study, one-sample t-test, regression analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were performed. The findings of the study have suggested that local residents have a different level of satisfaction towards overall sustainable development and economic, socio-cultural, and environmental development in the study area. It was also observed that there is a high positive correlation among economic, socio-cultural, and environmental developments, and these developments significantly impact sustainable tourism development.
On Site Improvement of Fines-Rich Unbound Granular Materials with Hydrophobic Polymer and Lime
Authors: Hopkins Cameron , Cameron Donald , Rahman Md Mizanur
Published: December 2021

Many roads that were initially designed for relatively low traffic volumes need re-surfacing or partial replacement of the unbound granular material to satisfy current traffic demand. Significant research efforts based on laboratory studies have been seen in the literature to characterize the suitability of virgin materials, which is relatively expensive and unsustainable. Therefore, the object of this study is the in situ recycling of existing materials in two road sections by improving their properties with a suitable additive. A hydrophobic synthetic polymer was chosen for two trials due to the high plasticity of fines of the in situ materials and a high chance of water intrusion in the low-lying plains in Adelaide. The extensive laboratory characterization shows that hydrophobicity is imparted in capillary rise tests, improved drainage in permeability tests, and greater matric suction at the same moisture content. Furthermore, the unconfined compressive strength was increased. The repeated loading triaxial testing showed higher stiffness and lowered permanent strain to withstand higher traffic volume. In general, in situ recycling is adaptable and considered to be cheaper and sustainable. The estimated current costs and carbon footprints are presented for re-construction and in situ recycling with dry powder polymer, or solely with lime, to help construction planning.
Transformation of Socialist Realistic Residential Architecture into a Contemporary Sustainable Housing Habitat—General Approach and the Case Study
Authors: Piekarski Maciej , Bajda Łukasz , Gotkowska Ewelina
Published: December 2021

This article deals with the problem of multi-family housing implemented in the 1950s in Poland. Buildings from this period are located in the central districts of cities, and are well-connected and equipped with service infrastructure, but due to the small size of these flats, their low standard and poor technical condition, they are not sufficiently attractive for middle-class people and developing families. The consequence of this is the social selection of residents and the disappearance of neighborly relations. In this article, the authors present a balance sheet of the shortcomings and advantages of these buildings, and against the background of contemporary requirements for housing, resulting from the theory of sustainable development, they indicate possible directions for modernization. Detailed solutions are presented for a specific housing complex located in Rzeszów. The development of flat roofs and the introduction of functions integrating the community of residents are the significant elements of the project. Due to the fact that the functional layouts of stories, the structure of buildings, and to a large extent the spatial arrangement of residential complexes were unified in the 1950s throughout the whole country, the presented concept may serve as inspiration for similar projects undertaken in any other city in Poland.
The Internal Demand of Cultural Tourism: Understanding Satisfaction and Fidelity to Destination in Spain through a Non-Linear Structural Model
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez María-Dolores , Pablos-Heredero Carmen De , Montes-Botella José-Luis
Published: December 2021

The new habits of tourist consumption favor the rise of cultural tourism, either as the primary or complementary offer of a destination. Therefore, it is necessary to deepen the study of the behavior of cultural tourism demand. This research aims to develop a structural model that allows measuring the main variables that affect the satisfaction and loyalty of the internal demand of the cultural tourist to a heritage destination. The results are helpful for the design of tourism management. The hypotheses posited have been tested using non-linear structural equations (SEM), estimated with data from the National Statistics Institute on internal demand for cultural tourism in Spain (n = 18,024). The results confirm the importance of socio-cultural variables and the tourist’s experience on fidelity to the visited destination. Furthermore, the negative relationship between the repetition of the visit and satisfaction is striking.
Heterogeneity Study of the Visual Features Based on Geographically Weighted Principal Components Analysis Applied to an Urban Community
Authors: Liu Yong , Yang Shutong , Wang Shijun
Published: December 2021

Communities in urban space are the most basic living units. Community visual features directly reflect the local living quality and influence the perception of residents and visitors. The evaluation of the community visual features is of great significance to the space design under the guidance of urban landscape recognition and urban space perception. Based on the street view image data, this paper analyzes the composition of visual features in the community space scale by using the geographically weighted principal components analysis. GWPCA can not only reflect the global characteristics, but also analyze the local components, thus describing the visual features of the community in a comprehensive manner. The results show that: (1) community visual features have significant spatial heterogeneity at different statistical scales, and the spatial heterogeneity of community visual features can provide a basis for urban landscape planning and design; (2) the combination mode of dominant visual elements can reflect different community landscapes. The analysis of this paper further illustrates the effectiveness and application prospect of street view images in identifying the landscape composition mode of urban space from the medium-micro perspective. This conclusion is helpful for planners to learn the dominant visual features of the community through street view images, and, further, use the classification of elements of street view images to guide the planning and design of cityscape.
Humidification-Dehumidification Desalination System Powered by Simultaneous Air-Water Solar Heater
Authors: Soomro Sadam Hussain , Santosh Ravichandran , Bak Chul-U , Kim Woo-Seung , Kim Young-Deuk
Published: December 2021

A humidification–dehumidification (HDH) desalination system requires thermal energy to desalt seawater. An environmentally friendly approach to obtain thermal energy is to utilize solar energy using solar collectors. Either seawater or air (or both) are typically preheated by HDH desalination systems before these fluids are conveyed to the humidifier column. Compared with preheating only air or water, preheating both is preferred because improved performance and higher productivity are achieved. Many researchers have proposed dual preheated HDH systems utilizing two separate solar heaters/collectors for simultaneous air–seawater preheating. In this study, dual-fluid preheating is achieved using a single solar collector. The proposed simultaneous air–water solar heater (SAWSH) is a modified flat-plate collector designed for simultaneously preheating air and seawater before the fluids reach the humidifier. A thermodynamic study was conducted using formulated mathematical models based on energy and mass conservation principles. Then, the dual-fluid heating HDH system is compared with HDH systems in which only air or only water is heated. This work found that the former outperformed the latter. The daily and monthly performance levels of the system in terms of the outlet temperatures of air and water, distillate rate, and gain output ratio were calculated using the weather data of the hot and humid climate of Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia.
Integrated Underground Mining Hazard Assessment, Management, Environmental Monitoring, and Policy Control in Pakistan
Authors: Janjuhah Hammad Tariq , Ishfaque Muhammad , Mehmood Muhammad Ifzal , Kontakiotis George , Shahzad Syed Muzyan , Zarkogiannis Stergios D.
Published: December 2021

This study focused on the significance of underground mining in Pakistan, resulting in the employment of operational staff to undertake the primary tasks of this sector, such as explosions, rock excavation, mineral research, mining-supporting walls, and mine compactivity. Occupational accidents and illnesses arise due to the activities mentioned above because the working circumstances are not optimal. The decision-matrix risk-assessment (DMRA) approach, in which incidents are evaluated according to their severity and probability, was also utilized to improve working conditions, including public health and environment protection. To assess the risks and to select which actions should continue in the same manner, we highlighted hazards that need control measures and, as the last option, those that must be stopped. By taking into account the results of the study, corrective actions were proposed that can help avoid the occurrence of the presented accidents through applying occupational safety and health regulations issued by the Department of Minerals and Mines, which is a governmental entity responsible for both the issuing and the compliance to those regulations. The current study also outlined the requirements that must be reported under mining-related laws.
Challenges of Track Access Charges Model Redesign
Authors: Bošković Branislav , Bugarinović Mirjana , Savić Gordana , Djuričić Ratko
Published: December 2021

It has been exactly 20 years since the common grounds for the design of track access charges (TAC) were laid for the European railways by the publication of Directive 2001/14/EC. However, these grounds were defined broadly, thus resulting in significant divergence both in the models applied by countries and during the model redesign within one country over the course of time. The participants in the process of charge system redesign includes all stakeholders from a country’s railway sector (infrastructure manager, train operating companies, the ministries responsible for transport, finance and economy, government, and regulatory bodies). Their opinions and requirements are often opposed, and they all need to be acknowledged simultaneously. This paper aims to solve the issue of ensuring continuity in the charge model redesign while achieving a balance between the requirements of all stakeholders. Moreover, it tackles the issue of producing a sustainable long-term TAC model by using survey methods and statistical analysis. The proposed approach was tested in practice during the access charge model redesign for the railways of Montenegro. The results show the importance of continual enhancement in TAC model development as one of the challenges and key precursors for the harmonization of all stakeholders’ requirements.
Urban Land-Use Efficiency Analysis by Integrating LCRPGR and Additional Indicators
Authors: Li Chaopeng , Cai Guoyin , Sun Zhongchang
Published: December 2021

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 11.3 is to enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanisation and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries by 2030. Within that goal, the indicator SDG 11.3.1 is defined as the ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate (LCRPGR). This ratio is primarily used to measure urban land-use efficiency and reveal the relationship between urban land consumption and population growth. The LCRPGR indicator is aimed at representing overall urban land-use efficiency. This study added compactness, urban expansion speed, and urban expansion intensity to better reflect the impact of built-up area changes on the overall urban land-use efficiency. In addition, this study combined LCRPGR and the land consumption per capita rate (LCPC) to comprehensively analyse the relationship between land consumption and population growth in existing built urban areas, expanded built urban areas, and total built areas. This study employed three years of urban built-up and population data for 2010, 2015, and 2020 for 338 cities along the Belt and Road region to analyse land-use efficiency. The results show that the average LCRPGR for the period 2010–2015 was 1.01, which is close to the recommended ideal LCRPGR value of 1.0 in the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. For 2015–2020, the LCRPGR was 0.71, indicating that the overall urban land consumption in the study area decreased. This is also supported by the fact that the urban expansion intensity in 2020 was weaker than that in 2015. In addition, according to research on the tendency of changes in the entire urban built-up area, the smaller the urban population, the slower the urban expansion speed, the smaller the compactness, and the increasingly complex the urban borders. In cities where the overall LCRPGR is far from the ideal value of 1, the entire built-up area is divided into existing and expanded urban regions. It was found that the average LCPC value in expanded built-up areas was higher than that of existing built-up areas, showing that as cities developed, the LCPC of the newly developed urban areas was greater than that of existing built-up areas. Meanwhile, the LCPC in the expanded built-up areas showed a decreasing trend over time from 2010 to 2015 to 2020, indicating that land use in the expanded built-up regions tended to be efficient. These findings provide helpful information in decision making for balancing urban land consumption with population growth.
Sustainable Agriculture: Nutritional Benefits of Wheat–Soybean and Maize–Sunflower Associations for Hibernation and Reproduction of Endangered Common Hamsters
Authors: Tissier Mathilde Louise , Kletty Florian , Robin Jean-Patrice , Habold Caroline
Published: December 2021

Farmland species face many threats, including habitat loss and malnutrition during key periods of their life cycle. This is aggravated in conventionally managed monocultures, leading to nutrient deficiencies that impair the survival and reproduction of farmland wildlife. For instance, protein deficiencies in wheat or vitamin B3 deficiency in maize reduce by up to 87% the reproductive success of the critically endangered common hamster (Cricetus cricetus), a flagship species of European farmlands. It is urgent to identify and implement agricultural practices that can overcome these deficiencies and help restoring hamsters’ reproductive success. As part of a conservation program to diversify farming habitats in collaboration with farmers, we tested whether associations between wheat or maize and three supplemental crops (soybean, sunflower and fodder radish) supported hamsters’ performance during hibernation and reproduction. We observed that maize–sunflower, maize–radish and wheat–soybean associations minimized hamsters’ body mass loss during hibernation. The wheat–soybean association led to the highest reproductive success (N = 2 litters of 4.5 ± 0.7 pups with a 100% survival rate to weaning), followed by maize–sunflower and maize–radish. These crop associations offer promising opportunities to overcome nutritional deficiencies caused by cereal monocultures. Their agronomic potential should promote their implementation on a large scale and benefit farmland biodiversity beyond the common hamster.
The Sustainability of Bison Production in North America: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tielkes Simon , Altmann Brianne A.
Published: December 2021

The American bison (Bison bison) is iconic of the Great Plains of North America, yet the genus has had to overcome near extinction in the recent past prior to being re-established for food production. This scoping review summarizes the literature on the Plains Bison as a large ruminant species adequate for modern-day meat production in order to evaluate the species’ appropriateness as a sustainable meat source and to identify knowledge gaps hindering the sustainability evaluation of bison production. To date, we can anecdotally assume that bison husbandry could contribute to sustainability based on its positive contribution to biodiversity, physiological robustness, economically higher price per kg, and nutritive values, despite their decreased growth and performance rates compared to beef cattle. However, targeted and system-based research is required in order to unequivocally assess the sustainability of bison production in North America.
Fixed-Time Formation Control for Second-Order Disturbed Multi-Agent Systems under Directed Graph
Authors: Hong Huifen , Wang He
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the fixed-time formation (FixF) control problem for second-order multi-agent systems (MASs), where each agent is subject to disturbance and the communication network is general directed. First, a FixF protocol is presented based on the backstepping technique, where the distributed cooperative variable structure control method is utilized to handle the bounded disturbances. Then, to remove the dependence of control gains on the global information, a practical adaptive FixF control is presented, where the MASs can achieve formation with a bounded error within fixed time. Finally, a numerical example is presented to validate the theoretical result.
Lower Levels of Vestibular Developmental Stability in Slow-Moving than Fast-Moving Primates
Authors: Lebrun Renaud , Perier Alexandre , Masters Judith , Marivaux Laurent , Couette Sébastien
Published: December 2021

The vestibular system of the mammalian inner ear senses angular and linear velocity of the head and enables animals to maintain their balance. Vestibular anatomy has been studied extensively in order to link its structure to particular kinds of locomotion. Available evidence indicates that, in primates, slow-moving species show higher levels of vestibular variation than fast-moving taxa. We analysed intraspecific morphological variation and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) levels in the semicircular canal systems of six species of lorisiform primates: three slow-moving lorisids and three fast-moving galagids. Our results showed clear differences in levels of intraspecific variation between slow-moving and fast-moving taxa. Higher levels of variation were responsible for deviations from coplanarity for synergistic pairs of canals in slower taxa. Lorisids also presented higher levels of FA than galagids. FA is a better indicator of agility than intraspecific variation. These results suggest that in order to function efficiently in fast taxa, semicircular canal systems must develop as symmetrically as possible, and should minimise the deviation from coplanarity for synergistic pairs. Higher levels of variation and asymmetry in slow-moving taxa may be related to lower levels of stabilising selection on the vestibular system, linked to a lower demand for rapid postural changes.
Study on the Seismic Performance of Prefabricated Single-Segment Steel Jacket Bridge Piers
Authors: Deng Baodong , Jia Yanmin , Liang Dongwei
Published: December 2021

To study the seismic performance of prefabricated single-segment steel jacket piers connected by grouting sleeves, two scaled symmetrical pier models with different anchorage lengths of the longitudinal reinforcement in the grouting sleeves and a comparative symmetrical cast-in-place (CIP) model were designed. OpenSees finite element models were established and shaking table tests were carried out on the three scaled pier models. The seismic response of each pier was compared and analyzed. Results showed the stiffness of the two prefabricated piers was greater than that of the CIP pier, and other seismic responses were less than those of the CIP piers, The dynamic responses of the two prefabricated bridge models were similar and changing the anchorage length of the reinforcement in the grouting sleeve had little effect on the seismic performance of the prefabricated pier. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. In the parameter analysis, the counterweight of the pier top had the greatest influence on the seismic performance of the prefabricated pier. The anchorage length of the longitudinal reinforcement in the grouting sleeve could be 6–14 times the diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement. Moreover, the seismic performance was found to be optimal when the thickness of the steel jacket was 5–7 mm.
Method of Wavelet-Decomposition to Research Cosmic Ray Variations: Application in Space Weather
Authors: Mandrikova Oksana , Mandrikova Bogdana
Published: December 2021

Since their discovery, cosmic rays have been an integral part of the development of fundamental physics, from the discovery of radiation coming to the Earth from outer space and the identification of high-energy particles in it, as well as new fundamental symmetries in the laws of nature, to the knowledge of residual matter and magnetic fields in interstellar space. Cosmic rays are used in a number of fundamental and applied research in solar-terrestrial physics and are important in the research of the near-Earth space processes. Cosmic ray variations observed on the Earth’s surface are an integral result of various solar, heliospheric, magnetospheric and atmospheric phenomena. The most significant changes in cosmic ray parameters are caused by coronal mass ejections and subsequent changes in the parameters of the interplanetary magnetic field and solar wind. Therefore, the study of cosmic rays makes it possible to obtain valuable information about the processes in the near-Earth space and in the Earth’s magnetosphere during disturbed periods. This article proposes a method for analyzing cosmic ray variations. It is based on the use of wavelet data decomposition operations and their combination with threshold functions. By using adaptive thresholds, the operations for detecting anomalous changes in data and for suppressing the noise were developed. Anomalies in cosmic rays can cause radiation hazard for astronauts, radio communication failures, as well as malfunctions in satellites, leading to the loss of orientation and destruction. Therefore, the task of timely diagnostics of anomalies is urgent. The paper describes the algorithms for the implementation of the method and shows their application in the space weather problem. We used data from the network of ground stations of neutron monitors. The efficiency of the method for detecting abnormal changes of different amplitudes and durations is shown. Application of the method made it possible to detect clearly and to evaluate Forbush effects in cosmic rays, which precede the onset of magnetic storms of various nature and strength.
Discriminative Siamese Tracker Based on Multi-Channel-Aware and Adaptive Hierarchical Deep Features
Authors: Zhang Huanlong , Duan Rui , Zheng Anping , Zhang Jie , Li Linwei , Wang Fengxian
Published: December 2021

Most existing Siamese trackers mainly use a pre-trained convolutional neural network to extract target features. However, due to the weak discrimination of the target and background information of pre-trained depth features, the performance of the Siamese tracker can be significantly degraded when facing similar targets or changes in target appearance. This paper proposes a multi-channel-aware and adaptive hierarchical deep features module to enhance the discriminative ability of the tracker. Firstly, through the multi-channel-aware deep features module, the importance values of feature channels are obtained from both the target details and overall information, to identify more important feature channels. Secondly, by introducing the adaptive hierarchical deep features module, the importance of each feature layer can be determined according to the response value of each frame, so that the hierarchical features can be integrated to represent the target, which can better adapt to changes in the appearance of the target. Finally, the proposed two modules are integrated into the Siamese framework for target tracking. The Siamese network used in this paper is a two-input branch symmetric neural network with two input branches, and they share the same weights, which are widely used in the field of target tracking. Experiments on some Benchmarks show that the proposed Siamese tracker has several points of improvement compared to the baseline tracker.
Impact of Bioconvection and Chemical Reaction on MHD Nanofluid Flow Due to Exponential Stretching Sheet
Authors: Asjad Muhammad Imran , Sarwar Noman , Ali Bagh , Hussain Sajjad , Sitthiwirattham Thanin , Reunsumrit Jiraporn
Published: December 2021

Thermal management is a crucial task in the present era of miniatures and other gadgets of compact heat density. This communication presents the momentum and thermal transportation of nanofluid flow over a sheet that stretches exponentially. The fluid moves through a porous matrix in the presence of a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the flow direction. To achieve the main objective of efficient thermal transportation with increased thermal conductivity, the possible settling of nano entities is avoided with the bioconvection of microorganisms. Furthermore, thermal radiation, heat source dissipation, and activation energy are also considered. The formulation in the form of a partial differential equation is transmuted into an ordinary differential form with the implementation of appropriate similarity variables. Numerical treatment involving Runge–Kutta along with the shooting technique method was chosen to resolve the boundary values problem. To elucidate the physical insights of the problem, computational code was run for suitable ranges of the involved parameters. The fluid temperature directly rose with the buoyancy ratio parameter, Rayleigh number, Brownian motion parameter, and thermophoresis parameter. Thus, thermal transportation enhances with the inclusion of nano entities and the bioconvection of microorganisms. The findings are useful for heat exchangers working in various technological processors. The validation of the obtained results is also assured through comparison with the existing result. The satisfactory concurrence was also observed while comparing the present symmetrical results with the existing literature.
On Stability Switches and Bifurcation of the Modified Autonomous Van der Pol–Duffing Equations via Delayed State Feedback Control
Authors: Cai Tiao-Yang , Jin Hui-Long , Yu Hong , Xie Xiang-Peng
Published: December 2021

This paper considers the Modified Autonomous Van der Pol–Duffing equation subjected to dynamic state feedback, which can well characterize the dynamic behaviors of the nonlinear dynamical systems. Both the issues of local stability switches and the Hopf bifurcation versus time delay are investigated. Associating with the τ decomposition strategy and the center manifold theory, the delay stable intervals and the direction and stability of the Hopf bifurcation are all determined. Specifically, the computation of purely imaginary roots (symmetry to the real axis), the positive real root formula for cubic equation and the sophisticated bilinear form of adjoint operators are proposed, which make the calculations mentioned in our discussion unified and simple. Finally, the typical numerical examples are shown to illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of the practical technique.
Space, Matter and Interactions in a Quantum Early Universe Part I: Kac–Moody and Borcherds Algebras
Authors: Truini Piero , Marrani Alessio , Rios Michael , Irwin Klee
Published: December 2021

We introduce a quantum model for the universe at its early stages, formulating a mechanism for the expansion of space and matter from a quantum initial condition, with particle interactions and creation driven by algebraic extensions of the Kac–Moody Lie algebra e9. We investigate Kac–Moody and Borcherds algebras, and we propose a generalization that meets further requirements that we regard as fundamental in quantum gravity.
Using Systems Thinking to Illustrate Digital Business Model Innovation
Authors: Kurti Erdelina , Salavati Sadaf , Mirijamdotter Anita
Published: December 2021

Digital business model innovation is discussed by bringing together systemic innovation and digital innovation. Applying the Rich Picture technique, the complexity transpiring in the digital innovation of the business models is illustrated. Further, a real world example is presented and discussed in relation to systemic innovation and digital innovation. This study further contributes by shedding light on the added complexity brought by digital innovation but also the need for a combined and mixed systems thinking approach.
Lemon Juice Assisted Green Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Its Application for Adsorption of Methylene Blue
Authors: Mahiuddin Md. , Ochiai Bungo
Published: December 2021

Sustainable synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is of crucial significance within the development of carbon nanomaterials. In this study, a green and eco-friendly strategy for the synthesis of rGO using lemon juice as the reducing agent for graphene oxide (GO) without using toxic and harmful chemicals was demonstrated. The reduction with lemon juice effectively eliminated the oxygen-containing functionalities of GO and regenerated the conjugated systems as confirmed by the UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction analyses. Microscopic evaluation showed the successful manufacturing of exfoliated and separated few layers of nano-sheets of rGO. The application of the resultant rGO as an adsorbent for organic pollutants was investigated using methylene blue (MB) as a model. The adsorption kinetics of MB on rGO is best matched with the pseudo-second-ordered kinetic model and the Langmuir model with a high adsorption capacity of 132.2 mg/g. The rGO exhibited good reusability with a removal efficiency of 80.4% in the fourth cycle. This green method provides a new prospect for the large-scale production of rGO in a cost-effective and safe manner.
Three-Dimensional Printed Models for Preoperative Planning and Surgical Treatment of Chest Wall Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Leonardi Beatrice , Carlucci Annalisa , Noro Antonio , Bove Mary , Natale Giovanni , Opromolla Giorgia , Mirra Rosa , Pica Davide , Capasso Francesca , Di Filippo Vincenzo , Messina Gaetana , Ferrigno Francesco , Izzo Anna Cecilia , Vicidomini Giovanni , Santini Mario , Fiorelli Alfonso
Published: December 2021

Introduction: In chest wall reconstruction, the main objectives are the restoration of the chest wall integrity, function, and aesthetic, which is often achieved with the placement of implants. We aimed to evaluate whether 3D printed models can be useful for preoperative planning and surgical treatment in chest wall reconstruction to improve the outcome of the surgery and to reduce the rate of complications. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of literature using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases until 8 November 2021 with the following keywords: (“3D printing” or “rapid prototyping” or “three-dimensional printing” or “bioprinting”) and (“chest wall” or “rib” or “sternum” or “ribcage” or “pectus excavatum”). Results were then manually screened by two independent authors to select studies relevant to 3D printing application in chest wall reconstruction. The primary outcome was morphological correction, and secondary outcomes were changes in operating time and procedure-related complication rate. Results: Eight articles were included in our review. Four studies were related to pectus excavatum correction, two studies were related to rib fracture stabilization, and two studies were related to chest wall tumor resection and reconstruction. Seven studies reported 3D printing of a thorax model or template implants for preoperative planning and implant modeling, and one study reported 3D printing of a PEEK prosthesis for direct implantation. Four studies reported comparison with a conventionally treated control group, and three of them detected a shorter operative time in the 3D printing model-assisted group. Satisfactory morphological correction was reported in all studies, and six studies reported a good implant fitting with minimal need for intraoperative adjustments. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications in any of the studies. Conclusions: The use of 3D printing models in chest wall reconstruction seems to be helpful for the production of personalized implants, reducing intraoperative adjustments. Results of morphological correction and postoperative recovery after the 3D printing-assisted surgery were satisfactory in all studies with a low rate of complication. Our literature review suggests good results regarding prosthesis fitting, accuracy of surgical planning, and reduction in operative time in 3D printing-assisted procedures, although more evidence is needed to prove this observation.
Comparison of Incidence of Adjacent Segment Pathology between Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Treatments for Lumbosacral Junction
Authors: Wu Po-Kuan , Wu Meng-Huang , Shih Cheng-Min , Lin Yen-Kuang , Chen Kun-Hui , Pan Chien-Chou , Huang Tsung-Jen , Lee Ching-Yu , Lee Cheng-Hung
Published: December 2021

This research compared the incidence of adjacent segment pathology (ASP) between anterior interbody lumbar fusion (ALIF) treatment and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) treatment. Seventy patients were included in this retrospective study: 30 patients received ALIF treatment, and 40 patients received TLIF treatment at a single medical center between 2011 and 2020 with a follow-up of at least 12 months. The outcomes were radiographic adjacent segment pathology (RASP) and clinical adjacent segment pathology (CASP). The mean follow-up period was 42.10 ± 22.61 months in the ALIF group and 56.20 ± 29.91 months in the TLIF group. Following single-level lumbosacral fusion, ALIF is superior to TLIF in maintaining lumbar lordosis, whereas the risk of adjacent instability in the ALIF group is significantly higher. Regarding ASP, the incidence of overall RASP and CASP did not differ significantly between ALIF and TLIF groups.
Prenatal Exposure to Chemical Mixtures and Cognitive Flexibility among Adolescents
Authors: Oppenheimer Anna , Bellinger David , Coull Brent , Weisskopf Marc , Korrick Susan
Published: December 2021

Cognitive flexibility, the ability to smoothly adapt to changing circumstances, is a skill that is vital to higher-level executive functions such as problem-solving, planning, and reasoning. As it undergoes substantial development during adolescence, decrements in cognitive flexibility may not become apparent until this time. There is evidence that prenatal exposure to individual chemicals may adversely impact executive functions in children, but few studies have explored the association of co-exposure to multiple chemicals with cognitive flexibility specifically among adolescents. We investigated this association among a diverse group of adolescents living near a Superfund site in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Specifically, using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and multivariable regression analyses, we investigated the association of biomarkers of prenatal exposure to organochlorines (DDE, HCB, PCBs) and metals (lead, manganese) with cognitive flexibility, measured with four subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. In BKMR models, we observed adverse joint associations of the chemical mixture with two of the four cognitive flexibility subtests. In covariate-adjusted linear regression models, a two-fold increase in cord blood Mn was associated with poorer performance on two of the subtests: Trail-Making (scaled score difference = −0.60; 95% CI: −1.16, −0.05 points) and Color-Word Interference (scaled score difference = −0.53; 95% CI: −1.08, 0.01 points). These adverse Mn-cognitive flexibility associations were supported by the results of the BKMR. There was little evidence of effect modification by sex and some evidence of effect modification by a measure of social disadvantage, particularly for the associations between HCB and cognitive flexibility. This study is among the first to provide evidence of an adverse association of prenatal exposure to a chemical mixture with cognitive flexibility in adolescence.
Biokinetic Evaluation of Contrast Media Loaded Carbon Nanotubes Using a Radiographic Device
Authors: Takasaka Mieko , Kobayashi Shinsuke , Usui Yuki , Haniu Hisao , Tsuruoka Shuji , Aoki Kaoru , Saito Naoto
Published: December 2021

Considerable progress has been made in various fields of applied research on the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Because CNTs are fibrous nanomaterials, biosafety of CNTs has been discussed. The biokinetic data of CNTs, such as using the radioisotope of carbon and surface labeling of CNTs, have been reported. However, the use of radioisotopes requires a special facility. In addition, there are problems in the surface labeling of CNTs, including changes in surface properties and labels eliminating over time. In order to solve these problems and properly evaluate the biokinetics of CNTs, the authors synthesize peapods with platinum (Pt) encapsulated within the hollow region of Double-Walled CNTs (DWCNTs) and develop a new system to evaluate biokinetics using widely available imaging equipment. In the cell assay, no significant difference is observed with and without Pt in CNTs. In animal studies, radiography of the lungs of rats that inhaled Pt-peapods show the detectability of Pt inside the CNTs. This new method using Pt-peapods enables image evaluation with a standard radiographic imaging device without changing the surface property of the CNTs and is effective for biokinetics evaluation of CNTs.
Urinary Organophosphate Metabolites and Metabolic Biomarkers of Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand
Authors: Kongtip Pornpimol , Nankongnab Noppanun , Kallayanatham Nichcha , Chungcharoen Jutamanee , Bumrungchai Chanapa , Pengpumkiat Sumate , Woskie Susan
Published: December 2021

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are used by most farmers to remove insects and to increase productivity; however, questions remain on the long-term health impacts of their use. This study assessed the relationship between OP biomarker levels and metabolic biomarker parameters. Conventional farmers (n = 213) and organic farmers (n = 225) were recruited, interviewed, and had physical health examinations. Serum glucose and lipid profiles, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were measured. The average age, gender, education, and self-reported agricultural work time, work in second jobs, smoking status, alcohol consumption, insecticide use at home, home location near farmlands and years of pesticide use were significantly different between the conventional and organic farmers. The urinary OP metabolite levels were also significantly different between the two groups. With an increase in urinary diethyl phosphate, dimethyl phosphate and dialkyl phosphate metabolites, the total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, were significantly increased for all farmers after controlling for age, gender, alcohol consumption, years of pesticide use, and home location near farmlands. The results are consistent with our previous studies which suggests that pesticide usage, especially organophosphates, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke among Thai farmers.
Effect of Pulmonary Inflammation by Surface Functionalization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Jung Ayoung , Kim Sung-Hyun , Yang Jun-Young , Jeong Jayoung , Lee Jong Kwon , Oh Jae-Ho , Lee Jin Hee
Published: December 2021

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in various industries such as food additives, cosmetics, and biomedical applications. In this study, we evaluated lung damage over time by three types of ZnO NPs (L-serine, citrate, and pristine) following the regulation of functional groups after a single intratracheal instillation to rats. The three types of ZnO NPs showed an acute inflammatory reaction with increased LDH and inflammatory cell infiltration in the alveoli 24 h after administration. Especially in treatment with L-serine, citrate ZnO NPs showed higher acute granulocytic inflammation and total protein induction than the pristine ZnO NPs at 24 h. The acute inflammatory reaction of the lungs recovered on day 30 with bronchoalveolar fibrosis. The concentrations of IL-4, 6, TNF-α, and eotaxin in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) decreased over time, and the levels of these inflammation indicators are consistent with the following inflammatory cell data and acute lung inflammation by ZnO NP. This study suggests that single inhalation exposure to functionalized ZnO NPs may cause acute lung injury with granulocytic inflammation. Although it can recover 30 days after exposure, acute pulmonary inflammation in surface functionalization means that additional studies of exposure limits are needed to protect the workers that produce it.