bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Characterization of GATA Transcription Factors in Liriodendron chinense and Functional Validation in Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Hwarari Delight , Radani Yasmina , Guan Yuanlin , Chen Jinhui , Liming Yang
Published: June 2023

The Liriodendron chinense in the Magnoliaceae family is an endangered tree species useful for its socio-economic and ecological benefits. Abiotic stresses (cold, heat, and drought stress), among other factors, affect its growth, development, and distribution. However, GATA transcription factors (TFs) respond to various abiotic stresses and play a significant role in plant acclimatization to abiotic stresses. To determine the function of GATA TFs in L. chinense, we investigated the GATA genes in the genome of L. chinense. In this study, a total of 18 GATA genes were identified, which were randomly distributed on 12 of the total 17 chromosomes. These GATA genes clustered together in four separate groups based on their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and domain conservation arrangements. Detailed interspecies phylogenetic analyses of the GATA gene family demonstrated a conservation of the GATAs and a probable diversification that prompted gene diversification in plant species. In addition, the LcGATA gene family was shown to be evolutionarily closer to that of O. sativa, giving an insight into the possible LcGATA gene functions. Investigations of LcGATA gene duplication showed four gene duplicate pairs by the segmental duplication event, and these genes were a result of strong purified selection. Analysis of the cis-regulatory elements demonstrated a significant representation of the abiotic stress elements in the promoter regions of the LcGATA genes. Additional gene expressions through transcriptome and qPCR analyses revealed a significant upregulation of LcGATA17, and LcGATA18 in various stresses, including heat, cold, and drought stress in all time points analyzed. We concluded that the LcGATA genes play a pivotal role in regulating abiotic stress in L. chinense. In summary, our results provide new insights into understanding of the LcGATA gene family and their regulatory functions during abiotic stresses.
Using Peek as a Framework Material for Maxillofacial Silicone Prosthesis: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Cevik Pinar , Yildirim Arzu Zeynep , Demir Sevinc Emine Hulya , Gonder Aykut , Kiat-Amnuay Sudarat
Published: June 2023

There are often bonding problems between acrylic resins and silicone. PEEK (polyetheretherketone), which is a high-performance polymer, has great potential for the implant, and fixed or removable prosthodontics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on PEEK to be bonded to maxillofacial silicone elastomers. A total of 48 specimens were fabricated from either PEEK or PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) (n = 8). PMMA specimens acted as a positive control group. PEEK specimens were divided into five study groups as surface treatments as control PEEK, silica-coating, plasma etching, grinding, or nano-second fiber laser. Surface topographies were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A platinum-primer was used on top of all specimens including control groups prior to silicone polymerization. The peel bond strength of the specimens to a platinum-type silicone elastomer was tested at a cross-head speed of 5 mm/min. The data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). The control PEEK group showed the highest bond strength (p < 0.05) among the groups. No statistical difference was found between control PEEK, grinding, or plasma etching groups (p > 0.05). The lowest bond strength was seen in the laser group, which was not statistically different from silica-coating (p > 0.05), and statistically different from control PEEK, grinding, or plasma groups (p < 0.05). Positive control PMMA specimens had statistically lower bond strength than either control PEEK or plasma etching groups (p < 0.05). All specimens exhibited adhesive failure after a peel test. The study results indicate that PEEK could serve as a potential alternative substructure for implant-retained silicone prostheses.
Electrospun Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride-Co-Hexafluoropropylene) Nanofiber Membranes for Brine Treatment via Membrane Distillation
Authors: Albiladi Amjad , Gzara Lassaad , Organji Hussam , Alkayal Nazeeha S. , Figoli Alberto
Published: June 2023

The major challenge for membrane distillation (MD) is the membrane wetting resistance induced by pollutants in the feed solution. The proposed solution for this issue was to fabricate membranes with hydrophobic properties. Hydrophobic electrospun poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofiber membranes were produced for brine treatment using the direct-contact membrane distillation (DCMD) technique. These nanofiber membranes were prepared from three different polymeric solution compositions to study the effect of solvent composition on the electrospinning process. Furthermore, the effect of the polymer concentration was investigated by preparing polymeric solutions with three different polymer percentages: 6, 8, and 10%. All of the nanofiber membranes obtained from electrospinning were post-treated at varying temperatures. The effects of thickness, porosity, pore size, and liquid entry pressure (LEP) were studied. The hydrophobicity was determined using contact angle measurements, which were investigated using optical contact angle goniometry. The crystallinity and thermal properties were studied using DSC and XRD, while the functional groups were studied using FTIR. The morphological study was performed with AMF and described the roughness of nanofiber membranes. Finally, all of the nanofiber membranes had enough of a hydrophobic nature to be used in DCMD. A PVDF membrane filter disc and all nanofiber membranes were applied in DCMD to treat brine water. The resulting water flux and permeate water quality were compared, and it was discovered that all of the produced nanofiber membranes showed good behavior with varying water flux, but the salt rejection was greater than 90%. A membrane prepared from DMF/acetone 5-5 with 10% PVDF-HFP provided the perfect performance, with an average water flux of 44 kg.m−2.h−1 and salt rejection of 99.8%.
Production Capacity Variations of Horizontal Wells in Tight Reservoirs Controlled by the Structural Characteristics of Composite Sand Bodies: Fuyu Formation in the Qian’an Area of the Songliao Basin as an Example
Authors: Liu Ruhao , Sun Yu , Wang Xinrui , Yan Baiquan , Yu Limin , Li Zhao
Published: June 2023

In order to improve the combined exploitation efficiency of horizontal and vertical wells, and given the fact that the complex and varied spatial structure of sand bodies in the Fuyu oil layer in the Qian’an area of Songliao Basin leads to significant differences in production characteristics of horizontal wells, the sand body types and internal spatial structure are finely dissected according to the theory of configuration analysis, and the internal spatial structure is divided into three configuration styles: spatial clipping type, overlapping type, and separation type. Then, by comparing the productivity characteristics of horizontal wells with different configurations of sand bodies, combined with the analysis of fluid flow law under horizontal well volume fracturing, a main fracture–fracture network–matrix coupled fluid flow model in a tight reservoir based on composite sand body configuration is established. Combined with the actual volume fracturing the horizontal well area, the productivity curves of each cluster in the horizontal section after numerical simulation of volume fracturing of typical horizontal well groups are extracted, which are divided into four types: high-yield stable type, high-yield two-stage type, high-yield rapid-decline type, and low-yield rapid-decline type, and the coupling relationship between the productivity characteristics of each cluster in the horizontal well volume fracturing and sand body configuration style is established, which provides a theoretical basis for the adjustment of different sand body development methods in subsequent oilfields.
IMODBO for Optimal Dynamic Reconfiguration in Active Distribution Networks
Authors: Tu Naiwei , Fan Zuhao
Published: June 2023

A dynamic reconfiguration method based on the improved multi-objective dung beetle optimizer (IMODBO) is proposed to reduce the operating cost of the distribution network with distributed generation (DG) and ensure the quality of the power supply, while also minimizing the number of switch operations during dynamic reconfiguration. First, a multi-objective model of distribution network dynamic reconfiguration with the optimization goal of minimizing active power loss and voltage deviation is established. Secondly, the K-means++ clustering algorithm is used to divide the daily load of the distribution network into periods. Finally, using the IMODBO algorithm, the distribution network is reconstructed into a single period. The IMODBO algorithm uses the chaotic tent map to initialize the population, which increases the ergodicity of the initial population and solves the problem of insufficient search space. The algorithm introduces an adaptive weight factor to solve the problem of the algorithm easily falling into a locally optimal solution in the early stage with weak searchability in the later stage. Levy flight is introduced in the perturbation strategy, and a variable spiral search strategy improves the search range and convergence accuracy of the dung beetle optimizer. Reconfiguration experiments on the proposed method were conducted using a standard distribution network system with distributed power generation. Multiple sets of comparative experiments were carried out on the IEEE 33-nodes and PG&E 69-nodes. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method in addressing the multi-objective distribution network dynamic reconfiguration problem.
Design Analysis of Prosthetic Unilateral Transtibial Lower Limb with Gait Coordination
Authors: Das Susmita , Nandi Dalia , Neogi Biswarup
Published: June 2023

People with lower limb amputations struggle through difficulties during locomotion in their daily activities. People with transtibial amputations take support from prosthetic legs for systematic movement. During motion, they experience some mobility issues while using general prosthetic limbs regarding gait pattern. The design of a prosthetic-controlled lower limb with gait synchronization for physically disabled persons is the main goal of the present research work, which can provide an improved walking experience. The design and performance analysis of prosthetic lower limbs for people with transtibial amputations is performed in the present paper. The designed rehabilitation system shows synchronization between the normal and the prosthetic limbs achieved with gait coordination. The dynamics of the lower extremities in different postural activities are used for design purpose utilizing Euler–Lagrange motion theory. The artificial motion of the knee and the ankle joints function through the angular movement of the servo motors according to the movements of the rotary encoders placed on the sound limb joints. The range of motion of both the sound and prosthetic limbs are compared for different steps during a gait cycle. The prosthetic electronic system design of the artificial lower limb is able to show the gait style of human being with body kinesics. The nonlinear domain stability analysis of the designed prosthetic limb is presented through the Lyapunov method. A PIDF2 controller tuning process is implemented for the designed limb’s performance improvement. The designed prosthetic system is beneficial for people with unilateral transtibial amputations with a great societal impact.
Robert Boyle, the Bible, and Natural Philosophy
Authors: Davis Edward B.
Published: June 2023

The great chemist Robert Boyle was also a serious student of the Bible and Christian theology, both of which profoundly influenced his natural philosophy. Christian beliefs and moral attitudes motivated him to extend human dominion over the creation by advancing scientific knowledge and giving medicines from his laboratory to the poor. His outspoken advocacy of empiricism, over and against those who believed that unaided reason was sufficient to probe the depths of nature, was rooted in the conviction that the free, wise, and powerful Creator knows the creation far better than we creatures ever will. He vigorously promoted what he called “the mechanical philosophy”, partly because he found it far more theologically attractive than the pagan Greek conception taught in the universities, which conceived of “Nature” as a semi-divine being with a mind and powers of its own. It also underscored the great complexity of the world machine, requiring an intelligent Creator to have assembled it—thereby (he hoped) moving people not only to acknowledge God but to live piously and humbly.
Uncovering Hidden Insights with Long-Memory Process Detection: An In-Depth Overview
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Yarmohammadi Masoud , Mashhad Leila Marvian
Published: June 2023

Long-memory models are frequently used in finance and other fields to capture long-range dependence in time series data. However, correctly identifying whether a process has long memory is crucial. This paper highlights a significant limitation in using the sample autocorrelation function (ACF) to identify long-memory processes. While the ACF establishes the theoretical definition of a long-memory process, it is not possible to determine long memory by summing the sample ACFs. Hassani’s −12 theorem demonstrates that the sum of the sample ACF is always −12 for any stationary time series with any length, rendering any diagnostic or analysis procedures that include this sum open to criticism. The paper presents several cases where discrepancies between the empirical and theoretical use of a long-memory process are evident, based on real and simulated time series. It is critical to be aware of this limitation when developing models and forecasting. Accurately identifying long-memory processes is essential in producing reliable predictions and avoiding incorrect model specification.
A Machine Learning-Based Multiple Cloud Vertical Structure Parameter Prediction Algorithm Only Using OCO-2 Oxygen A-Band Measurements
Authors: Lei Yixiao , Li Siwei , Yang Jie
Published: June 2023

Measurements of the global cloud vertical structure (CVS) are critical to better understanding the effects of the CVS on climate. Current CVS algorithms based on OCO-2 have to be combined with cloud top height products from CALIPSO and CloudSat, which are no longer available after these two satellites left A-Train in 2018. In this paper, we derive a machine learning-based algorithm using only OCO-2 oxygen A-band hyperspectral measurements to simultaneously predict the cloud optical depth (COD), cloud top pressure (p_top), and cloud pressure thickness (CPT) of single-layer liquid clouds. For validation of real observations, the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of the COD, p_top, and CPT are 7.31 (versus the MYD06_L2), 35.06 hPa, and 26.66 hPa (versus the 2B-CLDCLASS-LIDAR). The new algorithm can also predict CVS parameters trained with p_tops from CALIPSO/CloudSat or CODs from MODIS. Controlled experiments show that known p_tops are more conducive to CPT prediction than known CODs, and experiments with both known CODs and p_tops obtain the best accuracy of RMSE = 20.82 hPa. Moreover, a comparison with OCO2CLD-LIDAR-AUX products that rely on CALIPSO shows that our CVS predictions only using OCO-2 measurements have better CODs for all clouds, better p_tops for clouds with a p_top < 900 hPa, and better CPTs for clouds with a CPT > 30 hPa.
Real-Time Vehicle Detection from UAV Aerial Images Based on Improved YOLOv5
Authors: Li Shuaicai , Yang Xiaodong , Lin Xiaoxia , Zhang Yanyi , Wu Jiahui
Published: June 2023

Aerial vehicle detection has significant applications in aerial surveillance and traffic control. The pictures captured by the UAV are characterized by many tiny objects and vehicles obscuring each other, significantly increasing the detection challenge. In the research of detecting vehicles in aerial images, there is a widespread problem of missed and false detections. Therefore, we customize a model based on YOLOv5 to be more suitable for detecting vehicles in aerial images. Firstly, we add one additional prediction head to detect smaller-scale objects. Furthermore, to keep the original features involved in the training process of the model, we introduce a Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN) to fuse the feature information from various scales. Lastly, Soft-NMS (soft non-maximum suppression) is employed as a prediction frame filtering method, alleviating the missed detection due to the close alignment of vehicles. The experimental findings on the self-made dataset in this research indicate that compared with YOLOv5s, the mAP@0.5 and mAP@0.5:0.95 of YOLOv5-VTO increase by 3.7% and 4.7%, respectively, and the two indexes of accuracy and recall are also improved.
Application of a Novel Bifunctionalized Magnetic Biochar to Remove Cr(VI) from Wastewater: Performance and Mechanism
Authors: Cui Xiangfen , Wang Juan , Zhao Qun , Li Chen , Huang Jianhong , Hu Xuewei , Li Jie , Li Mantao
Published: June 2023

Biochar adsorption has emerged as a favorable and environmentally friendly approach for removing metals such as chromium (Cr) from wastewater. However, the use of pristine biochar (PBC) is limited due to its finite adsorptive capacity, selectivity, and potential for secondary pollution. In this study, a novel bifunctionalized magnetic biochar (BMBC) was fabricated by incorporating cystamine as a ligand and glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker into alkali-treated magnetic biochar (MBC). This chemical modification introduced numerous amino groups and disulfide bonds onto the surfaces of BMBC. The biochar adsorbents’ surface morphologies, crystal structures, and texture properties were characterized using SEM, XRD, and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. The specific surface area was determined using the BET method. Furthermore, the surface functional groups and elemental compositions before and after adsorption were analyzed using FTIR and XPS, respectively. The results demonstrated higher Cr(VI) removal efficacy of BMBC (100%) than MBC (72.37%) and PBC (61.42%). Optimal conditions for Cr(VI) removal were observed at a solution pH of 2, a temperature of 50 °C, a reaction time of around 1440 min, and an initial adsorbate concentration of 300 mg/L. The sorption process followed a chemical mechanism and was controlled by monolayer adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 66.10 mg/g at 50 °C and a pH of 2, as indicated by the larger fitting values of the pseudo–second-order and Langmuir models. The positive ∆Ho and ∆So values and negative ∆G0 values suggested a spontaneous and endothermic Cr(VI) adsorption process with high randomness at the solid/liquid interface. The removal of Cr(VI) was attributed to the reduction of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) facilitated by the introduced amino acids, sulfur, and Fe(II), electrostatic interaction between Cr(VI) in the solution and positive charges on the adsorbent surface, and complexation with functional groups. The presence of co-existing cations such as Cu(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), and K(I) had little effect on Cr(VI) removal efficiency. At the same time, the co-existence of anions of Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, and HPO42− resulted in a 7.58% decrease in the Cr(VI) removal rate. After five consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles, BMBC maintained a high Cr(VI) removal rate of 61.12%. Overall, this novel BMBC derived from rice straw shows great promise as a biosorbent for treating Cr(VI) in wastewater.
A New Hybrid Monitoring Model for Displacement of the Concrete Dam
Authors: Gu Chongshi , Cui Xinran , Gu Hao , Yang Meng
Published: June 2023

For the structural health diagnostic of concrete dams, the mathematical monitoring model based on the measured deformation values is of great significance. The main purpose of this paper is to reconstruct the ageing component and the temperature component in the traditional Hydraulic-Seasonal-Time (HST) hybrid model by combining the measured values. On the one hand, a better mathematical model for the ageing displacement of concrete dams is proposed combined with the Burgers model to separate the instantaneous elastic hydraulic deformation and the hysteretic hydraulic deformation, and then it subsumes the latter into the ageing deformation to describe its reversible component. According to the Burgers model, the inverted elastic modulus of the Jinping-Ⅰ concrete dam is 46.5 GPa, which is closer to the true value compared with the HST model. On the other hand, the kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) method is used to extract the principal components of the dam thermometers for replacing the period harmonic thermal factor. A multiple linear regression (MLR) model is established to fit the measured displacement of the concrete arch dam and to verify the accuracy of the proposed hybrid model. The results show that the proposed model reaches higher accuracy than the traditional HST hybrid model and is helpful to improve the interpretation of the separated displacement components of the concrete dams.
Digital Model of Deflection of a Cable-Stayed Bridge Driven by Deep Learning and Big Data Optimized via PCA-LGBM
Authors: Xia Zili , Guo Junxiao , Yue Zixiang , Ding Youliang , Wang Zhiwen , Sun Shouwang
Published: June 2023

Based on big data, we can build a regression model between a temperature field and a temperature-induced deflection to provide a control group representing the service performance of bridges, which has a positive effect on the full life cycle maintenance of bridges. However, the spatial temperature information of a cable-stayed bridge is difficult to describe. To establish a regression model with high precision, the improved PCA-LGBM (principal component analysis and light gradient boosting machine) algorithm is proposed to extract the main temperature features that can reflect the spatial temperature information as accurately and efficiently as possible. Then, in this article, we searched for a suitable digital tool for modeling the regressive relationship between the temperature variables and the temperature-induced deflection of a cable-stayed bridge. The multiple linear regression model has relatively low precision. The precision of the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) model has been improved, but it is still unsatisfactory. The nested long short-term memory (NLSTM) model improves the nonlinear expression ability of the regression model and is more precise than BPNN models and the classical LSTM. The architecture of the NLSTM network is optimized for high precision and to avoid the waste of computational costs. Based on the four main temperature features extracted via the PCA-LGBM, the NLSTM network with double hidden layers and 256 hidden units in each hidden layer has much higher precision than the other regression models. For the NLSTM regression model of the temperature-induced deflection of a cable-stayed bridge, the mean absolute error is only 4.76 mm, and the mean square error is only 18.57 mm2. The control value of the NLSTM regression model is precise and thus provides the potential for early detection of bridge anomalies. This article can provide reference processes and a data extraction algorithm for deflection modeling of other cable-stayed bridges.
Progress in the Preparation of Calcium Carbonate by Indirect Mineralization of Industrial By-Product Gypsum
Authors: Wu Baizhi , Wang Haibin , Li Chunlei , Gong Yuan , Wang Yi
Published: June 2023

To avoid the long-term pollution of land and water by industrial gypsum by-products, the exploitation of this resource has become a priority. The indirect synthesis of calcium carbonate from the industrial by-product gypsum has received substantial attention as a viable method for resource utilization. Currently, the primary problems in the indirect manufacture of calcium carbonate from the industrial by-product gypsum are additive recycling and process simplification. This paper describes the present state of development and compares various indirect mineralization systems. The factors affecting leaching and mineralization in the indirect mineralization of CO2 from by-product gypsum and the management of CaCO3 crystallinity are discussed, and the current additive regeneration cycle is summarized. The applications of other technologies in the indirect mineralization of by-product gypsum are also summarized, as are the obstacles, and required future work. This review provides guidelines for the laboratory indirect mineralization of by-product gypsum as well as practical applications.
Research on Urban Road Traffic Network Pinning Control Based on Feedback Control
Authors: Gong Guimin , Lv Wenhong , Wang Qi
Published: June 2023

The development and application of pinning control methods create conditions for traffic area control, and the objective of possessing global control of the road network is achieved by controlling a small number of intersections in the road network. Based on this, an urban road network pinning control strategy is designed in this paper. Firstly, this paper establishes the state equation of the urban road traffic network according to the characteristics of traffic flow, and proposes an associated state equation for road sections and key intersections. Secondly, by adjusting the signal timing scheme of key intersections as the target of pinning control, it can restrain the road network to achieve the state with the minimum difference between the actual flow and the desired flow on each road section. At the same time, considering the dynamic nature of traffic flow and the fact that the flow rate on the road section changes continuously, a feedback control mechanism is established in order to determine the threshold value at which each road section enters the congestion state. In addition, when the flow rate of a road section exceeds its threshold value to reach the congestion state, the signal timing scheme of the key intersection needs to be adjusted again to ensure that the flow rate on the road section is always lower than the threshold value at which it enters the congestion state. The results show that the average delay time and average stopping time of the road network are reduced by 35.03s and 18.37s, respectively, compared with the original control scheme, proving that the control strategy can effectively reduce congestion and improve the operational efficiency of the road network.
A Methodological Review on Development of Crack Healing Technologies of Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hoff Inge , Zhang Xuemei , Liu Jianan , Yang Chao , Wang Fusong
Published: June 2023

Crack healing has been a key area of asphalt pavement research. In this review, different crack-healing theories and crack-healing evaluation methods in bitumen and asphalt mixtures are summarized and presented. Then different crack healing technologies have highlighted the problems and solutions associated with their implementation. Detailly, traditional technologies (hot pouring and fog seal) are introduced. They mainly fill cracks from the outside, which can effectively prevent further damage to the asphalt pavement, when the cracks have generally developed to the middle and late stages of practical engineering. Their extension of the life of the asphalt pavement is relatively limited. Energy supply technologies (induction and microwave heating) have demonstrated significant efficacy in enhancing the crack healing capability of asphalt pavement, particularly in microcracks. Now, Extensive laboratory testing and some field test sections have been conducted and they are waiting for the promotion from the industry. The agents encapsulated technologies (Saturated porous aggregates encapsulate rejuvenators, Core-shell polymeric microcapsules, Ca-alginate capsule, Hollow fibers and Compartment fibers) not only heal cracks but rejuvenate the aged asphalt pavement. In order to promote industrial application, more field test sections and large industrial mixing and compaction equipment applications need to be implemented. Finally, some other potential crack healing techniques (coupling application, electrical conductivity, 3D printing, and modifications) are also mentioned.
Assessing the Effects of Natural Resource Extraction on Carbon Emissions and Energy Consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa: A STIRPAT Model Approach
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Ekwueme Daberechi Chikezie , Ciftci Hakki
Published: June 2023

This study examines the impact of natural resource extraction, population, affluence, and trade openness on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and energy consumption in 17 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from 1971 to 2019, using the stochastic impacts on population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) model. The Westerlund and Kao cointegration tests were employed to determine long-run relationships among the variables. Pooled mean group autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL), panel fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and dimension group-mean panel dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) techniques were used to assess long-run multipliers. The findings of the study reveal that natural resource extraction, population, and income have a significant positive impact on energy consumption and CO2 emissions over an extended period in SSA countries. Findings suggest that an increase of 1% in income (affluence), natural resource extraction, and population, in the long run, will result in a rise of carbon emissions by 0.06% to 0.90% and an increase of 0.05% to 0.36% in energy consumption in the sampled SSA countries. Conversely, trade openness demonstrates a negative effect on energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This finding suggests that an increment of trade openness by 1% will lead to a reduction of 0.10% to 0.27% in the emission of carbon and a decrease of 0.05% to 0.09% in energy consumption over a long period. The study recommends that policymakers enforce stringent ecofriendly regulations, promote the adoption of green technologies and energy-saving sources, and reduce tariffs on ecofriendly commodities to enhance sustainable development in the region.
Travel to Mars-like Places on Earth: A New Branch of Sustainable Ecotourism in Lut Desert World Heritage Site, Iran
Authors: Ghorbani Amir , Zangiabadi Ali , Mousazadeh Hossein , Akbarzadeh Almani Farahnaz , Zhu Kai , Dávid Lóránt Dénes
Published: June 2023

Traveling to space and walking on other planets has always been a great dream for many tourists. Given that space tourism is not available to everyone, adventurers have always been looking for special and strange places that evoke the feeling of traveling to other planets, especially Mars. One of these places which is very similar to Mars is the Lut Desert World Heritage Site. The present study aims to introduce the Martian sites of the Lut Desert and offers a special type of trip to this beautiful desert that can further preserve it with a sustainable development approach. The statistical sample of the research is based on the qualitative analysis method, consisting of 18 participants, which consists of experts, desert tour guides, and tourists who have visited the studied sites. After the data collection process, the interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Maxqda 2020 software. The results of the research indicate that the four sites identified in the research, according to the participants, are similar to the images and videos published of Mars. Moreover, this new branch of desert ecotourism can develop sustainable ecotourism in the Lut Desert.
A Review of Theory and Application Development of Intelligent Operation Methods for Large Public Buildings
Authors: Jiao Zedong , Du Xiuli , Liu Zhansheng , Liu Liang , Sun Zhe , Shi Guoliang , Liu Ruirui
Published: June 2023

This article aims to systematically summarize the methods for intelligent operation of large public buildings, the integration and application of related technologies, as well as their development trends and challenges. (1) Background: In response to the rapid development and future needs of intelligent operation and maintenance, this study summarizes the development process of intelligent operation and maintenance in building operations, as well as relevant technical achievements and challenges; (2) Method: Quantitative and qualitative bibliometric statistical methods were used for overall analysis; (3) Result: Based on system theory, a B-IRO model was developed, and the current status of intelligent operation- and maintenance-related technologies and applications was sorted out. A framework for the entire industry was established, and future development trends were proposed as further research directions.
Study on Creep Characteristics and Long-Term Strength of Mud-Calcareous Conglomerates in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area
Authors: Wang Ruihong , Luo Hao , Yang Chao , Wang Fang
Published: June 2023

The study of the time-dependent properties of engineering rock masses is a frontier topic in rock mechanics. In this study, creep tests and stress relaxation tests were conducted on mud-calcareous conglomerates from the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, and the long-term strength values of the conglomerate specimens were determined via different methods based on the test curves. By comparing these mainstream long-term strength determination methods, it was found that each of these methods have their own drawbacks. For example, the transition creep method requires a high accuracy of the test curve and only obtains an approximate strength interval rather than an accurate value. The long-term strength values determined by the isochronous stress–strain curve method are strongly influenced by subjective factors, among other things. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method for determining long-term strength, called the steady-state creep rate method, based on stress intervals. By comparison, the long-term strength values determined via this method are in good agreement with the transition creep method, the volume expansion method, and the stress relaxation method.
Prediction of Groundwater Quality Index Using Classification Techniques in Arid Environments
Authors: Derdour Abdessamed , Abdo Hazem Ghassan , Almohamad Hussein , Alodah Abdullah , Al Dughairi Ahmed Abdullah , Ghoneim Sherif S. M. , Ali Enas
Published: June 2023

Assessing water quality is crucial for improving global water resource management, particularly in arid regions. This study aims to assess and monitor the status of groundwater quality based on hydrochemical parameters and by using artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. The irrigation water quality index (IWQI) is predicted by using support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifiers in Matlab’s classification learner toolbox. The classifiers are fed with the following hydrochemical input parameters: sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), electrical conductivity (EC), bicarbonate level (HCO3), chloride concentration (Cl), and sodium concentration (Na). The proposed methods were used to assess the quality of groundwater extracted from the desertic region of Adrar in Algeria. The collected groundwater samples showed that 9.64% of samples were of very good quality, 12.05% were of good quality, 21.08% were satisfactory, and 57.23% were considered unsuitable for irrigation. The IWQI prediction accuracies of the classifiers with the standardized, normalized, and raw data were 100%, 100%, and 90%, respectively. The cubic SVM with the normalized data develops the highest prediction accuracy for training and testing samples (94.2% and 100%, respectively). The findings of this work showed that the multiple regression model and machine learning could effectively assess water quality in desert zones for sustainable water management.
Promoting Construction Labor Professionalization: An Evolutionary Game Perspective
Authors: Chen Wei , Yang Zhuzhang , Yan Hang , Zhao Ying
Published: June 2023

A shortage of skilled laborers has constrained the new development path called Construction 4.0, which is proposed to improve the construction industry with advanced technologies. It should be noted that the mismatch between labor skills and technological progress will harm the sustainable development of the construction sector. In China, a three-tier management structure consisting of contractors, labor subcontractors, and laborers is widespread in the labor market. Considering the relationship between laborers and construction firms, promoting construction labor professionalization depends on the cooperation of general contractors and labor subcontractors. Previous studies have focused on training techniques and methods, but have neglected to investigate whether stakeholders are willing to cooperate in training labor. Considering that the standard workforce is more likely to receive human resource investment, this paper aims to analyze the strategic choice of related stakeholders in cultivating the standard workforce. Since evolutionary game theory has proven to be an effective method to study the symbiotic evolution between stakeholders, this paper will apply it to develop an evolutionary game model and conduct analysis. Moreover, this research examines how government incentive policy affects the dynamic evolution process of cultivating a standard workforce. The results suggest that without government incentives, general contractors and labor subcontractors tend to choose a contingent workforce. When the government subsidy reaches a certain level, general contractors and labor subcontractors are willing to cooperate in cultivating a standard workforce. Additionally, it is worth noting that compensation for labor subcontractors is relatively more effective than that for general contractors in promoting construction labor professionalization. Furthermore, some suggestions and countermeasures are proposed to help to cultivate a standard workforce in China.
Evolution of Tourism Risk Communication: A Bibliometric Analysis and Meta-Analysis of the Antecedents of Communicating Risk to Tourists
Authors: Liu Weina , Xu Chaonan , Peng Yajie , Xu Xinlong
Published: June 2023

As tourism risk communication has transitioned from an emerging theme to a growing field of research, it is essential to review existing studies to identify developments in it. Nevertheless, there is a lack of extensive research employing both bibliometric and meta-analysis of tourism risk communication, specifically on communicating risk to tourists. To fill this gap, first, we applied bibliometric analysis techniques to identify emerging research clusters by collecting 236 articles from 1985.1.1 to 2023.6.1. Second, to implement the meta-analysis, we selected the empirical results from the collected articles. Then, five studies were used as a series of different structures required for implementing meta-analysis. Through our research, the main results show that (1) emerging research clusters mainly focus on: (i) “risk communication”, “crisis communication”, and “tourism crisis”, (ii) “risk perception”, (iii) “health service”, “health education”, “health behavior”, “environmental health”, and “public health”. (2) Papers aiming at data analysis or modeling are of great value to advance research in the field of tourism risk communication. (3) Tourism risk communication assessments reported by different public agencies are sensitive to factors such as gender, nationality, the experiences of tourists, local tourism boards, local governments, organizational resource allocation, and report evaluation. Based on this, we contribute to knowledge on tourism risk management by discussing the challenges of the present studies and, more significantly, by identifying seven antecedents and future research directions of risk communication strategy. Finally, this paper draws implications for theory development, acknowledges the limitations of this research, and indicates further research directions.
Topological Symmetry Groups of the Petersen Graphs
Authors: Elzie Deion , Fridhi Samir , Mellor Blake , Silva Daniel , Wilson Robin T.
Published: June 2023

The topological symmetry group of an embedding Γ of an abstract graph γ in S3 is the group of automorphisms of γ that can be realized by homeomorphisms of the pair (S3,Γ). These groups are motivated by questions about the symmetries of molecules in space. The Petersen family of graphs is an important family of graphs for many problems in low-dimensional topology, so it is desirable to understand the possible groups of symmetries of their embeddings in space. In this paper, we find all the groups that can be realized as topological symmetry groups for each of the graphs in the Petersen family. Along the way, we also complete the classification of the realizable topological symmetry groups for K3,3.
Balancing Acute and Chronic Occupational Risks: The Use of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Undergloves by Firefighters to Reduce Exposure to Toxic Contaminants
Authors: Everaert Stijn , Schoeters Greet , Claes Karel , Raquez Jean-Marie , Buffel Bart , Vanhaecke Tamara , Moens Jonas , Laitinen Juha , Van Larebeke Nicolas , Godderis Lode
Published: June 2023

Firefighters are exposed via multi-route exposure to a multitude of chemicals (PAHs, VOCs, flame retardants, dioxins, etc.) that may cause acute and long-term health effects. The dermal absorption of contaminants is a major contributor to the overall exposure and can be reduced by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. As leather firefighters’ gloves cannot be decontaminated regularly by wet cleaning, many Belgian firefighters wear supplementary undergloves made of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) to protect against the accumulation of toxicants. However, the safety of this practice has been questioned. In this commentary, the current practice and risks are outlined for the first time, assessed by an interdisciplinary working group of the Belgian Superior Health Council. As NBR sticks to the skin more at high temperatures, the contact time on removal will be prolonged, posing an additional risk for deeper burns. However, based on the physicochemical properties of NBR and the existing experience of firefighters and burn centers, it is estimated that such incidents occur relatively rarely in practice. On the other hand, the risk of repeated exposure to contaminated gloves if no undergloves are worn is unacceptable. Despite the slightly increased risk for deeper burns, it is concluded that wearing disposable NBR gloves under regular firefighters’ gloves is an appropriate and effective preventive measure against toxic contamination. The nitrile butadiene rubber must always be fully covered to avoid any contact with the heat.
Environmental Monitoring and Analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants
Authors: Drevenkar Vlasta , Mendaš Gordana
Published: June 2023

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a group of 28 toxic compounds of different chemical classes listed in the Stockholm Convention on POPs, which aims to protect the environment and human health [...]
Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behavior in the PrEP Outpatient Clinic at the University Hospital of Brasília
Authors: da Costa Alan Rodrigues , Barros Jônatas Ferreira , Lima Valéria Paes , Magalhães Camila , Silva Hellen Kássia Rezende , Deusdará Rodolfo , de Souza Lapa Juliana
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: To evaluate the epidemiological profile of people who use drugs at the PrEP outpatient clinic of the University Hospital of Brasília; (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study with a review of data from medical records referring to the first medical consultation. The prevalence ratio was calculated using a Poisson regression model with robust variance; (3) Results: A total of 53% of subjects reported drug use in the last 3 months. The unadjusted prevalence ratio of drug use in trans women was PR: 9.0 (95%CI: 1.4–57.5). people who use drugs have a 1.9 times higher prevalence of STI diagnosis, and a 2.4 times higher prevalence of partners compared to non-users; (4) Conclusions: Substance use was associated with a higher STI prevalence ratio and number of sexual partners.
Antiviral Activity of Catechin against Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Yi Bowen , Chew Benjamin Xuan Zheng , Chen Huixin , Lee Regina Ching Hua , Fong Yuhui Deborah , Chin Wei Xin , Mok Chee Keng , Chu Justin Jang Hann
Published: June 2023

Dengue virus (DENV) is the cause of dengue fever, infecting 390 million people worldwide per year. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes and could potentially develop severe symptoms. In spite of the rising social and economic impact inflicted by the disease on the global population, a conspicuous lack of efficacious therapeutics against DENV still persists. In this study, catechin, a natural polyphenol compound, was evaluated as a DENV infection inhibitor in vitro. Through time-course studies, catechin was shown to inhibit a post-entry stage of the DENV replication cycle. Further investigation revealed its role in affecting viral protein translation. Catechin inhibited the replication of all four DENV serotypes and chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Together, these results demonstrate the ability of catechin to inhibit DENV replication, hinting at its potential to be used as a starting scaffold for further development of antivirals against DENV infection.
Application of Flow Cytometry in the Diagnosis of Bovine Epidemic Disease
Authors: Liu Zhilin , Zhang Yuliang , Zhao Donghui , Chen Yunjiao , Meng Qinglei , Zhang Xin , Jia Zelin , Cui Jiayu , Wang Xueli
Published: June 2023

As science and technology continue to advance, the use of flow cytometry is becoming more widespread. It can provide important information about cells in the body by detecting and analysing them, thereby providing a reliable basis for disease diagnosis. In the diagnosis of bovine epidemic diseases, flow cytometry can be used to detect bovine viral diarrhoea, bovine leukaemia, bovine brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, and other diseases. This paper describes the structure of a flow cytometer (liquid flow system, optical detection system, data storage and analysis system) and its working principles for rapid quantitative analysis and sorting of single cells or biological particles. Additionally, the research progress of flow cytometry in the diagnosis of bovine epidemic diseases was reviewed in order to provide a reference for future research and application of flow cytometry in the diagnosis of bovine epidemic diseases.
The Molecular Epidemiology of Clade 2.3.4.4B H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Southern Africa, 2021–2022
Authors: Abolnik Celia , Phiri Thandeka , Peyrot Belinda , de Beer Renee , Snyman Albert , Roberts David , Ludynia Katrin , Jordaan Frances , Maartens Michele , Ismail Zehaad , Strydom Christine , van der Zel Gerbrand , Anthony Jade , Daniell Nadine , De Boni Liesl , Grewar John , Olivier Adriaan , Roberts Laura
Published: June 2023

In southern Africa, clade 2.3.4.4B H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) was first detected in South African (SA) poultry in April 2021, followed by outbreaks in poultry or wild birds in Lesotho and Botswana. In this study, the complete or partial genomes of 117 viruses from the SA outbreaks in 2021–2022 were analyzed to decipher the sub-regional spread of the disease. Our analysis showed that seven H5N1 sub-genotypes were associated with the initial outbreaks, but by late 2022 only two sub-genotypes still circulated. Furthermore, SA poultry was not the source of Lesotho’s outbreaks, and the latter was most likely an introduction from wild birds. Similarly, SA and Botswana’s outbreaks in 2021 were unrelated, but viruses of Botswana’s unique sub-genotype were introduced into SA later in 2022 causing an outbreak in ostriches. At least 83% of SA’s commercial poultry cases in 2021–2022 were point introductions from wild birds. Like H5N8 HPAI in 2017–2018, a coastal seabird-restricted sub-lineage of H5N1 viruses emerged in the Western Cape province in 2021 and spread to Namibia, causing mortalities in Cape Cormorants. In SA ~24,000 of this endangered species died, and the loss of >300 endangered African penguins further threatens biodiversity.