bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual-Aided Obstacle Climbing by Modular Snake Robot
Authors: Koike Carla Cavalcante , Viana Dianne Magalhães , Yudi Jones , Batista Filipe Aziz , Costa Arthur , Carvalho Vinícius , Rocha Thiago
Published: July 2024

Snake robots, also known as apodal robots, are among the most common and versatile modular robots. Primarily due to their ability to move in different patterns, they can evolve in scenarios with several constraints, some of them hardly accessible to other robot configurations. This paper deals with a specific environment constraint where the robot needs to climb a prismatic obstacle, similar to a step. The objective is to carry out simulations of this function, before implementing it in the physical model. To this end, we propose two different algorithms, parameterized by the obstacle dimensions determined by image processing, and both are evaluated in simulated experiments. The results show that both algorithms are viable for testing in real robots, although more complex scenarios still need to be further studied.
Research on Cognition and Adaptation to Climate Risks among Inland Northwest Chinese Residents
Authors: Yang Rui , Liang Wei , Qin Peiyu , Anikejiang Buerlan , Ma Jingwen , Baratjan Sabahat
Published: July 2024

Global climate change poses a significant threat to the sustainable development of human society, highlighting the critical importance of developing effective adaptation strategies in response to climate-related disasters. Public awareness and adaptive behaviors towards climate risks serve as crucial indicators of community concerns regarding climate change, laying the foundation for effective adaptation strategy design. For this study, we selected inland northwest Chinese residents, represented by Xi’an City, as the research subjects, to investigate their climate risk cognition and adaptation levels. Based on randomly sampled survey data, descriptive statistical analysis and multiple logistic regression models were used to study the public’s climate change awareness, climate risk sensitivity, and climate risk adaptability, as well as evaluation of climate risk adaptation measures in the public sector, and we also analyzed the impact mechanisms of factors such as gender, age, income, and education level on the related indicators. The study found that with the increasing urban heat island effect, residents of Xi’an are more likely to reach a higher level of belief in climate change regarding long-lasting weather events. However, there is still no collective consensus on the reasons for climate change. Residents are overly optimistic about the future impact of climate disasters, and there is high uncertainty in their ability to adapt to climate change risks. Additionally, specific demands were obtained from different groups of urban residents regarding measures in the public sector for climate risk adaptation.
Landscape Ecological Security of the Lijiang River Basin in China: Spatiotemporal Evolution and Pattern Optimization
Authors: Hu Jinlong , Qing Guo , Wang Yingxue , Qiu Sicheng , Luo Nan
Published: July 2024

The ecological security of karst basins is receiving increased attention as a result of intense human activity and climate change. However, how ecological security evolves in spacetime and the optimization of ecological security patterns still remain unclear. This study developed a methodological framework for evaluating ecological security and optimizing ecological security patterns of the Lijiang River Basin (LRB). The 3S technology was used to analyze the current status and evolution characteristics of landscape ecological security in the LRB from 1990 to 2020. This study identified and optimized ecological security patterns by adhering to the basic paradigm of “source identification–resistance surface construction–corridor extraction–node determination”. The results showed that the overall ecological security of the LRB was at a medium to high level, with an index showing an initial increase followed by a decrease. The LRB exhibited 24 ecological pinch points, 74 ecological corridors, 30 ecological sources, and 6 ecological barrier points. The predominant landscape types found within these pinch points and barrier points encompass forests, cultivated land, and urban areas. A scheme of “three cores, two belts, and six zones” was proposed to optimize the ecological security pattern of the LRB. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical references for the integrated management of the rivers, grasslands, farmlands, mountains, lakes, forests, and sands in the LRB, as well as for the ecological restoration of other regions.
Effect of Eminex® on Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions from Dairy Slurry and Lagoon Wastewater
Authors: Rocha Alice S. , Morales Briana , El Mashad Hamed M. , Pan Yuee , Zhao Yongjing , Mitloehner Frank M.
Published: July 2024

Manure management emits large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG) in California. Eminex®, a manure additive, previously demonstrated significant GHG reductions in slurry. However, it has not been tested in lagoon wastewater. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Eminex® on GHG, ammonia (NH3), and ethanol (EtOH) emissions from fresh dairy slurry and dairy lagoon wastewater. Both manures received the following treatments: high (1.0 kg Eminex®/m3 manure), low (0.5 kg Eminex®/m3 manure). Experiments were conducted in four replicates with an untreated manure control. The physical characteristics of the manure were determined during the monitoring periods of emissions: 7 days for slurry and 28 days for lagoon wastewater. All slurry emissions, except for N2O, declined over time (p < 0.05). Lagoon wastewater total N increased with treatment (p < 0.05) possibly due to the urea provided by Eminex®. Most lagoon wastewater emissions also decreased over time (p < 0.05). However, Eminex®, compared to control, increased lagoon wastewater NH3 volatilization (p < 0.05). With improvements to manure composition through increasing N content, as well as reductions in emissions, Eminex® is a promising tool to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of manure management.
A Performance and Data-Driven Method for Optimization of Traditional Courtyards
Authors: Xu Zhixin , Huang Xia , Zheng Xin , Deng Ji-Yu , Sun Bo
Published: July 2024

As urbanization and rapid industrialization accelerate, rural areas face increasing pressure on resources and the environment, leading to challenges such as energy waste and reduced comfort. Traditional village planning and design methods are based on economic benefits and often lack consideration of climate adaptability. To address these issues, a comprehensive assessment of building and courtyard performance should be introduced early in the planning of traditional villages. This approach can better adapt the buildings to their climatic conditions. Introducing relevant performance indicators, such as outdoor comfort, indoor lighting, and building energy consumption, at the initial design stage is crucial. This article employs performance-based multi-objective optimization algorithms and machine learning techniques to investigate the design workflow of courtyards and their combinations. The goal is to enhance planners’ design efficiency in village planning by integrating data-driven and performance-driven methods. The research results show that during the performance-driven phase, by adjusting the spatial morphology and architectural parameters, the performance of the courtyard significantly improved compared to the baseline model. Energy efficiency increased by 32.3%, the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) comfort time ratio in winter was enhanced by 8.3%, and the ratio in summer increased by 3.8%. During the data-driven phase, the classification prediction accuracy of courtyard performance can reach 83%, and the F1 score is 0.81. In the project validation phase, it has also been proven that the performance of different plans can be quickly verified. Compared to the base’s original status, the design solutions’ performance score can be improved from 59.12 to 85.62. In summary, this workflow improves the efficiency of the interaction between design decisions and performance evaluation in the conceptual stage of village planning, providing a solid foundation for promoting subsequent solutions.
Research on Coal Flow Visual Detection and the Energy-Saving Control Method Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Xu Zhenfang , Sun Zhi , Li Jiayao
Published: July 2024

In this paper, machine vision technology is used to recognize the coal flow on a conveyor belt and control the running speed of a motor according to the coal flow on the conveyor belt to achieve an energy-saving effect and provide technical support for the sustainable development of energy. In order to improve the accuracy of coal flow recognition, this paper proposes the color gain-enhanced multi-scale retina algorithm (AMSRCR) for image preprocessing. Based on the YOLOv8s-cls improved deep learning algorithm YOLO-CFS, the C2f-FasterNet module is designed to realize a lightweight network structure, and the three-dimensional weighted attention module, SimAm, is added to further improve the accuracy of the network without introducing additional parameters. The experimental results show that the recognition accuracy of the improved algorithm YOLO-CFS reaches 93.1%, which is 4.8% higher, and the detection frame rate reaches 32.68 frame/s, which is 5.9% higher. The number of parameters is reduced by 28.4%, and the number of floating-point operations is reduced by 33.3%. These data show that the YOLO-CFS algorithm has significantly improved the accuracy, lightness, and reasoning speed in the coal mine environment. Furthermore, it can satisfy the requirements of coal flow recognition, realize the energy-saving control of coal mine conveyor belts, and achieve the purpose of sustainable development of the coal mining industry.
The Effect of Carbon Quota Policy on Environmental Sustainability of Power Supply Chain
Authors: Su Guanxuan , Gao Benhe
Published: July 2024

As is well known, limiting carbon emissions is an important link in mitigating global climate change. Carbon quotas are a widely used policy tool by governments around the world without increasing the financial burden on the government. To study the impact of carbon quota policies on the clean transformation of the key carbon emitting industry—the power industry, we established a duopoly model and conducted an analysis and numerical simulation. The research has found that the effectiveness of carbon quota policies is closely related to the level of competition within the power supply chain and is also influenced by the market share of clean energy power generation enterprises. Moreover, in some cases, it may have the opposite effect.
Synthesis of Responsive Membranes for Water Recovery through Desalination of Saline Industrial Effluents
Authors: Vazquez Elizabeth , Muro Claudia , Pérez-Sicairos Sergio , Alvarado Yolanda , Díaz-Blancas Vianney , Hernández Karina
Published: July 2024

Polysulfone (PSF) and smart polymers (SRPs)—including polyacrylic acid (AAc), poly N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), and sulfonated poly(1,4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) (SPEES)—were used in the synthesis of responsive membranes (PSF-SRP) for application in sustainable desalination processes involving food industry effluents for water recovery and recycling. With the inclusion of SRPs, PSF-SRP membranes showed different characteristics when compared to the PSF membrane. AAc caused fibers to occur in the surface structure, increasing the MWCO of the PSF membrane, whereas NIPA and SPEES diminished the MWCO, resulting in ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes. Furthermore, NIPA and SPEES provided high mechanical and thermal resistance when incorporated into the PSF membrane. The performance of the membranes also showed important changes. In comparison with only PSF, PSF-SPEES and PSF-NIPA increased the water flux and salt rejection percentage by 20–30%. In addition, the highest membrane fouling resistance was observed with PSF-NIPA, while PSF-AAc and PSF-NIPA-AAc presented the lowest resistances. Therefore, PSF-NIPA and PSF-SPEES resulted in membrane improvement, including stimuli-responsive properties, allowing for effective saline effluent treatment.
The Impact of Regional Carbon Emission Reduction on Corporate ESG Performance in China
Authors: Chen Xiaoqiu , Wang Jinxiang
Published: July 2024

The integrated planning of central and local emission reduction tasks is crucial for achieving sustainable economic development, and corporate ESG performance aligns with the principles of sustainable development, having become a prominent topic in academic research. This paper empirically investigates the impact of regional carbon emission reductions on the ESG performance of local enterprises from 2009 to 2021 using provincial carbon emission data from China. The findings indicate that regional carbon emission reductions significantly enhance the ESG performance of local firms. The underlying mechanism is that regional carbon emission reductions facilitate local enterprises obtaining green credit, attracting media coverage and green investors and thus improving ESG performance. Second, heterogeneity tests reveal that regional carbon emission reductions enhance the ESG performance of local firms more significantly in regions with stricter environmental regulations, within heavily polluted industries, and among less digitized enterprises. Finally, further analysis demonstrates that regional residents’ carbon emission reductions can enhance the ESG performance of local enterprises, with regional carbon emission reductions exerting a dual effect after improving ESG performance. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the low-carbon development of various economic entities and the collaborative promotion of economic green transformation.
Opportunity or Curse: Can Green Technology Innovation Stabilize Employment?
Authors: Jiang Lingling , Shen Simin
Published: July 2024

This study examines the influence of green technology innovation on employment in enterprises and explores the potential mechanisms behind this impact, which is critical to understanding the social impact of the green transition in the climate change scenario. This paper, based on detailed data from listed corporations in China between 2010 and 2020, discovers that the introduction of green technology innovation by corporations has a substantial positive impact on employment levels. The effects of green technology innovation on employment are both persistent and heterogeneous; they persist even two years later, with more significant effects observed in non-heavy-polluting industries, state-owned enterprises, and highly educated employees. This article also carries several policy implications. The findings presented in this paper provide useful insights into the potential employment consequences of the green transition as well as the reactions and adjustment behaviors that corporations exhibit in the low-carbon transition. Additionally, this development holds significant implications for other developing nations grappling with the challenges of switching to environmentally sustainable practices.
Determinants of Blockchain Technology Adoption in the Australian Agricultural Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Gandhi Maniam Peter Sasitharan , Acharya Nirmal , Sassenberg Anne-Marie , Soar Jeffrey
Published: July 2024

Blockchain technology (BCT) is emerging as a key enabler of sustainability in various sectors, including agriculture. This study explores the impact of BCT adoption on sustainability within the Australian agriculture sector. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) of studies published between 2015 and 2021, ten key themes influencing BCT adoption were identified: transparency, traceability, contract exchange, transaction efficiency, trade finance management, quality control, real-time information dissemination, security, trust, and legislative frameworks. The findings suggest that BCT adoption in agriculture can lead to improved sustainability outcomes. By enhancing transparency and traceability, BCT enables stakeholders to track the provenance of products, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The automation and efficiency gains afforded by BCT streamline supply chain processes, reducing waste and resource consumption. BCT enhances trust among stakeholders, fostering collaboration and information sharing to address sustainability challenges. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting how BCT can drive sustainability in agriculture through improved transparency, efficiency, and collaboration.
Analysis of Export Competitiveness of Agri-Food Products at the EU-27 Level through the Perspective of Technical Complexity
Authors: Lădaru Georgiana Raluca , Lombardi Mariarosaria , Petre Ionut Laurentiu , Dobrotă Carmen Elena , Platania Marco , Mocanu Steliana
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to identify the export competitiveness of agri-food products at the level of the European Union Member States, considering indicators/elements belonging to technical innovation (technical complexity) as well as qualitative elements. The main research problem is to examine the differences in the technical complexity of agri-food exports (EXPY) between EU Member States. Through detailed analysis of product categories and Member States’ performance, we have identified significant differences in the technical complexity of exports. Products such as dairy, meat, cereal and vegetable preparations were associated with high technical complexity, while fruit, tobacco and oils were classified in the low technical complexity category. We also identified Member States with exports characterised by high technical complexity, including Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg, and those with low technical complexity, such as Slovakia, Latvia and Croatia. These findings suggest the influence of various factors, such as economic specialisation, natural resources and R&D investment on shaping the agri-food export landscape in the European Union. In-depth analysis of these issues provides significant insights for understanding the economic and technical dynamics in the European agri-food sector.
Stochastic Optimal Operation of SOP-Assisted Active Distribution Networks with High Penetration of Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Li Hongtao , Li Zijin , Wang Bo , Sun Kai
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces a mixed-integer convex model for optimizing the scheduling of soft open points (SOPs) integrated with energy storage (ES) in active distribution networks (ADNs) with high proportions of photovoltaic sources, designed to ensure zero risk of constraint violations. A stochastic optimization model for ADNs is proposed to maximize the benefits of SOPs while simultaneously minimizing system power losses, SOP power losses, voltage deviations, PV power curtailment, battery energy storage system (BESS) operation cost, and utility power purchase. Uncertainties in PV generation and load demand are considered by Monte Carlo simulation and k-means technologies. Finally, simulation cases from a 21-bus distribution network show that the curtailment of PV sources is minimized and the power fluctuations of the BESS are reduced in comparison to the case without SOP. Constraints in the nodal voltages, power outputs, energy balance, and power flow are all satisfied.
Investigation of the Impact of Fault Characteristics on the Cost-Effectiveness of Doubly Fed Induction Generator-Based Wind Systems in Withstanding Low-Voltage Ride-Through
Authors: Kandil Tarek
Published: July 2024

Wind farms utilizing doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) can have a significant impact on the stability of power networks as both the stator and rotor of the DFIG are linked to the grid, which can result in excessive overcurrent and overvoltage in the event of a grid fault and can activate the protective mechanism, leading to the disconnection of the WF and generating instability in the system. One term that is often mentioned in the literature is low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability, which is crucial to the stability of microgrids (MGs). To handle LVRT, advanced protection schemes or supporting devices are required. In addition, MGs must comply with the operational limits imposed by different countries for LVRT. Therefore, numerous solutions for improving LVRT have been proposed, including external approaches that are expensive to adopt and internal procedures that provide economic gains but are more difficult to apply. Consequently, to help lower the cost of installing WFs, the study investigates how fault characteristics affect MGs’ ability to meet grid LVRT code requirements or even choose the right code to be used. It also aims to give a clear understanding of how fault characteristics affect the grid’s behavior during different types of faults, which will be helpful in choosing the best LVRT-enhancing method or device and for determining the optimal ratings for these devices, and thus reduce the cost of installation. The study offers case studies and simulations using Matlab 2024/Simulink, which could help engineers to ensure reliable grid integration of renewable energy sources in a cost-effective manner.
NO Formation in Combustion Engines Fuelled by Mixtures of Hydrogen and Methane
Authors: Campos Joaquim , Ribeiro Leonardo , Monteiro Joaquim , Pinto Gustavo , Baptista Andresa
Published: July 2024

The present work addresses the production of nitrogen oxides in ICEs burning hydrogen mixed with methane. A mathematical model that allows the calculation of nitrogen oxide emissions from such combustion was built; this model uses the extended chemical kinetic mechanism of Zeldovich. Numerical simulations were carried out on the production of NO, varying the following variables: proportion of H2 to CH4, the equivalence ratio of the reactant mixture, the compression ratio, and the engine speed. The essential purpose was to assess how NO production is affected by the mentioned variables. The main assumptions were (i) Otto cycle; (ii) instantaneous combustion; (iii) chemical equilibrium reached just at the end of combustion; (iv) the formation of NO only during the expansion stroke of pistons. Results were obtained for various proportions of hydrogen and methane, various equivalence ratios, speeds of rotation, and compression ratios of an engine. In short, the results obtained in the current work show that the lowering of the equivalence ratio leads to a lower concentration of NO; that increasing the compression ratio also lowers the concentration of NO; that NO production occurs until shortly after the beginning of the expansion stroke; and finally, that the NO concentration in the engine exhaust is not very sensitive to the H2/CH4 ratio in the fuel mixture.
Can the UK Deliver Zero Carbon Ready Homes by 2050?
Authors: Warren Lily , Dawodu Ayotunde , Adewumi Ayomikun Solomon , Quan Cheng
Published: July 2024

Climate change presents one of the most significant challenges facing the world in the 21st century. In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass laws to end its contribution to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions; parliament passed legislation requiring the UK government to achieve its carbon neutrality commitment by 2050. This will require all industries, including the housing sector, which currently contributes around 14% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce their carbon emission contribution. One of the ways in which the housing sector plans to accomplish this is through delivering new zero carbon ready homes by 2050, at the latest. This study makes an innovative contribution to advancing the field of carbon neutral construction through its identification of the barriers to the UK in regards to their ability to deliver zero carbon homes (ZCH) and the provision of potential recommendations to overcome these barriers. To achieve this, a mixed-review method is used, combining a qualitative systematic analysis and a quantitative bibliometric approach. Several key barriers were identified and assigned to following key themes: legislative, socio-cultural, economic, financial, skills and knowledge, technical, industrial, environmental, and procurement factors. Legislative obstacles were found to be a primary barrier due to a lack of certainty, clarity, and clear definitions, as well as the removal and excess of government policies. Significantly, the findings reveal the under-researched impact of recent disruptive events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and economic factors in the UK, opening up novel avenues for exploring their implications. Overall, this study advances industry understanding and highlights innovative directions necessary to propel the sector towards realizing the UK’s legally-binding 2050 net zero target through the development of zero carbon ready homes.
What Is the Current State of Sustainability in the Decorative Electroplating Industry? A Close Look at New Practices and Advances
Authors: Giurlani Walter , Pappaianni Giulio , Biffoli Fabio , Mariani Elena , Bonechi Marco , Giliberti Leonardo , Tufarelli Margherita , Franzo Paolo , Cianfanelli Elisabetta , Innocenti Massimo
Published: July 2024

Electroplating is a key process in many industrial fields such as automotive, electronics and decorative applications; this process makes it possible to provide new properties to substrates materials such as corrosion resistance, hardness and aesthetic value. Nonetheless, electroplating is considered one of the most non-sustainable industries related to the manufacturing sector, from both an environmental and a social point of view. With the approaching deadlines set by the United Nations for the 2030 Agenda, electroplating companies have started a trend of innovating their production processes with a focus on sustainability, acting on several fronts: performing simulations to predict criticalities and optimize working procedures, reducing the material used and recovering it from processing water. The purpose of this communication is to highlight the state of the art of sustainable practices peculiar to the electroplating industry, critically analyzing ongoing challenges to achieve and exceed the targets set by regulatory agencies. Both atomistic and multiphysics simulations will be analyzed as powerful tools to design both new sustainable formulations and items; then, the problem of metal dispersion will be discussed, evaluating different industrial approaches; finally, the focus will be shifted towards the general procedures to recover metal from wastewater.
Quarter-Symmetric Non-Metric Connection of Non-Integrable Distributions
Authors: Chen Shuo , Liu Haiming
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we focus on non-integrable distributions with a quarter-symmetric non-metric connection (QSNMC) in generalized Riemannian manifold. First, by studying a quarter-symmetric connection on the generalized Riemannian manifold, we obtain the condition that the connection is non-metric. Then, the Gauss, Codazzi and Ricci equations are proved for non-integrable distributions with respect to a quarter-symmetric non-metric connection in generalized Riemannian manifold. Furthermore, we deduce Chen’s inequalities for non-integrable distributions of real space forms with a quarter-symmetric non-metric connection in generalized Riemannian manifold as applications. After that, we give some examples of non-integrable distributions in Riemannian manifold with quarter-symmetric non-metric connection.
A Network Intrusion Detection Method Based on Bagging Ensemble
Authors: Zhang Zichen , Kong Shanshan , Xiao Tianyun , Yang Aimin
Published: July 2024

The problems of asymmetry in information features and redundant features in datasets, and the asymmetry of network traffic distribution in the field of network intrusion detection, have been identified as a cause of low accuracy and poor generalization of traditional machine learning detection methods in intrusion detection systems (IDSs). In response, a network intrusion detection method based on the integration of bootstrap aggregating (bagging) is proposed. The extreme random tree (ERT) algorithm was employed to calculate the weights of each feature, determine the feature subsets of different machine learning models, then randomly sample the training samples based on the bootstrap sampling method, and integrated classification and regression trees (CART), support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) as the base estimators of bagging. A comparison of integration methods revealed that the KNN-Bagging integration model exhibited optimal performance. Subsequently, the Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm was employed for hyper-parameter tuning of the base estimators’ KNN. Finally, the base estimators were integrated through a hard voting approach. The proposed BO-KNN-Bagging model was evaluated on the NSL-KDD dataset, achieving an accuracy of 82.48%. This result was superior to those obtained by traditional machine learning algorithms and demonstrated enhanced performance compared with other methods.
RETRACTED: Bracken, P. Envariance as a Symmetry in Quantum Mechanics and Applications to Statistical Mechanics. Symmetry 2023, 15, 1923
Authors: Bracken Paul
Published: July 2024

The Symmetry Editorial Office retracts the article titled “Envariance as a Symmetry in Quantum Mechanics and Applications to Statistical Mechanics” [...]
Analysis of Mixed Traffic Flow Characteristics Based on Fleet Composition
Authors: Liu Huanfeng , Niu Keke , Wang Hanfei , Wu Ziyan , Song Anning
Published: July 2024

In urban road networks, the integration of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) significantly influences traffic flow patterns, with the Fleet Composition—representing the positioning of these vehicles within convoys—being crucial in dictating the symmetry of information exchange amongst them. First, the vehicle composition of the mixed traffic flow is analyzed, and the mathematical analytical expressions of the random distribution characteristics of different types of vehicles are constructed. Second, we analyze the vehicle according to human characteristics in different situations. Then, consider the following characteristics and reaction times of manual drivers, establish a mixed traffic flow following model, and validate the established following. Finally, the basic graph model considering Fleet Composition is derived, and the effects of reaction time, Fleet Composition, driver following characteristics, and other parameters on road capacity under different penetration rates of CAV are analyzed by a Python and SUMO joint simulation. Finally, the characteristics of mixed traffic flow at intersections were analyzed.
Clinical Conditions Targeted by OnabotulinumtoxinA in Different Ways in Medicine
Authors: Onan Dilara , Farham Fatemeh , Martelletti Paolo
Published: July 2024

OnabotulinumtoxinA (BT-A) is used in different medical fields for its beneficial effects. BT-A, a toxin originally produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is widely known for its ability to temporarily paralyze muscles by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction. The literature continually reports new hypotheses regarding potential applications that do not consider blockade of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction as a common pathway. In this opinion article, it is our aim to investigate the different pathway targets of BT-A in different medical applications. First of all, the acetylcholine effect of BT-A is used to reduce wrinkles for cosmetic purposes, in the treatment of urological problems, excessive sweating, temporomandibular joint disorders, obesity, migraine, spasticity in neurological diseases, and in various cases of muscle overactivity such as cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and essential head tremor. In another potential pathway, glutamate A, CGRP, and substance P are targeted for pain inhibition with BT-A application in conditions such as migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and myofascial pain syndrome. On the other hand, as a mechanism different from acetylcholine and pain mediators, BT-A is used in the treatment of hair loss by increasing oxygenation and targeting transforming growth factor-beta 1 cells. In addition, the effect of BT-A on the apoptosis of cancer cells is also known and is being developed. The benefits of BT-A applied in different doses to different regions for different medical purposes are shown in literature studies, and it is also emphasized in those studies that repeating the applications increases the benefits in the long term. The use of BT-A continues to expand as researchers discover new potential therapeutic uses for this versatile toxin.
Methodology for the Differential Classification of Dengue and Chikungunya According to the PAHO 2022 Diagnostic Guide
Authors: Arrubla-Hoyos Wilson , Gómez Jorge Gómez , De-La-Hoz-Franco Emiro
Published: July 2024

Arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya present similar symptoms in the early stages, which complicates their differential and timely diagnosis. In 2022, the PAHO published a guide to address this challenge. This study proposes a methodological framework that transforms qualitative information into quantitative information, establishing differential weights in relation to symptoms according to the medical evidence and the GRADE scale based on recommendation 1 of the said guide. To achieve this, common variables from the dataset were identified using the PAHO guide, and quality rules were established. A linear interpolation function was then parameterised to assign weights to the symptoms according to the evidence. Machine learning was used to compare the different models, achieving 99% accuracy compared with 79% without the methodology. This proposal represents a significant advancement, allowing the direct application of the PAHO recommendations to the dataset and improving the differential classification of arboviruses.
Sex Modifies the Effect of COVID-19 on Arterial Elasticity
Authors: Durieux Jared C. , Zisis Sokratis N. , Mouchati Christian , Labbato Danielle , Abboud Marc , McComsey Grace A.
Published: July 2024

There is limited long-term evidence on the effects of COVID-19 on vascular injury between male and female sex. An adult cohort of COVID-19 survivors (COVID+) and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 antibody-negative participants (COVID-) were prospectively enrolled. COVID+ participants who have documented the presence of persistent symptoms four weeks following infection were considered to have post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Non-invasive, FDA-approved EndoPAT (Endo-PAT2000) was used for endothelial assessment. COVID-(n = 94) were 1:1 propensity score matched to COVID+ (n = 151) on baseline covariates including sex. Among COVID+, 66.2% (n = 100) had PASC. Higher levels of coagulation marker, D-dimer (p = 0.001), and gut permeability marker, zonulin (p = 0.001), were associated with female sex. Estimated differences in augmentation index (AI) between COVID− (0.9 ± 17.2) and COVID+ (8.4 ± 15.7; p = 0.001) and between female and male sex (12.9 ± 1.9; p < .0001) were observed. Among COVID+ with PASC, the average AI (10.5 ± 1.6) was 9.7 units higher than COVID− (p < .0001) and 6.2 units higher compared to COVID+ with no PASC (p = 0.03). COVID+ PASC+ female sex had the highest AI (14.3 ± 1.9). The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on vascular function varies across strata of sex and female sex in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 have the worse arterial elasticity (highest AI).
An Integrated Process of Struvite Precipitation/Membrane Filtration Using Flat Ceramic Membranes Is an Effective Method for the Treatment of Liquid Fraction Digestate from a Municipal Biogas Plant
Authors: Urbanowska Agnieszka , Polowczyk Izabela
Published: July 2024

One method of processing municipal waste biogas plant digestate is to separate it into solid and liquid fractions. Since the digestate can be a potential source of water, it must undergo the appropriate treatment. Pressurised membrane processes preceded by struvite precipitation can be particularly useful in this regard. Experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of treating the digestate liquid fraction from a municipal waste biogas plant using an integrated process that combines struvite precipitation with membrane filtration, employing flat ceramic membranes with different cut-off values. The results confirm that this integrated process is effective for digestate treatment. A significantly increased improvement in the final quality of the test solution and a reduction in membrane fouling intensity were observed compared to those of these processes conducted separately. It is noteworthy that the purest solution was obtained when struvite precipitation and filtration through a flat ceramic membrane with a cut-off of 1 kDa were combined. This approach enabled the precipitation of struvite, a valuable fertiliser; the protection of the membranes from fouling; and a high degree of organic compound removal. The recovered water from the digestate (after dilution or removal of excess salts) can be used in agriculture or horticulture.
Benchmarking Physical Model Experiments with Numerical Simulations for the Wangjiashan Landslide-Induced Surge Waves in the Baihetan Reservoir Area
Authors: Shi Anchi , Lei Jie , Tian Lei , Lyu Changhao , Mao Pengchao , Xu Weiya
Published: July 2024

The Baihetan Hydropower Station reservoir area began impoundment in 2021, triggering the reactivation of ancient landslides and the formation of new ones. This not only caused direct landslide disasters but also significantly increased the likelihood of secondary surge wave disasters. This study takes the Wangjiashan (WJS) landslide in the Baihetan reservoir area as an example and conducts large-scale three-dimensional physical model experiments. Based on the results of the physical model experiments, numerical simulation is used as a comparative verification tool. The results show that the numerical simulation method effectively reproduces the formation and propagation process of the WJS landslide-induced surge waves observed in the physical experiments. At the impoundment water level of 825 m, the surge waves generated by the WJS landslide pose potential threats to the Xiangbiling (XBL) residential area. In this study, the numerical simulation based on computational fluid dynamics confirmed the actual propagation forms of the surge waves, aligning well with the results of the physical experiments at a microscopic scale. However, at a macroscopic scale, there is some discrepancy between the numerical simulation results and the physical experiment outcomes, with a maximum error of 25%, primarily stemming from the three-dimensional numerical source model. This study emphasizes the critical role of physical model experiments in understanding and mitigating surge wave disasters in China. Furthermore, physical experiments remain crucial for accurate disaster prediction and mitigation strategies. The theories and methods used in this study will provide important references for future research related to landslide disasters in reservoir areas.
Systematic Review of Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater Treatment: Unveiling the Potential of Nanobubble Technology
Authors: Kaskote Ephraim , Basitere Moses , Mshayisa Vusi Vincent , Sheldon Marshall Sheerene
Published: July 2024

Aeration is crucial for the biological decomposition of organic compounds in wastewater treatment. However, it is a highly energy-intensive process in traditional activated sludge systems, accounting for 50% to 75% of a plant’s electricity consumption and making it a major cost driver for wastewater treatment plants. Nanobubbles (NBs), characterized by their tiny size with diameters less than 200 nm, have emerged as a potential alternative to the low efficiency of aeration and high sludge production in aeration systems. NBs proved effective in removing COD and other pollutants from wastewater. For example, when applied in flotation, aeration, and advanced oxidation, NBs achieved up to 95%, 85%, and 92.5% COD removal, respectively. Considering the recent advancements in wastewater treatment, a compelling need arises for a thorough investigation of the effectiveness and mechanisms of nanobubbles in this field. This systematic review summarizes recent advancements in understanding nanobubbles (NBs) and their unique properties that enhance physical, chemical, and biological water and wastewater treatment processes. Moreover, this study reviews various methods for generating NBs and provides an in-depth review of their applications in wastewater treatment, with a particular focus on poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSW) treatment.
Assessing Two Decades of Land Use/Land Cover Changes in the Uluabat Lake Ramsar Site using Multi-Temporal Satellite Imagery
Authors: Kılınçarslan Emre , Gencal Burhan , Taş İnanç
Published: July 2024

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands designates over 2,000 sites of international importance, providing crucial habitats for diverse species. Uluabat Lake faces anthropogenic pressures such as urbanization, agriculture, and industrialization, affecting its ecological integrity. The land use/land cover (LULC) changes in the lake's catchment area were assessed using multi-temporal Landsat 7 and Landsat 9 satellite images from 2002 and 2022, along with 2019 management plans. Data were pre-processed with ENVI and stored in ERDAS Imagine program. Then, pixel-based image analysis with maximum likelihood classification (MLC) was employed to generate LULC maps and evaluated classification accuracy using ground truth data and the kappa coefficient. The results revealed a 15.8% reduction in lake area, from 136.1 km² in 2002 to 114.5 km² in 2022, primarily due to sediment transport from surrounding agricultural land and tributary streams. Urban-agricultural and reed-swamp areas increased by 74.7% and 59.6%, respectively, while shrubs and forests declined by 35.64%, largely from reed conversion to agriculture in the Mustafakemalpaşa River delta. Overall classification accuracy ranged from 88.2% to 91% with a kappa coefficient of 0.81 to 0.82, respectively. These transformations highlight the increase in reed and swamp areas and the decrease in lake area, emphasizing the need for effective conservation and management practices.
Stratedic leadership in business: developing and implementing the mission
Authors: Попов С.А.
Published: July 2024

Представлены два существенно различных подхода к деятельности по разработке (актуализации), установлению и применению миссии в современном бизнесе. Изложены обоснование и рекомендации по приоритетной реализации в современных российских компаниях именно второго подхода к миссии. Раскрыта особая роль реальных бизнес-лидеров в создании и применении миссии компании (соответствующей второму подходу к миссии).

Two significantly different approaches to the development (actualization), establishment and application of the mission in modern business are presented. The rationale and recommendations for the priority implementation of the second approach to the mission in modern Russian companies are outlined. The special role of real business leaders in the creation and application of the company's mission (corresponding to the second approach to the mission) is revealed.
The need to train financial psychologists for the banking sector
Authors: Продолятченко П.А.
Published: July 2024

В статье обосновывается потребность развития психологической работы в банковской сфере, направленной на налаживание долгосрочных прочных финансовых отношений с физическими лицами, обладающими денежными сбережениями. Проводится анализ состояния депозитной работы отечественных кредитных организаций и выявляются причины изменения структуры депозитного портфеля банков, связанные с изменениями приоритетов и мотивов сберегателей. Определены перспективы подготовки финансовых психологов для повышения эффективности банковского депозитования. Указывается на отсутствие в образовательных организациях программ подготовки психологов для банковской сферы. Описываются профессиональные требования к специалистам рассматриваемого профиля и основные формы деятельности банковских психологов в области сопровождения и обеспечения депозитных операций. Предложены основные направления совершенствования психологической составляющей депозитования, которые могут быть использованы в осуществлении банковской политики.

The article substantiates the need for the development of psychological work in the banking sector, aimed at establishing long-term strong financial relationships with individuals with cash savings. The analysis of the state of deposit work of domestic credit institutions is carried out and the reasons for changes in the structure of the deposit portfolio of banks associated with changes in the priorities and motives of savers are identified. The prospects for training financial psychologists to improve the efficiency of bank deposits are identified. It is pointed out that there are no training programs for psychologists for the banking sector in educational organizations. The professional requirements for specialists in the profile under consideration and the main forms of activity of banking psychologists in the field of support and provision of deposit operations are described. The main directions for improving the psychological component of depositing are proposed, which can be used in the implementation of banking policy.
On the issue of forming a theoretical basis for the study of the digital services system
Authors: Усова Н.В.
Published: July 2024

На современном этапе развития цифровые услуги становятся полноправным и востребованным участником экономических отношений, и наблюдается формирование системы цифровых услуг, но при этом теоретический базис исследования находится на этапе становления. Данное обстоятельство предопределило направление исследовательского пути, а именно дополнение теоретического базиса исследования системы цифровых услуг. Результатами исследования стали предложение авторского подхода к категориям «цифровая услуга», «цифровая триада», «система цифровых услуг» и ряду других, входящих в систему цифровых услуг, а также разработка авторской структуры системы цифровых услуг. Полученные результаты позволили обогатить теорию сферы услуг и сформировать теоретический базис исследования системы цифровых услуг в условиях перехода к цифровой модели национальной экономики.

At the present stage of development, digital services are becoming a full-fledged and in-demand participant in economic relations and the formation of a system of digital services is observed, but at the same time the theoretical basis of the study is at the stage of formation. This circumstance predetermined the direction of the research path, namely, the addition of the theoretical basis for the study of the digital services system. The results of the study were the proposal of an author's approach to the categories "digital service", "digital triad", "digital service system" and a number of others included in the digital services system, as well as the development of the author's structure of the digital services system. The results obtained made it possible to enrich the theory of the service sector and form a theoretical basis for the study of the digital services system in the context of the transition to a digital model of the national economy.