bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wearable Systems for Unveiling Collective Intelligence in Clinical Settings
Authors: Pulcinelli Martina , Pinnelli Mariangela , Massaroni Carlo , Lo Presti Daniela , Fortino Giancarlo , Schena Emiliano
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, there is an ever-growing interest in assessing the collective intelligence (CI) of a team in a wide range of scenarios, thanks to its potential in enhancing teamwork and group performance. Recently, special attention has been devoted on the clinical setting, where breakdowns in teamwork, leadership, and communication can lead to adverse events, compromising patient safety. So far, researchers have mostly relied on surveys to study human behavior and group dynamics; however, this method is ineffective. In contrast, a promising solution to monitor behavioral and individual features that are reflective of CI is represented by wearable technologies. To date, the field of CI assessment still appears unstructured; therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to provide a detailed overview of the main group and individual parameters that can be monitored to evaluate CI in clinical settings, together with the wearables either already used to assess them or that have the potential to be applied in this scenario. The working principles, advantages, and disadvantages of each device are introduced in order to try to bring order in this field and provide a guide for future CI investigations in medical contexts.
Human–Robot Interaction Using Learning from Demonstrations and a Wearable Glove with Multiple Sensors
Authors: Singh Rajmeet , Mozaffari Saeed , Akhshik Masoud , Ahamed Mohammed Jalal , Rondeau-Gagné Simon , Alirezaee Shahpour
Published: December 2023

Human–robot interaction is of the utmost importance as it enables seamless collaboration and communication between humans and robots, leading to enhanced productivity and efficiency. It involves gathering data from humans, transmitting the data to a robot for execution, and providing feedback to the human. To perform complex tasks, such as robotic grasping and manipulation, which require both human intelligence and robotic capabilities, effective interaction modes are required. To address this issue, we use a wearable glove to collect relevant data from a human demonstrator for improved human–robot interaction. Accelerometer, pressure, and flexi sensors were embedded in the wearable glove to measure motion and force information for handling objects of different sizes, materials, and conditions. A machine learning algorithm is proposed to recognize grasp orientation and position, based on the multi-sensor fusion method.
A Sensorised Glove to Detect Scratching for Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Au Cheuk-Yan , Leow Syen Yee , Yi Chunxiao , Ang Darrion , Yeo Joo Chuan , Koh Mark Jean Aan , Bhagat Ali Asgar Saleem
Published: December 2023

In this work, a lightweight compliant glove that detects scratching using data from microtubular stretchable sensors on each finger and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the palm through a machine learning model is presented: the SensorIsed Glove for Monitoring Atopic Dermatitis (SIGMA). SIGMA provides the user and clinicians with a quantifiable way of assaying scratch as a proxy to itch. With the quantitative information detailing scratching frequency and duration, the clinicians would be able to better classify the severity of itch and scratching caused by atopic dermatitis (AD) more objectively to optimise treatment for the patients, as opposed to the current subjective methods of assessments that are currently in use in hospitals and research settings. The validation data demonstrated an accuracy of 83% of the scratch prediction algorithm, while a separate 30 min validation trial had an accuracy of 99% in a controlled environment. In a pilot study with children (n = 6), SIGMA accurately detected 94.4% of scratching when the glove was donned. We believe that this simple device will empower dermatologists to more effectively measure and quantify itching and scratching in AD, and guide personalised treatment decisions.
Location Matters—Can a Smart Golf Club Detect Where the Club Face Hits the Ball?
Authors: Hollaus Bernhard , Heyer Yannic , Steiner Johannes , Strutzenberger Gerda
Published: December 2023

In golf, the location of the impact, where the clubhead hits the ball, is of imperative nature for a successful ballflight. Direct feedback to the athlete where he/she hits the ball could improve a practice session. Currently, this information can be measured via, e.g., dual laser technology; however, this is a stationary and external method. A mobile measurement method would give athletes the freedom to gain the information of the impact location without the limitation to be stationary. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to detect the impact location via a motion sensor mounted on the shaft of the golf club. To answer the question, an experiment was carried out. Within the experiment data were gathered from one athlete performing 282 golf swings with an 7 iron. The impact location was recorded and labeled during each swing with a Trackman providing the classes for a neural network. Simultaneously, the motion of the golf club was gathered with an IMU from the Noraxon Ultium Motion Series. In the next step, a neural network was designed and trained to estimate the impact location class based on the motion data. Based on the motion data, a classification accuracy of 93.8% could be achieved with a ResNet architecture.
Impact of Partially Automated Driving Functions on Forensic Accident Reconstruction: A Simulator Study on Driver Reaction Behavior in the Event of a Malfunctioning System Behavior
Authors: Paula Daniel , Bauder Maximilian , Pfeilschifter Claus , Petermeier Franziska , Kubjatko Tibor , Böhm Klaus , Riener Andreas , Schweiger Hans-Georg
Published: December 2023

Partially automated driving functions (SAE Level 2) can control a vehicle’s longitudinal and lateral movements. However, taking over the driving task involves automation risks that the driver must manage. In severe accidents, the driver’s ability to avoid a collision must be assessed, considering their expected reaction behavior. The primary goal of this study is to generate essential data on driver reaction behavior in case of malfunctions in partially automated driving functions for use in legal affairs. A simulator study with two scenarios involving 32 subjects was conducted for this purpose. The first scenario investigated driver reactions to system limitations during cornering. The results show that none of the subjects could avoid leaving their lane and moving into the oncoming lane and, therefore, could not control the situation safely. Due to partial automation, we could also identify a new part of the reaction time, the hands-on time, which leads to increased steering reaction times of 1.18 to 1.74 s. The second scenario examined driver responses to phantom braking caused by AEBS. We found that 25 of the 32 subjects could not override the phantom braking by pressing the accelerator pedal, although 16 subjects were informed about the system analog to the actual vehicle manuals. Overall, the study suggests that the current legal perspective on vehicle control and the expected driver reaction behavior for accident avoidance should be reconsidered.
Interfacing Arduino Boards with Optical Sensor Arrays: Overview and Realization of an Accurate Solar Compass
Authors: Murra Daniele , Bollanti Sarah , Di Lazzaro Paolo , Flora Francesco , Mezi Luca
Published: December 2023

In this paper, an overview of the potentiality of Arduino boards is presented, together with a description of the Arduino interfacing with light multi-sensors. These sensors can be arranged in linear arrays or in a matrix configuration (CCD or CMOS type cameras) and are equipped with tens, hundreds, or even thousands of elements whose sizes range from a few microns to tens of microns. The use of these sensors requires electronics that have high time accuracy, since they work through regular pulses sent by an external source and, furthermore, have the ability to digitize and store voltage signals precisely and quickly. We show that, with the appropriate settings, a simple Arduino board can handle both 1D and 2D optical sensors. Finally, we describe a solar compass made with such a board coupled to one of the tested optical array sensors that is capable of providing the north direction with a very high degree of accuracy.
Simulation and Analysis of Anodized Aluminum Oxide Membrane Degradation
Authors: Manzoor Saher , Qasim Faheem , Ashraf Muhammad Waseem , Tayyaba Shahzadi , Tariq Nimra , Herrera-May Agustín L. , Delgado-Alvarado Enrique
Published: December 2023

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based filter with microchannels enables the removal of various microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, from fluids. Membranes with porous channels can be used as filtration interfaces in MEMS hemofilters or mini-dialyzers. The main problems associated with the filtration process are optimization of membrane geometry and fouling. A nanoporous aluminum oxide membrane was fabricated using an optimized two-step anodization process. Computational strength modeling and analysis of the membrane with specified parameters were performed using the ANSYS structural module. A fuzzy simulation was performed for the numerical analysis of flux through the membrane. The membrane was then incorporated with the prototype for successive filtration. The fluid flux and permeation analysis of the filtration process have been studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs of membranes have been obtained before and after the filtration cycles. The SEM results indicate membrane fouling after multiple cycles, and thus the flux is affected. This type of fabricated membrane and setup are suitable for the separation and purification of various fluids. However, after several filtration cycles, the membrane was degraded. It requires a prolonged chemical cleaning. High-density water has been used for filtration purposes, so this MEMS-based filter can also be used as a mini-dialyzer and hemofilter in various applications for filtration. Such a demonstration also opens up a new strategy for maximizing filtration efficiency and reducing energy costs for the filtration process by using a layered membrane setup.
Monitoring of Single-Track Melting States Based on Photodiode Signal during Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Cao Longchao , Hu Wenxing , Zhou Taotao , Yu Lianqing , Huang Xufeng
Published: December 2023

Single track is the basis for the melt pool modeling and physics work in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The melting state of a single track is closely related to defects such as porosity, lack of fusion, and balling, which have a significant impact on the mechanical properties of an LPBF-created part. To ensure the reliability of part quality and repeatability, process monitoring and feedback control are emerging to improve the melting states, which is becoming a hot topic in both the industrial and academic communities. In this research, a simple and low-cost off-axial photodiode signal monitoring system was established to monitor the melting pools of single tracks. Nine groups of single-track experiments with different process parameter combinations were carried out four times and then thirty-six LPBF tracks were obtained. The melting states were classified into three classes according to the morphologies of the tracks. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model was developed to extract the characteristics and identify the melting states. The raw one-dimensional photodiode signal data were converted into two-dimensional grayscale images. The average identification accuracy reached 95.81% and the computation time was 15 ms for each sample, which was promising for engineering applications. Compared with some classic deep learning models, the proposed CNN could distinguish the melting states with higher classification accuracy and efficiency. This work contributes to real-time multiple-sensor monitoring and feedback control.
Education for Environmental Justice: The Fordham Regional Environmental Sensor for Healthy Air
Authors: Holler Stephen , Sankar Usha , McNeil Mark , Knuts Melanie , Jack Jahred
Published: December 2023

In urban environments, the nonuniform distribution of pollution contributes to disproportionate exposure to harmful pollutants in low-income and high-poverty neighborhoods. Particulate matter, especially of the class PM2.5, results from combustion processes which are a main driver for human-caused global warming and climate change. A resulting impact on socio-economically disadvantaged communities like the Bronx, NY is the high incidence of asthma, other respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular disease. This disparity is an environmental justice concern. Project FRESH Air is educating the community through STEM outreach with sensors for monitoring particulate matter, student projects, curriculum development, and wider community engagement in order to educate for environmental justice.
“Non-Corrupt Government”: Less Than Good, More Than Impartial
Authors: Villoria Manuel
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the study of corruption has become one of the most prominent in the social sciences. If there is corruption, however, it is because something has been corrupted; something pure has been sullied. This pure element serves mainly as a normative reference: It may never have constituted a social and political reality. However, the purpose of this article is to try to define what its components might be. In this way, theoretical considerations can be used to provide a more solid basis for the fight against corruption. The position of this paper is that the opposite of corruption should be explicitly defined without the use of abstract categories such as good governance or integrity. The paper will begin with a discussion of the concept of “non-corrupt government” and then proceed to a theoretical analysis of the main issues involved. It will conclude with some practical remarks on how to build, in the most parsimonious way, the benchmark of quality that corruption undermines. The contention is that a “non-corrupt government” is based on four principles: (1) equality (input side), (2) reasonableness (input side), (3) impartiality and professionalism of the administration (output side), and (4) accountability of the office (output side).
Promises and Pitfalls of Intersectional Politics: The Black Coalition for Rights in Brazil
Authors: Costa Sérgio , Rios Flavia , Baldraia Fernando
Published: December 2023

Based on evidence collected in a collaborative research project, this article studies the Black Coalition for Rights created in Brazil in 2019. Compared to previous experiences of antiracist struggles in Brazil, the Coalition stands out for its decentralized organization, its ability to convey political content through adequate aesthetic forms, its capillarity in the domestic sphere, and its transnational articulations. Equally striking is its intersectional character understood as both the emphasis on the transversal character of racism and the stress of the interdependent character of social struggles against different forms of inequalities (with regard to gender, race, class, etc.). The Coalition has so far proven to be particularly successful in terms of its mobilization capacity, its public visibility, and its agenda-setting power. According to our preliminary findings, its success can be explained, to a great extent, by its ability to vocalize a broad set of political claims and, consequently, to fill the gap left by other civil society actors demobilized by the far right-wing backlash in Brazil and the pandemic. Since January 2023, in the context of a new progressive government, the Coalition has started facing difficulties in preserving its intersectional and socially encompassing character.
Emotional Status and Psychological Well-Being in the Educational Opposition Process
Authors: Melguizo-Ibáñez Eduardo , Cachón-Zagalaz Javier , González-Valero Gabriel , Puertas-Molero Pilar , García-Pérez Laura , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis
Published: December 2023

The process to become a public teacher in Spain involves a very strict examination. In order to pass this exam, a high level of emotional competence is required. During the preparation for this test, symptoms related to anxiety, depression and stress are experienced. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of negative emotional state on emotional intelligence and psychological wellbeing as a function of the number of sittings in the competitive examination process. The research design was quantitative and exploratory. The sample consisted of 3578 candidates. The results show an increase in the effect of negative emotional states on emotional intelligence and psychological well-being in candidates who have taken part in the selection process more than twice. It is concluded that negative emotional states increase in their effect on emotional and psychological well-being as the number of exams taken increases.
Sustainable Aquafeed with Marine Periphyton to Reduce Production Costs of Grey Mullet, Mugil cephalus
Authors: Hurwitz Alina , Hurwitz Ilan , Harpaz Sheenan , Zilberberg Noam , Guttman Lior
Published: December 2023

Fish culture sustainability is improved by reducing the fish product content in aquafeeds. Marine periphyton can be used dually for biofiltering mariculture effluent and fish nutrition. The feasibility of periphyton substituting for fishmeal in aquafeed requires evidence. Toward this goal, four iso-protein (42%) and iso-lipid (10%) aquafeeds for grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) were formulated. A control periphyton-free diet consisted of 32% fishmeal, while in the other three diets, periphyton replaced 25%, 50%, or 100% of the fishmeal. Fish were cultured over 104 days with the four diets while measuring their weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein uptake, and production value. In a subsequent 35-day trial, and the utilization and digestibility of the feed and dietary amino and fatty acids were measured after feeding fish with the four diets consisting of 1% of Cr2O3 as an indigestible marker. The content of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and ash in the feed and fish was measured using acceptable protocols while fatty acids and amino acids were measured via gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Economic analyses of the reduction in feed and fish production costs were performed using data from the IndexMundi database and research results. Reducing the fishmeal content to 16% did not negatively affect their growth, feed conversion, or protein uptake. The digestibility of dietary protein and lipids was high under the low-fishmeal diets. Eliminating fishmeal from aquafeed inhibited growth, presumably due to a metabolic deficit in the biosynthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids under high-salinity conditions. Economically, dietary periphyton reduced the mullet’s aquafeed and production costs, saving USD 0.8 per kg of produced fish with the low-fishmeal (16%) diet. This diet also reduced the fish-in:fish-out ratio to 2.8. The dual use of periphyton improves fish culture sustainability by recirculating nutrients, saving costs, and reducing the fish-in:fish-out ratio.
Response of Alpine Timberline to Permafrost Degradation on Changbai Mountain
Authors: Shan Wei , Xu Guangchao , Wang Yan , Qiu Lisha , Guo Ying , Zhang Chengcheng
Published: December 2023

In the permafrost zone, the vegetation growth condition is closely related to the permafrost occurrence state. Changbai Mountain is the highest peak in Northeast China and is also a permafrost distribution area, where the vegetation shows an obvious vertical distribution pattern, and the alpine timberline has a clear boundary. The intersecting zone of alpine timberline is an ecologically fragile area that can be used as an external signal amplifier and is an important site for monitoring climate change. In this study, the surface frost number and alpine timberline in the Changbai Mountain area were analyzed through combining ground and remote-sensing data, using the freezing number model and support vector machine method. The results show that the distribution characteristics of alpine timberline and permafrost at elevation are correlated, there is a response mechanism of alpine timberline to the degradation of permafrost, and the upward migration rate of alpine timberline has increased in the last 20 years. The continuous degradation of permafrost will change the environment of vegetation growth, which, in turn, will affect the global carbon cycle process. Focusing on the state of permafrost will help us to understand climate change in depth, and we can respond to a series of impacts caused by ecological changes in cold regions in advance.
Size Distribution and Secondary Formation of Particulate Organic Nitrates in Winter in a Coastal Area
Authors: Shakoor Ayesha , Wang Xinfeng , Chen Jing , Liang Yiheng , Kamal Sajid , Ali Jawad , Syed Jabir Hussain , Xue Likun , Wang Wenxing
Published: December 2023

Understanding the size distribution, variation patterns, and potential formation mechanisms of particulate organic nitrates (PONs) is crucial for assessing their influences on atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and the regional climate. This study investigates PONs in the coastal atmosphere of Qingdao, China by collecting size-resolved particulate matter samples and analyzing six types of organic nitrates, namely pinene keto nitrate (PKN229), monoterpene hydroxyl nitrate (MHN215), monoterpene dicarbonyl nitrate (MDCN247), oleic acid hydroxyl nitrate (OAHN361), oleic acid keto nitrate (OAKN359), and pinene sulfate organic nitrate (PSON295), using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography(mass spectrometry). The mean total concentration of organic nitrates in fine particles reaches 677 ng m−3. The predominant compound is MHN215, followed by PKN229 and MDCN247. All six organic nitrates exhibited distinct concentration peaks in the droplet mode, with MDCN247 and OAHN361 showing a minor peak in the condensation mode. In addition, an apparent concentration peak is observed in the coarse mode for OAKN359. Comparative analyses under various conditions highlight the significant influences of primary emissions and secondary formation processes on the abundance and size distribution of organic nitrates. For instance, both firework displays during festivals and high NOx emissions from fuel combustion significantly increase the concentrations of condensation-mode organic nitrates, whereas dust particles enhanced the heterogeneous formation of coarse-mode particles. Furthermore, the high humidity of the coastal area promotes aqueous formation in droplet-mode particles.
Reflective Properties and Lighting Quality of Urban Asphalt Roads in a Full-Service Cycle: A Longitudinal Study in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Zhang Chi , Lei Chuan , Ye Lei , Kang Cheng , Wang Meihong , Huang Zhiyi , Wu Ke
Published: December 2023

To optimize the lighting design of urban roads in China and improve traffic safety, the present study conducted a 10-year longitudinal experiment on urban asphalt roads in Zhejiang Province, China, and analyzed variations of the road surface’s reflective properties and lighting quality with different service lengths, surface areas, and observation angles. The results showed that these roads were R2 roads with low resilience and strong directional reflection. The average luminance coefficient Q0 reached maximum and minimum at the beginning and after around one year of service, respectively. After four years of service, Q0 was about 80% of its initial value and remained stable. The specularity factor S1 reached a maximum of around two years of service. The average luminance Lav was approximately 35%, and overall luminance uniformity U0 was 31%, lower than that of R3 roads during the toughest period of the service life. If the lighting design follows the 1° observation angle r-table recommended by the specification, high Lav and low U0 occur for roads like expressways, leading to a significant increase in traffic safety risks; collector roads may suffer from insufficient Lav. Urban asphalt roads in Zhejiang Province, China, should use the R2 road standard and increase the design value of Lav by 35–45%, and high-level roads should increase the design value of U0 by 40%. The present study will provide scientific references for the design of lighting for urban roads in China, thus promoting long-term sustainable traffic safety in cities.
Investigating the Emotion Patterns of Students’ Abnormal Interactions in Primary Class Teaching Contexts
Authors: Han Shougang , Yusupbag Dilraba , Yao Xinlu , Han Zhongmei
Published: December 2023

Students’ abnormal interactions pertain to the types of interactive behaviors that deviate from the prescribed learning contents and contravene the established learning objectives during classroom teaching. According to the emotion motivation theory, emotions experienced by students, which serve as a critical indicator of these abnormal interactions, assume a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of learning activities. In primary school classrooms where frequent abnormal interactions occur, emotional exhaustion is highly prone to emergence and can further exacerbate students’ abnormal interactions, thereby significantly affecting the overall quality of classroom teaching. However, the relationship between emotions and students’ abnormal interactions remains limited and lacks a comprehensive understanding along with practical solutions. Hence, this study aims to investigate the emotion patterns of students’ abnormal interactions in primary class teaching contexts. By collecting video data from a sixth-grade classroom, we employ a combination of modified Flanders Interaction Analysis and intelligent technologies to explore students’ abnormal interactions and recognize emotion patterns of abnormal interactions. The findings of our study reveal that the classroom learning process engenders multiple types of students’ abnormal interactions, and different categories of students’ abnormal interactions were significantly different from their experienced emotions. In general, the sequence of chatting without permission followed by expressions of happiness and surprise emotions, and no response to the teacher’s questions followed by neutral and fearful expressions was remarkable during the classroom learning process. Building upon these findings, our study puts forth targeted recommendations for classroom teaching and management, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of teaching and fostering the individual sustainable development of students.
Farmer Perception of Links between Grassland Diversity and Animal Health in Relation to Farm Structure
Authors: Di Blasi Ambra , Manoli Claire , Banliat Charles , Plantureux Sylvain , Petit Timothée , Couvreur Sébastien , Michaud Audrey
Published: December 2023

Grasslands cover a substantial share of land area in the world and in Europe, where they are used to feed herbivores and provide a range of ecosystem services. Grasslands also help in animal health maintenance by hosting a diversity of plant species with antioxidant components. This animal health benefit has been under-researched. The aim of this study is to capture how farmers perceive links between grassland diversity and animal health, and to examine whether their perceptions are related to their farm and its structure. For that purpose, we conducted 103 surveys in three regions of France to collect farmers’ perceptions regarding animal health, grassland diversity, and the link between the two. We then used factorial analysis of mixed data to study the relationship between the farmers’ perceived links between grassland and animal health and their type of farm structure and management. For 61 farmers, there was a strong link between grassland diversity and animal health. However, we found no statistical relationship between the type of farm and the type of farmer-perceived link between grassland diversity and animal health, and the farmers who perceived a strong link employed a wide range of feeding systems. Further research is needed to deeply analyze farmers’ practices and perceptions of grassland–health links.
How Do Universities in Türkiye Integrate Sustainable Development Goals into Their Strategies?
Authors: Yılmaz Fındık Leyla , Erçetin Şefika Şule
Published: December 2023

The strategic plans of universities have an important role in enabling HEIs to contribute to sustainability transitions. To address the current lack of studies in HEIs in Türkiye, this paper aims to determine how universities in Türkiye integrate sustainable development goals (SDGs) into their strategic plans to indicate the extent to which these universities align with the 17 SDGs and to discuss the visibility of SDGs in strategies. The research has been designed as a qualitative study involving document analysis. QS World University Rankings or being a research university are the two criteria for the sampling. The scope of the study consists of 27 universities, representing 13.4% of the universities in Türkiye. The most striking result was that, apparently, none of the strategic plans mentioned Goals 1 (no poverty), 6 (clean water), and 13 (climate action). The sampled universities in Turkey have established a restricted set of strategic objectives linked to SD Goals 2, 5, 10, and 11. These remarkable findings prompt inquiries into the underlying reasons for this constrained scope, warranting further investigation. A potential factor contributing to the limited objectives regarding these goals could be traced to a lack of awareness and understanding of the intricate connections between these goals and the overarching mission of higher education institutions.
Green Credit Policy and Short-Term Financing for Long-Term Investment: Evidence from China’s Heavily Polluting Enterprises
Authors: Guo Xuemeng , Ma Jiaxin , Feng Yuting , Chen Bingyao
Published: December 2023

In 2012, China issued the “Green Credit Guidelines” policy to guide the green transformation of companies, and at the same time, the investment and financing behaviors of heavy polluters during the green transition have received widespread attention. In the view of the investment and financing maturity structure, we take China’s A-share listed enterprises from 2009 to 2021 assamples, and construct a difference-in-differences (DID) model to examine the implication of the green credit policy on the short-term financing for long-term investment (SFLI) of heavy polluters. We found that: (1) green credit policy can reduce the level of SFLI of heavy polluters; (2) the size of short-term debt and the level of over-investment can play a mediating effect, and government subsidies can weaken the relationship between green credit policy and SFLI; (3) this effect is more significant when directors, supervisors, or senior executives have a financial institution background. (4) this effect is not significant in enterprises with bank-firm shareholding relationships and a stronger innovation intensity; (5) the effect is more significant in areas with stronger environmental regulations. This paper argues that heavily polluting enterprises should reduce short-term debt financing and over-investment, so, to solve the problem of investment and financing term mismatch under the credit risk; banks should prevent the credit rent-seeking problem caused by the equity association between banks and enterprises, and promote the consistency of green credit standards. The government can provide subsidies to enterprises in green transformation and strengthen the construction of regional environmental regulations in order to guide the smooth innovation and upgrading of heavy polluters. Our research expands the study of the micro-economic consequences of green credit policy, providing references for how to reduce maturity mismatch risk and guide the smooth transformation of heavy polluters from the multi-perspective of the government, banks, and enterprises, thus helping to promote companies’ smooth transit.
A Participatory Research Workshop in Northern India—A Transnational Collaboration
Authors: Kumar Shewli , Schenck Catherina , Oberlies Dagmar , Bhaiya Abha
Published: December 2023

In this article, we outline a transnational project shaped by Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: “Reduce inequality within and among countries”. SDG 10 provides a cross-cutting approach insofar as the targets refer to income inequality, discriminatory practices and policies, migration policies, and development aid and assist researchers as well as policymakers and community leaders with implementation. The project builds on two online courses for researchers early in their careers: one that covers the research context and one that covers preparing a research question and approach. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an impactful method of exploring social inequalities and applying research to solve practical problems. For students to learn the basic steps of CBPR, a workshop was conducted with a rural NGO in India that included researchers from three countries, staff members, and community members. The topic, “waste management”, was chosen by the local NGO and integrated with the university program through a CBPR methodology workshop. This article describes the background, learning process, and results of the participatory research workshop and focuses on the collaboration of students, staff, and community members as well as the application of research for action.
Pinus pinaster Diameter, Height, and Volume Estimation Using Mask-RCNN
Authors: Malta Ana , Lopes José , Salas-González Raúl , Fidalgo Beatriz , Farinha Torres , Mendes Mateus
Published: December 2023

Pinus pinaster, commonly called the maritime pine, is a vital species in Mediterranean forests. Its ability to thrive in the local climate and rapid growth make it an essential resource for wood production and reforestation efforts. Accurately estimating the volume of wood within a pine forest is of great significance to the wood industry. The traditional process is either a rough estimation without measurements or a time-consuming process based on manual measurements and calculations. This article presents a method for determining a tree’s diameter, total height, and volume based on a photograph. The method involves placing reference targets of known dimensions on the trees. A deep learning neural network is used to extract the tree trunk and the targets from the background, and the dimensions of the trunk are estimated based on the dimensions of the targets. The results indicate less than 10% estimation errors for diameter, height, and volume in general. The proposed methodology automates the estimation of the dendrometric characteristics of trees, reducing field time consumed in a forest inventory and without the need to use nonprofessional instruments.
Evaluation of Freshwater Using Chromatographic Analyses of Dissolved Organic Matter Data from the Hypertrophic River Vääna, Estonia
Authors: Lepane Viia
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate if high-resolution dissolved organic matter (DOM) data, obtained from water by chromatographic analyses, enable us to assess whether seasonal climate change and anthropogenic activities in the catchment area have an impact on the ecosystem’s sustainability. More specifically, the changes in the molecular properties of heterogeneous DOM from the hypertrophic River Vääna, Estonia, during the winter and spring seasons have been examined. The chromatographic HPLC method (HPLC-SEC), combined with UV-Vis spectroscopic detection, was used to characterize and fractionate DOM. Changes in several chromatographic/molecular parameters were investigated. The microbial-derived low-molecular-mass aromatic and heterocyclic compounds, humic substances (HS), and protein-like (PL) components were identified in the DOM. The HS to PL fractions ratio has been found to reflect the seasonal climatic change and can be applied as a potential environmental indicator. The River Vääna’s water was evaluated as sustainable, and even an anthropogenic impact was revealed. The results point out the usefulness of HPLC-SEC together with UV-Vis spectroscopy detection for climate change-related DOM studies in real environmental conditions.
Probing a Hybrid Channel for the Dynamics of Non-Local Features
Authors: Rahman Atta ur , Yang Macheng , Zangi Sultan Mahmood , Qiao Congfeng
Published: December 2023

Effective information transmission is a central element in quantum information protocols, but the quest for optimal efficiency in channels with symmetrical characteristics remains a prominent challenge in quantum information science. In light of this challenge, we introduce a hybrid channel that encompasses thermal, magnetic, and local components, each simultaneously endowed with characteristics that enhance and diminish quantum correlations. To investigate the symmetry of this hybrid channel, we explored the quantum correlations of a simple two-qubit Heisenberg spin state, quantified using measures such as negativity, ℓ1-norm coherence, entropic uncertainty, and entropy functions. Our findings revealed that the hybrid channel can be adeptly tailored to preserve quantum correlations, surpassing the capabilities of its individual components. We also identified optimal parameterizations to attain maximum entanglement from mixed entangled/separable states, even in the presence of local dephasing. Notably, various parameters and quantum features, including non-Markovianity, exhibited distinct behaviors in the context of this hybrid channel. Ultimately, we discuss potential experimental applications of this configuration.
Piperine: Chemistry and Biology
Authors: Han Jin , Zhang Shaoyong , He Jun , Li Tianze
Published: December 2023

Piperine is a plant-derived promising piperamide candidate isolated from the black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). In the last few years, this natural botanical product and its derivatives have aroused much attention for their comprehensive biological activities, including not only medical but also agricultural bioactivities. In order to achieve sustainable development and improve survival conditions, looking for environmentally friendly pesticides with low toxicity and residue is an extremely urgent challenge. Fortunately, plant-derived pesticides are rising like a shining star, guiding us in the direction of development in pesticidal research. In the present review, the recent progress in the biological activities, mechanisms of action, and structural modifications of piperine and its derivatives from 2020 to 2023 are summarized. The structure-activity relationships were analyzed in order to pave the way for future development and utilization of piperine and its derivatives as potent drugs and pesticides for improving the local economic development.
Extracellular Interaction of Bacillus thuringiensis, ATP and Phage 0105phi7-2: A Potential New Anti-Bacterial Strategy
Authors: Ritter Samantha , Wright Elena T. , Serwer Philip
Published: December 2023

The following hypothesis proposes non-diffusive, environmental bacteriophage (phage) motion. (1) Some phage-hosting, motile bacteria undergo chemotaxis down ATP concentration gradients to escape lysis-inducing conditions, such as phage infection. (2) Some phages respond by non-infective binding to the motile bacteria. (3) When the bacteria reach a lower ATP concentration, which is a condition that signals increased density of phage-susceptible bacteria, the phage converts, Trojan-horse-like, to productive binding and infection. This hypothesis was previously proposed for Bacillus thuringiensis siphophage 0105phi7-2. It is tested here and confirmed with the following observations. (1) B. thuringiensis is found, macroscopically, preferentially located at low ATP concentrations when propagated in-gel after inoculation in the center of an artificially generated ATP concentration gradient. (2) Inoculating phage 0105phi7-2 at the bacteria inoculation site, 2–3 h after inoculation of bacteria, results in cell lysing activity that moves with the bacteria, without a visible trail of lysis. Trojan-horse-like behavior is consistent with only biofilm-inhabiting phages because environmental selection for this behavior requires limited fluid flows. We propose using artificial ATP concentration gradients to instigate Trojan-horse-like phage behavior during phage therapy of bacterial biofilms.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Reinfections in Children in Western Australia
Authors: Foley David A. , Minney-Smith Cara A. , Lee Wei Hao , Oakes Daniel B. , Hazelton Briony , Ford Timothy J. , Wadia Ushma , Sikazwe Chisha , Moore Hannah C. , Nicol Mark P. , Levy Avram , Blyth Christopher C.
Published: December 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) reinfection in children is poorly understood. We examined the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of hospital-attended RSV reinfections in children <16 years in Western Australia between 2012 and 2022. Individuals with repeat RSV detections ≥56 days apart were identified using laboratory data. The incidence of reinfection in the first five years of life was estimated using the total birth population from 2012 to 2017. Clinical data on a subset of reinfection episodes were obtained from two metropolitan pediatric centers. A total of 466 children with hospital-attended reinfections were identified. The median interval between RSV detections was 460 days (interquartile range: 324, 812), with a reinfection rate of 95 per 100,000 individuals (95% confidence interval: 82, 109). Reinfection was most common in children who experienced their first RSV detection <6 months of age. Predisposing factors were identified in 56% of children; children with predisposing factors were older at first and second detections, were more likely to be admitted, and had a longer length of stay. This study highlights the significant burden of hospital-attended RSV reinfections in children with and without predisposing factors. Expanded surveillance with in-depth clinical data is required to further characterize the impact of RSV reinfection.
The Role of Late Presenters in HIV-1 Transmission Clusters in Europe
Authors: Miranda Mafalda N. S. , Pimentel Victor , Gomes Perpétua , Martins Maria do Rosário O. , Seabra Sofia G. , Kaiser Rolf , Böhm Michael , Seguin-Devaux Carole , Paredes Roger , Bobkova Marina , Zazzi Maurizio , Incardona Francesca , Pingarilho Marta , Abecasis Ana B.
Published: December 2023

Background: Investigating the role of late presenters (LPs) in HIV-1 transmission is important, as they can contribute to the onward spread of HIV-1 virus before diagnosis, when they are not aware of their HIV status. Objective: To characterize individuals living with HIV-1 followed up in Europe infected with subtypes A, B, and G and to compare transmission clusters (TC) in LP vs. non-late presenter (NLP) populations. Methods: Information from a convenience sample of 2679 individuals living with HIV-1 was collected from the EuResist Integrated Database between 2008 and 2019. Maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenies were constructed using FastTree. Transmission clusters were identified using Cluster Picker. Statistical analyses were performed using R. Results: 2437 (91.0%) sequences were from subtype B, 168 (6.3%) from subtype A, and 74 (2.8%) from subtype G. The median age was 39 y/o (IQR: 31.0–47.0) and 85.2% of individuals were males. The main transmission route was via homosexual (MSM) contact (60.1%) and 85.0% originated from Western Europe. In total, 54.7% of individuals were classified as LPs and 41.7% of individuals were inside TCs. In subtype A, individuals in TCs were more frequently males and natives with a recent infection. For subtype B, individuals in TCs were more frequently individuals with MSM transmission route and with a recent infection. For subtype G, individuals in TCs were those with a recent infection. When analyzing cluster size, we found that LPs more frequently belonged to small clusters (<8 individuals), particularly dual clusters (2 individuals). Conclusion: LP individuals are more present either outside or in small clusters, indicating a limited role of late presentation to HIV-1 transmission.
Epidemiology of Meningococcal Disease in Four South American Countries and Rationale of Vaccination in Adolescents from the Region: Position Paper of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE)
Authors: Villena Rodolfo , Safadi Marco Aurelio , Gentile Ángela , Pujadas Mónica , De la Maza Verónica , George Sergio , Torres Juan Pablo
Published: December 2023

Surveillance of meningococcal disease (MD) is crucial after the implementation of vaccination strategies to monitor their impact on disease burden. Adolescent vaccination could provide direct and indirect protection. Argentina, Brazil, and Chile have introduced meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV) into their National Immunization Programs (NIP), while Uruguay has not. Here, we analyze the epidemiology of MD and vaccination experience from these four South American countries to identify needs and plans to improve the current vaccination programs. Methodology: Descriptive study of MD incidence rates, serogroup distribution, case fatality rates (CFR), and MCV uptakes during the period 2010–2021 in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Data were extracted from national surveillance programs, reference laboratories, NIPs, and Pubmed. Results: MD overall incidence from 2010 to 2021 have a decreasing trend in Argentina (0.37 [IQR = 0.20–0.61]), Brazil (0.59 [IQR = 0.54–1.22]), and Chile (0.45 [IQR = 0.40–0.77]), while a significant increase in Uruguay (0.47 [IQR = 0.33–0.69]) was found from 2016 to 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all countries sharply reduced their MD incidence. The highest incidence rates were observed among infants, followed by children 1–4 years of age. No second peak was evident in adolescents. A reduction in serogroup C, W, and Y cases has occurred in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile after introduction of MCV, serogroup B becoming predominant in all four countries. Median CFR was 9.0%, 21%, 19.9%, and 17.9% in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, respectively. Median uptake of MCV for Argentina and Brazil were 66.6% and 91.0% for priming in infants; 54.7% and 84.5% for booster in toddlers; and 47.5% and 53% for adolescents; while for Chile, 95.6% for toddlers. Conclusions: Experience after the implementation of MCV programs in South America was successful, reducing the burden of MD due to the vaccine serogroups. High vaccine uptake and the inclusion of adolescents will be crucial in the post-pandemic period to maintain the protection of the population. The increase in the proportion of serogroup B cases emphasizes the importance of continuous surveillance to guide future vaccination strategies.