bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitating Innovation for Complex Societal Challenges: Creating Communities and Innovation Ecosystems for SDG Goal of Forming Partnerships
Authors: Oliver Amalya L. , Rittblat Rotem
Published: June 2023

This study applies a social transformation perspective and aims to provide a conceptual framework for different innovation-driven communities and platforms designed to answer complex problems. Based on the SDG goal # 17 (The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) on the importance of creating partnership, we examine the structures, strategies, and processes designed by the Israel Innovation Institute (III) in the creation of communities and innovation ecosystems. Our research questions are what are the processes and strategies applied to create an ecosystem for an innovation community and to advance partnerships, and how do they evolve and develop. Based on data from interviews, participant observations, and document analysis, we analyzed the pre-conditions for establishing these communities and innovation ecosystems, the community managers’ main strategies, and the processes in which these ecosystems evolve and develop. We find that the III creates a bottom-up process based on three inter-related functions: the creating encounters or partnerships within the community, leading to a second level of collaboration based on bringing various actors, knowledge, and resources from institutions or large organizations outside the original community. These functions lead to further reconfiguring the system higher-order change by setting additional encounters with multinational actors, state actors, and more. This study has significant policy implications for facilitating innovation for complex societal challenges.
Sustainable Development in the Export Trade from a Symbiotic Perspective on Carbon Emissions, Exemplified by the Case of Guangdong, China
Authors: Wang Shengyuan , Pan Meixia , Wu Xiaolan
Published: June 2023

CO2 emissions are increasing with the expansion of export trade. Against the backdrop of the prominent trend of decarbonization in the global economy, the question of how to rise to the occasion to maintain the advantages of international trade, as well as achieving sustainable growth in export trade, has become an urgent issue for us to consider. This paper uses empirical analysis to propose and establish an econometric model of the symbiosis between carbon emissions and export trade dependence, economic structural changes and clean technology changes, based on the environmental Kuznets curve and using time series data for Guangdong Province from 2000 to 2021. The study found that there is a long-term, stable equilibrium relationship between the scale effect and technology effect on carbon emissions, and a positive relationship between the structural effect and carbon emissions. The study then constructed a symbiotic system of exports and carbon emissions from a symbiotic perspective. The Lotka–Volterra MCGP model was used to measure the evolution of the export and carbon emission symbiosis system from the optimization of three perspectives: the scale and structure of energy consumption under the dual constraints of export trade and carbon emissions, the scale of export trade under the carbon emission constraints, and the scale of carbon emissions under the export trade constraints. The results show that there is considerable room for improvement in the structure of energy consumption and carbon emissions in the current Guangdong export trade process. At the same time, this improvement can be achieved by adjusting the energy consumption structure and improving the efficiency of the system without changing the scale effect, technology effect or structural effect.
The Roles of Professional Socialization and Higher Education Context in Prosocial and Pro-Environmental Attitudes of Social Science and Humanities versus Business Students in Italy and Croatia
Authors: Alfirević Nikša , Stanke Koraljka Modić , Santoboni Fabrizio , Curcio Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

According to the bio-ecological model, individuals are highly influenced by the context and dynamic interactions occurring within their environment over time. Therefore, prolonged shared contexts that people are exposed to, such as the higher education system, should contribute to more similarities in their cognition. We examine two research models, specifying the influence of the national higher education system as a variable, that moderates the potential relationship between the students’ country of origin and their prosocial (Model 1) and pro-environmental (Model 2) attitudes. Two culturally similar countries (Croatia and Italy) and two student subsamples from both countries (one group with social science and humanities majors and another with business and economics major) are considered. We used A. F. Hayes’ PROCESS macro to estimate the results using the regression approach. The research results show statistically significantmoderated relationships between study major and prosocial and pro-environmental attitudes. However, the national HE contexts, when considered as moderating variables, suppressed the main effects in both models. We discuss possible explanations of the suppression of the main effect by the conditional one, outline implications of the present findings and provide guidelines for future research.
Antecedents of Consumers’ Intention and Behavior to Purchase Organic Food in the Portuguese Context
Authors: Ferreira Sandra , Pereira Olga
Published: June 2023

The demand and commercialization of organic foods is developing rapidly. However, there is an imbalance between the increasing use of these products and the limited attention of researchers to this category of products. The present study intends to evaluate the antecedents of the consumer purchase intention and behavior on organic foods, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). To reach the research objectives, a quantitative methodology was developed. An online questionnaire was applied in organic food social network groups and Portuguese organic food stores. To test the hypothesis, structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted. Findings revealed that environmental concern has a significantly positive effect on purchasing attitude and on purchase intention. Health consciousness has a significant and positive relationship with attitude and purchase intention, and attitude has a significant and positive relationship with purchase intention. Finally, purchase intention has a significant and positive relationship with purchase behavior. Theoretically, this study is a response to frequent requests to investigate beyond consumer intention and assess influences on actual behavior. Producers and marketing professionals may utilize our findings to develop strategies to attract the growing organic food community and encourage its purchase.
Developing a Decision-Making Support System for a Smart Construction and Demolition Waste Transition to a Circular Economy
Authors: Boonkanit Prin , Suthiluck Kridchai
Published: June 2023

This research work aimed to develop a decision support system (DSS) to select the most appropriate concrete waste management method, which is the most critical issue in the construction industry. The research process began with the study of the current situation of concrete waste management problems. Related theories and literature were reviewed, and experts were interviewed in depth. After that, the Delphi technique and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) were used to analyze the decision-making structure and consider factors related to the waste management methods. Then, the FAHP process was analyzed, calculated, and prioritized using MS Excel until the results were obtained. Finally, decision structures were shown, evaluated, and prioritized using a case study by a group of experts belonging to the Thai circular economy construction industry (CECI). The contribution of this research line in the DSS model is by analyzing, calculating, and finding the most appropriate alternative solution for the construction waste industry. Limitations, recommendations, and future research directions are also presented.
TP Concentration Inversion and Pollution Sources in Nanyi Lake Based on Landsat 8 Data and InVEST Model
Authors: Ding Lei , Qi Cuicui , Li Geng , Zhang Weiqing
Published: June 2023

Phosphorus is a limiting nutrient in freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, it is of great significance to use remote sensing technology to estimate the Total phosphorus (TP) concentration in the lake body and identify the contribution of TP inflow load in the surrounding area of the lake body. In this study, two main frameworks (empirical method and machine learning algorithm) for TP estimation are proposed and applied to the development of the Nanyi Lake algorithm. Based on the remote sensing data and ground monitoring data, the results obtained by the two main algorithms are compared to explore whether the machine learning algorithm has better performance than the empirical method in the TP inversion prediction of Nanyi Lake. The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model was used to simulate the TP inflow load in the Nanyi Lake Basin and determine the key pollution source areas. The results show that the accuracy of the machine learning algorithm is higher than that of the empirical method and has better performance. Among the four machine learning algorithms—support vector machines (SVR), artificial neural network (BP), extreme gradient boosting algorithm (XGBoost) and random forest regression (RF)—the TP concentration inversion model established by the XGBoost algorithm is more accurate and has strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity. The simulation results in the southern and northeastern parts of the Nanyi Lake Basin contribute the most to the pollution load of the lake area, and the simulation results can provide direction for the effective prevention and control of Nanyi Lake, help to further effectively identify the key source areas of TP pollution in the water body of Nanyi Lake, and provide a meaningful scientific reference for water quality monitoring and management, to comprehensively improve the water quality of Nanyi Lake.
Decomposing and Decoupling the Energy-Related Carbon Emissions in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Using the Extended LMDI and Tapio Index Model
Authors: Guan Qifan
Published: June 2023

To deal with global warming and fulfil China’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060, reducing carbon emissions has become a necessary requirement. As one of China’s three major economic circles, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (B–T–H) has a great responsibility. This paper measures energy-related carbon emissions of B–T–H from 2005 to 2019 and uses the extended Logarithmic Mean Division Index (LMDI) to decompose the carbon emission effect factors. Then, a Tapio index model was constructed to analyse the contribution of each effect factor. The results showed that: (1) the total carbon emissions of B–T–H increased by 1.5 times, with Hebei having the highest proportion, followed by Tianjin and Beijing. Coal was the biggest emitter in all three regions. Natural gas emissions in Tianjin and Beijing were growing rapidly. (2) Consistent with most studies, economic development promoted carbon emissions, while energy intensity and energy structure inhibited them. It was found that innovative factors also have significant impacts: research and development efficiency was the primary emission inhibition factor in Hebei and the secondary inhibition factor in Tianjin and Beijing. The effects of investment intensity and research and development intensity differed between regions. (3) Beijing took the lead in achieving strong decoupling, followed by Tianjin. Hebei maintained weak decoupling. Innovative factors also played an important role in decoupling, which cannot be ignored in achieving emission reduction targets.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Prefabricated Building Quality Based on ISM-BN
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Mengtong , Zhao Lilin , Chen Min
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the rise of the domestic industry has boosted the use and popularity of prefabricated buildings. Prefabricated buildings differ significantly from traditional design, construction, and production models. However, due to the short development period of prefabricated buildings in China, the quality management of these new structures is still not mature, resulting in frequent project delays and failure. To improve quality management, this paper aims to establish an evaluation model of factors affecting prefabricated building quality. The 4M1E framework was used to categorize and generalize related quality factors. Then, GeNIe software was used to establish a visual Bayesian network quality factor evaluation model. The factors that need to be managed and given attention to in the prefabricated construction project were discovered using reverse reasoning, sensitivity, and critical factor analysis. The results indicated that among the multiple stages of prefabricated buildings, the construction stage has the greatest impact on the quality of buildings. C2(Insufficient sense of responsibility of construction personnel) is the most significant factor that needs to be controlled. In addition, this paper combined the ISM-BN model with actual engineering projects to identify key factors affecting the project’s quality, demonstrating the model’s applicability. The evaluation model of quality factors in prefabricated buildings was established. It can identify the underlying causes of quality issues in prefabricated buildings and control engineering quality at the source, acting as an effective guide for practitioners and enterprises.
The Role of the Forest Recreation Industry in China’s National Economy: An Input–Output Analysis
Authors: Qiu Yingying , He Dan , Xu Zhe , Shi Xiaoliang
Published: June 2023

Forest recreation not only enables directly creates impacts on the entire tourism industry but also indirectly creates effects on other industries composed in an economic system via inter-industrial interdependence, such as backward and forward linkages or interactions. However, due to the lack of data available, few studies have been made exclusively for evaluating the impacts of forest recreation on the economy in a national dimension. Therefore, this paper attempts to analyze the economic impacts of the forest recreation industry. Using an input–output modeling approach, the industrial linkage and a cluster of economic multipliers are estimated based on new input–output tables for 2012, 2017, and 2018 that includes the forest recreation industry. The results indicate that, first, both the forward and backward linkages caused by forest recreation show rising trends over the analysis periods and the backward linkages are stronger than forward linkages. Second, the economic contribution of forest recreation has been strengthened, although the multipliers have shown a downward trend. The total output impact in 2018 is calculated to be $838.187 billion, with a total added impact of $352.713 billion. Furthermore, forest recreation could create over 18 million jobs with an average annual growth rate of 15.73%, which are mainly in the catering, accommodation, and retail industries with low skill requirements. Finally, policy applications are proposed to provide reliable and useful information for future planning and investment decision associated with the forestry and ecotourism industry.
Biomonitoring of Heavy Metal and Metalloid Contamination in Industrial Wastewater Irrigated Areas Using Sugar Beet (Brassica oleracea L.)
Authors: Ugulu Ilker , Bibi Shehnaz , Khan Zafar Iqbal , Ahmad Kafeel , Munir Mudasra , Malik Ifra Saleem , Ejaz Abid , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad
Published: June 2023

In Pakistan, wastewater such as industrial and urban wastewater is widely used for agricultural irrigation despite its chemical and pollutant content. In this respect, it is important to determine the risks of heavy metal accumulation in various agricultural products and the risks to human health. The aims of this study were to assess the heavy metal(loid)s contamination in soil and sugar beet samples and to assess the health risks of heavy metal(loid)s to the population via the consumption of sugar beet. The heavy metal(loid) values in the wastewater-irrigated soil samples ranged from 0.260 to 4.053 mg/kg, and wastewater-irrigated sugar beet samples ranged from 0.051 to 1.666 mg/kg. In contrast to Cd, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr and Zn, which appeared to pose a health risk, Pb, Co, and Cr had Health Risk Index (HRI) values lower than 1.0 and did not appear to pose a threat to human health. Cd accumulation with HRI values over 1 (144.8) indicated that this metal is likely to have a major negative impact on local health.
Generalized Support Vector Regression and Symmetry Functional Regression Approaches to Model the High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Roozbeh Mahdi , Rouhi Arta. , Mohamed Nur Anisah. , Jahadi Fatemeh
Published: June 2023

The analysis of the high-dimensional dataset when the number of explanatory variables is greater than the observations using classical regression approaches is not applicable and the results may be misleading. In this research, we proposed to analyze such data by introducing modern and up-to-date techniques such as support vector regression, symmetry functional regression, ridge, and lasso regression methods. In this study, we developed the support vector regression approach called generalized support vector regression to provide more efficient shrinkage estimation and variable selection in high-dimensional datasets. The generalized support vector regression can improve the performance of the support vector regression by employing an accurate algorithm for obtaining the optimum value of the penalty parameter using a cross-validation score, which is an asymptotically unbiased feasible estimator of the risk function. In this regard, using the proposed methods to analyze two real high-dimensional datasets (yeast gene data and riboflavin data) and a simulated dataset, the most efficient model is determined based on three criteria (correlation squared, mean squared error, and mean absolute error percentage deviation) according to the type of datasets. On the basis of the above criteria, the efficiency of the proposed estimators is evaluated.
Analytical and Numerical Methods for Solving Second-Order Two-Dimensional Symmetric Sequential Fractional Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Syam Sondos M. , Siri Z. , Altoum Sami H. , Md. Kasmani R.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we investigate the solution to a class of symmetric non-homogeneous two-dimensional fractional integro-differential equations using both analytical and numerical methods. We first show the differences between the Caputo derivative and the symmetric sequential fractional derivative and how they help facilitate the implementation of numerical and analytical approaches. Then, we propose a numerical approach based on the operational matrix method, which involves deriving operational matrices for the differential and integral terms of the equation and combining them to generate a single algebraic system. This method allows for the efficient and accurate approximation of the solution without the need for projection. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the operational matrix method for solving non-homogeneous fractional integro-differential equations. We then provide examples to test our numerical method. The results demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the approach, with the graph of exact and approximate solutions showing almost complete overlap, and the approximate solution to the fractional problem converges to the solution of the integer problem as the order of the fractional derivative approaches one. We use various methods to measure the error in the approximation, such as absolute and L2 errors. Additionally, we explore the effect of the derivative order. The results show that the absolute error is on the order of 10−14, while the L2 error is on the order of 10−13. Next, we apply the Laplace transform to find an analytical solution to a class of fractional integro-differential equations and extend the approach to the two-dimensional case. We consider all homogeneous cases. Through our examples, we achieve two purposes. First, we show how the obtained results are implemented, especially the exact solution for some 1D and 2D classes. We then demonstrate that the exact fractional solution converges to the exact solution of the ordinary derivative as the order of the fractional derivative approaches one.
AI-Enabled Consensus Algorithm in Human-Centric Collaborative Computing for Internet of Vehicle
Authors: Sun Chenxi , Li Danyang , Wang Beilei , Song Jie
Published: June 2023

With the enhanced interoperability of information among vehicles, the demand for collaborative sharing among vehicles increases. Based on blockchain, the classical consensus algorithms in collaborative IoV (Internet of Vehicle), such as PoW (Proof of Work), PoS (Proof of Stake), and DPoS (Delegated Proof of Stake), only consider the node features, which is hard to adapt to the immediacy and flexibility of vehicles. On the other hand, classical consensus algorithms often require mass computing, which undoubtedly increases the communication overhead, resulting in the inability to achieve collaborative IoV under asymmetric networks. Therefore, proposing a low failure rate consensus algorithm that takes into account running time and energy consumption becomes a major challenge in IoV applications. This paper proposes an AI-enabled consensus algorithm with vehicle features, combining vehicle-based metrics and neural networks. First, we introduce vehicle-based metrics such as vehicle online time, performance, and behavior. Then, we propose an integral model and a hierarchical classification method, which combine with a BP neural network to obtain the optimal solution for interconnection. Among them, we also use Informer to predict the future online duration of vehicles, which effectively solves the situation that the primary node vehicle drops off in collaborative IoV. Finally, the experimentations show that the vehicle-based metrics eliminate the problem of the primary node vehicle being offline, which realizes the collaborative IoV considering vehicle features. Meanwhile, it reduces the vehicle network system delay and energy consumption.
Aspects of Submanifolds on (α, β)-Type Almost Contact Manifolds with Quasi-Hemi-Slant Factor
Authors: Hakami Ali H. , Siddiqi Mohd Danish , Bahadir Oǧuzhan , Khan Toukeer
Published: June 2023

In this study, the authors focus on quasi-hemi-slant submanifolds (qhs-submanifolds) of (α,β)-type almost contact manifolds, also known as trans-Sasakian manifolds. Essentially, we give sufficient and necessary conditions for the integrability of distributions using the concept of quasi-hemi-slant submanifolds of trans-Sasakian manifolds. We also consider the geometry of foliations dictated by the distribution and the requirements for submanifolds of trans-Sasakian manifolds with quasi-hemi-slant factors to be totally geodesic. Lastly, we give an illustration of a submanifold with a quasi-hemi-slant factor and discuss its application to number theory.
Dense Baryonic Matter Predicted in “Pseudo-Conformal Model”
Authors: Rho Mannque
Published: June 2023

The World-Class University/Hanyang Project launched in Korea in 2008 led to what is now called the “pseudo-conformal model” that addresses dense compact star matter and is confronted in this short note with the presently available astrophysical observables, with focus on those from gravity waves. The predictions made nearly free of parameters by the model involving “topology change” remain more or less intact “un-torpedoed” by the data.
From Netlist to Manufacturable Layout: An Auto-Layout Algorithm Optimized for Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits
Authors: Wei Yiding , Liu Jun , Sun Dengbao , Su Guodong , Wang Junchao
Published: June 2023

Layout stitching is a repetitive and tedious task of the radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) design process. While academic research on layout splicing algorithms mainly focuses on analog and digital circuits, there is still a lack of well-developed algorithms for RFICs. An RFIC system usually has a symmetrical layout, such as transmitter and receiver components, low-noise amplifier (LNA), an SPDT switch, etc. This paper aims to address this gap by proposing an automated procedure for the layout of RFICs by relying on the basic device/PCell structure based on the interconnection among circuit topologies. This approach makes the in-series generation of layouts and automatic splicing based on circuit logic possible, resulting in superior stitching performance compared with related modules in Advanced Design System. To demonstrate the physical application possibilities, we implemented our algorithm on an LNA and a switch circuit.
Correction: Tsai et al. The Efficacy of Transvaginal Ultrasound-Guided BoNT-A External Sphincter Injection in Female Patients with Underactive Bladder. Toxins 2023, 15, 199
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Yen , Yeh Yao-Hung , Tsai Li-Hsien , Chou Eric Chieh-Lung
Published: June 2023

In the original publication [...]
Overview of Mpox Outbreak in Greece in 2022–2023: Is It Over?
Authors: Mellou Kassiani , Tryfinopoulou Kyriaki , Pappa Styliani , Gkolfinopoulou Kassiani , Papanikou Sofia , Papadopoulou Georgia , Vassou Evangelia , Kostaki Evangelia-Georgia , Papadima Kalliopi , Mouratidou Elissavet , Tsintziloni Maria , Siafakas Nikolaos , Florou Zoi , Katsoulidou Antigoni , Sapounas Spyros , Sourvinos George , Pournaras Spyridon , Petinaki Efthymia , Goula Maria , Paparizos Vassilios , Papa Anna , Zaoutis Theoklis , Paraskevis Dimitrios
Published: June 2023

In May 2022, for the first time, multiple cases of mpox were reported in several non-endemic countries. The first ever case of the disease in Greece was confirmed on 8 June 2022, and a total of 88 cases were reported in the country until the end of April 2023. A multidisciplinary response team was established by the Greek National Public Health Organization (EODY) to monitor and manage the situation. EODY’s emergency response focused on enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, medical countermeasures, and the education of health care providers and the public. Even though management of cases was considered successful and the risk from the disease was downgraded, sporadic cases continue to occur. Here, we provide epidemiological and laboratory features of the reported cases to depict the course of the disease notification rate. Our results suggest that measures for raising awareness as well as vaccination of high-risk groups of the population should be continued.
Assessment of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Its Associated Factors during the Crisis: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Benin
Authors: Padonou Sètondji , Kakaï Glèlè Clément , Accrombessi Manfred , Adegbite Bayode , Dangbenon Edouard , Bah Houssaïnatou , Akogbeto Enangnon , Bah Chabi Ali , Kaucley Landry , Sourakatou Salifou , Dossou Ange , Batonon Achille , Bissouma-Ledjou Tania , Hounkpatin Benjamin
Published: June 2023

Background: Having a maximum number of people vaccinated was the objective to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We report in this manuscript the factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 during the pandemic period. Methods: From April to May 2022, a community-based cross-sectional survey was performed. Participants were randomly selected from four districts in Benin (taking into account the COVID-19 prevalence). Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to identify the variables associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Results: A total of 2069 participants were included. The proportion of vaccine acceptance was 43.3%. A total of 24.2% were vaccinated and showed proof of vaccination. The population’s request for vaccination was higher after the third epidemic wave. The district of residence, the education level, a fear of being infected, the channel of information, poor medical conditions, a good knowledge of the transmission mode and symptoms, and good behaviors were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The overall acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Beninese population was relatively high. However, vaccine campaigns in areas with a low acceptance as well as the disclosure of information, particularly on our knowledge of the disease and the safety, side effects, and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, should be strengthened with adapted and consistent messages.
Two New Species, Mallomonas baicalensis sp. nov. and M. grachevii sp. nov. (Synurales Chrysophyceae), Found under the Ice of Lake Baikal
Authors: Bessudova Anna , Firsova Alena , Hilkhanova Diana , Makarov Mikhail , Sakirko Maria , Bashenkhaeva Maria , Khanaev Igor , Zakharova Yulia , Likhoshway Yelena
Published: June 2023

Two new species of silica-scaled chrysophytes (order Synurales) from the genus Mallomonas and sections Striatae Mallomonas baicalensis sp. nov. and M. grachevii sp. nov. found at the bottom surface of the ice of Lake Baikal, with a structure of siliceous scales, are described using electron microscopy. The main and unique distinctive feature of M. baicalensis is its dome with a long spine and the slightly asymmetrical shape of its scales, regardless of their position on the cell. We could not find the bristles, and if there are spines on the dome, we can assume that they may be missing. The main distinguishing feature of M. grachevii is the presence of a secondary layer on the shield except at the angle of the V-rib, in which an area without the secondary layer, a “window”, is present with numerous pores, and the first transverse rib closest to the dome is thickened. Among the Mallomonas species from the section Striatae, only M. siveri and M. baicalensis have a group of rimmed pores in the corner of the V-rib. As a result of our research, the number of Mallomonas species of the section Striatae found in Lake Baikal has increased to eight, of which, in addition to the new species, only one species is widespread, and the rest are rare, previously foundin oligotrophic/mountain water bodies.
Effect of Working Pressure on the Anticlogging Performance of Micro-Sprinkling Hose with Different Structures
Authors: Wei Rong , Wang Hui , Wang Wenjuan , Hu Xiaotao , Wang Wene
Published: June 2023

A micro-sprinkling hose is a new type of water-saving irrigation equipment, which can become clogged when using sand-laden surface water sources for irrigation. To test the clogging process and mechanism of the micro-sprinkling hose, as well as the influence of working pressure and hose structure, an intermittent micro-sprinkling irrigation experiment was performed using four different micro-sprinkling hoses with different folded diameters (45, 45, 48, and 60 mm). The number of orifices in the single-cycle orifice cluster was three, five, five, and five. The results showed that, when the working pressures were 30 and 40 kPa, the micro-sprinkling hose was prone to complete blockage. When the working pressures were 50 and 60 kPa, the micro-sprinkling hose was partially clogged. The structure of the micro-sprinkling hose affected the mass and gradation of the deposited sediment by mediating the flow rate inside the hose. The particle size range and content of sediment under irrigation using the N48-5 (folded diameter = 48 mm, with five orifices) and N60-5 (folded diameter = 60 mm, with five orifices) hoses were much larger than those of the original soil samples. Micro-sprinkling hose N60-5 had the best anticlogging performance in this study. The results of this study can provide technical support for the application of micro-sprinkler irrigation systems with sand-laden water.
Study on Facile and Full-Scale Reuse Treatment of Wastewater Produced from Tail Gas Oxidation-Absorption Technology of Natural Gas Purification Plant
Authors: Tang Quanwu , Li Jing , Fu Jingqiang , Lin Dong , Yi Chang , Zhao Liang , Zeng Qiang , Hu Chao
Published: June 2023

The oxidation-absorption technology of tail gas is perfect for natural gas purification plants to ensure the up-to-standard discharge of sulfur dioxide emissions, but it can produce a large amount of wastewater. In this paper, a facile and full-scale reuse treatment strategy based on the sequential combination of disc tube reverse osmosis and low-temperature and low-pressure evaporation desalination was proposed and studied. The produced light yellow wastewater was acid sulfate-rich organic wastewater, in which sulfate ions (SO42−) existed up to 6479 mg/L, and the chemical oxygen demand (COD), 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total organic carbon (TOC), ammonia nitrogen (ammonia-N), total nitrogen (TN) and suspended solid (SS) were 207, 71.9, 67.6, 1.28, 70.5 and 20.9 mg/L, respectively. After the reuse treatment, there was COD (6 mg/L), BOD5 (1.4 mg/L), TOC (0.9 mg/L), TN (2.07 mg/L), SS (6 mg/L) and SO42− (90 mg/L) in permeated water, and condensate water with COD (11 mg/L), BOD5 (2.3 mg/L), TOC (4.3 mg/L), SS (2 mg/L) and SO42− (1.2 mg/L) was obtained. Thereby, pollution indexes were reduced after the reuse treatment so as to meet the water quality standard (GB/T18920-2022) in China, and the total water recovery rate reached 98.2 vol%. Ultimately, the priority pollutant migration mechanism during the reuse treatment process was determined.
Relevant Information Sources in the Vast and Complex Manure Nutrient Management Network
Authors: Cortus Erin , Kasu Bishal , Jacquet Jeffrey , Embertson Nichole , Schmidt Amy , Lim Teng , Hemmstra Jill
Published: June 2023

To understand and delineate pathways for effective information transfer among professional audiences in manure nutrient management, we deployed a survey, taken by 964 professionals, addressing workforce demographics, tasks performed, and information source relevance. Findings indicate that education of industry and the public is a widespread effort among the multiple organizations represented. The average relevance of different types of information sources was consistent across various organization types. Compared to mass media sources, information sources that were technical and individual- or group-oriented in nature were more relevant to respondents representing all organization types and levels of knowledge. Opportunities exist for translation of the findings presented to other networks of entities working toward common objectives.
Farmers' Trust in Sources of Production and Climate Information and Their Use of Technology
Authors: Borrelli Kristy , McNally Gabrielle , Wulfhorst J. D. , Eigenbrode Sanford , Yorgey Georgine , Kruger Chad , Houston Laurie , Bernacchi Leigh , Mahler Robert
Published: June 2023

A regionally representative survey of 900 Inland Pacific Northwest farmers showed that farmers trust other farmers and agribusiness most for production management decisions but trust university Extension most for climate change information. Additionally, in responding to questions about use of the Internet and mobile applications for making farm management decisions, many farmers indicated that they use the Internet daily but mobile applications much less regularly to access farm-related information. These results suggest that university Extension personnel have an important role to play in informing farmers about climate change and can do so effectively by using certain digital tools alongside other more traditional avenues for information delivery.
Adapting Extension and Outreach Content to Audiences' Educational Interests
Authors: Wolde Bernabas , Lal Pankaj , Burli Pralhad , Iranah Pricila , Munsell John , Gan Jianbang , Taylor Eric
Published: June 2023

For various, largely unknown reasons, decision makers do not have equal interest in all Extension and outreach topics pertinent to a particular concept. This situation hampers Extension's ability to effectively deliver information and efficiently allocate limited resources. Using survey data, we identified heterogeneous preference for various topics related to the concept of woody bioenergy, our case study subject, and built profiles of forestland owners who expressed interest in topics that received above-average and below-average preference rates. Given our results, we argue for using this approach in objectively ranking audiences' educational interests in various forest and nonforest products and services and subsequently allocating time, space, and other Extension resources to the topics of interest.
Veterinary Science Career Development Online Study Guide Improves Student Performance
Authors: Karr Lisa , Luck Lena , D'Angelo Nicole , Conner Nathan
Published: June 2023

The Online FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event (CDE) Study Website was created to better prepare FFA members for the Veterinary Science CDE but is useful to Extension educators as well. The website provides resources for students who may not have access to hands-on study materials for the CDE. These resources include (a) instructional videos of clinical and handling and restraint practicums, (b) photographic identification examples, and (c) practice examinations. Students indicated that they felt more prepared for the CDE after using the online study guide. Because of the types of materials on the website, the site can be used in various ways by Extension educators working with youths interested in animal sciences.
Strategies for 4-H Program Planning and Recruitment Relative to African American Male Youths
Authors: Webster Nicole , Smith Maurice
Published: June 2023

Extension educators often seek new strategies for engaging minority youths in 4-H programs, especially young Black males. These strategies require programming developed in response to the context of this population. We offer insights into the social context of Black males and offer suggestions that will help educators develop identity and integrative site-based programs for this population.
Collective Thinking for Extension Practice: A Time and Place for World Café
Authors: Wiley Shannon , Seibel Megan , Bush Sarah
Published: June 2023

World café (WC) is a structured methodology that provides an opportunity for collective thinking through open dialogue. The WC concept affords the opportunity for individuals to engage in the sharing of ideas and knowledge. Participants rotate through timed discussions on different themes with different groups of individuals, providing for an intermixing of ideas. Facilitators benefit from accessing dialogue output and ideas related to chosen topics of discussion as a result of collective input. Extension professionals should consider WC for increasing communication and generating shared knowledge. Our approach to WC was implemented at the 2016 National Health Outreach Conference.
Surfing Waves of Change: Building Organizational Capacity in Extension Through Leadership Programs
Authors: Griffeth Lauren , Randall Nekeisha , Daniel Jenna
Published: June 2023

Leadership development is a viable solution to equipping Extension employees for administrative responsibilities at earlier career stages. Extend Advanced Leadership Training Program (Extend) is a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension cohort-based initiative proving to be a catalyst for enhancing the leadership skills of Extension personnel. This article addresses data from a mixed-methods study of the Extend program, which revealed findings on how "changing self" and "changing others" resulted in personal and professional growth within the cohort participant study sample.
Jobs to Be Done: An Innovative Needs Assessment Method for Supporting Extension Product and Program Design
Authors: Whitaker Holly
Published: June 2023

Needs assessment in Extension is typically a quantitative process whereby the highest number of votes is deemed to indicate the greatest need. However, this process does not help specialists and county agents know the best response to carry out. A different process is needed to ensure that we in Extension are executing the right responses. In implementing the "jobs to be done" framework, an Extension professional conducts interviews with a small number of audience members to determine the content, kinds of media, and delivery model that will "do the job" for the audience. This article details three cases in which application of this tool supported information product development.
Let's Not Get Disrupted
Authors: Calvin Dennis
Published: June 2023

Successful 21st-century Extension organizations will require innovative business models and organizational structures to meet customer needs. Although new technologies and tools that support Extension education are important, they do not serve as a vision or strategy. This commentary argues why Extension must pay close attention to its customers' needs to remain valuable and relevant in the future and describes the changes Penn State Extension has made in an attempt to position itself as a 21st-century organization.
Untapped: Accessing Extension to Strengthen Connections Between Citizen Science and Community Decision Making
Authors: Clyde Malin , Eberhardt Alyson , Prysby Michelle , Stofer Kathryn
Published: June 2023

Citizen science is on the rise, and Extension is poised to support this movement by offering technical assistance to citizen science programs, communities, federal partners, and researchers. The expansion of citizen science provides an opportunity for fostering innovative access to Extension resources and increasing engagement with new audiences. To encourage capitalization on this opportunity, we outline Extension's traditional strengths and connect them to the needs of citizen science programs, offer examples of Extension-based citizen science programs that are working with communities to make natural resource management decisions, and make suggestions for ways in which Extension's technical assistance can be shared with the citizen science community to build new partnerships.
A New Regional Model for Increasing Extension's Capacity to Reach Metropolitan Audiences
Authors: Gaolach Brad , Moncloa Fe , Sero Rebecca , Emmons Dayna
Published: June 2023

Six western Extension organizations founded the Western Center for Metropolitan Extension and Research (WCMER) to increase the internal capacity of Extension to address metropolitan issues and elevate the value of Extension to external metropolitan audiences. In this article, we present a case study of WCMER. We describe the inception of the center and results of an analysis of its functionality. Those results include findings related to the advisory board’s ability to build social capital and leverage power networks, WCMER’s originating within a culture of innovation and being modeled after other innovative centers, and the concurrent formation of WCMER and the National Urban Extension Leaders network, which propelled WCMER to a national level.
Augmented Reality: Exploring Its Potential for Extension
Authors: Wallace Heather
Published: June 2023

Augmented reality (AR) is quickly becoming commonplace in our daily lives and in many information-sharing fields. This article addresses how Extension is exploring its application and utility for our consumers. In the article, I provide a clear definition of AR and an explanation of how it differs from virtual reality, followed by examples of AR applications within and external to Extension. I describe the origin of, development process for, and lessons learned from an eXtension Foundation–funded AR project in the hope of offering a roadmap to others. Additionally, I present findings from a statewide survey of Extension professionals about AR's strengths, weaknesses, and potential.
Osteomielitis aguda hematógena en la edad pediátrica
Authors: Suarez Gordillo Jorge , Leiva Rojas Daniel , Zuñiga Aleman Braulio , Rojas Masis Paulina
Published: June 2023

La osteomielitis se define como una inflamación del hueso y de la médula ósea, generalmente secundaria a una infección. Es por esto que el término se ha empleado para uso y descripción de una infección en el tejido óseo. En este caso valoraremos la generada por diseminación hematógena en la población pediátrica.

Al evaluar los casos clínicos presentes en la población infantil, se vuelve un desafío para el médico, debido a las múltiples variantes, tanto con población adulta, como entre las diferentes presentaciones en  pediatría.  Este tipo enfermedades evolucionan con el tiempo y cada una se debe tratar individualmente por la capacidad de mutación de los patógenos involucrados.

Además el tema toma importancia debido al aumento en la  resistencia antibiótica cada vez se convierte en un problema de salud más importante, no solo debido a gérmenes cada vez más resistentes; sino al abuso de las terapias antibióticas con las que contamos. Es por eso que un diagnóstico adecuado y un tratamiento dirigido al germen en específico es de suma importancia y debe ser prontamente adoptado cuando se tenga el cultivo del mismo.
Inter-Religio
Authors: Bernhardt Reinhold
Published: June 2023

Das Verhältnis des Christentums zu anderen Religionen wird seit einigen Jahren intensiv diskutiert. Lehrbücher zur Interreligiosität aber gibt es bisher kaum. Dieses Buch ordnet und bündelt die zahlreichen Ansätze, mit denen das Thema bisher theologisch angegangen wurde. Reinhold Bernhardt arbeitet die fünf wichtigsten Grundmodelle heraus, durchleuchtet sie auf ihre systematische Struktur hin und unterzieht sie einer kritischen Diskussion. Sie werden unter den Stichworten Dialog, Gastfreundschaft, Einheit im Grund, gemeinsame Wurzeln und Vergleich zusammengefasst. Damit sind auch die Grundlagen dieses immer wichtiger werdenden Felds der Theologie benannt. Der Band eignet sich so als Lehrbuch für den Fachbereich Religionstheologie: Er gibt einerseits Einblick in klassische und aktuelle Entwürfe, stellt andererseits aber auch viele Bezüge zur Praxis interreligiöser Begegnung her.
Pengaruh Efikasi Diri dan Penghargaan terhadap Keterikatan Karyawan dan Dampaknya pada Kesejahteraan Karyawan Perusahaan di Surabaya
Authors: Erfa Silviya , Suryani Tatik
Published: June 2023

Pengelolaan sumber daya manusia merupakan hal penting yang harus diperhatikan dalam penerapan operasional perusahaan. Sebagian besar karyawan secara alami perlu mendapatkan kesejahteraan di tempat kerja. Salah satu bentuk keinginan yang ingin dicapai adalah kesejahteraan di tempat kerja. Untuk itu, setiap perusahaan harus memperhatikan kesejahteraan karyawannya. Sebagian besar penelitian berfokus pada kondisi fisik untuk menciptakan kesejahteraan karyawan, lebih sedikit yang berfokus pada keterikatan karyawan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji dan menganalisis pengaruh efikasi diri dan penghargaan terhadap keterikatan karyawan dan dampaknya pada kesejahteraan karyawan perusahaan di Surabaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif yang melibatkan 100 karyawan perusahaan di Surabaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei dengan menggunakan kuesioner. Analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan SEM-PLS. Hasilnya menemukan bahwa efikasi diri dan penghargaan berpengaruh positif terhadap keterikatan karyawan. Disamping itu, keterikatan karyawan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kesejahteraan karyawan.