bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urbanization of Chongqing Municipality: Regional Contributions and Influencing Mechanisms
Authors: Zong Huiming , Yu Xiaoxuan
Published: April 2024

Enhancing the level and quality of urbanization and embarking on a new path toward the sustainable development of urbanization are the forces that are driving the achievement of stable and healthy economic and social development. Based on data from three population censuses and official statistics spanning from 1997 to 2021, this study decomposed the changes in the urbanization rates in Chongqing during this period. We employed a fixed-effects model to conduct a regression analysis on the factors influencing the regional contributions of urbanization and provide a comprehensive analysis of their mechanisms. The study findings are as follows: 1. The central urban area has been the primary region driving the urbanization in Chongqing since the establishment of the Chongqing municipality; however, since 2017, the new urban area has gradually become the new “main force” driving the urbanization in Chongqing. In different stages, dynamic regions have exhibited a pattern of “diversification—centralization—diversification”. 2. Local urbanization is the main factor promoting the urbanization development in Chongqing, whereas remote urbanization has only played a supplementary role. The overall urbanization pattern in Chongqing is characterized by “local urbanization and population inflow”. The central urban area has primarily propelled the urbanization of Chongqing through remote urbanization, whereas the new urban area, as well as the northeastern Chongqing area and southeastern Chongqing area, have predominantly driven the urbanization of Chongqing through local urbanization. In the four major regions and 38 counties, the predominant urbanization type was often “local urbanization and population outflow”. 3. The level of the contribution of different regions to the urbanization development in Chongqing is the combined result of factors such as economic development, local administrative capacity, improvement in public services, and enhancement in transportation infrastructure.
Ecologically Friendly Building Materials: A Case Study of Clay–Ash Composites for the Efficient Management of Fly Ash from the Thermal Conversion of Sewage Sludge
Authors: Wiśniewski Krzysztof , Rutkowska Gabriela , Jeleniewicz Katarzyna , Dąbkowski Norbert , Wójt Jarosław , Chalecki Marek , Wierzbicki Tomasz
Published: April 2024

The European Union’s initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has paved the way for the exploration of innovative building materials that are environmentally friendly and meet all requirements of durability and strength. These criteria can be met by combining natural resources used in the production of building materials with waste materials that would otherwise be landfilled, having a negative impact on the environment. This study focuses on such materials and presents the results of recent research conducted at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. The aim was to develop a new generation of materials fully compliant with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development. Simultaneously, these materials should have no adverse effects on human health and be strong enough to carry the required loads. This study proposes the combination of a natural raw material—in the form of clay—with fly ash from the incineration of sewage sludge to produce a new generation of materials. Several samples were prepared using fly ash from two sources and then were fired at 950 °C. The resulting composites underwent physico-chemical and strength tests. These tests not only confirmed the high strength and durability of the obtained product but also the neutralization of the heavy metals originally present in the fly ash.
Evolution in Patterns of Urban Water Consumption Accompanying Socio-Economic Development
Authors: He Sizhong , Ma Zhenzhen , Wang Huashan , Gao Yuqin
Published: April 2024

To explore the evolution in patterns of urban water consumption (UWC) accompanying socio-economic development, historical data on socio-economic conditions and water consumption in developed cities worldwide were collected. stages of evolution and patterns in UWC were identified through Pettitt tests. Through correlation analysis, the main socio-economic indicators influencing UWC were identified, and their threshold values for different trends in the evolution of UWC were statistically analyzed. The use of these patterns of evolution for UWC prediction was explored taking Changsha, China as a case study. Results indicate the following: (1) UWC typically increases in the early stage of development and then stabilizes or decreases later; (2) when UWC stabilizes or decreases, socio-economic indicators, namely per capita GDP, tertiary industry’s contribution to GDP, and urbanization rate, range from [USD 10,000, 60,000], [60%, 80%], and [85%, 95%], respectively, entering or approaching the developed economy stage. (3) Using patterns in this evolution, Changsha’s UWC is predicted to increase until the turning point, which will occur between 2027 and 2035 (earlier than that predicted using genetic programming) and then decrease earlier than that of Hunan Province or the entirety of China. Predicted values are lower than those obtained using the quota method. This study provides a new perspective on relationships between UWC and socio-economic conditions, supporting water resources planning.
Analyzing the Factors of Vacant Home Occurrence for Urban Sustainability: A Case Study of Medium-Sized Cities Focusing on Asan City, Chungcheongnam-do
Authors: Choi Jeong-hyeon , Han Seung-Seok , Woo Myung-je
Published: April 2024

This study aims to enhance urban sustainability by analyzing the spatial distribution and underlying causes of vacant homes in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. Various statistical methods were employed to analyze date concerning the number of vacant stores, population changes, land use complexity, and the physical characteristics of land and buildings; these factors were found to influence the prevalence of vacant homes across Asan. Additionally, it was found that distinct factors differentially affect specific regions, such as old downtown areas versus rural villages. This indicates that reducing vacant homes in these areas requires distinct policies tailored to the unique circumstances of each region. For instance, in old town areas, small lot ratios and land use complexity are significant, while in rural villages, the average number of floors and land use complexity play a major role. This study highlights the diverse factors influencing the prevalence of vacant homes and suggests that to effectively address this issue, policies should be developed that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each area, categorized at both the city and local levels.
Unveiling Environmental Influences on Sustainable Fertilizer Production through Insect Farming
Authors: Katchali Malontema , Senagi Kennedy , Richard Edward , Beesigamukama Dennis , Tanga Chrysantus M. , Athanasiou Gina , Zahariadis Theodore , Casciano Domenica , Lazarou Alexandre , Tonnang Henri E. Z.
Published: April 2024

Entomocomposting is fast and environmentally friendly, boosts soil quality and crop production, and improves resilience to climate change. The black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) catalyze the composting process, but their efficiency is highly influenced by environmental factors and the quality of the substrate. This study employs response surface methodology to discern physical–chemical factors that influence the nutrient quality of BSF frass fertilizer. Internet of Things (IoT) sensors were deployed to monitor in real-time both independent variables (air temperature, moisture content, humidity, and substrate temperature) and dependent variables (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium); the data were relayed to the cloud. A non-linear regression model was used to study the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Results showed that air humidity and air temperature did not have a significant effect on nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation in frass fertilizer, respectively, but phosphorus was significantly influenced by air humidity. On the other hand, neither air temperature nor moisture content has a significant effect on potassium concentration in frass fertilizer. We found that an air temperature of 30 °C and 41.5 °C, substrate temperature of 32.5 °C and 35 °C, moisture content between 70 and 80%, and relative humidity beyond 38% can be conducive for the production of high-quality BSF frass fertilizer. Model validation results showed better robustness of prediction with R2 values of 63–77%, and Radj2 values of 62–76% for nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Our findings highlight the potential for the application of digital tools as a fast and cost-effective decision support system to optimize insect farming for the production of high-quality frass fertilizer for use in sustainable agriculture and crop production.
Determining Sustainable Purchase Behavior for Green Products from Name-Brand Shops: A Gen Z Perspective in a Developing Country
Authors: Bajar Raven Gio Charles A. , Ong Ardvin Kester S. , German Josephine D.
Published: April 2024

Over the years, the overconsumption of natural resources has been an issue of concern. Companies have been inducing sustainable practices and approaches to help the environment. By specifically applying the sustainability theory of planned behavior, this study sought to extensively investigate behavioral preference and intention to buy green and sustainable products across name-brand businesses in a developing country. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling, this study examined responses from 300 valid participants. The results revealed that consumers’ purchasing preferences and intentions are affected by customer expectation for the products, by the government, and by customer concern for the environment. It was seen that customers are prepared to pay extra for name-brand stores that sell eco-friendly or sustainable goods. In accordance, consumers’ purchase intentions are greatly affected by the customer preference or expectation for a product, as the findings indicate that customer-perceived value has the highest influential and consequential relationship to behavioral purposes. Customers are inclined to purchase eco-friendly goods if the sustainable product meets the requirements and expectations of the consumer. Furthermore, consumers’ purchasing intentions in buying green products from name-brand shops are also affected by the government, individuals’ environmental concerns and awareness, individuals’ personal needs and beliefs, society, and individual attitudes. For name-brand stores, consumers’ behavioral intentions to purchase environmentally friendly and sustainable goods are the most strongly associated with their perception of their own value, followed by perceived authority support and perceived environmental concern. The findings and results of this study can be relevant in understanding and exploring consumers’ behavioral intentions to purchase green products from name-brand shops.
Mission Statement Components and Social Enterprise Sustainability: Findings from a Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Duan Haixia , Yang Yaya
Published: April 2024

Mission statement components are crucial for the sustainability of social enterprises. Based on content analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we investigate the link between mission statement components and sustainability in a sample of 148 Chinese social enterprises. Our findings indicate that social enterprises’ mission statements are both socially and commercially focused. An individual mission statement component does not constitute a necessary condition for the high sustainability of social enterprises, but products or services and enterprise philosophy play a universal role in this regard. There are four configurations of mission statement components that lead to high social enterprise sustainability. This study helps to reveal the complexity of the impact of mission statement components on social enterprise sustainability.
Temporal Shifts in E-Scooter Rider Perspectives: A Longitudinal Investigation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almannaa Mohammed , Alyahya Asim , Ashqar Huthaifa I. , Elhenawy Mohammed
Published: April 2024

Shared electric scooters (e-scooters) have rapidly gained prominence as a first/last-mile mobility solution globally, with over 66,000 systems operating in 88 cities across 21 countries in 2019. While recognized for their flexibility, accessibility, and environmental benefits, concerns such as safety, parking issues, and infrastructural challenges accompany the operation of shared e-scooter systems. This research investigates the evolving perceptions of e-scooter users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, comparing pre-survey results with a recent study following the official deployment of e-scooters as a transportation mode in 2022. The analysis reveals significant shifts in user behavior, preferences, and perceptions. The findings indicate increased familiarity with e-scooters, heightened usage rates, and notable changes in domestic e-scooter use. Furthermore, the study identifies variations in willingness to use e-scooters across genders. A notable shift is observed in riders’ perceptions, transforming from viewing e-scooters primarily as entertainment tools to embracing them as a reliable mode of transportation. The results show that the percentage of female respondents using e-scooters increased from 3% to 13%, representing over four times the post-survey numbers. Additionally, the percentage of individuals perceiving e-scooters as safe decreased from 28.2% in the pre-survey to 14.9% in the current survey (post-survey) among those who had used e-scooters. The regression analysis demonstrates a historical uptrend in the utilization of e-scooters, juxtaposed with a discernible decline projected for forthcoming usage (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74). Intriguingly, there is evidence indicating an enhancement of riders’ confidence towards e-scooters, as reflected by an augmented perception of safety (OR = 1.48).
Closing the Loop: Exploring Food Waste Management in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Baya Chatti Chedli , Ben Hassen Tarek , El Bilali Hamid
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global food waste patterns through unanticipated shifts in composition and quantities. This review explores the impacts of COVID-19 on food waste generation and management approaches in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region during the recovery phase. This paper comprehensively explores food loss and waste in the NENA region. It presents a detailed analysis of pandemic-induced changes in household food waste behaviors, analyses the integration of circular economy principles in recovery strategies and policy implications, and outlines potential avenues for future research in this critical area. The key findings are threefold: First, this study reaffirms that food waste is a critical challenge in NENA, contributing to food insecurity, water scarcity, and environmental issues. Second, the pandemic catalyzed a dichotomy in consumer behaviors—panic buying initially increased waste, while hardship measures later encouraged sustainable waste reduction practices like meal planning and leftover use. Third, adopting a circular economy approach holds potential, yet its implementation remains limited in terms of curbing food waste and promoting sustainability in NENA. Overall, while the pandemic accentuated the urgency of tackling food waste, it also stimulated innovative policy thinking and strategic planning for building more resilient food systems. This paper concludes that leveraging pandemic-driven sustainability mindsets while addressing systemic drivers of waste will be key to mitigating food waste and its impacts moving forward. This paper offers timely insights into the evolving food waste management landscape in NENA, underscoring the need for integrated policies to navigate post-pandemic recovery effectively.
Public Green Space Injustice in High-Density Post-Colonial Areas: A Case Study of the Macau Peninsula, China
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Liu Ziyi
Published: April 2024

Public green spaces (PGSs) play a positive role in urban social sustainability and solidarity, as all urban dwellers can access them without discrimination or restrictions, but urbanization usually leads to an extreme shortage of PGSs and thus it becomes an important spatial resource that is competed for by different groups, especially migrant populations. Taking the Macau Peninsula as an example, this study employed a hybrid analysis approach, including the spatial Gini coefficient, spatial share index and spatial quality assessment, to look at the PGS injustice in high-density post-colonial areas. The results showed that (1) there is a “spatial mismatch” in the Peninsula’s PGS; (2) significant PGS service differences have been found between the colonial group (Portuguese) and immigrant group (Southeast Asian); and (3) a comparative analysis of the changes in the equity of PGSs over the past 40 years reveals that the PGS tends to be equitable overall, but the differences between groups have gradually increased. PGS injustice mainly depends on the spatial production mechanism during the colonial period of Macau and the spatial selection and limitation of groups due to differential social integration. Based on this, this work proposes recommendations for the planning and construction of PGS in terms of urban renewal and social sustainability, as well as new reclamation areas, in Macau. This study broadens the field and helps to improve the PGS inequality in high-density post-colonial areas, aiding regional sustainable development.
Development of YOLOv8 and Segment Anything Model Algorithm-Based Hanok Object Detection Model for Sustainable Maintenance of Hanok Architecture
Authors: Shin Byeong-Uk
Published: April 2024

A Hanok refers to a traditional Korean architectural structure. Construction structures undergo gradual, rather than instantaneous, transformations due to material degradation and deterioration in joint durability. Moreover, the detection of a structural problem by a nonexpert has severe implications for the safety of the structure. In particular, the precise effects of natural disasters, including storms, earthquakes, heavy snowfall, and structural defects, on structures are hard to determine. Additionally, manuals are limited by their reliance on quantitative assessments, which can pose difficulties for nonspecialists when it comes to recording numerical data. To solve this problem, 3D scanners have been widely employed in evaluating Hanoks, particularly those assigned as cultural heritage by the government. While those assigned as cultural heritage assets are systematically managed by experts and through budgets, the management system for Hanoks inhabited by the public has been overlooked. To fill this gap, this study focused on digital devices that are accessible to nonexperts as replacements for professional 3D scanners. Specifically, data from photos of a Hanok taken with smartphones were extracted to generate objective numerical data. AI training data for Hanoks were used to train the YOLOv8 algorithm and Segment Anything Model (SAM). The leaning values of columns, which constitute a fundamental structural component of a Hanok, were calculated using photographs that precisely captured the columns. The direction and distance of the column’s movement were extracted for visualization. To ensure the reliability of these values, the Hanok under investigation was 3D-scanned. Comparing the numerical values revealed a negligible margin of error, which confirmed the reliability of the photographic data values. Five-tier safety states (good, observation, caution, danger, and very dangerous) were defined based on the column movement distance by analyzing the real measurement data of government-managed Hanoks and used to visualize the structural condition of Hanoks. Therefore, nonexperts can determine the structural safety of a Hanok using objective numerical data, even in situations where its progressive deformation is not readily apparent. Objective numerical analysis based on reliably collected data allows nonexperts to accurately diagnose structural safety, thus facilitating prompt and suitable actions. The results of this study can serve to enhance the stability and longevity of Hanok structures, thus facilitating sustainable maintenance and management.
Analysis of the Coupling Coordination between the Ecosystem Service Value and Urbanization in the Circum-Bohai-Sea Region and Its Obstacle Factors
Authors: Yu Wensheng , Yu Wei
Published: April 2024

In light of the tremendous pressure for improving urbanization levels and expanding construction land on ecosystems, regional sustainable development is premised on the coordinated development of the ecological environment and urbanization. This paper focuses on the Circum-Bohai-Sea Region and assesses the ecosystem service value (ESV) and urbanization level using the equivalence factor and entropy-weighted TOPSIS methods. Based on these assessments, it examines the coupling coordination between the ESV and urbanization as well as the obstacles to this coordination, utilizing the coupling coordination degree model, spatial autocorrelation model, and obstacle model. The results revealed several key findings. First, the Circum-Bohai-Sea Region experienced a continuous improvement in the urbanization level from 2005 to 2020, which presented a “center–periphery” spatial pattern. Overall, the ESV exhibited an N-shaped trend, namely, initially increasing, then decreasing, and then rapidly increasing. The ESV per unit of area exhibited a spatial difference, with the boundary of Baoding and Cangzhou as the dividing line. The ESV per unit of area in the northern parts was higher than that in the southern parts. Second, the degree of the coupling coordination between the ESV and urbanization exhibited an inverted U-shaped trend, initially increasing and then slightly decreasing. It also exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, with the degree of the coupling coordination in the northern parts being higher than that in the southern parts and that in the central parts being higher than those in the eastern and western parts. Additionally, the ESV showed a significant spatially positive correlation with urbanization. H-H clusters were predominantly found in central and southern Liaoning Province, while L-L clusters were primarily located in southern Hebei Province and western Shandong Province. Third, the obstacle factors remained stable during the study period. The top five obstacles in the ESV system were the water resource supply, nutrient cycling maintenance, raw material production, aesthetic landscape, and food production. Moreover, the top five obstacles in the urbanization system were the number of college students per 10,000 people, population density, number of health technical personnel per 10,000 people, per capita road area, and proportion of secondary and tertiary industry output values.
Towards Sustainable Production: An Adaptive Intelligent Optimization Genetic Algorithm for Solid Wood Panel Manufacturing
Authors: Yang Jingzhe , Zheng Yili , Wu Jian
Published: April 2024

Optimizing production processes to conserve resources and reduce waste has become crucial in pursuing sustainable manufacturing practices. The solid wood panel industry, marked by substantial raw materials and energy consumption, stands at the forefront of addressing this challenge. This research delves into production scheduling and equipment utilization inefficiencies, offering innovative solutions for the solid wood panel processing line aimed at achieving environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. The study is articulated through two main segments: (1) an exhaustive analysis and the development of a simulation system for the solid wood panel processing line, delineating all production elements and operational logic, furnished with a user-friendly simulation interface, and (2) a comprehensive evaluation and enhancement of various scheduling algorithms specific to the Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling Problem (FJSP) encountered in solid wood panel workshops. A significant leap forward is made with the introduction of the Adaptive Intelligent Optimization Genetic Algorithm (AIOGA), an evolved version of the standard Genetic Algorithm (GA) engineered for optimal scheduling within the solid wood panel processing line. AIOGA incorporates advanced features such as encoding strategy, population initialization, objective function setting, selection strategy, crossover operation, and mutation operation, demonstrating the methodological depth of the study. We applied AIOGA in a designed FJSP, and AIOGA substantially reduced the maximum completion time to 90 min. It evidenced an improvement of 39.60% over the conventional GA, enhancing the equilibrium of the equipment workload across the system. This research presents a multifaceted strategy to address the scheduling complications inherent in solid wood panel production and highlights the extensive applicability of adaptive intelligent optimization in diverse industrial settings. This study establishes a new paradigm in manufacturing optimization, underlining the valuable integration of sustainability and efficiency in production methodologies.
Corporate Risk-Taking, Innovation Efficiency, and High-Quality Development: Evidence from Chinese Firms
Authors: Wu Yongxia , Hu Haiqing , Xue Meng
Published: April 2024

Facing the increasingly complex and uncertain external environment, the reasonable control of investment risk is the key to realizing the sound operation and high-quality development of enterprises. Based on the innovation perspective, this paper takes A-share non-financial listed companies from 2007 to 2021 as the research sample to explore the impact of the corporate risk-taking level on the high-quality development of enterprises and examines the transmission mechanism of the relationship between the two from the perspectives of innovation efficiency, innovation input, and innovation output. It is found that enterprise risk-taking significantly inhibits the high-quality development of enterprises, by reducing innovation efficiency; innovation efficiency plays a mediating role in the influence of the relationship between the two, which is mainly due to the fact that enterprise risk-taking increases the innovation inputs of enterprises but reduces the innovation outputs of enterprises, and then reduces the innovation efficiency of enterprises and inhibits the high-quality development of enterprises. This heterogeneity study finds that the inhibitory effect of corporate risk-taking on the high-quality development of firms is more pronounced among manufacturing firms, small-scale firms, and firms with higher capital intensity. The findings of this study provide both guidance to help enterprises to reduce risky investment decision-making behaviors and experience for regulators to effectively promote the formulation of policies related to the high-quality development of the real economy.
New Onset and Exacerbation of Autoimmune Bullous Dermatosis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wu Po-Chien , Huang I-Hsin , Wang Ching-Ya , Chi Ching-Chi
Published: April 2024

Background: Cases of autoimmune bullous dermatosis (AIBD) have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Objective: We aimed to provide an overview of clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of AIBDs following COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and searched the Embase, Cochrane Library, and Medline databases from their inception to 27 March 2024. We included all studies reporting ≥ 1 patient who developed new-onset AIBD or experienced flare of AIBD following at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. Results: We included 98 studies with 229 patients in the new-onset group and 216 in the flare group. Among the new-onset cases, bullous pemphigoid (BP) was the most frequently reported subtype. Notably, mRNA vaccines were commonly associated with the development of AIBD. Regarding the flare group, pemphigus was the most frequently reported subtype, with the mRNA vaccines being the predominant vaccine type. The onset of AIBD ranged from 1 to 123 days post-vaccination, with most patients displaying favorable outcomes and showing improvement or resolution from 1 week to 8 months after treatment initiation. Conclusions: Both new-onset AIBD and exacerbation of pre-existing AIBD may occur following COVID-19 vaccination. Healthcare practitioners should be alert, and post-vaccination monitoring may be essential.
Severity of Omicron Subvariants and Vaccine Impact in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: de Rioja Víctor López , Basile Luca , Perramon-Malavez Aida , Martínez-Solanas Érica , López Daniel , Medina Maestro Sergio , Coma Ermengol , Fina Francesc , Prats Clara , Mendioroz Peña Jacobo , Alvarez-Lacalle Enric
Published: April 2024

In the current COVID-19 landscape dominated by Omicron subvariants, understanding the timing and efficacy of vaccination against emergent lineages is crucial for planning future vaccination campaigns, yet detailed studies stratified by subvariant, vaccination timing, and age groups are scarce. This retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 cases from December 2021 to January 2023 in Catalonia, Spain, focusing on vulnerable populations affected by variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.5, and BQ.1 and including two national booster campaigns. Our database includes detailed information such as dates of diagnosis, hospitalization and death, last vaccination, and cause of death, among others. We evaluated the impact of vaccination on disease severity by age, variant, and vaccination status, finding that recent vaccination significantly mitigated severity across all Omicron subvariants, although efficacy waned six months post-vaccination, except for BQ.1, which showed more stable levels. Unvaccinated individuals had higher hospitalization and mortality rates. Our results highlight the importance of periodic vaccination to reduce severe outcomes, which are influenced by variant and vaccination timing. Although the seasonality of COVID-19 is uncertain, our analysis suggests the potential benefit of annual vaccination in populations >60 years old, probably in early fall, if COVID-19 eventually exhibits a major peak similar to other respiratory viruses.
Identification and Quantification of a Pneumococcal Cell Wall Polysaccharide by Antibody-Enhanced Chromatography Assay
Authors: Deng James Z. , Chen Zhifeng , Small James , Yuan Yue , Cox Kara , Tang Aimin , Roman Jeanette , Guan Liming , Feller Katrina , Ansbro Frances , Vora Kalpit
Published: April 2024

Multivalent pneumococcal vaccines have been developed successfully to combat invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) and reduce the associated healthcare burden. These vaccines employ pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (PnPs), either conjugated or unconjugated, as antigens to provide serotype-specific protection. Pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides used for vaccine often contain residual levels of cell wall polysaccharides (C-Ps), which can generate a non-serotype specific immune response and complicate the desired serotype-specific immunity. Therefore, the C-P level in a pneumococcal vaccine needs to be controlled in the vaccine process and the anti C-P responses need to be dialed out in clinical assays. Currently, two types of cell-wall polysaccharide structures have been identified: a mono-phosphocholine substituted cell-wall polysaccharide C-Ps1 and a di-phosphocholine substituted C-Ps2 structure. In our effort to develop a next-generation novel pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), we have generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific to cell-wall polysaccharide C-Ps2 structure. An antibody-enhanced HPLC assay (AE-HPLC) has been established for serotype-specific quantification of pneumococcal polysaccharides in our lab. With the new anti C-Ps2 mAb, we herein extend the AE-HPLC assay to the quantification and identification of C-Ps2 species in pneumococcal polysaccharides used for vaccines.
Effective Degradation of 1,4-Dioxane by UV-Activated Persulfate: Mechanisms, Parameters and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Zhu Xiuneng , Qiu Jie , Wang Yexing , Tang Yulin , Zhang Yongji
Published: April 2024

There is more and more research focusing on the removal of dioxane by advanced oxidation technology at this stage, and this study investigated the efficacy of an advanced oxidation system with UV-activated persulfate (UV/PDS). This method had the advantages of fast reaction rate, simple equipment and convenient operation. Free radical quenching test and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis showed that the main active radicals in the reaction system were SO4− and ·OH. This study also investigated that the optimal parameters were the initial PDS dosage of 3 mM, the UV intensity of 0.190 mM/cm2, the pH between 5 and 7 and the initial dioxane concentration of 50 mg/L. Additionally, after a reaction time of 150 min, the total organic carbon (TOC) content still remained at 83.53%, which revealed that the mineralization degree of organic matter was not fully achieved through UV/PDS treatment. The concentration of SO42− in the reaction system was 74.69 mg·L−1, which complied with the standard concentration specified. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the system exhibited an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease, under the influence of the intermediates. It showed that the technology could efficiently degrade organic pollutants.
A Case Study and Numerical Modeling of Post-Wildfire Debris Flows in Montecito, California
Authors: K. C. Diwakar , Naqvi Mohammad Wasif , Hu Liangbo
Published: April 2024

Wildfires and their long-term impacts on the environment have become a major concern in the last few decades, in which climate change and enhanced anthropogenic activities have gradually led to increasingly frequent events of such hazards or disasters. Geological materials appear to become more vulnerable to hazards including erosion, floods, landslides and debris flows. In the present study, the well-known 2017 wildfire and subsequent 2018 debris flows in the Montecito area of California are examined. It is found that the post-wildfire debris flows were initiated from erosion and entrainment processes and triggered by intense rainfall. The significant debris deposition in four major creeks in this area is investigated. Numerical modeling of the post-wildfire debris flows is performed by employing a multi-phase mass flow model to simulate the growth in the debris flows and eventual debris deposition. The debris-flow-affected areas estimated from the numerical simulations fairly represent those observed in the field. Overall, the simulated debris deposits are within 7% error of those estimated based on field observations. A similar simulation of the pre-wildfire scenario indicates that the debris would be much less significant. The present study shows that proper numerical simulations can be a promising tool for estimating post-wildfire erosion and the debris-affected areas for hazard assessment and mitigation.
ESTIMADOS INTERIORES LP PARA FUNCIONES BI-CUATERNIÓNICAS META-REGULARES.
Authors: Mendoza Zambrano María Guadalupe , Játem Lásser José Ramón , Vanegas Espinoza Carmen Judith
Published: April 2024

Los bi-cuaterniones son conocidos como el álgebra de los cuaterniones sobre el cuerpo de los números complejos. Ellos son de gran interés de estudio por sus aplicaciones a diferentes áreas de la física como electromagnetismo y mécánicacuántica o en ciencias de la computación en el procesamiento de imágenes por computadora,entre otras. Un estimadointerior es una estimación de las derivadas de primer orden de una función que está definida en un subdominio Ω′ de Ω, con distancia no nula a la frontera ∂Ω de Ω. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar estimados interiores en norma Lp de funciones meta-regulares con valores en los bi-cuaterniones, mediante el uso de representaciones integrales envolviendo soluciones fundamentales de la ecuación Dλu = (D − λ)u = 0, donde D = P3j=1 ij∂j es el operador de Moisil-Theodoresco o de Dirac y λ ∈ C, para aplicaciones en los problemas de ecuaciones diferenciales parciales. Este estudio puede servir de modelo para investigar estimados interiores en estas estructuras algebraicas para otros operadoresdiferenciales parciales inclusive de orden mayor.
Advance care planning before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational cohort study of 73 675 patients’ records
Authors: McFarlane Philippa G , Bunce Catey , Sleeman Katherine E , Orlovic Martina , Koffman Jonathan , Rosling John , Bearne Alastair , Powell Margaret , Riley Julia , Droney Joanne
Published: April 2024

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) was encouraged by policymakers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about use of ACP during this time.

Aim

To compare use of ACP before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design & setting

Retrospective, observational cohort study comparing the creation, use, and content of Electronic Palliative Care Coordination System (EPaCCS) records in London. Individuals aged ≥18 years with a Coordinate My Care record, created and published in the pre-pandemic period (1 January 2018–31 December 2019), wave 1 (W1; 20 March 2020–4 July 2020), interwave (IW; 5 July 2020–30 September 2020), and wave 2 (W2; 1 October 2020–5 March 2021).

Method

Patient demographics and components of ACP were compared using descriptive and comparative statistics.

Results

In total, 73 675 records were included; 35 108 pre-pandemic, 21 235 W1, 6323 IW, and 9925 W2 (
n
= 1084 records not stratified as created and published in different periods). Most records were created in primary care (55.6% pre-pandemic, 75.5% W1, and 47.7% W2). Compared with the pre-pandemic period, the average weekly number of records created increased by 296.9% W1 (
P
<0.005), 35.1% IW, and 29.1% W2 (
P
<0.005). Patients with records created during the pandemic were younger (60.8% aged ≥80 years W1, 57.5% IW, 59.3% W2, 64.9% pre-pandemic [
P
<0.005]). Patients with records created in W1 had longer estimated prognoses at record creation (73.3% had an estimated prognosis of ≥1 year W1 versus 53.3% pre-pandemic [
P
<0.005]) and were more likely to be 'for resuscitation' (38.2% W1 versus 29.8% pre-pandemic [
P
<0.005]).

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic increased ACP activity was observed, especially in primary care, for younger people and those not imminently dying. Further research is needed to identify training and planning requirements as well as organisational and system changes to support sustained high-quality ACP within primary care.
PROFESSORAS LÉSBICAS NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA: saberes docentes como resistência
Authors: Roseno Camila dos Passos , Auad Daniela
Published: April 2024

O presente artigo resulta de pesquisa de doutorado sobre trajetórias de professoras lésbicas na educação básica e seus saberes docentes como resistência, cujo objetivo foi conhecer como os saberes docentes e a identidade docente podem ser constituídos pelas lesbianidades de professoras da educação básica. Para alcançar esse objetivo, escolhemos a metodologia “Bola de Neve”, que nos permitiu localizar sete professoras lésbicas, atuantes na região Nordeste do Brasil. Utilizamos as narrativas (auto)biográficas como inspiração, para identificar os saberes docentes através das trajetórias de vida, em entrevistas semiestruturadas. No caso específico das trajetórias das entrevistadas, percebidas como coautoras da pesquisa, as professoras lésbicas são protagonistas do estudo por declararem sua orientação sexual nos seus locais de trabalho e, com isso, estabelecerem as lesbianidades como saberes docentes que lhes conferem singular visibilidade. Desse modo, identificamos diversos saberes como estratégias de resistência e os categorizamos. Seja para seguir trabalhando com o mínimo de condições, seja para acolher e proteger estudantes que se encontram vulneráveis, as professoras lésbicas asseguram variados direitos, a partir das suas práticas e de suas orientações sexuais ou identidades de gênero.
IGUALDADE DE GÉNERO NA EDUCAÇÃO PRÉ-ESCOLAR: balanço do trabalho feito em Portugal
Authors: Cardona Maria João
Published: April 2024

Trabalhar a igualdade de género, numa perspetiva de educação para a cidadania é uma preocupação que naturalmente é sentida pelos educadores e educadoras que trabalham com crianças e jovens. Em Portugal, nas últimas décadas, a Comissão para a Cidadania e Igualdade de Género (CIG), uma organização governamental, tem vindo a desenvolver várias iniciativas, em colaboração com o Ministério da Educação, para os diferentes níveis de ensino. Neste artigo é feita uma apresentação das principais iniciativas que em Portugal têm vindo a ser desenvolvidas na educação pré-escolar (crianças dos 3 aos 6 anos, idade de entrada na escola obrigatória) e do que está previsto desenvolver. Neste artigo apresento a forma como tenho participado neste trabalho, analisando o percurso já realizado e refletindo as principais questões a aprofundar, a nível da investigação e da formação das profissionais e dos profissionais que trabalham nas instituições de educação pré-escolar.
Evolution of Commercials Featuring Para Athletes: From Friend Next Door to Equal Sports Stars
Authors: Macková Veronika , Turková Kateřina , Němcová Tejkalová Alice
Published: April 2024

This article analyses how Para athletes were presented in audiovisual commercials by companies that supported the Olympic or Paralympic Games. We focused on the framing of (dis)ability in commercials available on YouTube (2008-2021). The evolution in Para athletes’ presentation can be tracked in identified frames. The traditional defensive and supercrip frames have persisted, though less noticeably than in the past. Defensive framing accentuates the hard work and tough training of Paralympians. Its subframe, supercrip or cyborg framing, challenges the notion of disability and highlights the courage of Paralympians. One newly identified frame was the equality frame, when advertisements present Paralympians as equals living ordinary lives as able-bodied people. The portrayal of Paralympians in advertisements has evolved and corresponds with the companies’ missions and campaigns’ claims.
Beyond Data: Strategically Leveraging Consumer Metrics and Market Signals of Business Prosperity in the Context of Marketing Communications
Authors: Fašiang Tomáš , Gežík Pavel
Published: April 2024

In the dynamic environment of global markets, understanding the complexity of the relationships between economic indicators and consumer behaviour, which can be deliberately influenced by targeted communication activities, is becoming a decisive competitive advantage in achieving economic prosperity for businesses. The aim of the study is, based on market data correlation, to explain and approach the interrelations of selected economic attributes and metrics of consumer behaviour. The inquiry is conducted in the scope of optimisation determination of the allocation of the purchase gradient of a business unit in the context of maximising the effect of communication and service activities oriented towards achieving economic prosperity of the business entity. The focus of the study reflects the application of the interconnectivity of market predisposition, characteristics of the target group and geographic servicing in the form of localisation of the business unit in the paradoxical situational model of Hotelling’s Law. The result of the study confirms the leveraging effect of transactional increase and the rationale of localised communication effect for influencing consumers’ purchase decision-making processes in the purchase pairing of a business unit.
IRINGAN ORGANIS DAN PENGHAYATAN IMAN UMAT DALAM PERAYAAN EKARISTI
Authors: Chiaralazzo Monica Innanda , Tarihoran Emmeria , Darianto Darianto
Published: April 2024

This study aims to demonstrate the significance of the organist's role in enhancing the faith experience of the congregation during the celebration of the Eucharist. The research was conducted at the Church of St. John the Baptist in Malang using a quantitative approach. Data collection used a research instrument in the form of a questionnaire whose validity had been tested using Aiken's V and was declared reliable based on the Alpha Cronbach formula. Data collection techniques are carried out by utilizing the Google Form. The research respondents were 307 Catholics. Data were analyzed using product-moment correlation (Pearson). The results showed that there was a relationship between organ music accompaniment and the appreciation of the parishioners at the Eucharistic celebration with Pearson's correlation coefficient (0.159) > r table (0.113), meaning that H0, was rejected and H1, was accepted. The Pearson correlation coefficient value is 0.159 when compared to the Pearson correlation criteria guideline table, indicating a fragile correlation level.
KAJIAN LITERATUR UNTUK MENGATASI PERMASALAHAN MUSIK LITURGI
Authors: Maeja Jhon Daeng
Published: April 2024

This study aims to examine the problems that arise in liturgical music. Liturgical music is an inseparable part of the liturgy. Its role is very central in the liturgy. However, there are still many devotees and liturgical practitioners who do not understand the function of liturgical music. This problem will be answered in this study. This research uses the literature review method. The study used a publish or perish application to search for keywords about liturgical music. The results showed that there are several solutions that can be done to overcome the problem of liturgical music. Optimizing liturgical music centers, inculturation of liturgical music in accordance with liturgical rules, rules on renewal in the liturgy, and formation for liturgical music actors such as the faithful, priests, choir members, musicians and observers of liturgical music are ways that can be done to overcome liturgical music problems.
PASTORAL INOVATIF DAN KETERLIBATAN OMK MILENIAL DALAM KEGIATAN GEREJA
Authors: Amal Yohanes , Midun Hendrikus , Habur Agustinus Manfred
Published: April 2024

Pastoral activity is a form of church service to the lives of the people. The quality and innovation of pastoral activities affect the involvement of parishioners in church activities. This study aims to describe the forms of pastoral innovation in St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Karot Diocese of Ruteng and their influence on the involvement of young Catholics in church activities. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques using structured interviews. The research subjects consisted of ten young Catholics, parish priests and parish pastoral councils. Data analysis follows four steps: data reduction, data presentation/display, conclusions and verification. The results of the study show that Saint Francis Assisi Karot Parish in Ruteng Diocese has attempted to carry out pastoral innovations in the five main activities of the church, namely consecration (liturgy), preaching, service, communion, and martyrdom. Innovation activities in five activity areas can encourage and increase the involvement of young Catholics in church activities. This finding has implications for the church's pastoral policies and forms of youth development in the future.