bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing a Tourism City from an Ecosystem Services Perspective: The Evaluation of Tourism Service in Liyang, China
Authors: Fan Xiangnan , Cheng Yuning
Published: November 2023

Tourism is an important industry that promotes national economic and social progress. All-for-one tourism is a new concept of regionally coordinated development that uses the tourism industry as an engine to boost resource integration, industrial integration, and social sharing. Tourism service is the main embodiment of cultural ecosystem services for all-for-one tourism cities. Taking the city of Liyang in China as an example, this paper used a combination of GIS spatial analysis and big data text mining to evaluate tourism service from three aspects: the quality of tourism resources, the comprehensiveness of tourism service facilities, and the satisfaction of tourists. The results show that (1) tourism service is better in the northwestern and eastern areas of the city, while it is lower in the northeastern and southwestern parts; (2) the hotspot areas should focus on improving tour routes, transport capacity, and excessive charges; the cold spot areas should work on ecological restoration and creating new tourism attractions by combining the local industries; and (3) rural tourism integrating agriculture and visitation should be highlighted as a key growth point to improve the city’s tourism service function.
Second-Line Chemotherapy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinomas: What Is the Real Gain?
Authors: Garajová Ingrid , Gelsomino Fabio , Salati Massimiliano , Mingozzi Anna , Peroni Marianna , De Lorenzo Stefania , Granito Alessandro , Tovoli Francesco , Leonardi Francesco
Published: November 2023

Background: The presence of actionable alterations in advanced biliary tract cancer patients opened new therapeutic possibilities for second-line treatments. However, for around 60% of the patients, chemotherapy remains the only therapeutic option. The aim of our study was to evaluate outcomes and prognostic parameters in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas treated with second-line chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 255 consecutive metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients were retrospectively reviewed and clinicopathologic and survival data were collected. Results: Fourty-four percent of ICC patients underwent second-line chemotherapy. In particular, younger ICC patients with better ECOG PS status, and with disease control after first-line chemotherapy were those who were treated with second-line treatments. Median progression-free survival in the patients treated with second-line chemotherapy was 3 months. Finally, the patients affected by intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with better ECOG PS, with prior surgical resection of the primary tumor, who responded to first-line chemotherapy, and had better progression-free survival with second-line chemotherapy, were associated with better outcomes in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Not all patients seem to benefit from second-line chemotherapy. To improve therapeutic decisions, performance status and disease control with first-line chemotherapy should lead to the decision on the usefulness of second-line treatments in advanced ICC patients.
Microstructural Inhomogeneity in the Fusion Zone of Laser Welds
Authors: Wang Libo , Ma Xiuquan , Mi Gaoyang , Su Lei , Zhu Zhengwu
Published: November 2023

This paper investigated evolutions of α-Al sub-grains’ morphology and crystalline orientation in the fusion zone during laser welding of 2A12 aluminum alloys. Based on this, a new method for assessing the weldability of materials was proposed. In laser deep-penetration welding, in addition to the conventional columnar and equiaxed dendrites, there also exhibited a corrugated structure with several ‘fine-coarse-fine’ transformations. In such regions, an abnormal α-Al coarsening phenomenon was encountered, with a more dispersed crystalline orientation arrangement and a decreased maximum pole density value. Particularly, structural alterations appeared more frequently in the weld bottom than the top. The above results indicated that the laser-induced keyhole presented a continually fluctuating state. Under such a condition, the solid–liquid transformation exhibited an unstable solidification front, a fluctuant undercooling, and a variational solidification rate. Meanwhile, the welding quality of this material is in a critical state to generate pores. Therefore, the appearance and relevant number of corrugated regions can be considered as a new way for judging the weldability, which will help to narrow the processing window with better welding stability.
Hot Deformation Behavior and Processing Maps of 26CrMo7S Steel Used in Oil Exploration
Authors: Jiang Hemiao , Li Hongying , Huang Dianyuan , Zhao Yinghui , Liu Jiwen , Gao Qing , He Hang , Liu Ximao
Published: November 2023

The hot deformation behavior and flow stress characteristics of experimental 26CrMo7S steel were analyzed using a thermal simulator under a range of conditions, including a strain rate range of 0.01~10 s−1, a temperature range of 850~1250 °C, and a maximum deformation amount of 70%. The Arrhenius constitutive model was built for the corresponding conditions, and the model’s accuracy was verified through error analysis. Additionally, hot processing maps were constructed to analyze the processing zone of the steel under different hot deformation conditions. Finally, the microstructure of the processing zones was observed and verified using the electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The results indicate that the interaction of work hardening and dynamic softening influences the hot deformation behavior of 26CrMo7S steel. The Arrhenius constitutive equation with a value of the correlation coefficient (r = 0.99523) accurately predicts the flow behavior of 26CrMo7S steel under different strains. The optimal processing zone obtained with the hot processing maps is within a deformation range of 1010~1190 °C and a strain rate range of 0.01~10−1.5 s−1, and the obtained microstructure is in good agreement with the analysis results.
Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Cast Cu-10 wt%Fe Alloy via Single-Pass Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Yuan Xiaobo , Wang Hui , Lai Ruilin , Li Yunping
Published: November 2023

In this study, Cu-10 wt% Fe alloy in as-cast state was modified using friction stir processing (FSP). The microstructure evolution of Cu-10 wt% Fe alloys in different states was characterized in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that due to dynamic recrystallization, the FSPed Cu-10 wt% Fe alloy obtained a uniformly equiaxed ultrafine microstructure with low density of dislocation, high proportion of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs), and high degree of recrystallization. Fine equiaxed grains with an average size of 0.6 μm were produced after FSP. Many fine-precipitate Fe-phases with an average size of 20 nm were uniformly distributed in the Cu matrix. The FSPed samples possessed excellent mechanical properties, such as high Vickers hardness (163.5 HV), ultimate tensile strength (538.5 MPa), and good elongation (16%). This single-pass FSP method does not require subsequent aging treatment and provides a simple and efficient way to improve the properties of Cu-Fe alloys.
Synergistic Effects of SAP, Limestone Powder and White Cement on the Aesthetic and Mechanical Properties of Fair-Faced Concrete
Authors: Shi Jun , Wu Zhangbao , Zhuang Jinping , Zhang Fan , Zhu Tongran , Li Huixia
Published: November 2023

In this investigation, a comprehensive assessment was conducted on the cooperative effects of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP), limestone powder, and white cement within the realm of fair-faced concrete. We discerned that while white cement augments the color vibrancy of the concrete, its accelerated hydration rate potentially induced early-stage cracks and compromised performance. To mitigate these challenges, SAP was incorporated to regulate early hydration, and limestone powder was introduced as a fortifying agent to bolster the mechanical robustness of the concrete. Our findings highlighted not only the capability of SAP to enhance concrete workability and longevity but also the pivotal role of limestone powder in amplifying its mechanical attributes. Microscopic evaluations, undertaken via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), unveiled the potential of both SAP and limestone powder in refining the microstructure of the concrete, thereby elevating its performance metrics. Synthesizing the research outcomes, we pinpointed an optimal amalgamation of SAP, limestone powder, and white cement in fair-faced concrete, offering a valuable reference for prospective architectural applications.
A Review of the Past, Present, and Future of the Monkeypox Virus: Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons from COVID-19 for Global Health Security
Authors: Hirani Rahim , Noruzi Kaleb , Iqbal Aroubah , Hussaini Anum S. , Khan Rafay A. , Harutyunyan Aleksandr , Etienne Mill , Tiwari Raj K.
Published: November 2023

Monkeypox, a rare but significant zoonotic and orthopoxviral disease, has garnered increasing attention due to its potential for human-to-human transmission and its recent resurgence in multiple countries throughout Europe, North America, and Oceania. The disease has emerged as a novel threat to the global health systems that are still striving to recover from the major shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unusual manifestation of the illness highlights a substantial knowledge deficit and necessitates the immediate development of a public health action strategy, considering the epidemiological differences observed in the ongoing outbreak and the appearance of cases in non-endemic nations. This literature review aims to synthesize existing knowledge on monkeypox, encompassing its historical context, etiology, epidemiology, surveillance, prevention, transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatments, and recent outbreak. Particular attention is given to both advances and gaps in our understanding of monkeypox, and we point toward future directions for research and intervention efforts as pertains to vaccine development and distribution. Lastly, we will also review the recent outbreak through a sociopolitical lens as relates to decision-making strategies, especially given the lessons learned from COVID-19.
Lipid Production of Schizochytrium sp. HBW10 Isolated from Coastal Waters of Northern China Cultivated in Food Waste Hydrolysate
Authors: Li Xiaofang , Yu Xinping , Liu Qian , Zhang Yong , Wang Qiuzhen
Published: November 2023

Marine oleaginous thraustochytrids have attracted increasing attention for their great potential in producing high-value active metabolites using various industrial and agricultural waste. Food waste containing abundant nutrients is considered as an excellent feedstock for microbial fermentation. In this study, a thraustochytrid strain Schizochytrium sp. HBW10 was isolated from a water column in Bohai Bay in Northern China for the first time. Further lipid production characteristics of S. sp. HBW10 were investigated utilizing sulfuric acid hydrolysate of food waste (FWH) from two different restaurants (FWH1 and FWH2) with the initial pH value adjusted by NaOH or NaHCO3. Results showed that the highest concentration of total fatty acids (TFAs) was observed in FWH2 medium with the 50% content level on the fifth day, reaching up to 0.34 g/L. A higher initial pH promoted the growth and saturated fatty acid (SFA) accumulation of S. sp. HBW10, achieving nearly 100% of the sum of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (SMUFAs) in TFAs with initial pH7 and pH8 in FWH1 medium. This work demonstrates a possible way for lipid production by thraustochytrids using food waste hydrolysate with a higher initial pH (pH7~pH8) adjusted by NaHCO3.
Microbiota-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Immunity and Intestinal Maturation in Suckling Rats
Authors: Martínez-Ruiz Sergio , Sáez-Fuertes Laura , Casanova-Crespo Sergi , Rodríguez-Lagunas María J. , Pérez-Cano Francisco J. , Badia Josefa , Baldoma Laura
Published: November 2023

Microbiota–host communication is primarily achieved by secreted factors that can penetrate the mucosal surface, such as extracellular membrane vesicles (EVs). The EVs released by the gut microbiota have been extensively studied in cellular and experimental models of human diseases. However, little is known about their in vivo effects in early life, specifically regarding immune and intestinal maturation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of daily administration of EVs from probiotic and commensal E. coli strains in healthy suckling rats during the first 16 days of life. On days 8 and 16, we assessed various intestinal and systemic variables in relation to animal growth, humoral and cellular immunity, epithelial barrier maturation, and intestinal architecture. On day 16, animals given probiotic/microbiota EVs exhibited higher levels of plasma IgG, IgA, and IgM and a greater proportion of Tc, NK, and NKT cells in the spleen. In the small intestine, EVs increased the villi area and modulated the expression of genes related to immune function, inflammation, and intestinal permeability, shifting towards an anti-inflammatory and barrier protective profile from day 8. In conclusion, interventions involving probiotic/microbiota EVs may represent a safe postbiotic strategy to stimulate immunity and intestinal maturation in early life.
Synthesis of Pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones via Ugi–Zhu Reaction and In Vitro–In Silico Studies against Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Morales-Salazar Ivette , Garduño-Albino Carlos E. , Montes-Enríquez Flora P. , Nava-Tapia Dania A. , Navarro-Tito Napoleón , Herrera-Zúñiga Leonardo David , González-Zamora Eduardo , Islas-Jácome Alejandro
Published: November 2023

An Ugi–Zhu three-component reaction (UZ-3CR) coupled in a one-pot manner to a cascade process (N-acylation/aza Diels–Alder cycloaddition/decarboxylation/dehydration) was performed to synthesize a series of pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones in 20% to 92% overall yields using ytterbium triflate as a catalyst, toluene as a solvent, and microwaves as a heat source. The synthesized molecules were evaluated in vitro against breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, finding that compound 1f, at a concentration of 6.25 μM, exhibited a potential cytotoxic effect. Then, to understand the interactions between synthesized compounds and the main proteins related to the cancer cell lines, docking studies were performed on the serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) and Orexetine type 2 receptor (Ox2R), finding moderate to strong binding energies, which matched accurately with the in vitro results. Additionally, molecular dynamics were performed between proteins related to the studied cell lines and the three best ligands.
An Improved Acceleration Approach by Utilizing K-Band Range Rate Observations
Authors: Shen Zhanglin , Chen Qiujie , Shen Yunzhong
Published: November 2023

During gravity field modeling, the conventional acceleration approach rarely incorporates KBR inter-satellite range rate data from the GRACE mission. To propose an improved acceleration method, this study introduces initial orbital position and velocity vectors to be estimated along with a combination of Cowell, KSG, and Adams integrators. In addition to achieving a full-rank design matrix regarding orbit corrections when constructing observation equations, the proposed method is capable of utilizing range rate observations for gravity field estimation. To verify the reliability of this approach, GRACE data from April 2002 to December 2016 was used to calculate a time series of monthly gravity solutions up to a degree and order of 96, referred to as Tongji-Acc RL06 in this paper. The computed time series are compared with the official models (i.e., CSR RL06, GFZ RL06, and JPL RL06) in terms of geoid degree variances, signal contents over distinct areas, and noise levels in desert regions. The investigations lead to the following conclusions: (a) the geoid degree variances indicate that Tongji-Acc RL06 exhibits comparable signal levels (approximately below 20 degrees) to the other three models while demonstrating lower noise at higher degrees (above 40 degrees); (b) the analysis over the globe, typical river basins, and land–ice regions illustrates that the solutions derived using the proposed acceleration method agree well with the official models based on the dynamic approach; (c) especially over the two large-scale river basins (i.e., Amazon and Zambezi) and another two small-scale river basins (i.e., Tennessee and Irrawaddy), Tongji-Acc RL06 significantly improves the SNR values; and (d) in the cases of the Sahara and Karakum deserts, Tongji-Acc RL06 achieves noise reductions of over 55.8% and 61.5% relative to CSR RL06, respectively. In general, the signal and noise analyses demonstrate that the proposed acceleration-based approach can effectively extract gravity field signals from KBR inter-satellite range rate observations with improved SNR, while significantly reducing the high-frequency noise.
Combination of UAV Photogrammetry and Field Inventories Enables Description of Height–Diameter Relationship within Semi-Arid Silvopastoral Systems
Authors: Fakhri Arvin , Latifi Hooman , Mohammadi Samani Kyumars , Shakeri Zahed , Naghavi Hamed , Fassnacht Fabian
Published: November 2023

Pollarding oak trees is a traditional silvopastoral technique practiced across wide areas of the northern Zagros mountains, a unique and vast semi-arid forest area with a strong cultural and ecological significance. So far, the effects of pollarding on tree structure in terms of DBH (diameter at breast height)~H (height) relationships within the typical pollarding cycle, which often lasts 4 years, has not been scientifically described. Here, we combine field inventories of DBH with H obtained from photogrammetric UAV flights for the first time to assess DBH~H relationships within this system. We conducted the research at six pollarded forest sites throughout the Northern Zagros. The sampling encompassed all three main species of coppice oak trees. In the case of multi-stem trees, we used the maximum DBH of each tree that formed a unique crown. A linear relationship between UAV and extracted H and the maximum DBH of pollarded trees explained a notable part of the variation in maximum DBH (R2 = 0.56), and more complex and well-known nonlinear allometries were also evaluated, for which the accuracies were in the same range as the linear model. This relationship proved to be stable across oak species, and the pollarding stage had a notable effect on the DBH~H relationship. This finding is relevant for future attempts to inventory biomass using remote sensing approaches across larger areas in northern Zagros, as well as for general DBH estimations within stands dominated by pollarded, multi-stem coppice structures.
Anti-Swing Control for Quadrotor-Slung Load Transportation System with Underactuated State Constraints
Authors: Ding Feng , Sun Chong , He Shunfan
Published: November 2023

Quadrotors play a crucial role in the national economy. The control technology for quadrotor-slung load transportation systems has become a research hotspot. However, the underactuated load’s swing poses significant challenges to the stability of the system. In this paper, we propose a Lyapunov-based control strategy, to ensure the stability of the quadrotor-slung load transportation system while satisfying the constraints of the load’s swing angles. Firstly, a position controller without swing angle constraints is proposed, to ensure the stability of the system. Then, a barrier Lyapunov function based on the load’s swing angle constraints is constructed, and an anti-swing controller is designed to guarantee the states’ asymptotic stability. Finally, a PD controller is designed, to drive the actual angles to the virtual ones, which are extracted from the position controller. The effectiveness of the control method is verified by comparing it to the results of the LQR algorithm. The proposed control method not only guarantees the payload’s swing angle constraints but also reduces energy consumption.
Modeling and Optimization of Connected and Automated Vehicle Platooning Cooperative Control with Measurement Errors
Authors: Luo Weiming , Li Xu , Hu Jinchao , Hu Weiming
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a cooperative control method for connected and automated vehicle (CAV) platooning, thus specifically addressing the challenge of sensor measurement errors that can disrupt the stability of the CAV platoon. Initially, the state-space equation of the CAV platooning system was formulated, thereby taking into account the measurement error of onboard sensors. The superposition effect of the sensor measurement errors was statistically analyzed, thereby elucidating its impact on cooperative control in CAV platooning. Subsequently, the application of a Kalman filter was proposed as a means to mitigate the adverse effects of measurement errors. Additionally, the CAV formation control problem was transformed into an optimal control decision problem by introducing an optimal control decision strategy that does not impose pure state variable inequality constraints. The proposed method was evaluated through simulation experiments utilizing real vehicle trajectory data from the Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM). The results demonstrate that the method presented in this study effectively mitigates the influence of measurement errors, thereby enabling coordinated vehicle-following behavior, achieving smooth acceleration and deceleration throughout the platoon, and eliminating traffic oscillations. Overall, the proposed method ensures the stability and comfort of the CAV platooning formation.
A Novel Online Prediction Method for Vehicle Velocity and Road Gradient Based on a Flexible-Structure Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average Model
Authors: Ma Bin , Li Penghui , Guo Xing , Zhao Hongxue , Chen Yong
Published: November 2023

The auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model has shown promise in predicting vehicle velocity and road gradient (V–G) for the purpose of constructing power demands in predictive energy management strategies (PEMS) for electric vehicles (EVs). It offers flexibility, accuracy, and computational efficiency. However, the performance of a conventional ARIMA model with fixed structure parameters can be disappointing when the data fluctuate. To overcome this limitation, a novel and flexible-structure-based ARIMA (FS–ARIMA) is proposed in this paper to improve online prediction performance. First, the sliding window method was developed to produce fitting data in real time based on real local historical data, reducing the online computation time. Secondly, the influence of the sliding window sample size, differencing order, and lag in the model on the prediction accuracy was investigated. Based on this, an FS–ARIMA was proposed to improve the prediction accuracy, where an augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test was developed to select the differencing order in real time and the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) was applied to update the model and determine its lag under an optimal sample size. Lastly, to validate the proposed FS–ARIMA, simulations were conducted using two typical driving cycles collected via experiments, as well as the following three typical driving cycles: the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS), and the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC). The results demonstrated that FS–ARIMA improved prediction accuracy by approximately 41.63% and 42.19% for the velocity and gradient, respectively. The proposed FS–ARIMA prediction model has potential applications in predictive energy management strategies for EVs.
Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Runoff Erosion Power in Fujiang River Basin Based on the SWAT Model
Authors: Jiang Kaixin , Mo Shuhong , Yu Kunxia , Li Pingzhi , Li Zhanbin
Published: November 2023

As an erosion dynamic index considering the three elements of flood, runoff erosion power (REP) can better reflect the influence of precipitation, underlying surface, and other factors on the erosion and sediment transport (ST) of flood events. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the variation characteristics of the REP and its relationship with ST in the basin for soil erosion control. In this paper, the Fujiang River Basin (FRB) was selected to analyze the characteristics of runoff and ST at four hydrological stations in the basin from 2009 to 2018, including Santai, Jiangyou, Shehong, and Xiaoheba. Combined with the concept of the REP, six kinds of water–sediment relationship were compared and analyzed. Furthermore, by constructing the SWAT model, the spatial distribution characteristics of runoff, ST, and REP in the FRB were analyzed in depth, and the spatial scale effect of the REP in the basin was explored. The conclusions are as follows: (1) The power function relationship between REP and sediment transport modulus (STM) is better than the other five kinds of water–sediment relationship. (2) Based on the SWAT model, the evaluation indexes of the monthly runoff and ST of the four hydrological stations are credible, good, and excellent in the rating period (RP) and the validation period (VP). (3) The annual REP in the main stream from upstream to downstream is mostly a single change trend, while in each primary tributary, the overall value is larger than that of the main stream and the interannual difference is obvious. The average annual REP generally shows the distribution characteristics of ‘large at the junction of the upper and middle reaches and small in the rest of the area’. With the increase in the control area, the multi-year average REP has a decreasing trend, especially when the catchment area above the sub-watershed is >7318 km2; the change of the multi-year average REP is single and obviously slows down, with an average value of 23.8 mm·m3·s−1·km−2.
Biomethane and Compost Production by Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Waste: Suggestions for Rural Communities in Southern Italy
Authors: Bux Christian , Cangialosi Federico , Amicarelli Vera
Published: November 2023

The sharp increase in rural tourism brings, on the one side, economic and social benefits among rural communities but, on the other, contributes to environmental challenges, specifically waste generation and natural resource consumption. From the ecological perspective, several pathways have been developed from local and global communities, such as prevention, reuse, recycling and energy recovery. The present research, by considering the need to boost separate collection and valorize organic waste among rural communities, evaluates the performance of a combined anaerobic digestion and composting plant in Southern Italy. The purpose is to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of collecting organic waste in rural areas and recovering it into biomethane, digestate and compost. First, the research develops the material flow analysis of a real, accessible and available anaerobic digestion and composting plant in Southern Italy. Secondly, on the basis of the results obtained, the research calculates the biomethane, digestate and compost potential in Southern Italy, considering the amount of organic waste produced in 14 rural communities identified as the most beautiful villages in Italy. Last, the research compares the advantages and disadvantages of producing biomethane through anaerobic digestion or resorting to community composting in rural areas. It results that the biomethane and compost potential through anaerobic digestion is 423,854 kg and 954,896 kg, respectively, but significant financial investments must be allocated in order to allow the municipalities to enhance the logistics and the separate collection facilities. The research highlights possible strategies under the circular economy lens to boost sustainability in rural areas, focusing on biomethane and compost production and providing policy implications in light of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Ecological Risk Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Soils near a Water Dam in Baljurashi, KSA, and Their Accumulation in Dodonaea viscosa
Authors: Al-Robai Sami Asir
Published: November 2023

Soil’s contamination with heavy metals is a serious issue, and assessing their levels, regulating their sources, and finding cost-effective technology to limit their toxic effect and soil cleanup are of high priority. The focus of this study was to find out the extent of priority hazard heavy metal contamination in soils close to the Al-Janabeen water reservoir dam in Baljurashi, KSA, and the extent of their accumulation in the Dodonaea viscosa Tacq plant. Soil and plant samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentration using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICPS). Quantitative single and integrated contamination indices were used to characterize and evaluate the degree of heavy metal contamination in soils. The biological concentration factor (BCF) and the translocation factor (TF) were utilized to determine the extent of transfer and accumulation of heavy metals in the D. viscosa plant. Soil analysis showed the presence of Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, and Pb among the prioritized heavy metals with Cu, Zn, and Pb values being higher than those in natural background levels. The mean concentration order was Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cr > Co. The single contamination indices’ quantification indicated marked contamination due to Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, and Pb elements. While integrated contamination factors’ computation showed low ecological risk due to accumulative metals of concern, Nemerow’s index (NI) showed that Cu, Zn, and Pb were the three most abundant pollutants in the examined soils. Analysis of plant parts showed the presence of Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Cr, Cd, and Pb at varying quantities in various plant sections. Both BCF and TF factors were less than one, indicating that the D. viscosa plant was limited in its ability to phytoextract and accumulate the metals from the soil. This study suggests more research to locate suitable native plants for phytoremediation and soil cleaning is required in addition to the appropriate planning and management of landfills in order to ensure agricultural sustainability.
Unpacking Psychological Antecedents of Low-Carbon Behavior: What Differentiates Champions, Skeptics, Talkers and Walkers across Young Adults?
Authors: Borozan Djula , Pfeifer Sanja
Published: November 2023

This study explores low-carbon behavior (LCB), considering a number of psychological predictors deemed important according to the theory of planned behavior and the norm-activation model. Four distinct clusters were identified by conducting a cluster analysis of data collected from an online survey of young people in Croatia in 2022, revealing both consistent and inconsistent patterns of LCB. The study highlights the complexity of factors influencing LCB and utilizes a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to identify specific configurations of psychological variables that contribute to high and not-high levels of LCB within each cluster. The results validate the significance of established psychological determinants in explaining variations in low-carbon intentions and behaviors among young people, challenging the assumption of intention as the single best determinant of LCB and underscoring the presence of multiple causal complexities and equifinalities. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the asymmetric effects of different psychological conditions on high and not-high levels of LCB, suggesting that consistent and inconsistent LCBs cannot simply be viewed as opposite poles of the same continuum and that a variety of pathways can be explored to enhance carbon reduction activities.
Searching for the Inflection Point of Travel Well-Being from the Views of Travel Characteristics Based on the Ordered Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Yu Hongmei , Ye Xiaofei , Yan Xingchen , Wang Tao , Chen Jun , Ran Bin
Published: November 2023

Travel well-being is the subjective feeling of satisfaction that people have while traveling. Previous research focused on its determinants and relationships with subjective well-being ignored. But no quantitative study discusses the effect of characteristics like weekly income and travel time on travel well-being. To demonstrate the quantitative inflection of travel well-being from characteristics, the relevant factors influencing travel well-being as the dependent variable are identified using Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression in this paper. To overcome the limitations of linear regression techniques, ordered logistic regression is applied to establish an analytical model of travel well-being for predicting the response probabilities for different degrees based on combinations of explanatory variables. Both the linear regression and ordered logistic regression models are calibrated by American residents’ travel datasets. The results illustrate that the ordered logistic model fits sample data better than linear regression models. Age, travel time, health status, and resting degree are significantly related to travel well-being. Older people and those who are healthier and better rested are more likely to experience higher levels of travel well-being. Additionally, increased travel time is associated with a significant decrease in travel well-being. Therefore, to enhance people’s travel feelings, policymakers and urban planners can enhance the quality of public transportation services and provide diverse transportation options, while also logically constructing transportation hubs to provide more convenient travel plans.
Dependency and Elderly Care: The Cost of the Long-Term Care System in the Context of the SDGs
Authors: Díaz Díaz Belén , García-Ramos Rebeca , López Gutiérrez Carlos , Pérez Andrea
Published: November 2023

The rapid ageing of populations around the world is creating complex challenges for national governments. The establishment of sustainable and equitable long-term care systems for old and dependent people is one of the main issues of social policy in developed countries. The aim of this work is to define a cost model for residential and day care centres for dependent persons in Cantabria (Spain). The cost model will make it possible to establish the theoretical cost of attending to the needs of the different types of dependent persons in the different types of care centres, and the methodology used could be extrapolated to other regions. The daily cost per user for elderly residential care is €53.72. The cost per user in elderly day centres (5 days) is 32.56 euros. In residential centres for people with disabilities, the values range between €47.41 and €75.25, depending on the category of the centre. In three categories of centres, the public price is not enough to cover the cost (physical disability, intellectual disability, mental illness—low care); therefore, the administration should reconsider their public prices for these kinds of centres if they want to really contribute to the sustainability of residential care centres. This research will have important implications for policy makers in the context of the fulfillment of the SDGs and where better support for old and disabled people and their carers, as well as fair and efficient financing of social care services, are essential to address the current and future challenges of dependency.
What Influences Users’ Intention to Share Works in Designer-Driven User-Generated Content Communities? A Study Based on Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Song Hongcai , Wei Jie , Jiang Qianling
Published: November 2023

Designer UGC (user-generated content) communities serve as the epicenter of contemporary innovation and creativity, offering a platform for a broad design community to showcase their talents, communicate, and collaborate. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study constructs a research model aiming to delve deeply into the underlying driving factors influencing users’ intention to share their works within these communities. Through online surveys targeting UGC community users and employing structural equation modeling, this research validates the determinants affecting their sharing intentions and dissects the pathways of each influencing factor. The findings reveal that in designer UGC communities, factors such as autonomy, competence, relatedness, online social support, and value fit have a significant positive impact on users’ intention to share their works. This study offers profound insights into the intrinsic logic behind user behaviors in the design creativity domain, also providing robust guidance for the operation and management of online community platforms.
PENGARUH SUHU DAN WAKTU PENYIMPANAN TERHADAP KUALITAS PEWARNAAN SEDIAAN BASIL TAHAN ASAM (BTA)
Authors: Irawati Irawati , Dermawan Asep , Rahmat Mamat , Kurniati Iis
Published: November 2023

Diagnosis penderita yang terindikasi Tuberkulosis (TB) dapat dilakukan melalui pemeriksaan laboratorium dengan pemeriksaan mikroskopis, dimana pemeriksaan sediaan sputum untuk TB harus dilaksanakan oleh laboratorium yang terjalin dalam suatu jejaring pelayanan laboratorium TB. Diagnosis TB bergantung pada mikroskopis sediaan dahak, maka pemeliharaan atas mutu mikroskopi sangat penting untuk memastikan layanan mikroskopi dari Program Pemberantasan TB Nasional yang bisa diandalkan dan akurat. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis kualitas pewarnaan terhadap sediaan Basil Tahan Asam (BTA) yang disimpan pada suhu ruangan yang menggunakan Air Conditioner (AC) dan suhu ruangan yang tidak menggunakan AC selama 0, 2, 4, 6, dan 8 minggu. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuasi eksperimen. Penelitian dilakukan di Laboratorium Kesehatan Daerah (Labkesda) Kabupaten Bandung Barat dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 5 sampel pada tiap kelompok. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah rata- rata kualitas pewarnaan sediaan pada suhu ruangan yang menggunakan AC (Air Conditioner) dengan waktu penyimpanan 0, 2, 4, 6 dan 8 minggu adalah 3 dengan nilai p-value ( Sig. Shapiro-Wilk ) < 0,05. Rata- rata kualitas pewarnaan sediaan pada suhu ruangan yang tidak menggunakan AC dengan waktu penyimpanan 0, 2, 4, 6 dan 8 minggu adalah 2,94 dengan nilai p-value ( Sig. Shapiro-Wilk ) < 0,05. Interaksi seluruh variabel > 0,05 ( Taraf Signifikansi ) maka tidak terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antar variabel sehingga tidak ada pengaruh antara suhu dan lama penyimpanan terhadap kualitas pewarnaan sediaan BTA.
Efektivitas Ekstrak Bunga Kenanga (Cananga odorata) Sebagai Larvasida Terhadap Larva Instar III Aedes aegypti
Authors: Musofi Frida Husna , Wahyuni Yeni , Dermawan Asep , Solihat Firman
Published: November 2023

Demam dengue adalah infeksi virus yang ditularkan ke manusia melalui gigitan nyamuk yang terinfeksi. Virus dengue ditularkan oleh nyamuk betina terutama dari spesies A.aegypti. Salah satu pengendalian A.aegypti dengan penggunaan larvasida alami. Larvasida alami merupakan larvasida yang terbuat dari tanaman yang mempunyai kandungan beracun terhadap serangga pada stadium larva. Salah satu bahan alami yang dapat di gunakan untuk menghambat pertumbuhan larva nyamuk A.aegypti yaitu tanaman bunga kenanga (Cananga odorata). Bunga kenanga dapat digunakan sebagai larvasida dikarenakan mengandung flavonoid, tanin, steroid dan saponin yang merupakan senyawa metabolit sekunder yang dibuktikan dengan uji fitokimia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui konsentrasi minimum ekstrak bunga kenanga (Cananga odorata) yang dapat membunuh larva instar III A.aegypti lebih dari 50% (LC50). Simplisia bunga kenanga diekstraksi dengan metode maserasi. Sampel yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah larva A.aegypti instar III sebanyak 10 ekor setiap perlakuan dengan melakukan pengujian ekstrak bunga kenanga (Cananga odorata) dengan berbagai konsentrasi terhadap mortalitas larva A.aegypti selama 8 jam, 16 jam, dan 24 jam. Pada penelitian ini terdapat 3 konsentrasi yaitu 0,02%, 0,04%, dan 0,06% dengan 3 kali pengulangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa rata-rata mortalitas larva A.aegypti yaitu 20%, 60%, dan 100%. Setelah dilakukan uji probit didapatkan konsentrasi LC50 yaitu 0,031%. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah ekstrak bunga kenanga berpotensi sebagai larvasida terhadap mortalitas larva A.aegypti.
ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN WAKTU PEWARNAAN MENGGUNAKAN GIEMSA 10% TERHADAP HASIL SEDIAAN DARAH MALARIA
Authors: Sopia Hassor Ruth , Sundara Mulia Yuliansyah , Firman Solihat Mohamad , Sulaeman Sulaeman
Published: November 2023

Penelitian tentang pemeriksaan malaria secara mikroskopik  terhadap parameter waktu  dengan menggunakan pewarna giemsa 10%. Hasil penilaian pewarnaan sediaan darah malaria meliputi penilaian secara mikroskopik, kriteria sediaan darah yang baik secara mikroskopik dinilai dari latar belakang, warna lekosit, sitoplasma, inti dan warna eritrosit.Tujuan penelitian ini adalah melihat perbandingan waktu pewarnaan menggunakan giemsa 10% terhadap hasil sediaan darah malaria.Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah eksperimen kuantitatif dan di analisis secara kualitatif menggunakan analisis data statistik. Sampel yang digunakan adalah total Populasi sampel Plasmodium malaria yang dilakukan perbandingan dalam tiga waktu yang berbeda. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah darah penderita malaria.Sediaan darah sebanyak ;2 µl, darah tipis dan 6µL darah tebal dibuat apus untuk pewarnaan menggunakan pewarna giemsa 10% dan dilakukan untuk 15 replikasi pada waktu yang berbeda yaitu 15,20 dan 30 menit. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa pemeriksaan mikroskopik pewarnaan malaria menggunakan pewarna giemsa 10% pada waktu 15 menit menunjukan terdapat 8 sediaan yang baik dan 7 tidak baik. pada waktu 20 menit semua sediaan memiliki kriteria baik, dan pada waktu 30 menit terdapat 8 sediaan yang baik dan 7 sediaan tidak baik. Hasil uji statistik menggunakan uji Kruskal-Wallis didapatkan nilai signifikan 0,022 (<0,05). Dari hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa adanya pengaruh variasi waktu pewarnaan menggunakan giemsa 10% terhadap hasil sediaan darah malaria, dan waktu yang baik untuk pewarnaan dengan giemsa 10% adalah 20 menit.
PERBANDINGAN HASIL MIKROSKOPIS PREPARAT JARINGAN DENGAN MINYAK DAUN KAYU MANIS SEBAGAI AGEN CLEARING PADA PEMATANGAN JARINGAN
Authors: Lamsudianyah Asrul Yudha Fadhiila , Durachim Adang , Wiryanti Wiwin , Riyani Ani
Published: November 2023

Clearing adalah salah satu tahapan pada prosessing jaringan. Clearing memiliki tujuan untuk menghilangkan alkohol dan juga larutan dehidran lain dari dalam jaringan. Xylol adalah senyawa kimia yang biasa digunakan sebagai agen clearing, namun xylol memiliki kekurangan yaitu bersifat toksik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengganti xylol dengan reagen alternatif pada proses clearing. Jenis penelitian ini adalah quasi eksperimen dengan desain penelitian yakni deskriptif komparatif. Sampel yang digunakan adalah jaringan ginjal tikus Rattus norvegicus. Uji statistik yang digunakan adalah uji Independent T-Test pada saat data berdistribusi normal dan uji Mann-Whitney U pada data yang tidak berdistribusi normal. Berdasarkan hasil nilai uji Independent T-Test yaitu nilai intensitas warna inti sel Sig 0.55 dan nilai intensitas warna sitoplasma Sig 0.582 yang mana keduanya bernilai > 0.05 artinya tidak menunjukkan adanya perbedaan yang bermakna antara penggunaan xylol dan minyak daun kayu manis sebagai agen clearing. Pada penelitian ini, minyak daun kayu manis dapat digunakan sebagai agen clearing pengganti xylol
Coffee Experience as an Attraction for Indonesian Gen Z Tourists in Heritage Area of Braga
Authors: Agoes Adrian , Nur Agustiani Indah
Published: November 2023

The Braga heritage area is among the most famous tourist destinations in Bandung, Indonesia as this street is the location of numerous colonial-style heritage structures. Meanwhile, Generations Z reportedly will predominate the majority of travelers in the travel and tourism industry. They are viewed, though, as lacking a strong enough fascination with the subject of quality tourism including historical and heritage attractions. Interestingly, the coffee experience, which is also increasingly available in Braga, is beginning to draw the interest of Generation Z. The research question is whether the growth of heritage tourism such as in Braga Street, which rely on historical narrative, will be supported in the future by the rise of the Gen-Z tourist market circles, and whether coffee experience will be strong enough to attract them to come. In this qualitative research approach, ten respondents were agreed to describe their experiences as they perceived them. This study finds that the attractiveness of heritage buildings in the Braga area and the coffee experience are mutually reinforcing. If there was no place for Generation Z to get coffee, they would be hesitant to visit the Braga Heritage area to admire the historic buildings. The heritage atmosphere provided in the Braga area, on the other hand, was reported to be what inspired Gen Z tourists to have a coffee experience there. This article also discusses a number of other conceptual findings regarding how Gen Z perceives the heritage precinct of Braga.
Natural caustics in backward path tracing
Authors: Halayka Shawn
Published: November 2023

In this paper we introduce a natural method for producing both refraction and reflection caustics in backward path tracing (e.g. bouncing around an eye ray in the scene until a light is found).

These caustics do not rely on a light location, and as such, do not rely on bidirectional or forward path tracing.

As such, these caustics allow for as many light sources as one would care for; the shapes and positions of the lights are completely arbitrary (can be bunny shaped, etc).

We use the standard Cornell box for testing the backward path tracer.
Optical Upconversion of OFDM Signals for Next Generation Fronthauling Using Frequency Doubling and Quadrupling
Authors: S J Sreeraj
Published: November 2023

This paper draft presents a study of optical upconversion schemes for mmWave OFDM signals over ARoF systems. The authors propose and compare two configurations of optical doublers and quadruplers that use low-frequency RF sources and Mach-Zehnder modulators to generate and transport high-frequency mmWave signals over 2 km of fiber. The paper evaluates the performance of the schemes for different modulation formats and bandwidths, and discusses the advantages and challenges of each configuration.
Low-pass EMI Filter Based on Modal Distortions, Internal Reflections and Magnetodielectric Cover
Authors: Zhechev Yevgeniy , Murmansky Mikhail , Pavlov Nikita , Vlasov Sergey , Trubcheninov Vyacheslav , Kuzmin Nikita , Surkov Vyacheslav
Published: November 2023

The letter introduces the first highly miniaturized low-pass filter that combines the use of modal distortions, internal reflections, and magnetodielectric cover. The filter is implemented on an FR-4 printed circuit board with compact external dimensions of 17x14x0.25 (mm) covered with an elastic magnetodielectric material. We conducted electrodynamic simulations of this filter using FDTD in Keysight EMPro and FEM in COMSOL Multiphysics. To validate the simulation results, the filter prototype was designed, manufactured, and tested. The EMI attenuation in the range from 4 to 20 GHz was more than 42 dB. The standing wave coefficient in the passband did not exceed 1.5. The effectiveness of broadband and mesoband interference suppression was evaluated using N-norms analysis. Signal integrity was analyzed by exciting a pseudo-random bit sequence with data rates of 0.25 and 0.5 Gbps at the input of the filter. The examination of N-norms and eye diagrams confirms that the filter can be employed to protect signal circuits.