bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Long-Term Hydrological Effects of Rapid Urbanization in Metropolitan Shanghai, China: The Finer the Landscape Classification, the More Accurate the Modeling?
Authors: Tao Tao , Wang Du , Huang Ganping , Lin Liqing , Wu Chenhao , Xu Qixin , Zhao Jun , Qian Guangren
Published: April 2023

Rapid urbanization often leads to increase in surface runoff; its modelling is always the focus in the field of land use effect. One of the methodological issues is how to classify the landscape (land use/land cover) in the model. In this study, the long-term hydrological impact assessment (L-THIA) model was used to simulate the change of annual surface runoff during the rapid urbanization in Shanghai since 1965. Two landscape scenarios, based upon land uses and pervious/impervious surfaces, were compared, and the CN values were adjusted to validate the applicability of the two landscape scenarios. The results showed that there was almost no difference between the results based on the two landscape scenarios, and it was suggested that the simplified landscape scenario based upon pervious/impervious surfaces can be workable and efficient, while the land use scenario may not be necessary for the modelling considering its scale of interpretation of remote sensing data. It was found that there was a clear linear relationship between the percentage of impervious surfaces and surface runoff. For every 1% increase in impervious surface, runoff increased by 0.94%. In addition, the effect of precipitation on the modelling was also discussed, which indicated that with the increase in impervious surface percentage, the response of runoff change in both dry year and dry season was more sensitive.
Predicting the Potential Distribution of the Alien Invasive Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula in China
Authors: Liu Dawei , Xie Chunping , Jim Chi Yung , Liu Yanjun , Hou Senlin
Published: April 2023

Alligator gar Atractosteus spatula originates from North America but has been introduced into China recently. Considered an invasive fish, it may cause losses in the diversity and number of local species and in fish catch due to its predation on numerous aquatic animals in non-native habitats. A comprehensive study of this alien invasive species’ existing spatial patterns in relation to climatic variables is critical to understanding the conditions amenable to its distribution and controlling its further spread into potential range areas. We used MaxEnt and QGIS species distribution modeling to estimate the likely biogeographical range of A. spatula in China based on 36 validated distribution records and seven selected environmental variables. The highly suitable area was found primarily in a series of provinces extending from inland to coastal regions, covering southwest to south, central and east China. The model identified the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) and mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio10) as the strongest predictors of A. spatula distribution. The findings could offer scientific guidance for managing and preventing the spread of this invasive fish and hint at controlling invasive aquatic fauna.
Approaches to Bio-Cultural Diversity in British Columbia
Authors: Zandvliet David , Leddy Shannon , Inver Cate , Elderton Victor , Townrow Brittney , York Lori
Published: April 2023

This paper highlights an action research project into some decolonizing practices for environmental learning in the Canadian context of the British Columbia (BC) curriculum through case study and focus groups with Indigenous educators. A key finding taken from these discussions is that educators must strive to learn with Indigenous people not about them as the process of decolonization is about acknowledging multiple knowledge and value systems. We hosted two consultations with groups of Indigenous knowledge holders in the process of our work. The first consisted of a purposeful sample of Indigenous educators and academics drawn from Coast Salish communities in and around urban regions in coastal British Columbia (N = 20), the second draws on a purposeful sample of rural Indigenous educators and academics drawn from the Okanagan valley and British Columbia Interior (N = 10). The vignettes we share focus on how educational policy can be infused with Indigenous knowledges and pedagogical perspectives and, respectively, how policy changes might inform instruction on climate change education and a variety of other environmental topics. The revised framework we produce will guide teachers in their educational planning and support the implementation of environmental learning in diverse subjects using the dual lenses of bio-cultural diversity and inquiry—teaching about the environment and Indigenous knowledges together as an organizing theme for all teaching and learning. Our work highlights key aspects of our research involving practicing teachers, academics, provincial Ministries of Education and Environment as well as the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. The research articulates several important bridge-building activities: one linking research and policy, one bridging theory with practice, and most importantly, one bridging the inherent synergies among Indigenous and environmental knowledges.
Modeling Environmentally Conscious Purchase Behavior: Examining the Role of Ethical Obligation and Green Self-Identity
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Kishore , Singh Rubee , Sá José Carlos , Carvalho Sandro , Santos Gilberto
Published: April 2023

Due to environmental degradation, using environment-friendly products has become necessary to reduce carbon emissions. However, the consumption of such products is still below expectations because these products are usually costlier than their traditional counterparts. The current study aims to investigate consumer behavior towards environment-friendly products using Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior as a theoretical model. The study seeks to examine the role of the key determinates of environmentally conscious purchase behavior, such as ethical obligation and green self-identity. A total of 386 responses were collected from consumers living in a few major cities of northern India using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in Amos 22.0. The results demonstrated that attitudes towards environment-friendly products perceived behavioral control and green self-identity as the major determinants of green purchase intentions. In addition, attitude was reported to mediate the effect of ethical obligation on green purchase intentions and green self-identity was found to moderate the effect of attitude on green purchase intentions. Additionally, green self-identity was also reported to moderate the relationship between ethical obligation and attitude. The study adds value to the existing literature by signifying the role of green self-identity and ethical obligation in stimulating consumers’ green purchase intentions. The findings of the study are also meaningful for marketers and policymakers.
Mobile Banking Service Design Attributes for the Sustainability of Internet-Only Banks: A Case Study of KakaoBank
Authors: Kim Seongho , Kwon Hyuk-Jun , Kim Hyeob
Published: April 2023

The rapid development of information technology and the diffusion of Internet-only banks have made mobile banking an essential service in Korea. Meanwhile, the spread of non-face-to-face services triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic is encouraging continuous innovation in the banking sector. This study explored the application design attributes of mobile banking in the context of the sustainability of Internet-only banks. Specifically, this study empirically analyzed user usage intention and attitude using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and seven service design attributes derived from previous studies, namely: information quality, service quality, utilitarian value, hedonic value, ease of use, usefulness, and aesthetics. Information quality, utilitarian value, ease of use, and usefulness positively affected sustainable usage intention and attitude, while service quality, hedonic value, and aesthetics did not affect sustainable usage intention and attitude. Notably, this study derived the theoretical attributes of financial service design from the user’s perspective, which has not yet received much attention in existing research, by applying the TPB. It also identified mobile banking service attributes that may support the sustainability of financial services, which lays a foundation for further research. Moreover, this study’s findings offer insights into which user touchpoints designers should focus on when developing services.
Impact Assessment of Climate Mitigation Finance on Climate Change in South Asia
Authors: Rasheed Noman , Khan Dilawar , Gul Aisha , Magda Róbert
Published: April 2023

Climate change is considered the greatest threat to human life in the 21st century, bringing economic, social and environmental consequences to the entire world. Environmental scientists also expect disastrous climate changes in the future and emphasize actions for climate change mitigation. The objective of this study was to explore the influence of climate mitigation finance on climate change in the region most vulnerable to climate shock, i.e., South Asia, in the period from 2000 to 2019. The panel autoregressive distributed lag model was used to estimate the influence of climate mitigation finance on climate change. The findings of this study demonstrate that, in the long-run, climate mitigation finance has a significant role in mitigating climate change, while in the short-run, climate mitigation finance has an insignificant effect on climate change. The result also shows that, in the long-run, climate change has a negative causal relation with GDP and globalization, but it has a positive causal relationship with energy consumption. The short-term effects of all independent variables are insignificant. Finally, based on the outcome of this study, several policy measures are recommended in order to mitigate climate change.
Strategic Choices for Sustainable Competitive Advantage, Marketization Degree, and the Executive-Employee Compensation Gap
Authors: Zhang Changzheng , Liang Jingjing
Published: April 2023

Responding to the latest demand for strategic human resource management research, the paper investigates the links between the strategic choice of sustainable competitive advantage for firms and the executive-employee compensation gap (EECG), and the moderating role of marketization degree in influencing such links between the two. A balanced panel of data consisting of 3900 annual observations of companies listed in China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share manufacturing industries from 2008 to 2017 is used as the research sample, using SPSS 23.0 and STATA 16.0 software. The paper makes empirical analysis using several methods, including factor analysis, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis based on OLS/2SLS, and fixed effect regression analysis, respectively. The empirical results confirmed that the differentiation strategy had a positive effect on EECG, and the marketization degree would strengthen the positive effect; and that the cost leadership strategy had an inhibitory effect on EECG, and the marketization degree would strengthen the inhibitory effect. Further exploration has found that both differentiation and cost leadership strategies can effectively improve firm performance and enhance sustainable competitive advantage when matched with a moderately higher EECG; the level of participation of female executives in corporate governance would harm the performance consequences of differentiation strategy, while improving the performance consequences of cost leadership strategy.
Canadian Consumers’ Perceptions of Sustainability of Food Innovations
Authors: Lassoued Rim , Music Janet , Charlebois Sylvain , Smyth Stuart J.
Published: April 2023

Educated consumer food choices not only enhance personal health but can also contribute to environmental, economic, and social well-being, as well as food sustainability. This exploratory study examines Canadian consumers’ perceptions of sustainable and innovative food, along with their sources of information. It uses nationwide survey data and statistical tests (chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests) to test differences between different demographic groups. Results show that consumers refer mostly to the ecological aspect of food sustainability in their perceptions and food-buying behavior. Web-based information was a widely consulted source of information about food-related sustainability and innovation, although it ranked low among consumers in terms of trust level. The most trusted sources of information about food sustainability and innovation were mainly institutional—medical professionals and university scientists. Survey results also demonstrate that perceptions of sustainability and trust in sources of information varied in different socio-demographic segments. The current insights can be used to guide policymakers in making informed guidelines and recommendations to inform Canadian consumers about sustainable food-consumption practices.
Readiness Factors for Sustainable Lean Transformation of Construction Organizations
Authors: Prasad Kudrekodlu V. , Vasugi Venkatesan
Published: April 2023

Despite significant research and development on lean construction over the last two decades, cases of sustained lean transformation are few. Readiness for lean transformation is considered an essential requirement. Several studies have been conducted to identify lean readiness factors and develop assessment frameworks in other sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceutical, emergency, higher education, etc., but none in construction. The main objective of this study is to identify the lean readiness factors for the successful lean transformation of construction organizations. Mixed methods of research have been adopted. Factors initially identified from the literature in other sectors and lean construction were further validated by a large team of lean experts. Seventy-three factors were identified, and a questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the critical lean readiness factors for construction organizations. One hundred and two responses were collected from expert lean practitioners and academicians from all over the world. The factors were ranked based on the Importance Index (II). Reliability analysis and ANOVA tests have been conducted. Support from top management, the process of understanding customer requirements, emphasis on team-working, critical data analysis, and constraint removal were found to be the top-ranked lean readiness factors. The study opens up new research directions in lean readiness evaluation and ensures sustained lean transformation of construction organizations.
Thermal Regeneration of Activated Carbon Used as an Adsorbent for Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
Authors: Bunker Brendan , Dvorak Bruce , Aly Hassan Ashraf
Published: April 2023

The treatment of gaseous contaminants, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), is often carried out with adsorbent materials that are disposed of after saturation. The reuse of such materials promotes sustainability and the reduction in unnecessary waste. Granular activated carbon (GAC) is a well-known adsorbent used to capture gaseous H2S which can be reused. It is hypothesized that it can also concentrate contaminants for future treatment, thereby reducing secondary treatment costs. Cyclic adsorption/desorption experiments were completed with samples of GAC to investigate the feasibility of implementing the concept of repeated H2S adsorption/desorption in the construction of a pilot odor control device. A column filled with GAC was exposed to a stream of H2S gas and then heated to 500 °C to regenerate the carbon. The concentration of H2S at the inlet and outlet of the column was measured at regular intervals. Three samples of GAC had an average adsorption efficiency of 82% over the course of three cycles and were regenerated to 70% of initial adsorptive capacity after one cycle, and 60% after two cycles. These results indicate that after being saturated with H2S, GAC can be regenerated at high temperatures, evidence that H2S may become concentrated during the process. Additional characterization experiments confirmed that the sulfur content of the carbon increased after adsorption and decreased after thermal regeneration. The procedures demonstrated in this experiment were further utilized with a pilot device designed to provide a low-cost method for reducing odors in landfill gas.
PSO-BP-Based Morphology Prediction Method for DED Remanufactured Deposited Layers
Authors: Wang Zisheng , Jiang Xingyu , Song Boxue , Yang Guozhe , Liu Weijun , Liu Tongming , Ni Zhijia , Zhang Ren
Published: April 2023

Directed energy deposition is a typical laser remanufacturing technology, which can effectively repair failed parts and extend their service life, and has been widely used in aerospace, metallurgy, energy and other high-end equipment key parts remanufacturing. However, the repair quality and performance of the repaired parts have been limited by the morphological and quality control problems of the process because of the formation mechanism and process of the deposition. The main reason is that the coupling of multiple process parameters makes the deposited layer morphology and surface properties difficult to be accurately predicted, which makes it difficult to regulate the process. Thus, the deposited layer forming mechanism and morphological properties of directed energy deposition were systematically analyzed, the height and width of multilayer deposition layers were taken as prediction targets, and a PSO-BP-based model for predicting the morphology of directed energy deposited layers was settled. The weights and thresholds of Back Propagation (BP) neural networks were optimized using a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, the predicted values of deposited layer morphology for different process parameters were obtained, and the problem of low accuracy of deposited layer morphology prediction due to slow convergence and poor uniformity of the solution set of traditional optimization models was addressed. Remanufacturing experiments were conducted, and the experimental results showed that the deposited layer morphology prediction model proposed in this paper has a high prediction accuracy, with an average prediction error of 1.329% for the layer height and 0.442% for the layer width. The research of the paper provided an effective way to control the morphology and properties of the directed energy deposition process. A valuable contribution is made to the field of laser remanufacturing technology, and significant implications are held for various industries such as aerospace, metallurgy, and energy.
Vietnam’s Water Resources: Current Status, Challenges, and Security Perspective
Authors: Pham Quy-Nhan , Nguyen Ngoc-Ha , Ta Thi-Thoang , Tran Thanh-Le
Published: April 2023

The current status of the exploitation, use, and management of water resources in the context of socioeconomic development, climate change, and issues related to the region are causing negative impacts on the water resources of Vietnam. This study aimed to develop a framework for assessing Vietnam’s water security based on the following key aspects: (i) the availability of water resources; (ii) the current status of water exploitation and use; (iii) the current status of waste water and water pollution; (iv) water resource management organization; and (v) water-related disasters, including floods, droughts, subsidence, coastal erosion, landslides, ecological imbalance, and diseases related to water resources. In particular, the challenges of transboundary water resources and the food–energy–water nexus were investigated. We reviewed the assessment frameworks that have recently been developed outside Vietnam or regions with similar climates and analyzed the characteristics of downstream and rapid-growth countries such as Vietnam using a number of key water resource indicators, both qualitative and quantitative. From these processes, we developed an assessment framework and provided a perspective on water security. The results of this study showed that the challenge of transboundary water resources, the impact of climate change, the pressure on socioeconomic development, and the water–energy–food nexus are core issues that need to be addressed from the perspective of water security in Vietnam. This case study may be helpful for downstream and developing countries.
Analysis of Impact of Well-Facilitated Farmland Construction—Engineering Measures on Farmland Quality
Authors: Zhan Xuejie , Ding Shiwei , Ding Qixun , Mei Shuai , Tong Tong , Ma Youhua , Ma Zhongwen , Guo Nichun
Published: April 2023

We studied the influence and correlation of soil improvement, farmland ecological protection, soil fertilization, and field infrastructure construction on the quality grade of well-fertilized farmland in the engineering measures of well-fertilized farmland construction. Taking Xiao County of the Anhui Province as the study area, based on the software platforms of SPSS, ArcGIS10.6, and the county farmland resource management information system, we investigated the farmland quality changes of well-facilitated farmland before and after construction using the fuzzy evaluation method and analytic hierarchy process. We used principal component analysis and the gray relational method to analyze the impact and correlation of various engineering measures on farmland quality. The farmland quality grade in the study area was improved by a 0.59 grade after the construction of the well-facilitated farmland. Well-facilitated farmland construction engineering measures mainly affected the farmland quality through 12 factors, such as the soil bulk density, tillage layer texture, irrigation and drainage guarantee rates, forest network density, and field road accessibility. There is a strong correlation between these factors and the characteristics of farmland quality; the degrees of correlation were 0.865–0.610, respectively. The highest correlation degree was 0.939 between the deep plowing and deep loosening soil improvement project and the improvement of the well-facilitated basic farmland quality; this was followed by soil fertilization with an increased application of organic fertilizer, farmland ecological protection, and the field infrastructure project with correlations of 0.936, 0.857, and 0.563, respectively. Represented by the improvement of farmland fertility, the soil improvement project had the strongest impact on well-facilitated farmland quality. The soil fertility project, farmland ecological protection project, and the field infrastructure project were the second most important, with very close degrees of correlation.
Sustainable New Product Development for Ten Thousand Villages, a Fair-Trade Social Enterprise: Empowering Women and Economic Development through Problem-Based Service Learning
Authors: Kim Eundeok
Published: April 2023

Universities have an important role in advancing sustainable development by educating future professionals. As an effective approach to scaling sustainability education, the author implemented a problem-based service-learning (PBSL) project with Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade non-profit social enterprise (SE), into a Product Innovation and Management course at a public university in the US. The purpose of this study was first, to explore the significance of, strategies for, and barriers to sustainability education in higher education; second, to present a case of a PBSL project systemically incorporated into a course; and third, to propose a PBSL model to facilitate its wide adoption in other courses. A qualitative research method was adopted employing open coding and the constant comparative method to analyze students’ written reflections. Unlike the hypothesized model with a commercial enterprise, the findings revealed that fourteen new themes emerged for the PBSL model; most were consistent with the characteristics of SE. Through this study, educators and practitioners will be able to recognize the urgent need for the scaling of sustainability education and will be inspired to adopt problem-based service learning as a viable pedagogical approach. Further, the study will provide educators and practitioners with insights into its effective implementation into higher education.
Effect of Humic Acid Binder on the Preparation of Oxidized Pellets from Vanadium-Bearing Titanomagnetite Concentrate
Authors: Li Guanghui , Zhang Yongkang , Zhang Xin , Meng Feiyu , Cao Pengxu , Yi Lingyun
Published: April 2023

In order to pursue the goal of low-carbon ironmaking, a new type of humic acid (HA)-based binder was applied to the preparation of oxidized pellets from vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite (VTM) in this work. Effects of the HA binder (or with limestone) on the balling, preheating, and roasting behaviors of VTM were comparatively studied with bentonite. The embedded features of each mineral phase in sintered pellets, especially the crystallization and growth state of hematite grains, were deeply investigated by XRD, optical microscopy, and SEM–EDS measures. The binder dosage can be cut down by 50% when HA was used instead of bentonite. Fine hematite grains in HA pellets evolved into plump interlocking grains with ~5% of limestone addition. Pseudobrookite and magnesioferrite spinel phase formed at the optimal sintering temperature of 1250 °C, which could hinder the crystallization of hematite and affect the strength of final pellets.
Microfluidics for Polymer Microparticles: Opinion on Sustainability and Scalability
Authors: El Itawi Hassan , Fadlallah Sami , Perré Patrick , Allais Florent
Published: April 2023

The microfluidic production of simple (microspheres) and core–shell (microcapsules) polymer microparticles, often called microencapsulation, has been the scope of several research works since the 1980s. It is a fast, thrifty, and efficient process because of its controlled properties, tuneability, and yield, which can reach 100%. However, the question of its greenness, sustainability, and scalability remains unclear, and more awareness/education is required in this field. The sustainability of production processes using microfluidic techniques can be realized/discussed based on three pillars: (i) waste generation, (ii) the solvents employed, and (iii) raw materials. On the other hand, although the scaling-up of these processes was reported on in several papers as procedures in which hundreds or thousands of microfluidic chips are set in parallel, the sustainability of this scale-up has not been addressed to our knowledge. This opinion paper highlights the advantages of microfluidic encapsulation processes, their greenness according to the above-mentioned pillars, (i–iii) and the necessary considerations to scale them up while preserving their sustainability.
Special Issue Editorial “Deep Learning Technologies for Mobile Networks: A Themed Issue in Honor of Prof. Han-Chieh Chao”
Authors: Yeh Kuo-Hui , Chen Chien-Ming , Chien Wei-Che
Published: April 2023

Han-Chieh Chao received his MS and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1989 and 1993, respectively [...]
Quantum Pattern Classification in a Three-Qubit System
Authors: Elmasry Menna , Younes Ahmed , Elkabani Islam , Elsayed Ashraf
Published: April 2023

The problem of pattern classification in quantum data has been of great importance over the past few years. This study investigates the effect of deploying Grover’s, the partial diffusion, and the fixed-phase algorithms separately to amplify the amplitudes of a desired pattern in an unstructured dataset. These quantum search operators were applied to symmetric and antisymmetric input superpositions on a three-qubit system for 20 iterations each. After each iteration, different probabilities of classification were calculated in order to determine the accuracy of classification for each of the three quantum search operators. The results indicated that, in the case of applying the three quantum search operators to incomplete superposition input states, the partial diffusion operator outperformed the other operators with a probability of correct classification that reached 100% in certain iterations. It also showed that the classification accuracy of the fixed-phase operator exceeded the accuracy of the other two operators by 40% in most cases when the input state was a uniform superposition, and some of the basis states were phase-inverted.
Highly Dispersive Optical Solitons in the Absence of Self-Phase Modulation by Lie Symmetry
Authors: Malik Sandeep , Kumar Sachin , Biswas Anjan , Yıldırım Yakup , Moraru Luminita , Moldovanu Simona , Iticescu Catalina , Alotaibi Abdulaziz
Published: April 2023

The paper revisits highly dispersive optical solitons that are addressed by the aid of Lie symmetry followed by the implementation of the Riccati equation approach and the improved modified extended tanh-function approach. The soliton solutions are recovered and classified. The conservation laws are also recovered and the corresponding conserved quantities are enlisted.
Median-KNN Regressor-SMOTE-Tomek Links for Handling Missing and Imbalanced Data in Air Quality Prediction
Authors: Chandra Winoto , Suprihatin Bambang , Resti Yulia
Published: April 2023

The Air Quality Index (AQI) dataset contains information on measurements of pollutants and ambient air quality conditions at certain location that can be used to predict air quality. Unfortunately, this dataset often has many missing observations and imbalanced classes. Both of these problems can affect the performance of the prediction model. In particular, predictions for the minority class are very important because inaccurate predictions can be fatal or cause big losses. Moreover, the missing data may lead to biased results. This paper proposes the single imputation of the median and the multiple imputations of the k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) regressor to handle missing values of less than or equal to 10% and more than 10%, respectively. At the same time, the SMOTE-Tomek Links address the imbalanced class. These proposed approaches to handle both issues are then used to assess the air quality prediction of the India AQI dataset using Naive Bayes (NB), KNN, and C4.5. The five treatments show that the proposed method of the Median-KNN regressor-SMOTE-Tomek Links is able to improve the performance of the India air quality prediction model. In other words, the proposed method succeeds in overcoming the problems of missing values and class imbalance.
Analytical Solutions of Peristalsis Flow of Non-Newtonian Williamson Fluid in a Curved Micro-Channel under the Effects of Electro-Osmotic and Entropy Generation
Authors: Khan Ambreen A. , Zahra B. , Ellahi R. , Sait Sadiq M.
Published: April 2023

In the current effort, the effects of entropy generation and electro-osmotic driven peristaltic flow of non-Newtonian Williamson liquid in a curved micro-channel is investigated. Formulation of the problem is conducted in a wave frame of reference. Due to the complexity of non-Newtonian fluid, the analytical solutions of non-linear coupled equations are not easy to obtain and are very rarely found in the literature. For analytical solutions, the governing equations are reduced in the form of the Bessel function. The electric double layer is employed as a result of a zeta potential of about 25 mV. The low Reynolds number and long wavelength approximations are taken into account. Graphical analysis has been carried out for velocity, temperature and entropy for physical parameters. It is noted that the Brinkmann number enhances the temperature. The results of this model will be extremely helpful in designing electro-peristaltic pumps for thermal systems.
Double-Controlled Quasi M-Metric Spaces
Authors: Ayoob Irshad , Chuan Ng Zhen , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: April 2023

One of the well-studied generalizations of a metric space is known as a partial metric space. The partial metric space was further generalized to the so-called M-metric space. In this paper, we introduce the Double-Controlled Quasi M-metric space as a new generalization of the M-metric space. In our new generalization of the M-metric space, the symmetry condition is not necessarily satisfied and the triangle inequality is controlled by two binary functions. We establish some fixed point results, along with the examples and applications to illustrate our results.
Organizational Resistance to Automation Success: How Status Quo Bias Influences Organizational Resistance to an Automated Workflow System in a Public Organization
Authors: Almatrodi Ibrahim , Li Feng , Alojail Mohammed
Published: April 2023

A number of recent studies have examined the impact of advanced technologies on organizations. However, many (particularly those in developing countries) still face challenges when it comes to the adoption of mature technologies and have also continued to repeat many of the mistakes of early adopters, primarily in relation to automated workflow systems. The current paper analyses a case study of a public organization in the developing country of Saudi Arabia, with the aim of understanding its resistance to change brought about by the implementation of a mature technology, i.e., automated workflow systems. The study undertook semi-structured interviews with employees to establish the nature of this resistance, identifying their preference for familiar processes and systems, alongside their unwillingness to embrace the new system. Furthermore, the study highlighted a number of issues experienced during the implementation of automated workflow systems, including job security; changes in laws and rules; an inability to understand, and/or trust, the technology; the perceived risks and costs associated with change; and the transformation of business processes. It also cited factors related to organizational structure and power, and the discomfort involved in making difficult decisions. This study, therefore, aims to assist organizations to create a sound foundation for change prior to the adoption of more advanced technologies.
Developmental Neurotoxicity of Difenoconazole in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Yang Qing , Deng Ping , Xing Dan , Liu Haoling , Shi Fang , Hu Lian , Zou Xi , Nie Hongyan , Zuo Junli , Zhuang Zimeng , Pan Meiqi , Chen Juan , Li Guangyu
Published: April 2023

Difenoconazole is a type of triazole fungicide that is widely used in the treatment of plant diseases. Triazole fungicides have been shown in several studies to impair the development of the nervous system in zebrafish embryos. There is still little known about difenoconazole-induced neurotoxicity in fish. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/L of difenoconazole solution until 120 h post-fertilization (hpf). The difenoconazole-exposed groups showed concentration-dependent inhibitory tendencies in heart rate and body length. Malformation rate and spontaneous movement of zebrafish embryos increased, and the locomotor activity decreased in the highest exposure group. The content of dopamine and acetylcholine was reduced significantly in difenoconazole treatment groups. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was also increased after treatment with difenoconazole. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment was remarkably altered, which corresponded with the alterations of neurotransmitter content and AChE activity. These results indicated that difenoconazole might affect the development of the nervous system through influencing neurotransmitter levels, enzyme activity, and the expression of neural-related genes, ultimately leading to abnormal locomotor activity in the early stages of zebrafish.
Enzymatic Assessment of the State of Oil-Contaminated Soils in the South of Russia after Bioremediation
Authors: Minnikova Tatyana , Kolesnikov Sergey , Revina Sofia , Ruseva Anna , Gaivoronsky Vladimir
Published: April 2023

Soil pollution with oil as a result of accidents at oil pipelines and oil refineries is a frequent occurrence in the south of Russia. To restore such polluted lands, it is necessary to carry out soil remediation measures. This work aimed to evaluate the use of ameliorants of various natures (biochar, sodium humate, and microbial preparation Baikal EM-1) to restore the ecological state of oil-contaminated soils with different properties (Haplic Chernozem, Haplic Arenosols, Haplic Cambisols). To assess the ecological state of soils, the following physicochemical and biological indicators were studied: residual oil content, redox potential, and medium reaction (pH). Changes in enzymatic activity were also studied, including catalase, dehydrogenases, invertase, urease, and phosphatase. The greatest decomposition of oil in Haplic Chernozem and Haplic Cambisols was provided by Baikal EM-1 (56 and 26%), and in Haplic Arenosols, this was provided by biochar (94%) and sodium humate (93%). In oil-contaminated Haplic Cambisols, the content of easily soluble salts with the addition of biochar and Baikal EM-1 increased by 83 and 58%, respectively. The introduction of biochar caused an increase in pH from 5.3 (Haplic Cambisols) to 8.2 (Haplic Arenosols). The introduction of oil-contaminated Haplic Arenosols of biochar, humate, and Baikal stimulated the activity of catalase and dehydrogenases by 52–245%. The activity of invertase was stimulated in the Haplic Chernozem after the introduction of ameliorants by 15–50%. The activity of urease was stimulated after the introduction of ameliorants into borax and Arenosol by 15–250%. The most effective ameliorant for restoring the ecological state of Haplic Cambisols after oil pollution was biochar. For Haplic Arenosols, this was sodium humate, and for Haplic Chernozem, the effectiveness of biochar and sodium humate did not differ. The most informative indicator for the remediation of Haplic Chernozem and Haplic Cambisols was the activity of dehydrogenases, and for Haplic Arenosols, this was the activity of phosphatase. The results of the study should be used to biomonitor the ecological state of oil-contaminated soils after bioremediation.
Botulinum Toxin and Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis for the Treatment of Chronic Masticatory Myalgia
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Luis-Miguel , Vera-Martin Ramon , Montes-Latorre Enrique , Torres-Carranza Eusebio , Infante-Cossio Pedro
Published: April 2023

Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) is applied in muscle hyperactivity disorders and injected into affected muscles, producing deep and persistent muscle relaxation. Several multidisciplinary groups investigated the treatment of temporomandibular disorders for several years, and there is currently some data on the beneficial effects of BTA in specific cases of chronic masticatory myalgia. Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE), which applies a low-intensity galvanic current to promote tissue regeneration, has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving masticatory function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of BTA and to assess whether its application in patients with localized masticatory myalgia can significantly reduce pain and improve function compared to a group treated with PNE. Fifty-two patients with long-term refractory masticatory myalgia were randomly assigned to two groups. The BTA group (n = 26) received a bilateral botulinum toxin injection and the PNE group (n = 26) received percutaneous electrolysis. The dose of BTA injected was 100 units distributed among the main primary masticatory muscles, and PNE was administered at 0.5 mA/3 s/3 consecutive times in a single session. Patient assessments were performed prior to treatment and one, two, and three months after treatment. The results revealed good therapeutic response in both groups. In the long term, both BTA and PNE showed high efficacy and safety in reducing pain and improving muscle function for the treatment of chronic masticatory myalgia. This improvement was sustained over a three-month period in both groups. Therefore, the use of BTA and PNE could be considered a valid and safe therapeutic alternative among the available options to treat refractory and localized masticatory myalgia when a better therapeutic response is expected as it demonstrated high efficacy.
The Three-Cornered Alfalfa Hopper, Spissistilus festinus, Is a Vector of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus in Vineyards
Authors: Flasco Madison T. , Hoyle Victoria , Cieniewicz Elizabeth J. , Loeb Greg , McLane Heather , Perry Keith , Fuchs Marc F.
Published: April 2023

Spissistilus festinus (Hemiptera: Membracidae) transmit grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV, Grablovirus, Geminiviridae) in greenhouse settings; however, their role as a vector of GRBV in vineyards is unknown. Following controlled exposures of aviruliferous S. festinus for two weeks on infected, asymptomatic vines in a California vineyard in June and a 48 h gut clearing on alfalfa, a nonhost of GRBV, approximately half of the released insects tested positive for GRBV (45%, 46 of 102), including in the salivary glands of dissected individuals (11%, 3 of 27), indicating acquisition. Following controlled exposures of viruliferous S. festinus for two to six weeks on GRBV-negative vines in vineyards in California and New York in June, transmission of GRBV was detected when two S. festinus were restricted to a single leaf (3%, 2 of 62 in California; 10%, 5 of 50 in New York) but not with cohorts of 10–20 specimens on entire or half shoots. This work was consistent with greenhouse assays in which transmission was most successful with S. festinus exposed to a single leaf (42%, 5 of 12), but rarely occurred on half shoots (8%, 1 of 13), and never on entire shoots (0%, 0 of 18), documenting that the transmission of GRBV is facilitated through the feeding of fewer S. festinus on a restricted area of grapevine tissue. This work demonstrates S. festinus is a GRBV vector of epidemiological importance in vineyards.
Longitudinal Detection of Twenty DNA and RNA Viruses in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Plasma
Authors: Zanella Marie-Céline , Vu Diem-Lan , Hosszu-Fellous Krisztina , Neofytos Dionysios , Van Delden Chistian , Turin Lara , Poncet Antoine , Simonetta Federico , Masouridi-Levrat Stavroula , Chalandon Yves , Cordey Samuel , Kaiser Laurent
Published: April 2023

Metagenomics revealed novel and routinely overlooked viruses, representing sources of unrecognized infections after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We aim to describe DNA and RNA virus prevalence and kinetics in allo-HSCT recipients’ plasma for one year post HSCT. We included 109 adult patients with first allo-HSCT from 1 March 2017 to 31 January 2019 in this observational cohort study. Seventeen DNA and three RNA viral species were screened with qualitative and/or quantitative r(RT)-PCR assays using plasma samples collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post HSCT. TTV infected 97% of patients, followed by HPgV-1 (prevalence: 26–36%). TTV (median 3.29 × 105 copies/mL) and HPgV-1 (median 1.18 × 106 copies/mL) viral loads peaked at month 3. At least one Polyomaviridae virus (BKPyV, JCPyV, MCPyV, HPyV6/7) was detected in >10% of patients. HPyV6 and HPyV7 prevalence reached 27% and 12% at month 3; CMV prevalence reached 27%. HSV, VZV, EBV, HHV-7, HAdV and B19V prevalence remained <5%. HPyV9, TSPyV, HBoV, EV and HPg-V2 were never detected. At month 3, 72% of patients had co-infections. TTV and HPgV-1 infections were highly prevalent. BKPyV, MCPyV and HPyV6/7 were frequently detected relative to classical culprits. Further investigation is needed into associations between these viral infections and immune reconstitution or clinical outcomes.
The SUMOylation of Human Cytomegalovirus Capsid Assembly Protein Precursor (UL80.5) Affects Its Interaction with Major Capsid Protein (UL86) and Viral Replication
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Xia Sisi , Wang Zhigang , Yin Nina , Chen Jun , Shao Luyao
Published: April 2023

Human Cytomegalovirus Capsid Assembly Protein Precursor (pAP, UL80.5) plays a key role in capsid assembly by forming an internal protein scaffold with Major Capsid Protein (MCP, UL86) and other capsid subunits. In this study, we revealed UL80.5 as a novel SUMOylated viral protein. We confirmed that UL80.5 interacted with the SUMO E2 ligase UBC9 (58-93aa) and could be covalently modified by SUMO1/SUMO2/SUMO3 proteins. 371Lysine located within a ψKxE consensus motif on UL80.5 carboxy-terminal was the major SUMOylation site. Interestingly, the SUMOylation of UL80.5 restrained its interaction with UL86 but had no effects on translocating UL86 into the nucleus. Furthermore, we showed that the removal of the 371lysine SUMOylation site of UL80.5 inhibited viral replication. In conclusion, our data demonstrates that SUMOylation plays an important role in regulating UL80.5 functions and viral replication.
Changes in the Etiology of Acute Respiratory Infections among Children in Novosibirsk, Russia, between 2019 and 2022: The Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Authors: Kurskaya Olga G. , Prokopyeva Elena A. , Sobolev Ivan A. , Solomatina Mariya V. , Saroyan Tereza A. , Dubovitskiy Nikita A. , Derko Anastasiya A. , Nokhova Alina R. , Anoshina Angelika V. , Leonova Natalya V. , Simkina Olga A. , Komissarova Tatyana V. , Shestopalov Alexander M. , Sharshov Kirill A.
Published: April 2023

A wide range of human respiratory viruses are known that may cause acute respiratory infections (ARIs), such as influenza A and B viruses (HIFV), respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), coronavirus (HCoV), parainfluenza virus (HPIV), metapneumovirus (HMPV), rhinovirus (HRV), adenovirus (HAdV), bocavirus (HBoV), and others. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COronaVIrus Disease (COVID) that lead to pandemic in 2019 and significantly impacted on the circulation of ARIs. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in the epidemic patterns of common respiratory viruses among children and adolescents hospitalized with ARIs in hospitals in Novosibirsk, Russia, from November 2019 to April 2022. During 2019 and 2022, nasal and throat swabs were taken from a total of 3190 hospitalized patients 0–17 years old for testing for HIFV, HRSV, HCoV, HPIV, HMPV, HRV, HAdV, HBoV, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by real-time PCR. The SARS-CoV-2 virus dramatically influenced the etiology of acute respiratory infections among children and adolescents between 2019 and 2022. We observed dramatic changes in the prevalence of major respiratory viruses over three epidemic research seasons: HIFV, HRSV, and HPIV mainly circulated in 2019–2020; HMPV, HRV, and HCoV dominated in 2020–2021; and HRSV, SARS-CoV-2, HIFV, and HRV were the most numerous agents in 2021–2022. Interesting to note was the absence of HIFV and a significant reduction in HRSV during the 2020–2021 period, while HMPV was absent and there was a significant reduction of HCoV during the following epidemic period in 2021–2022. Viral co-infection was significantly more frequently detected in the 2020–2021 period compared with the other two epidemic seasons. Certain respiratory viruses, HCoV, HPIV, HBoV, HRV, and HAdV, were registered most often in co-infections. This cohort study has revealed that during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, there were dramatic fluctuations in common respiratory viruses registered among hospitalized patients 0–17 years old. The most dominant virus in each research period differed: HIFV in 2019–2020, HMPV in 2020–2021, and HRSV in 2021–2022. Virus–virus interaction was found to be possible between SARS-CoV-2 and HRV, HRSV, HAdV, HMPV, and HPIV. An increase in the incidence of COVID-19 was noted only during the third epidemic season (January to March 2022).