bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar Application of Gibberellin Alleviates Adverse Impacts of Drought Stress and Improves Growth, Physiological and Biochemical Attributes of Canola (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Elahi Nosheen Noor , Raza Sadia , Rizwan Muhammad Shahid , Albalawi Bedur Faleh A. , Ishaq Muhammad Zubair , Ahmed Hafiz Munir , Mehmood Sajid , Imtiaz Muhammad , Farooq Umer , Rashid Muhammad , Ditta Allah
Published: December 2022

Under the current climate change scenario, water stress is one of the key factors that reduce the production of crops. Gibberellic acid (GA3) is an efficient endogenous plant hormone that shows a vital role in plant growth and development. Production of canola (Brassica napus L.) and its oil contents are severely affected under drought stress. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential of GA3 in alleviating drought stress in canola. Three levels of GA3 (G0 = 0 mg L−1, G1 = 100 mg L−1, and G2 = 150 mg L−1) as foliar applications were applied under two drought-stress conditions (D1 for three days of drought stress and D2 for six days of drought stress) on two canola varieties (Punjab canola and Faisal canola). Irrigation was applied after 3 weeks of germination, while foliar application of GA3 was done at intervals of 4 and 5 weeks after germination. When comparing the output of all the GA3 treatments, it was noticed that in G0 = 0 mg L−1 (control plants), water-stress conditions markedly reduced plant production and seed oil contents but increased protein and linoleic acid. With the application of G2 = 150 mg L−1, the maximum values of plant height (90.83 cm), no. of siliqua plant−1 (15.50), seed siliqua−1 (15.55), siliqua length (5.08 cm), relative water contents (77.60%), yield plant−1 (0.46 g), chlorophyll a (0.62), carotenoid contents (39.52), and oleic acid contents (60.20) were recorded under drought stress. Based on these results, it is concluded that the adverse effect of drought stress on different yield parameters of canola could be ameliorated by the exogenous application of GA3 through foliar application at a dose of 150 mg L–1. Moreover, the same treatment improves the quality parameters, i.e., the oleic acid contents of the oil, obtained from the canola.
Smart Building Management System (SBMS) for Commercial Buildings—Key Attributes and Usage Intentions from Building Professionals’ Perspective
Authors: Lam King Hang , To Wai Ming , Lee Peter K.C.
Published: December 2022

Smart buildings conserve energy and create a responsive, comfortable, and productive indoor environment for users and occupants. As a crucial component of smart buildings, smart building management system (SBMS) should provide a wide range of functions and bring about the intended benefits upon successful deployment. This paper identifies salient SBMS attributes and explores key factors influencing building professionals’ intention to use the system in commercial buildings. Responses were collected from 327 Hong Kong building professionals. Data were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling based on the refined Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Exploratory factor analysis shows that intelligent building operations and safety and recovery readiness are two dimensions of SBMS emerged. Specifically, intelligent building operations include intelligent and optimal scheduling of building systems, monitor and control of building facilities, having an intelligent and interactive interface, and enabling alarm settings and automatic notifications, showing the importance on the application of electrical engineering in smart building management. Structural equation model (SEM) results indicate that facilitating conditions affect habit, hedonic motivation, social influence, performance expectancy and effort expectancy. Additionally, habit, hedonic motivation and effort expectancy significantly affect building professionals’ intention to use SBMS. Practical implications of SBMS attributes for energy management and the ways in which SBMS is encouraged to be used by building professionals are given.
Togetherness and (work)Place: Insights from Workers and Managers during Australian COVID-Induced Lockdowns
Authors: Durakovic Iva , Aznavoorian Laurie , Candido Christhina
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Pandemic-imposed lockdowns have heightened our awareness of the value of (work)place and made apparent the role it plays in establishing our sense of belonging and professional identity. The opportunity to work remotely during the pandemic has given us an appreciation of the benefits from access to increased flexibility, but there is consistent evidence emerging showing how much workers miss in-office social and learning interactions. This paper focuses on results about (i) reported perceived effectiveness and performance, (ii) sense of adjustment to remote working, and (iii) sense of belonging during the first two COVID-19-induced lockdowns, as reported by managers and workers in Australia in 2020. Findings shed light onto (i) how remote working experience affected our connection to, and the importance of, (work)place and (ii) how to harness insights towards creating spaces responsive to the activities we prefer to undertake in the workplace, permitting employees to choose the workstyle and pattern that suits their professional role and personal circumstances. (2) Methods: Correlational and thematic analyses were conducted on findings from 1579 online surveys focusing on remote working experiences during the first and second rounds of COVID-19-imposed lockdowns. A total of 668 managers and 911 workers from 12 different industry sectors participated in two rounds of the Bates Smart remote work survey (BSRWS). Surveys targeted knowledge workers of all career stages, age, and experience. (3) Results: Employees felt (i) technologically supported and productive whilst working from home, but (ii) aspects of connection, collaboration, and sense of belonging suffered; (iii) collaboration and togetherness are main motivators for returning to the office. Managers’ experiences were significantly different with (i) perceived productivity, collaboration, knowledge sharing, sense of belonging, and performance dropping; (ii) face-to-face interaction and business development were key priorities for returning to the office with (iii) challenges of mentoring and managing emotional wellbeing of teams evident. (4) Conclusions: From these surveys we conclude space is an enabler of organisational culture and professional identity, playing a critical role in establishing psychologically safe and equitable workplaces. This paper reports snapshot data showing knowledge workers’ experiences and effects of WFH under strict lockdown circumstances on wellbeing, productivity, and culture over time. It proposes two lenses (togetherness and place), through which the future workplace should be considered by industry and researchers alike.
Impact of Store Design and Atmosphere on Shoppers’ Purchase Decisions: An Empirical Study with Special Reference to Delhi-NCR
Authors: Khan Mohammed Arshad , Vivek  , Minhaj Syed Mohd , Saifi Mohd Afzal , Alam Shahid , Hasan Asif
Published: December 2022

The main objective of this research is to identify the impact of store design and ambience on consumer purchase decisions in retail chain outlets in Delhi-NCR, India. The foremost purpose of this research was to examine if the design and ambience of retail stores have any effect on the decisions of customers’ purchases. The study was descriptive in nature. For this research, a sample of 100 consumers was drawn who generally visit retail stores for shopping. A systematic questionnaire was prepared to collect the data and to analyze it; SEM, reliability, Convergent, Discriminate Validity and model fitness were achieved through SmartPLS3. The current study’s findings indicate that variables, such as window and mannequin display, visual merchandising, and store design and atmosphere have an effective impact on shoppers’ purchase decisions, whereas lighting and color, music, and signage have negligible effects. The findings of this study will provide managerial involvement to the industry in order to emphasize purchase ambition in order to improve profitability and sustainability. More examination of the factors that contribute to purchase aspiration and in other geological areas is advised for future scrutiny. This study presents a validated instrument for measuring the association between design atmosphere and consumer purchasing behavior and serves as a tool for evaluating the influence of various design atmospheric indicators. It is important to keep a steady staff of well-trained, polite salespeople on hand at all times. Customers are more likely to come back and eventually recommend the store to others if their needs are met by customer-focused salespeople who provide excellent service. This helps the merchant to compete in the market.
Active Optimization of Chilled Water Pump Running Number: Engineering Practice Validation
Authors: Qiu Shunian , Li Zhenhai , Wang Delong , Li Zhengwei , Tao Yinying
Published: December 2022

To realize building energy conservation, appropriate operation of building energy systems is necessary. A chilled water pump, an essential component for chilled water transportation in building cooling systems, consumes substantial energy. Hence, its operation should be optimized. Previous studies on optimal pump control mostly focused on pump speed/frequency control, while the control of pump running number is usually too passive to realize energy-saving objectives. Moreover, existing relevant studies have some disadvantages, such as (1) too complex a workflow for maintenance; (2) dependence on accurate system performance models that take substantial data and labor to establish; and (3) high requirements on monitoring and sensors. To tackle those problems, this article proposes a simple, feasible approach to optimize the running number (on/off status) of chilled water pumps for building energy conservation. The proposed method is merely based on similarity/affinity laws and pump performance curves feasible for engineering practices. It has been implemented on a real cooling system in a battery factory. Our results suggest that: (1) based on similarity/affinity laws and pump performance curves, the estimation of potential targeted pump working points is accurate enough for optimal control (the flow rate estimation error is less than 2%, the frequency estimation error is less than 1 Hz); (2) the energy-saving effect of this control method is evident (20% of pump energy is saved by the proposed method compared to the former control logic); (3) the water grid operation condition is maintained well: cooling supply is not sacrificed by the control intervention (compared to the working condition before the intervention, grid pressure difference changed by 1.4%, flow rate changed by 2.6%). Regarding the low preconditions, simple workflow, and acceptable energy-saving performance of the proposed method, it is suitable for energy conservation in building cooling systems.
Effects of 12 Weeks of Physical-Cognitive Dual-Task Training on Executive Functions, Depression, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life in Older Adult Women: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Nascimento Marcelo de Maio , Maduro Paula Andreatta , Rios Pâmala Morais Bagano , Nascimento Lara dos Santos , Silva Carolina Nascimento , Kliegel Matthias , Ihle Andreas
Published: December 2022

This study aims to examine the effects of 12 weeks of physical-cognitive dual-task training on cognition, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life in older women (n = 44; 66.20 ± 4.05 years). Of these, 22 were randomly allocated to the dual-task training (DT) group, and 22 participated in the activities of the education control group (CG). Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of 12 weeks of intervention, and after 12 weeks of follow-up using the following instruments: Trail Making Test parts A and B, ΔTMT (B-A), Stroop test parts A, B, C, and ΔStroop (C-B), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), sleep quality (PSQI), quality of life (SF-36). The results showed a positive and significant time-group interaction for two cognitive domains (TMT and Stroop). No time-group interaction effect was indicated for depression and sleep quality perception. There was a positive and significant interaction effect between time and group for three SF-36 subcategories (physical function, physical role, and general health). Our training protocol was not able to improve depressive symptoms and sleep quality. On the other hand, DT training was able to promote the performance of executive functions and the physical and mental component summary of the quality of life with lasting effects of up to 12 weeks after the intervention.
Synergistic Patterns of Urban Economic Efficiency and the Economic Resilience of the Harbin–Changchun Urban Agglomeration in China
Authors: Ban Yang , Wang Ying , Chen Xiaohong , Wei Liuqing
Published: December 2022

Regional economic efficiency and resilience are necessary conditions for sustainable regional economic development, and urban agglomerations are the core carriers of regional economic development. Exploring the synergistic patterns between economic efficiency and economic resilience is crucial to the sustainable economic growth and development of urban agglomerations and their surrounding regions. To measure the economic efficiency, economic resilience, and synergistic capacity of the Harbin–Changchun urban agglomeration from 2010 to 2019, the super-efficient SBM model, the entropy-TOPSIS model, and the Haken model are used. The economic efficiency of the Harbin–Changchun urban agglomeration shows a mild upward trend between 2010 and 2019, while its economic resilience shows a more stable upward trend. A distinct phased pattern of synergies exists between economic efficiency and economic resilience. In terms of the time trend, a “down-up-down” pattern emerges, while in terms of the spatial pattern, a dumbbell-shaped structure appears with “highs at the north and south and lows in the middle.” Combined synergy values are highest in the north and south of Qiqihar, Jilin, Siping, Liaoyuan, and Mudanjiang, followed by Harbin and Changchun; the values are lowest in the middle of Suihua, Daqing, and Songyuan. This study also proposes strategies to weaken inter-regional differentiation and to increase economic efficiency and economic resilience across cities in accordance with the actual situation.
A Novel Linguistic Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Multi-Attribute Group Decision-Making for Sustainable Building Materials Selection
Authors: Zhou Yang , Yang Guangmin
Published: December 2022

The linguistic interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy (LIVPF) sets, which absorb the advantages of linguistic terms set and interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy sets, can efficiently describe decision makers’ evaluation information in multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems. When investigating aggregation operators of linguistic interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy (LIVPF) information, we have to consider two important issues, viz. the operational rules of LIVPF numbers and aggregation functions. The classical Archimedean t-norm and t-conorm (ATT) are a famous t-norm and t-conorm, which can produce some special cases. Recently, ATT has been widely applied in different fuzzy decision-making information. Hence, in this paper, for the first issue, we propose some novel operational rules of LIVPF numbers based on ATT. The new operational laws are flexible and can generate some useful operations. For the second issue, we choose a powerful function, i.e., the extended power average (EPA) operator as the aggregation function. The prominent advantages of EPA are that it not only considers the relationship among input arguments, but also dynamically changes the weights of input arguments by employing a parameter. Hence, our proposed novel aggregation operators for LIVPFNs are flexible and is suitable to handle MAGDM problems in actual life. Afterward, we further present a novel MAGDM method under LIVPF conditions. The main finding of our study is a new MAGDM method, which is more powerful and flexible than existing ones. Finally, we apply the method in a sustainable building materials selection to show its effectiveness. Additionally, comparison analysis is provided to demonstrate the advantages and superiorities of the proposed method.
Evaluation of Thermal Conductivity of Sustainable Concrete Having Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) and Recycled Aggregate (RCA) Using Needle Probe Test
Authors: Al Martini Samer , Khartabil Ahmad , Sabouni Reem
Published: December 2022

The evaluation of thermal properties is commonly conducted to characterize non-structural materials, such as lightweight concrete, that are used for thermal insulation. Such materials are designed for thermal resistivity applications. Due to the increased demand to adopt sustainable practices in the construction industry, municipalities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emphasize the use of sustainable materials in construction, such as green concrete. The cement in green concrete is partially replaced with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs); these materials are by-product waste from other industries. The SCMs can contribute to sustainability by reducing the concrete carbon footprint. They can also help in extending concrete durability and service life. However, there is still a lack in the literature regarding the effects of these materials on the thermal properties of concrete. This paper investigates the thermal properties of sustainable concrete mixes incorporating various types of SCMs. The SCMs that are considered in this investigation are fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and microsilica. Another way to improve the sustainability of the concrete is to partially replace the natural aggregates with recycled aggregates. Thus, a group of the concrete mixes in this investigation were prepared by replacing 40% of natural aggregates with recycled aggregates to investigate the effects of recycled aggregate on the thermal properties of concrete. Further, the thermal properties of three lightweight concrete mixtures commonly used in construction were evaluated. All concrete mixtures were examined for thermal conductivity and resistivity in accordance with ASTM D5334. The results of this investigation showed that SCMs and recycled aggregates have a significant impact on the thermal properties of concrete. The high replacement of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) resulted in a remarkable increase in thermal conductivity. This investigation provides significant conclusions and recommendations that are of practical importance to the construction industry in the UAE to promote sustainability. This research aims at formulating recommendations for the effective use of SCMs in the construction industry in the UAE based on their effects on the thermal properties of concrete.
Research on Vehicle Active Steering Stability Control Based on Variable Time Domain Input and State Information Prediction
Authors: Gao Zepeng , Feng Jianbo , Wang Chao , Cao Yu , Qin Bonan , Zhang Tao , Tan Senqi , Zeng Riya , Ren Hongbin , Ma Tongxin , Hou Youshan , Xiao Jie
Published: December 2022

The controller design of vehicle systems depends on accurate reference index input. Considering information fusion and feature extraction based on existing data settings in the time domain, if reasonable input is selected for prediction to obtain accurate information of future state, it is of great significance for control decision-making, system response, and driver’s active intervention. In this paper, the nonlinear dynamic model of the four-wheel steering vehicle system was built, and the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network architecture was established. On this basis, according to the real-time data under different working conditions, the information correction calculation of variable time-domain length was carried out to obtain the real-time state input length. At the same time, the historical state data of coupled road information was adopted to train the LSTM network offline, and the acquired real-time data state satisfying the accuracy was used as the LSTM network input to carry out online prediction of future confidence information. In order to solve the problem of mixed sensitivity of the system, a robust controller for vehicle active steering was designed with the sideslip angle of the centroid of 0, and the predicted results were used as reference inputs for corresponding numerical calculation verification. Finally, according to the calculated results, the robust controller with information prediction can realize the system stability control under coupling conditions on the premise of knowing the vehicle state information in advance, which provides an effective reference for controller response and driver active manipulation.
Potential Efficiency of Wild Plant Species (Pluchea dioscoridis (L.) DC.) for Phytoremediation of Trace Elements on Contaminated Locations
Authors: Youssef Naglaa , Diatta Jean
Published: December 2022

The current study outlines the potential of wild plant species (Pluchea dioscoridis (L.) DC.) for the phytoremediation of trace elements (TEs) such as Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, and Cu at various contaminated locations: an industrial area (S1); a residential area with a high traffic load (S2); and a rural area (S3). Data showed that the photosynthetic pigments and flavonoids decreased significantly at S1, at which TEs accumulated with high concentrations. This drop in chlorophyll concentration reflects foliar damage caused by TE contamination. The carotenoids/chlorophyll index (Car/Chl) ratio showed non-significant variations for all studied spheres. High values of chlorophyll ratio (a/b) were also recorded in plant leaves which faced TE stress. The translocation factors (TF); enrichment coefficient for root (ECR); and shoot (ECS) varied clearly among the TEs as well as the studied sites, proving the ability of the plant to carry out phytoremediation of Pb, Cd, and Zn. The highest values of the metal accumulation index (MAI) were recorded at S1. Significant positive correlations for the pairs Cd and Pb in soil versus P. dioscoridis tissues indicated its usefulness as a phytoextraction strategy for these elements. The management of residential and rural areas should be exploiting the natural wild phytoremediation potential of this plant.
Changing Food Patterns during the Pandemic: Exploring the Role of Household Dynamics and Income Stabilization Strategies
Authors: Lian Tao , Haq Shamsheer ul , Shahbaz Pomi , Zhao Lei , Nadeem Muhammad , Aziz Babar
Published: December 2022

COVID-19 still looms as the largest risk to the agriculture, energy, and health sectors, threatening sustainable global economic development. The literature shows that the COVID-19 pandemic can divert governments’ attention away from climate change, renewable energy, and food security challenges that are necessary to address for sustainable economic growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has consistently influenced environmental behaviors, as it has primarily decreased income levels and disrupted food systems worldwide. This study examined the impacts of COVID-19 on food consumption patterns, food diversity, and income challenges and explored the factors affecting food consumption patterns during the pandemic. The data collected through an online survey from 1537 Chinese households were analyzed through a paired t-test, a mixed-design ANOVA, and a logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that the consumption of the majority of individual food commodities decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the individual food items, the consumption of pork witnessed the greatest decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the normal period. The decrease in food diversity was higher for the households whose income was affected compared to the households whose income was not affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the consumption quantities of various food groups declined more for highly income-affected households than for medium and slightly affected households during the pandemic. Households that adopted a dissaving income-stabilizing strategy were 47% points more likely to maintain their food consumption patterns during the pandemic. Farmers were 17% points and 19% points less likely to suffer worsened food consumption compared to self-employed and wage workers, respectively, during the pandemic. Thus, self-production methods such as kitchen gardening can assist households to maintain and improve their consumption of food commodities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Toward a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Qatar
Authors: Villegas-Mateos Allan
Published: December 2022

This study aims to contribute to the empirical literature on sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems by understanding the opportunities and constraints to support its development using the case of Qatar. This study was designed using a triangulation method to combine different data collection techniques to increase the validity and reliability of the results. The data collection incorporated multiple data sources, starting with secondary sources and then collecting primary data through 37 interviews with key informants, mainly start-up founders and key stakeholders, a technique previously used in studies of critical players in entrepreneurial ecosystems. The findings were four-fold: (1) entrepreneurial ecosystem conditions are essential as facilitators of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability, but government intervention can inhibit the outputs if the policies are not designed as customer-centric, (2) business sophistication is fundamental to increase innovation and attractiveness for investors but requires a stronger academic, industry, and government collaboration, (3) knowledge and technology outputs are limited when the domestic market is small, and the knowledge transfer policies are complex, and (4) the sustainability of an entrepreneurial ecosystem is fostered by the exposure to a crisis, robust national culture, and joint vision to reach sustainable development. This study provides evidence that shows a positive relationship between innovation and sustainable economic development, which makes this research even more relevant to our aim of supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030; at the same time, it contributes to the GCC literature and guides policymakers in the region.
Sustainability|Special Issue: Cultural Industries and Sustainable Development
Authors: Lin Rungtai , Chiang I-Ying , Wu Jun
Published: December 2022

In response to the pandemic, many activities in human society have had to change, which has allowed us to re-examine past ways of getting along with the world [...]
Ideologies, Conspiracy Beliefs, and the Chinese Public’s Politicized Attitudes to Climate Change
Authors: Pan Yeheng , Xie Yu , Jia Hepeng , Luo Xi
Published: December 2022

While ideologies consistently influence public opinions on climate change in Western democracies, whether they affect the Chinese public’s climate attitudes is unknown. By applying a well-established measure of Chinese ideology, this study conducted a nationwide survey (n = 1469) on the relationships between climate attitudes and ideologies, conspiracy beliefs, and science literacy. It is the first study to empirically investigate the impact of ideological tendencies, conspiracy beliefs, and conspiratorial thinking in shaping people’s climate attitudes. Among a series of novel findings, ideology was found to be a crucial factor in Chinese attitudes toward climate change, and economic ideology, in particular, was most strongly related to climate attitude. Moreover, somewhat counterintuitively, we found a positive link between respondents’ conspiratorial thinking and their climate awareness, as well as the failure of the moderation role of science literacy on ideological factors that influence climate attitude. All these findings suggest a mechanism behind the Chinese public’s perception of climate change, primarily working on the individual–state relationship.
Determinants of Green Purchase Intention: The Roles of Green Enjoyment, Green Intrinsic Motivation, and Green Brand Love
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsien
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the relationship among green enjoyment, green brand love, green intrinsic motivation, and green purchase intention. Data were collected from 26 August to 16 September 2022, through a questionnaire survey distributed online, and quantitative instruments were applied to analyze the data. A total of 302 randomly selected samples from consumers with experience of green consumption were analyzed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis. The results revealed that the content, discriminant, and convergent validity and reliability of the model were satisfactory. Global model analysis of green intrinsic motivation revealed acceptable results. Moreover, structural equation modeling indicated a satisfactory model fit to the standard sample data. Finally, the study revealed that green intrinsic motivation positively influences green enjoyment, green brand love, and green purchase intention. Green enjoyment positively affects green brand love and green purchase intention. Furthermore, green enjoyment and green brand love mediate the positive relationship between green intrinsic motivation and green purchase intention.
Using Multispectral Imaging to Reveal the Relationship between UV Absorbance and Sulphur Dioxide Concentration
Authors: Lu Keru , Li Zhilin , Wong Man Sing
Published: December 2022

The sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentration can be monitored via its absorbance in the ultraviolet (UV) region. To address the absence of a systematic study on the UV absorbance of varying SO2 concentrations, a multispectral imaging method was implemented in the present study. SO2 concentrations and various environmental conditions were controlled by a purpose-built environmental control system with a light path of 4.2 m. Five narrow-band-pass filters in front of a UV camera were used to implement multispectral imaging. Regression models of the relationship between UV absorbance and SO2 concentration at each wavelength are presented. Their residuals were kept relatively small by adopting Jenks natural breaks analysis, with a maximum standard deviation of 0.086. Temperature and SO2 concentrations were significantly associated with UV absorbance. Furthermore, smoothed look-up tables were developed to explicitly elucidate the correlation between UV absorbance and SO2. These have been represented as heat maps, showcasing an example of library construction using a combination of abundant research data.
Recovery of Lac Resin from the Aqueous Effluent of Shellac Industry
Authors: Badhani Gaurav , Yadav Shruti , Reji Elen , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: December 2022

Shellac and aleuritic acid manufacturing industries generate a lot of alkaline aqueous effluent during the process of manufacture of shellac and aleuritic acid from the seedlac/sticklac. The generated effluent contains lac resin, lac wax, lac dye and other water-soluble organic acids. Shellac industries in India face problems with the disposal of aqueous effluent due to the presence of considerable amounts of natural organic molecules and the dark colour solution. To address these problems, we have developed a novel method for the selective recovery of the lac resin from the alkaline aqueous effluent of shellac manufacturing industry. The recovered lac resin has been characterized by 13C-NMR, FT-IR and melting point and the data were compared with standard industrial-grade resin. The recovered lac resin was evaluated by the lac manufacturing industry for commercial applications.
Optimal Control Problems for Hilfer Fractional Neutral Stochastic Evolution Hemivariational Inequalities
Authors: Sivasankar Sivajiganesan , Udhayakumar Ramalingam , Subramanian Velmurugan , AlNemer Ghada , Elshenhab Ahmed M.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we concentrate on a control system with a non-local condition that is governed by a Hilfer fractional neutral stochastic evolution hemivariational inequality (HFNSEHVI). By using concepts of the generalized Clarke sub-differential and a fixed point theorem for multivalued maps, we first demonstrate adequate requirements for the existence of mild solutions to the concerned control system. Then, using limited Lagrange optimal systems, we demonstrate the existence of optimal state-control pairs that are regulated by an HFNSEHVI with a non-local condition. In order to demonstrate the existence of fixed points, the symmetric structure of the spaces and operators that we create is essential. Without considering the uniqueness of the control system’s solutions, the best control results are established. Lastly, an illustration is used to demonstrate the major result.
Toxoplasmosis Infection during Pregnancy
Authors: Deganich Myla , Boudreaux Crystal , Benmerzouga Imaan
Published: December 2022

This literature review aims to give an overview of the current knowledge concerning how a toxoplasmosis infection affects the mother and her fetus. A thorough search of PubMed and a complimentary search of Google Scholar databases were used to identify relevant studies for this review. Although a Toxoplasma gondii infection is preventable, this infection is contracted by consuming contaminated food and water and by exposure to environmental sources of infection such as contaminated soil. Maternal-to-fetal transmission of this infection can result in devastating ophthalmic and neurological consequences for the fetus. Although a toxoplasmosis infection can result in long-term effects on the fetus, chronic disease is also associated with mental illness in mothers. Effective treatment can reduce the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis and the long-term consequences of infection in the fetus. Without appropriate screening and education programs, this infection will remain largely undiagnosed.
Production of a Monoclonal Antibody to the Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Application to ELISA-Based Detection Methods with Broad Specificity by Combined Use of Detector Antibodies
Authors: Kim Jinsoo , Kim Dongbum , Baek Kyeongbin , Kim Minyoung , Kang Bo Min , Maharjan Sony , Park Sangkyu , Choi Jun-Kyu , Kim Suyeon , Kim Yong Kyun , Park Man-Seong , Lee Younghee , Kwon Hyung-Joo
Published: December 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, elicited by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is ongoing. Currently accessible antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests are limited by their low sensitivity and detection efficacy due to evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we produced and characterized an anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), 2A7H9. Monoclonal antibody 2A7H9 and a previously developed mAb, 1G10C4, have different specificities. The 2A7H9 mAb detected the N protein of S clade, delta, iota, and mu but not omicron, whereas the 1G10C4 antibody recognized the N protein of all variants under study. In a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, recombinant N protein bound to the 1G10C4 mAb could be detected by both 1G10C4 and 2A7H9 mAbs. Similarly, N protein bound to the 2A7H9 mAb was detected by both mAbs, confirming the existence of dimeric N protein. While the 1G10C4 mAb detected omicron and mu with higher efficiency than S clade, delta, and iota, the 2A7H9 mAb efficiently detected all the strains except omicron, with higher affinity to S clade and mu than others. Combined use of 1G10C4 and 2A7H9 mAb resulted in the detection of all the strains with considerable sensitivity, suggesting that antibody combinations can improve the simultaneous detection of virus variants. Therefore, our findings provide insights into the development and improvement of diagnostic tools with broader specificity and higher sensitivity to detect rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Determinants of Retroviral Integration and Implications for Gene Therapeutic MLV—Based Vectors and for a Cure for HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Pellaers Eline , Bhat Anayat , Christ Frauke , Debyser Zeger
Published: December 2022

To complete their replication cycle, retroviruses need to integrate a DNA copy of their RNA genome into a host chromosome. Integration site selection is not random and is driven by multiple viral and cellular host factors specific to different classes of retroviruses. Today, overwhelming evidence from cell culture, animal experiments and clinical data suggests that integration sites are important for retroviral replication, oncogenesis and/or latency. In this review, we will summarize the increasing knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the integration site selection of the gammaretrovirus MLV and the lentivirus HIV-1. We will discuss how host factors of the integration site selection of retroviruses may steer the development of safer viral vectors for gene therapy. Next, we will discuss how altering the integration site preference of HIV-1 using small molecules could lead to a cure for HIV-1 infection.
The Incidence, Survival, and HPV Impact of Second Primary Cancer following Primary Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A 20-Year Retrospective and Population-Based Study
Authors: Andersen Lasse , Jakobsen Kathrine Kronberg , Carlander Amanda-Louise Fenger , Garset-Zamani Martin , Friborg Jeppe , Kiss Katalin , Marvig Rasmus L. , Olsen Caroline , Nielsen Finn Cilius , Andersen Elo , Grønhøj Christian , Buchwald Christian von
Published: December 2022

Second primary cancer (SPC) is the second most common cause of death among patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer. This study examined the risk of SPC following oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) on survival following SPC. The study was a population-based, retrospective study including all patients diagnosed with OPSCC in eastern Denmark from 2000–2020 who received curative intended treatment. The incidence rate ratio (IRR), age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR), and hazard ratios (HR) were calculated. A total of 2584 patients with primary OPSCC were included (median follow-up time: 3.1 years), with 317 patients (12.3%) diagnosed with SPC. The risk of SPC was approximately five times the occurrence of cancer in the general population (IRR: 4.96). The median time to SPC after a primary OPSCC was 2.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 0.6–4.2 years). HPV-positive (HPV+) patients had a significantly longer median time to SPC, and a significant better survival compared to HPV-negative (HPV-) patients. SPC was most frequently found in lungs, head, and neck (LHN) for HPV- OPSCC patients and lungs followed by gender-specific (prostate, ovaries, or endometrium) for HPV+ OPSCC. There was a significant difference between the two groups when distributed between “within” or “outside” LHN. Patients with SPC outside LHN had a significant better overall survival. This knowledge should be considered during post-treatment surveillance and might guide targeted imaging.
Hydroclimate Impact Analyses and Water Management in the Central Rift Valley Basin in Ethiopia
Authors: Truneh Lemma Adane , Matula Svatopluk , Báťková Kamila
Published: December 2022

This study explores the impacts of climate change on the major components of the water balance such as surface runoff (Q), water yield (WY), and evapotranspiration (ET) in the Central Rift Valley Basin (CRVB) in Ethiopia. Projected climate data from the climate emission scenarios were used for the analyses. Representative concentration pathway (RCP) data from the MIROC-RCA4 ensemble driving climate models were downscaled, bias-corrected, and applied for impact analyses. Climate scenario analyses for the near-term (2031–2060) and long-term (2070–2099) periods were used to assess the conditions of the water balance components. The endo hydrogenic CRVB was divided into three sub-basins, and their respective hydroclimatic impacts were simulated separately with calibrated Arc-SWAT models. The future impacts simulated on the annual average basis vary in their maximum ranges from −65.2% to +85.8% in Q, from −42.2% to +23.9% in WY, and from −4.1% to +17.3% in ET compared to the baseline data outputs in the individual sub-basin. Water management options according to the water balance sensitivities to the climate impacts were proposed for each of the sub-basins. SWAT-based studies aimed at balanced water resources management in combination with agricultural practices within the CRVB are recommended for future research.
Experimental Investigation of the Coupling Effect of Jackup Offshore Platforms, Towers, and Seabed Foundations under Waves of Large Wave Height
Authors: Ye Hailin , Zu Feng , Jiang Chuwei , Bai Wenjing , Fan Yaojiang
Published: December 2022

A large number of jackup offshore platforms with towers are widely applied in ocean engineering. The dynamic response of the platforms to waves of large wave height is critical, as such waves may cause platform accidents, property damage, and casualties. Therefore, it is important to investigate the coupling effect of jackup offshore platform, towers and seabed foundations under waves of large wave height. In this study, the coupling effect of offshore platforms, tower structures, and seabed foundations under the impact of waves of large wave height was studied via a physical flume model test. The experimental results show that the impact of waves of large wave height on the platforms is significant when the wave is blocked by the platform surface as the water body gathers under the platform surface, causing a pile group effect that results in the onshore piles being subjected to larger pressures than the front ones. The combined action of wave impact and pile leg squeezing force leads to an increase in the pore pressure of the foundation bed near the pile leg, and the soil near the pile leg becomes soft, revealing the mechanism of instability of the offshore platform’s pile foundation under waves of large wave height. The acceleration of the longitudinal movement of the platform increases under waves of large wave height, and the vortex-induced vibration of the platform includes the vibration along the direction of the wave and perpendicular to it. A coupled vibration effect between the tower structure and the platform occurs under waves of large wave height, reducing the vibration of the platform itself. Furthermore, damping members are installed on the tower structure, greatly reducing the natural vibration period and the motion response of the tower structure. This study provides significant enlightenment for the design of offshore platforms with towers to protect against waves of large wave height.
A Review of the Emerging Risks of Acute Ammonia Nitrogen Toxicity to Aquatic Decapod Crustaceans
Authors: Lin Wang , Luo Huimin , Wu Jingyi , Hung Tien-Chieh , Cao Beibei , Liu Xiangli , Yang Jifeng , Yang Pinhong
Published: December 2022

Waterborne ammonia is becoming one of the most notorious pollutants in aquatic habitats and has been shown to induce a range of ecotoxicological effects on aquatic animals. High ammonia concentrations occur mainly in intensive aquaculture systems, and effective wastewater treatment and agricultural systems are necessary to treat excessive nitrogenous compounds. Ammonia can enter aquatic decapod crustaceans through their gills, thereby reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood cells and damaging the structures of organs such as the gills and hepatopancreas. This ultimately results in oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, and high mortality. Crustaceans have the ability to exert detoxification functions against ammonia stress by regulating the permeation of ammonia and related nitrogenous compounds through membranes. To the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive review of the acute toxicity of ammonia to crustaceans is lacking. The present review focuses on the literature on the problems and mechanisms concerning ammonia-induced acute toxicity and aims to synthesize the knowledge of the relationship between ammonia stress and defense responses in crustaceans (mainly shrimp and crabs). This review also emphasizes the uptake, elimination, and detoxification of ammonia in crustaceans.
Modifizierung der Erinnerungsnarrative
Authors: Kmetty Klaudia
Published: December 2022

Die vorliegende Arbeit bietet eine auf militärgeschichtlichen Forschungsergebnissen beruhende Interpretation zu Hugo von Hofmannsthals früher Novelle Reitergeschichte. Die Analyse verfolgt den staffelförmigen Abbau des exklusiven, militärischen Spezialdiskurses und entlarvt die Akte der Modifizierung am institutionellen Geschichtsnarrativ, die dieser Spezialdiskurs hervorruft. Mit der Analyse der Erinnerungsräume und der Wahrscheinlichkeit der militärischen Entscheidungen wird die Spannung zwischen dem offiziellen Gedächtnis der Habsburgermonarchie und dem vom Text modifizierten Gedächtnis aufgedeckt und die Funktion der Modifizierung erörtert.
(Vor)moderne Subjektivität
Authors: Felhofer Ludwig
Published: December 2022

Der Beitrag liefert eine Form und Inhalt vermittelnde Interpretation von Arthur Schnitzlers Lieutenant Gustl. Dessen Inhalt ist die vormoderne Ehre, die ihm gegenüberstehende Form zeigt sich als die moderne, in Subjektivität bestehende Form des inneren Monologs. Da beide zunächst in einem Widerspruchsverhältnis zu stehen scheinen, wird deren Vermittlung, der geformte Inhalt bzw. der Gehalt des Textes, in den Blick genommen; dabei stellt sich heraus, dass die moderne Form in dieser Novelle eine immanente Kritik an ihrem Inhalt vornimmt, der Ehre wird ihre Grundlage in der Subjektivität selbst aufgewiesen. Konfrontiert man diese Entwicklung mit dem Ende der Novelle, so entpuppt sich dieses als unkritische Zurücknahme des zuvor entwickelten Potenzials; die immanente Kritik wird für eine äußerliche Ideologiekritik eingetauscht.
Identitätskonstruktionen in den Romanen von Peter Handke und Saša Stanišić
Authors: Jenei-Forray Norma
Published: December 2022

In dieser Arbeit werden zwei Werke, Die Wiederholung von Peter Handke und Herkunft von Saša Stanišić, verglichen, die sich direkt oder indirekt mit der Formung der Identität beschäftigen und damit an vielschichtige, brennende Debatten anknüpfen. Der Vergleich beruht auf solchen Aspekten, die die Ausarbeitung der Identität beeinflussen bzw. prägen: Gattung und Narration, Räumlichkeit, Sprache und Mythos sind jene Faktoren, die aus den verschiedenen Ansätzen der Kultur- und Literaturwissenschaft stammen und die mit Blick auf die Identitätsbildung eine große Rolle in den beiden Texten spielen. Das Ziel des Vergleichs ist, Fragen der zeitgenössischen Identitätsbildung auszuloten, Unterschiede und Ähnlichkeiten aufzuzeigen und durch zwei kanonisierte Werke einen Einblick in die Antworten der Literatur auf die Krise der Identität zu geben.
Posicionamiento de empresa mercantil en Tabasco
Authors: Sanchez-Trinidad Rosa del Carmen , Sosa-Peña Rocio Guadalupe , Sánchez-Trinidad Adriana del Carmen
Published: December 2022

Estrategias de marketing y publicidad para incrementar el posicionamiento de la empresa mercantil y aumentar la visibilidad en el mercado para así llegar al usuario potencial. 

La principal problemática de este giro de empresa es que no cuenta con ninguna estrategia de publicidad y mercadotecnia. Toda empresa tiene su propio plan estratégico para el logro de sus objetivos y metas para alcanzar, estos pueden ser a diferentes plazos dependiendo la amplitud y magnitud de cada organización.

Observando la gran oportunidad de los sectores que tiene para ofrecer, en diversas ciudades del país, se diseñará una propuesta de un plan estratégico de marketing, enfocado en publicidad para aumentar la presencia en el mercado y de esta manera incrementar las ventas para acrecentar los ingresos.