bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Governance of Tourism-Based Social–Ecological Landscapes
Authors: Epifani Federica , Valente Donatella
Published: November 2023

In this research, we intended to develop a tool that is able to support the governance of tourism destinations in pursuing adaptation strategies to face environmental impacts. The Sustainable Tourism Assessment Index (STAI) is a synthetic index suitable to assess a destination’s readiness for the implementation of sustainable tourism development trajectories, and it is characterized by a place-based and holistic approach. STAI has been tested in two specific destinations, Gargano and Grecìa Salentina, both located in Apulia (Italy). The two areas were analyzed based on a set of selected indicators, appropriately adapted from a literature analysis, using data from multi-source scraping and referring to the year 2019. Principal component analysis allowed us to compare the tourism performance of the two areas. STAI was then calculated at the municipality scale on the basis of the values of each variable. According to the results, we argue that STAI is a useful tool for governing tourism destinations, including minor ones, and helps support the implementation of development strategies in accordance with the SDGs. Moreover, it helps in comparing different locations in the same region/country from a different perspective of sustainability, as well as assessing the levels of governance sustainability of a tourism-based socio-ecological destination.
Blockchain in Peer-to-Peer Platforms: Enhancing Sustainability and Customer Experience in Tourism
Authors: Prados-Castillo Juan F. , Torrecilla-García Juan Antonio , Andraz Georgette , Guaita Martínez José Manuel
Published: November 2023

Blockchain technology is emerging as a high-impact solution for the tourism industry, a topic chosen for its growing research relevance and potential to revolutionise the tourism sector in several areas. This study examines how the combination of Blockchain technology and P2P platforms advances sustainability and marketing in the tourism accommodation market. It attempts to fill a gap in the literature by focusing on its application in two areas, namely digital markets and technology, which are expanding. The originality of this research lies in its comprehensive review of blockchain applications in tourism from a practical point of view, which has been largely unexplored in the existing literature. Through a bibliometric review of forty-two papers, various Blockchain applications were identified, such as improving transparency, trust, and efficiency in hotel operations and eliminating intermediaries to reduce costs. The adoption of smart contracts and the use of cryptocurrencies have also emerged as key trends. These findings highlight the transformative potential of Blockchain technology to build trust between hosts and guests, streamline processes, and improve the customer experience. However, they emphasise the need for the careful planning and consideration of the challenges associated with implementing this technology. Future research should further explore the specific applications of Blockchain technology in tourism to optimise its impact on industry and ensure long-term sustainability.
Travel Behaviour Insights among Geotourists in Serbia—Case Study of Zaječar District
Authors: Marjanović Miloš , Tomić Nemanja , Antić Aleksandar , Tomić Tijana
Published: November 2023

Geotourism is a rapidly growing market for tourism, and has gained huge popularity worldwide. Zaječar district is located in Eastern Serbia, and this area is famous for many attractive geotourism features that seek to be presented to the global tourism market. This article aims to present geotourist typology models based on their motivation and travel behaviour. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 194 respondents who visited the geosites of Zaječar district or have the intention to visit them. The data was processed by an exploratory factor analysis, one-way ANOVA, the t-test for independent samples, and multiple regression analyses for in-depth investigations and statistical validation of the findings. The results present three typology models of geotourists based on their motivation to visit geosites (health and relaxation, education and curiosity, socialisation), and three typology models of geotourists based on their travel behaviour (active behaviour, passive behaviour, individual behaviour). The analysis also revealed that motives significantly predict tourist behaviour. Also, this study shows that respondents (tourists) have a positive attitude towards local communities, and emphasise their importance for geotourism development. These findings could be helpful for policy managers and all other interested parties to create strategies and tourism products according to the needs of the potential geotourism market.
Ecological Risk Zoning Control in Zhundong Economic Development Zone Based on Landscape Pattern Changes
Authors: Ou Bin , Abulizi Abudukeyimu , Zayiti Abudoukeremujiang , Jiang Jiao , Akbar Adila , Yu Tingting
Published: November 2023

The Zhundong coalfield in Xinjiang, China, is rich in resources and has great significance to the development of the Xinjiang region, but its local ecological environment is fragile and its climate is particularly dry, so mining is very likely to introduce a series of ecological risks; there is an urgent need for us to provide scientific and feasible guidance for the conservation and development of coal resources in this region. Therefore, this paper is based on the land-use-type data concerning the Zhundong Economic and Technological Development Zone from 2000 to 2020, exploring the land use change characteristics in the Zhundong area during these 20 years and calculating the ecological risk index of each risky district according to an ecological risk index model. Afterward, this article uses kriging interpolation to carry out a risk classification analysis to explore changes in ecological risk in the Zhundong area during the last 20 years and to put forward ecological risk partition and control measures for areas of different levels of risk. Our research shows the following features: (1) The land use type in the Zhundong area changed obviously from 2000 to 2020, in which unused land has always occupied most of the area of the Zhundong coalfield. Grassland was the land use type with the greatest area transferred, 211,412.35 hm2, accounting for 68.11% of the total transferred area, and it was mainly converted into unused and construction land. (2) In the last 20 years, the Zhundong coalfield has been dominated by higher-risk and high-risk areas, with obvious changes in the distribution of ecological risk levels. The low-risk, medium-risk, and higher-risk areas in the research zone have decreased and then increased; the lower-risk area has declined yearly, and the high-risk area has increased and then declined. Furthermore, overall, the ecological environment has transformed toward good condition. (3) High-risk and higher-risk areas still account for most of the research zone, and there is an urgent need for scientific and feasible programs to carry out ecological restoration in areas with different ecological risk levels to avoid further deterioration of the local environment.
Comparing Price Transmissions between a High Blend Ethanol Fuel and a Conventional Fuel: An Application of Seemingly Unrelated Regressions
Authors: Parrott Scott
Published: November 2023

This study compares how crude oil and ethanol price changes are passed through to the wholesale prices of a conventional fuel (E10), which contains 10% ethanol, and a high-blend ethanol fuel (E85), which contains 51% to 83% ethanol. Daily observations from October 2017 to June 2019 were obtained from a large market in the United States that provided wholesale fuel prices and ethanol prices. The Error Correction Model (ECM) was applied to each fuel specification using Seemingly Unrelated Regressions (SURs) in order to improve the efficiency of the estimates. Comparable to prior research, the long-run pass-through coefficient for E10 with respect to crude oil was 1.13. In contrast, the E85 long-run pass-through coefficient with respect to crude oil was 0.74. Estimates for the short-run analysis indicated asymmetry in the transmission of crude oil price changes to E10, with crude price increases passing through at greater rates compared to crude price decreases. Symmetry was found in the transmission of ethanol price changes to E85, indicating the same response to rising and falling ethanol costs. Despite the differences in ethanol requirements, the relative prices of crude oil and ethanol are still important for both fuels.
Factors Influencing Carbon Emissions in High Carbon Industries in the Zhejiang Province and Decoupling Effect Analysis
Authors: Xiao Yong , Yong Cheng , Hu Wei , Wang Hanyun
Published: November 2023

High-carbon emission industries are the most important source of carbon emissions in the Zhejiang Province. Due to the differences in the development level of various industries, it is necessary to adjust the carbon emission reduction strategies of various industries. As the first ecological province in China, the promotion of carbon emission reduction in high-carbon industries in the Zhejiang Province plays an important leading role in the development of low-carbon economy in other industries and other provinces in China. Taking eight high-carbon industries in Zhejiang Province as the research object, this paper uses the LMDI factor decomposition model to deconstruct the influencing factors and effects of carbon emissions in eight industries in the Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2021. On this basis, the Tapio decoupling model is applied to study the reasons and driving factors of the decoupling between economic growth and carbon emissions. The results showed that: (1) During the study period, the total carbon emissions of eight industries in the Zhejiang Province increased by 24,312,200 t, showing an overall upward trend. (2) The effect of economic growth and population size led to the rapid growth of carbon emissions in eight industries in the Zhejiang Province, and the effect of energy intensity on carbon emission reduction was the most significant; the effect of industry structure presented a trend of first promoting and then inhibiting, and the effect of carbon emission coefficient always inhibited carbon emissions. (3) The population size has restricted decoupling efforts; energy intensity has the greatest impact on the realization of industry decoupling; energy structure and industry structure decoupling efforts are small; the carbon emission coefficient has always influenced decoupling efforts. This research paper will provide suggestions and policies for the development of low-carbon economy in Zhejiang Province.
Sustainable Urban Environment through Green Roofs: A Literature Review with Case Studies
Authors: Perivoliotis Dimitris , Arvanitis Iasonas , Tzavali Anna , Papakostas Vassilios , Kappou Sophia , Andreakos George , Fotiadi Angeliki , Paravantis John A. , Souliotis Manolis , Mihalakakou Giouli
Published: November 2023

This study conducts a literature review coupled with case-study calculations comparing the thermal contribution of semi-intensive and intensive (deeper) green roofs to non-insulated and insulated building roofs, and enhancing comprehension by validating applied scenarios with published literature-based data. Mitigation of the urban heat island is crucial for reducing energy consumption and enhancing urban sustainability, especially through natural solutions such as green (i.e., planted) roofs. The energy and environmental benefits of green roofs include energy conservation, thermal comfort, noise reduction, and aesthetic improvement. Legal mandates, innovative business models, financial subsidies and incentives, regulations, etc. are all components of green roof policies. Conflicts between private property owners and the public, regulatory gaps, and high installation costs are among the challenges. Green roofs are layered and incorporate interacting thermal processes. Green roof models are either based on the calculation of thermal transmittance (U-values), an experimental energy balance, or data-driven (primarily neural network) approaches. U-values were calculated for eight hypothetical scenarios consisting of four non-insulated and four insulated roofs, with or without semi-intensive and intensive green roofs of various materials and layer thicknesses. While the non-planted, non-insulated roof had the highest U-value, planted roofs were particularly effective for non-insulated roofs. Three of these scenarios were in reasonable accord with experimental and theoretical thermal transmittance literature values. Finally, a non-insulated planted roof, particularly one with rockwool, was found to provide a certain degree of thermal insulation in comparison to a non-planted insulated roof.
Developing Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Zickafoose Alexis , Wingenbach Gary , Baker Matt , Price Edwin
Published: November 2023

Youth agricultural entrepreneurship programs lack cohesiveness in their curriculum content. The purpose of this study is to investigate an agricultural entrepreneurship curriculum framework for youth in Latin America and the Caribbean. Two quantitative studies guided our investigation. First, a Delphi panel study was used to identify the core competencies of a youth agricultural entrepreneurship program. An expert panel identified 45 knowledge, skill, and ability (KSA) items in a three-round Delphi panel. The KSAs with the highest final rankings included evaluating business opportunities, agricultural value chain, successful enterprises, local markets, evaluating funding options, business planning, budgeting, market assessment, and problem-solving. Second, we conducted a needs assessment (in Spanish) with rural youth from the Dominican Republic to determine their agricultural entrepreneurial intent and program training needs. Fifty-four Dominican students completed the Entrepreneurial Intent Questionnaire, revealing strong entrepreneurial intent (i.e., positive entrepreneurial attitudes, subjective norms, perceptions, and perceived behavioral control). Next, participants completed the Competency Questionnaire, based on the Delphi panel results, which showed that gaps existed between the KSAs’ importance to agricultural entrepreneurship and students’ capability of demonstrating those KSAs. The Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Curriculum (YAEC) framework was developed from the findings. The YAEC framework should be used to create and implement youth agricultural entrepreneurship programs in LAC.
The Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture (CFS-RAI) and SDG 2 and SDG 12 in Agricultural Policies: Case Study of Ecuador
Authors: Requelme Narcisa , Afonso Ana
Published: November 2023

Global governance is a strategy to address the problems of food production and consumption, as well as to encourage responsible investments in agriculture. The FAO proposed 10 Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture (CFS-RAI) which, like the SDGs, are guidelines that guide the design of policies; however, although they are not necessarily considered, there are semantic coincidences. The objective was to analyze to what extent the CFS-RAI Principles and SDGs 2 and 12 are being contemplated in Ecuador’s agrarian policy. The semantic and content analysis of the policy was carried out, coding nodes and categories from keywords using the Nvivo program. The results show that the policy incorporates Principles 2, 8, and 7 and is aligned with SDG 2 in terms of increased productivity and income (target 2.3) linked to international markets (target 2.b, 2.c), the provision of infrastructure, research, agricultural extension, technology (target 2.a), agrobiodiversity, and traditional knowledge (target 2.5). It is related to targets 12.1, 12.2, and 12a of SDG 12. It is concluded that responsible investment in agriculture following the CFS-RAI Principles is a viable way to promote the achievement of the SDGs. The agrarian policy must be reformulated to incorporate the Principles and targets of the SDGs that are not considered but are important. The findings give insight to researchers and policymakers working on this area.
Assessing Ammonia and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Livestock Manure Storage: Comparison of Measurements with Dynamic and Static Chambers
Authors: Cattaneo Martina , Tayà Carlota , Burgos Laura , Morey Lluis , Noguerol Joan , Provolo Giorgio , Cerrillo Míriam , Bonmatí August
Published: November 2023

Emission quantification from the agricultural sector, and especially from livestock manure management, is relevant for assessing mitigation strategies and for inventory purposes. There are different direct techniques used to monitor emissions from quiescent surfaces. Common techniques include the closed static chamber and the open dynamic chamber. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare different direct methods, two dynamic hoods and one static hood, for monitoring NH3 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (N2O, CO2, and CH4) from different emission sources. These sources are ammonia solutions and different by-products of manure (compost, liquid fraction of digestate, and solid fraction of pig slurry). The use of dynamic hoods, despite their differences in size, operation, and applied air flux, presents comparable emission rates for all emissions and compounds assayed. These rates are always higher than those obtained using static hoods. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of dynamic hoods is a valuable technique for refining the indirect estimation of emissions.
Towards Designing a Knowledge Sharing System for Higher Learning Institutions in the UAE Based on the Social Feature Framework
Authors: Mustapha S. M. F. D. Syed , Evangelista Edmund , Marir Farhi
Published: November 2023

Numerous ICT instruments, such as communication tools, social media platforms, and collaborative software, bolster and facilitate knowledge sharing activities. Determining the vital success factors for knowledge sharing within its unique context is argued to be essential before implementing it. Therefore, it is imperative to define domain-specific critical success factors when envisioning the design of a knowledge sharing system. This research paper introduces the blueprint for an Academic Knowledge Sharing System (AKSS), rooted in an essential success framework tailored to knowledge sharing to deploy within an academic institution. In this regard, an extensive exploration of the relevant literature led to the formulation of the research hypothesis that guided the construction of a questionnaire targeting university students through the online platform Pollfish, utilizing a quantitative approach to investigate, while the data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 22. The study unveils critical factors, including encouragement, acknowledgment, a reward system, fostering a knowledge sharing culture, and leading by example, contributing to developing the knowledge sharing framework. Furthermore, the study illustrates how this framework seamlessly integrated into the design, implementation, and execution of the Academic Knowledge Sharing System (AKSS).
UAV-Assisted Wireless Charging Incentive Mechanism Design Based on Contract Theory
Authors: Su Chunxia , Guo  Jichong , Chen Zhenping , Fu Jingwei , Chen Guizhang
Published: November 2023

In wireless sensor networks, terminal devices with restricted cost and size have limited battery life. Meanwhile, these energy-constrained devices are not easy to access, especially when the terminal devices are located in severe environments. To recharge the energy-constrained devices and extend their network service time, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with wireless power chargers are leased by the third-party control center. To incent the participation of UAVs with different charging capabilities and ensure the strategy-proofness of the incentive mechanism, a hidden information based contract theory model, specifically adverse selection, is introduced. By leveraging individual rationality and incentive compatibility, a contract theory based optimization problem is then formulated. After reducing redundant constraints, the optimal contract items are derived by Lagrangian multiplier. Finally, numerical simulation results are implemented to compare the prepared algorithm with three other baselines, which validates the effectiveness of our proposed incentive mechanism.
A New Tangent-Generated Probabilistic Approach with Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Natures: Monte Carlo Simulation with Reliability Applications
Authors: Alshanbari Huda M. , Al-Mofleh Hazem , Seong Jin-Taek , Khosa Saima K.
Published: November 2023

It is proven evidently that probability distributions have a significant role in data modeling for decision-making. Due to the indispensable role of probability distributions for data modeling in applied fields, a series of probability distributions have been introduced and implemented. However, most newly developed probability distributions involve between one and eight additional parameters. Sometimes the additional parameters lead to re-parametrization problems. Therefore, the development of new probability distributions without additional parameters is an interesting research topic. In this paper, we study a new probabilistic method without incorporating any additional parameters. The proposed approach is based on a tangent function and may be called a new tangent-G (NT-G) family of distributions. Certain properties of the NT-G distributions are derived. Based on the NT-G method, a new flexible probability distribution called a new tangent flexible Weibull (NTF-Weibull) distribution is studied. The parameters of the NTF-Weibull distribution are estimated using seven different estimation methods. Based on these eight estimations, a brief simulation of the NTF-Weibull distribution is also provided. Finally, we prove the applicability of the NTF-Weibull distribution by analyzing two waiting-time data sets taken from the reliability sector. We consider three statistical tests with a p-value to evaluate the performance and goodness of fit of the NTF-Weibull distribution.
n-Color Partitions into Distinct Parts as Sums over Partitions
Authors: Merca Mircea , Simion Emil
Published: November 2023

The partitions in which the parts of size n can come in n different colors are known as n-color partitions. For r∈{0,1}, let QLr(n) be the number of n-color partitions of n into distinct parts which have a number of parts congruent to r modulo 2. In this paper, we consider specializations of complete and elementary symmetric functions in order to establish two kinds of formulas for QL0(n)±QL1(n) as sums over partitions of n in terms of binomial coefficients. The first kind of formulas only involve partitions in which the parts of size n appear at most n times, while the second kind of formulas involve unrestricted partitions. Similar results are obtained for the first differences of QL0(n)±QL1(n) and the partial sums of QL0(n)±QL1(n).
Discriminant Analysis Based on the Patch Length and Crack Depth to Determine the Convergence of Global–Local Non-Intrusive Analysis with 1D-to-3D Coupling
Authors: Jaque-Zurita Matías , Hinojosa Jorge , Castillo-Ibarra Emilio , Fuenzalida-Henríquez Ignacio
Published: November 2023

Reducing the time spent on computational simulations is an active area in solid mechanics, and efforts are being made to implement novel techniques and apply them to time-sensitive areas in the industry and research. One of these techniques is called global–local non-intrusive analysis, a methodology that enriches a local patch model using 3D elements with non-linear behavior (such as crack propagation), coupled with a linear, global 1D frame model that solves iteratively, thereby reducing overall times compared to a monolithic solution. However, engineers do not know the length of the local model (also known as the patch model) to be considered, which affects the convergence, computational time, and overall quality of the solution. Therefore, this study considered the use of categorical analyses for performing linear and quadratic discriminant solvers for a given set of simple cases with symmetric crack propagation within the local model and defining the convergence boundary with a certain probability of a successful convergence. In addition, a practical case was analyzed for different lengths of the local model, giving strong correlations to the results of the discriminant analysis. The solution of all the cases was also analyzed, considering the number of degrees of freedom, computational times, and the number of iterations for convergence. This aimed to establish a functional relation for engineering practice, enabling the determination of a suitable patch length for performing global–local non-intrusive analysis with crack propagation in doubly symmetric steel sections.
The Mechanism of Droplet Thermocapillary Migration Coupled with Multi-Physical Fields
Authors: Ye Zhijun , Chen Yi , Yang Chao , Wu Di , Wang Jia , Hu Liang , Duan Li , Kang Qi
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the coupling effect of multiphysical fields of droplet migration is deeply studied by constructing a physical model of droplet migration with multiphysical fields. Digital holographic interferometry and particle image velocimetry are used to simultaneously measure the temperature and velocity fields of the mother liquor in the process of droplet migration for the first time. Due to the advancements of measuring, the zero-velocity region is also in the region where the thermal wake appears, four vortexes appear in the droplet migration and the off-axis behavior of double-droplet migration is found. The aim of this work is to analyze the coupling relationship of multiphysical fields, so as to reveal the physical laws of thermocapillary migration of single droplet and multiple droplets with the same phase and heterophase and to study the driving mechanism of the thermocapillary force and the flow of the mother liquor.
Designing Legged Wheels for Stair Climbing
Authors: Ordoñez-Avila Jose Luis , Moreno Hector A. , Perdomo Maria Elena , Calderón Isela G. Carrera
Published: November 2023

Mobile robotics has been used in recent years to provide various types of services in fields such as agriculture, surveillance, rehabilitation, space exploration, and logistics, among others. In many cases, mobile robots need to overcome complex obstacles where traditional wheels are not the best solution, and many researchers have proposed legged wheel hybrid designs. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the effect of the geometry of legged wheels on the performance of mobile robots in climbing stairs. The method used to develop this research is dynamic simulation, in which the parameters that affect the kinematics and dynamics of the robot are included. Subsequently, the results of how the robot manages to perform the test, the torque of the motors, and the contact force of the wheels are analyzed. The main hypothesis of this research is that the opening of the legs of the wheels is a geometric parameter that determines whether the structure will be able to climb the stairs. After 63 simulations, the proportional relationship between the diagonal of the stands and the opening of the wheel legs ranges between 1.11 and 1.53. This parameter showed a strong correlation with the torque of the motors and significant differences in terms of the simulations that succeeded in climbing the stairs and those that did not. These results were used to state a design method for flat, robotic structures using legged wheels. This method was validated by an additional simulation that was performed for a four-legged wheel. It can be concluded that the contribution of this work is a series of steps with which to design these mechanical structures to climb the stairs based on the proposed indicator.
Adaptive Virtual Inertia Control Strategy for a Grid-Connected Converter of DC Microgrid Based on an Improved Model Prediction
Authors: Zheng Feng , Su Minghong , Liu Baojin , Liu Wanling
Published: November 2023

Aiming at the problem that the bus voltage in a low-inertia DC microgrid is prone to be affected by internal power fluctuations, an adaptive virtual inertia control strategy for a grid-connected converter of a DC microgrid based on an improved model prediction is proposed. Firstly, the adaptive analog virtual synchronous generator (AVSG) is introduced into the voltage outer loop by combining the inertial parameters with the voltage change rate, and the flexible adjustment of the inertial parameters is realized. Secondly, the improved model predictive control is introduced into the current inner loop to realize the fast-tracking of the given current value and improve the dynamic characteristics of the control system. Finally, a system model is established based on Matlab/Simulink for simulation. The results show that compared with the traditional virtual inertia control strategy, the proposed control strategy has smaller bus voltage fluctuation amplitude and better dynamic performance; when a 10 kW load mutation occurs, the magnitude of bus voltage drop is reduced by 60%, and the voltage recovery time is shortened by 30%. The proposed control strategy can effectively improve the stability of DC bus voltage and the operation ability of the system under asymmetric conditions.
Molecular Descriptors—Spectral Property Relations for Characterizing Molecular Interactions in Binary and Ternary Solutions, Excited State Dipole Moment Estimation
Authors: Dorohoi Dana Ortansa , Gosav Steluta , Moroșanu Ana Cezarina , Dimitriu Dan Gheorghe , Apreotesei Gabriela , Gosav Teodora
Published: November 2023

The nature and strength of the molecular interactions were established by solvatochromic studies of 22 binary and 42 ternary diluted solutions of pyridinium–carbethoxy–anilidomethylid (PCAnM). The visible absorption band of PCAnM, due to an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) from the carbanion towards the heterocycle, shows a great sensitivity to the solvent nature. The spectral data are analysed by linear energy relationship (LERS) and the contribution of each type of interaction to the total spectral shift is estimated. The results from the solvatochromic study and those obtained by quantum mechanical computations were correlated in order to estimate the excited state dipole moment of the studied methylid. The decrease of the dipole moment by excitation emphasized in this study corresponds to the ICT nature of the visible absorption band of the solute. The ternary solutions of PCAnM achieved in mixtures of water with primary alcohols (ethanol and methanol) show the dependence of the visible band on the molar fraction of water and give the difference between the interaction energies in molecular pairs of the type water–methylid and alcohol–methylid, computed based on the statistical cell model of ternary solutions. The decrease in strength of the hydrogen bond between PCAnM and the protic solvent molecules was estimated in the following order: water > methanol > ethanol. The results from this study can be utilized in Organic Chemistry to generate knowledge of the interactions with solvents when cycloimmonium methylids are used as precursors to obtain new heterocycles and also in Quantum Chemistry to obtain a better description of their excited electronic states.
Effects of US7 and UL56 on Cell-to-Cell Spread of Human Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Authors: Wang Jun , Wu Ke , Ni Longquan , Li Chenxuan , Peng Ruoyan , Li Yi , Fan Zhaojun , Yin Feifei , Deng Fei , Shen Shu , Wu Xiaoli
Published: November 2023

Human herpes simplex virus (HSV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family and alpha herpesvirus subfamily, is one of the most epidemic pathogens in the population. Cell-to-cell spread is a special intercellular transmission mechanism of HSV that indicates the virulence of this virus. Through numerous studies on mutant HSV strains, many viral and host proteins involved in this process have been identified; however, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the effect of the membrane protein genes US7 and UL56 on cell-to-cell spread in vitro between two HSV-1 (HB94 and HN19) strains using a plaque assay, syncytium formation assay, and the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. US7 knockout resulted in the inhibition of viral cell-to-cell spread; additionally, glycoprotein I (US7) of the HB94 strain was found to promote cell-to-cell spread compared to that of the HN19 strain. UL56 knockout did not affect plaque size and syncytium formation; however, the gene product of UL56 from the HN19 strain inhibited plaque formation and membrane infusion. This study presents preliminary evidence of the functions of US7 and UL56 in the cell-to-cell spread of HSV-1, which will provide important clues to reveal the mechanisms of cell-to-cell spread, and contributes to the clinical drugs development.
Dynamics of Serum-Neutralizing Antibody Responses in Vaccinees through Multiple Doses of the BNT162b2 Vaccine
Authors: Sheehan Jared , Ardizzone Caleb M. , Khanna Mayank , Trauth Amber J. , Hagensee Michael E. , Ramsay Alistair J.
Published: November 2023

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines are administered as effective prophylactic measures for reducing virus transmission rates and disease severity. To enhance the durability of post-vaccination immunity and combat SARS-CoV-2 variants, boosters have been administered to two-dose vaccinees. However, long-term humoral responses following booster vaccination are not well characterized. A 16-member cohort of healthy SARS-CoV-2 naïve participants were enrolled in this study during a three-dose BNT162b2 vaccine series. Serum samples were collected from vaccinees over 420 days and screened for antigen (Ag)-specific antibody titers, IgG subclass distribution, and neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses. Vaccine boosting restored peak Ag-specific titers with sustained α-RBD IgG and IgA antibody responses when measured at six months post-boost. RBD- and spike-specific IgG4 antibody levels were markedly elevated in three-dose but not two-dose immune sera. Although strong neutralization responses were detected in two- and three-dose vaccine sera, these rapidly decayed to pre-immune levels by four and six months, respectively. While boosters enhanced serum IgG Ab reactivity and nAb responses against variant strains, all variants tested showed resistance to two- and three-dose immune sera. Our data reflect the poor durability of vaccine-induced nAb responses which are a strong predictor of protection from symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. The induction of IgG4-switched humoral responses may permit extended viral persistence via the downregulation of Fc-mediated effector functions.
Integration of Immersive Approaches for Collaborative Processes with Building Information Modeling (BIM) Methodology for the AEC Industry: An Analysis of the Current State and Future Challenges
Authors: Balin Simone , Bolognesi Cecilia M. , Borin Paolo
Published: November 2023

This study aims to identify and analyze existing gaps in the integration of immersive approaches for collaborative processes with Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Using a systematic approach that includes metadata analysis and review procedures, we have formulated specific research questions aimed at guiding future investigations into these gaps. Additionally, the analysis generates insights that could guide future research directions and improvements in the field. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of the literature, focusing on the interaction between immersiveness, BIM methodology, and collaborative processes. Data from 2010 to 2023 have been analyzed to ensure relevance and completeness. Our findings reveal current limitations in the field, such as the need for fully integrated prototypes and the execution of empirical studies to clarify operational processes. These limitations serve as the basis for our research questions. The study offers actionable insights that could guide future research and improvements in the AEC sector, particularly in the adoption of immersive technologies. The research underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to facilitate ongoing development and greater adoption of immersive technologies in the AEC sector.
The Random Step Method for Measuring the Point of Subjective Equality
Authors: Wang Penghan , Reynaud Alexandre
Published: November 2023

Points of Subjective Equality (PSE) are commonly measured using staircase or constant stimuli methods. However, the staircase method is highly dependent on the step size, and the constant stimuli method is time-consuming. Thus, we wanted to develop an efficient and quick method to estimate both the PSE and the slope of the psychometric function. We developed a random-step algorithm in which a one-up-one-down rule is followed but with a random step size in a pre-defined range of test levels. Each stimulus would be chosen depending on the previous response of the subject. If the subject responded “up”, any random level in the lower range would be picked for the next trial. And if the subject responded “down”, any random level in the upper range would be picked for the next trial. This procedure would result in a bell-shaped distribution of the test levels around the estimated PSE, while a substantial amount of trials would still be dispersed at both bounds of the range. We then compared this method with traditional constant stimuli procedure on a task based on the Pulfrich phenomenon while the PSEs of participants could be varied using different neutral density filters. Our random-step method provided robust estimates of both the PSE and the slope under various noise levels with small trial counts, and we observed a significant correlation between the PSEs obtained with the two methods. The random-step method is an efficient way to measure the full psychometric function when testing time is critical, such as in clinical settings.
Study of Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira) Development under the Heavy Metals Influence, as a Potential Promoter of Wastewater Remediation
Authors: Diaconu Mariana , Soreanu Gabriela , Balan Catalin Dumitrel , Buciscanu Ingrid Ioana , Maier Vasilica , Cretescu Igor
Published: November 2023

Aquatic ecosystems polluted by heavy metals can affect microalgae growth when their concentrations overcome certain limits, depending on each involved heavy metal species. Yet, for heavy metal concentrations in the low range, microalgae exhibit metal tolerance and can accumulate a diversity of metal species from aqueous media. In particular, Spirulina platensis proved biosorption ability for heavy metals like Zn, Cd, Pb, or Cr, which can make it useful for the bioremediation of aquatic media polluted with heavy metals. This prokaryotic cyanobacteria from the microalgae species, which has a high protein, carbohydrate, and fats content, can interact with heavy metals through biosorption/bioaccumulation, leading to changes in the biomass yield, growth rate, and implicitly, biomass composition. This paper aims to investigate the influence of some heavy metal ions on the development and metabolic processes occurring in the cyanobacteria S. platensis, in order to establish its limitations in heavy metal bioremediation. In this regard, submerged cultures of S. platensis, involving standardized culture medium (Zarrouk), in the presence of nickel, cadmium, and lead ions in different concentrations (0.5 mg/L, 1.0 mg/L, and 1.5 mg/L, were considered. The cultivation of the microalgae was carried out for 28 days, with the determination of cell mass growth, dry biomass, protein accumulation, cell viability, and pH of the culture media, at certain time intervals (0, 3, 7, 13, 18, 24, and 28 days). Spirulina cultures were affected by the metal ions in different degrees, depending both on the type of metal ion and its concentration. The most toxic for cell growth and biomass accumulation were nickel and cadmium ions, at concentrations of 1.0 mg/L, and 1.5 mg/L, respectively. Cadmium, regardless of concentration, caused a decrease in dry biomass weight throughout the microalgae cultivation period. Instead, lead exhibited the lowest effect on the viability and integrity of spirulina cells, regardless of the concentration in which it was used.
Water, Resources, and Resilience: Insights from Diverse Environmental Studies
Authors: Pietrucha-Urbanik Katarzyna , Rak Janusz
Published: November 2023

Water is our most precious resource, and its responsible management and utilization are paramount in the face of ever-growing environmental challenges [...]
Limnological Response of Las Curias Reservoir, San Juan, Puerto Rico: Successful Management of the Invasive Aquatic Fern, Salvinia molesta
Authors: García-López Xavier A. , Ortiz-Zayas Jorge R. , Díaz Rodrigo , Castro-Jiménez Aurelio , Wahl Charles F.
Published: November 2023

The anthropogenic deterioration of aquatic ecosystems affects water resources due to agricultural malpractices, pollution from domestic septic tanks, recreational activities, and poor watershed management, among other factors. This study examines the management of Las Curias Reservoir, San Juan, Puerto Rico, after the 2016 arrival of the invasive aquatic fern Salvinia molesta. In September 2019, a community-led initiative introduced the Cyrtobagous salviniae weevil, an effective biological control agent for S. molesta, and commenced a mechanical removal campaign using an aquatic harvester. Limnological sampling (September 2019 to September 2022) and drone flights were employed to measure physicochemical and floating plant cover changes, respectively, in the reservoir. Monitoring of weevils in the reservoir demonstrated rapid establishment and dispersal, which resulted in visible damage including browning of plants and eventually sinking of entire mats. From 23 July 2019, the reservoir surface was predominantly covered by salvinia, occupying an area of 17.7 ha (100% coverage). This coverage decreased to 12.6 ha (71%) by 29 January 2021. By 12 August 2022, the coverage had been substantially reduced to just 1.1 ha, representing only 6% of the reservoir surface. In 2022, the reservoir recorded an average dissolved oxygen concentration of 2.4 mg L−1 (±0.0, n = 144), the highest in the study period and indicative of ecosystem recovery. After three years of control efforts, dissolved oxygen, pH, and specific conductance returned to levels recorded prior to Salvinia molesta introduction. This ecosystem recovery, a first in Puerto Rico, could be attributed to early use of mechanical control and the long-term impact of biological control.
Major Ion Chemistry of Waters and Possible Controls under Winter Irrigation in the Saline Land of Arid Regions
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Zhao Xinyu , Zhang Qing , Sang Honghui
Published: November 2023

To reduce downstream ecological damage, it is crucial to analyze water and salt sources in saline–alkali farmland drainage and optimize soil salt discharge. This study employs statistical, hydrochemical, and isotope methods to identify controlling factors and characteristics in water bodies during winter irrigation. The results show average TDS values of 0.59, 6.40, and 4.14 g/L for irrigation, phreatic, and drainage water. Irrigation and phreatic water mainly belong to the HCO3-Ca·Mg·Na and Cl·SO4-Na·Mg types. Na+/(Na+ + Ca2+) and Cl−/(Cl− + HCO3−) values suggest the rock–water interaction and evaporation influences in irrigation water, while evaporation primarily controls phreatic water. The main salt types include NaCl, MgSO4, Na2CO3, and CaCO3 for irrigation water and NaCl, MgSO4, Na2SO4, and CaCO3 for phreatic water. These findings lay a research basis for analyzing water and salt sources in farmland drainage during winter irrigation in saline–alkali land.
A Risk-Based Approach for the Analysis of Flood Impact in Villahermosa (Tabasco, Mexico)
Authors: Ceragene Mackendy , Bonasia Rosanna , Cea Luis , Cuevas-Cancino Maria de la O
Published: November 2023

Floods in Villahermosa are events that have occurred frequently over the centuries, due to the city’s location at the mouth of two of the most powerful rivers in Mexico. Flooding effects on residents have become increasingly damaging over the years as a consequence of the increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, in addition to poor land-use planning policies. The increase in population and consequent urban expansion are certainly causes of the problem, which are reflected in poor urban planning policy and in an almost absent perception of risk. In this work, we present a methodology for the construction of flood risk maps based on a hydraulic study, analysis of social vulnerability indexes, calculation of severity indexes and construction of hazard maps. The results of the hydraulic simulations show that relatively frequent rainfall causes floods of the order of 2 m, in agreement with annual observations conducted in Villahermosa. More extreme rainfall can lead to flooding greater than 4 m in marginalized areas of the city. The areas at greatest risk are sections close to the rivers that cross the city, and the estimated economic damage is greater than USD 14 million. Risk maps presented here constitute the first effort of an integrated study to couple flood analysis with the calculation of economic damage in the city of Villahermosa, and provide important tools to conscientize populations in their perception of risk, but also create the basis for a conscious urbanization policy.
Flood Forecasting by Using Machine Learning: A Study Leveraging Historic Climatic Records of Bangladesh
Authors: Rajab Adel , Farman Hira , Islam Noman , Syed Darakhshan , Elmagzoub M. A. , Shaikh Asadullah , Akram Muhammad , Alrizq Mesfer
Published: November 2023

Forecasting rainfall is crucial to the well-being of individuals and is significant everywhere in the world. It contributes to reducing the disastrous effects of floods on agriculture, human life, and socioeconomic systems. This study discusses the challenges of effectively forecasting rainfall and floods and the necessity of combining data with flood channel mathematical modelling to forecast floodwater levels and velocities. This research focuses on leveraging historical meteorological data to find trends using machine learning and deep learning approaches to estimate rainfall. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department provided the data for the study, which also uses eight machine learning algorithms. The performance of the machine learning models is examined using evaluation measures like the R2 score, root mean squared error and validation loss. According to this research’s findings, polynomial regression, random forest regression, and long short-term memory (LSTM) had the highest performance levels. Random forest and polynomial regression have an R2 value of 0.76, while LSTM has a loss value of 0.09, respectively.
The Use of UAV for Measuring the Morphology of Ice Cover on the Surface of a River: A Case Study of the Low Head Dam and Fishway Inlet Area in the Odra River
Authors: Błotnicki Jan , Jarzembowski Paweł , Gruszczyński Maciej , Popczyk Marcin
Published: November 2023

The application of UAV to acquire data on the morphometry of frazil ice floe in motion is demonstrated in the measurements conducted in the area of the Wrocław Water Junction at the Opatowice weir on the Odra River (Poland). Image processing was performed using open-source software dedicated to image analysis. The methodology presented in the publication offers a cost-effective and low-overhead technique for describing ice phenomena in lowland rivers. The focus of the methodology was on measuring the area, average size, perimeter, and circularity of frazil ice floe. The measurements were carried out for individual frames captured by a UAV, and the results were analyzed using statistical techniques. In prior research, the team effectively assessed ice velocity on an identical test sample. Deriving the average velocity, surface area, and fundamental morphological traits of frazil ice facilitates the automated segmentation, classification, and prediction of potential risks related to ice blockages on water routes. These risks encompass potential waterway obstructions, as well as infrastructure impairments, and may pose a danger to human safety.