bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Load-Carrying Behavior of Large Open-Ended Pipe Pile in Cohesionless Soils
Authors: Guo Yuan , Li Jiale , Yu Xiong
Published: September 2022

Large-diameter open-ended pipe piles typically refer to pipe piles with diameters larger than 0.91 m. These piles, when properly designed and constructed, could provide high load-carrying capacity against axial loading, uplift, and overturning in the offshore environment. The current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specification for pipe piles is based on the database collected from piles with diameters less than 0.61 m and is, therefore, insufficient for the design of large-diameter open-ended pipe piles. This paper introduces an experimental program to investigate the static load-carrying behavior of open-ended pipe piles. Two types of restriction plates, i.e., one-hole plate and four-hole plate, were designed and installed inside the pipe to study their influence on the loading bearing behavior. Beside the laboratory-scale pile experiments, the testing program was augmented with geotechnical centrifuge experiments, which upscale the dimensions of model piles close to the size used at the field scale. The combined laboratory and geotechnical centrifuge experiments help to analyze the load-carrying behavior of pipe piles with different pile diameters, types of restriction plate, and embedment depths. The experimental results indicate that the formation of a soil plug is crucial to mobilize the bearing capacity of pipe piles. The restriction plate helps to form the soil plugging, which leads to a higher end bearing capacity. The selection of types of restriction plate should be determined on a case-by-case basis with considerations of mechanical performance and pile drivability.
A Systematic Review of the Literature on Living Labs in Higher Education Institutions: Potentials and Constraints
Authors: Tercanli Hacer , Jongbloed Ben
Published: September 2022

Living labs (LLs) have emerged as an interface for higher education institutions to collaborate with companies, citizens, non-profit and government organizations to address a variety of problems around social challenges and sustainable development. In this systematic literature review, we summarize the existing knowledge on how universities shape and manage the LLs they are associated with and how they align with their core missions of education and research and—in particular—their social missions. Following PRISMA guidelines for a systematic literature review (SLR), we analyzed journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters published between 2008 and 2020, capturing 93 university-governed LL experiences from across the world. Our findings show that LLs are developing from bottom-up initiatives, often at the fringe of higher education institutions, towards more self-standing entities implementing strategies to undertake social outreach activities. LLs require their host universities to intensify the relationships with their stakeholders and work on capacity building and focus on inter- and transdisciplinary research methodologies. Finally, our literature review points to the need for further research on the hybrid governance approaches displayed by LLs, particularly looking at the roles and responsibilities of academics involved in managing LL initiatives.
The Effect of Different Carrier Materials on the Growth and Yield of Spinach under Pot and Field Experimental Conditions
Authors: Safdar Hira , Jamil Moazzam , Hussain Azhar , Albalawi Bedur Faleh A. , Ditta Allah , Dar Abubakar , Aimen Ayesha , Ahmad Hafiz Tanvir , Nazir Qudsia , Ahmad Maqshoof
Published: September 2022

Long-term use of chemical fertilizers is affecting the environment, soil quality, and biodiversity. Organic agriculture is gaining global attention by using microbial-based biofertilizers. Carriers protect microbes by providing nutrition, energy, and suitable conditions for their survival while entering the natural environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of different carrier materials to enhance the yield and the quality of spinach and to select the best carrier material for spinach biofertilizer. Three pre-isolated and characterized bacterial strains (AN-35, ZM-27, and ZM-63) were tested for their compatibility and used in this experiment through seed inoculation with organic carriers, i.e., compost, peat, press mud, biochar, and charcoal. A pot experiment and a field experiment were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different organic carriers. The results of the pot study showed a significant increase in spinach growth, i.e., shoot length (25%), shoot fresh weight (24%), root length (25%), and root fresh weight (29%), spinach nutrition, i.e., nitrogen (18%), phosphorus (22%), potassium (15%), iron (17%), and zinc (14%), spinach physiology, i.e., relative water content (27%), chlorophyll content (9%), and the membrane stability index (28%) under peat coated treatments with 24% more soil microbial populations compared to the control. Similarly, in the field experiment, peat coating significantly enhanced spinach growth, i.e., shoot length (29%), shoot fresh weight (23%), root length (16%), and root fresh weight (24.7%), spinach nutrition, i.e., nitrogen (16%), phosphorus (19%), potassium (15%), iron (17%), and zinc (23%), spinach physiology, i.e., relative water content (28%), chlorophyll content (13%) and the membrane stability index (32%), and spinach yield per hectare (30%), as well as producing 20% higher soil microbial populations. From these results, it is concluded that peat is a good carrier material for biofertilizer production as it not only enhances crop production but also the microbial number, in addition to improving soil quality.
Waste Wool Powder for Promoting Plant Growth by Moisture Retention
Authors: Haque Abu Naser Md Ahsanul , Naebe Maryam
Published: September 2022

Natural wastes are widely used as composts for plant growth. However, wool waste has received little attention in this regard, despite its nitrogen-rich chemical structure owing to amide groups. A few studies have been conducted for soil amendment using wool, mostly in raw or pellet form. However, despite the possible consistent mixing and more uniform effect of powders inside soil, wool has never been implemented in powder form in soil for improving moisture. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using wool as a powder, facilitating better mixing and spreading in soil. Results show that wool powders are more effective in retaining soil moisture compared to wool pellets and are comparable to commercial fertiliser. The findings further indicate that a balanced amount of wool is required to maintain a proper moisture level (not too wet or dry) to promote actual plant growth.
Exploration of the Fluorescence Property of Acrylic Fibers Dyed with the Residues Extract of Juglans regia Barks
Authors: Slama Nourhene , Ben Ticha Manel , Smiri Badreddine , Dhaouadi Hatem
Published: September 2022

This study aims to check the fluorescence property of acrylic fabrics dyed with Juglans regia bark extract. Fluorescence measurements have been developed on the aqueous extract and acrylic samples. The extraction process was assisted by a microwave with the following conditions: a concentration of 5 g·L−1, a power of 850, a pH of 5 and an extraction duration of 4 min. Afterwards, the dyeing quality was assessed by measuring the color strength (K/S) and the photoluminescence intensity (PL) of acrylic fibers dyed at 350 W for 3 min, with the extract already prepared. The effect of certain factors (pH, power, concentration and duration of dyeing) on the dyeing process was also investigated. Subsequently, this process was optimized thanks to the surface response method in order to maximize the photoluminescence intensity of dyed acrylic fibers. Best dyeing properties were achieved at 500 W, pH 2 for 4 min. The results showed good washing fastness and acceptable light fastness.
The Economy–Environment Nexus: Sustainable Development Goals Interlinkages in Austria
Authors: Urban Patricia , Hametner Markus
Published: September 2022

As an “integrated” agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) acknowledge the interwoven nature of social and ecological systems. However, trade-offs between socio-economic activities and environmental preservation put the implementation of the SDGs at risk. The purpose of the present study is to uncover such trade-offs, by analysing interlinkages between economic and environmental SDGs in the Austrian context. We applied a mixed-methods approach, combining Spearman’s correlation analysis with expert judgement. Our results reveal that increasing gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (SDG 8) in Austria is accompanied by rising material consumption (SDG 12) and environmental pressures from agricultural production (SDG 2), which in turn has an impact on land ecosystems (SDG 15). We also detect synergies within the economy–environment nexus, such as of protected areas (SDG 15) and organic farming (SDG 2) with water quality (SDG 6). We conclude that in the face of climate change and ecological degradation, decision-makers need to take into account interlinkages between economic and environmental SDGs. When economic aspirations are in contrast with the preservation of the ecological foundations our societies depend upon, it is crucial that environmental goals receive more attention than they previously have.
Study on the Sustainable Development Factors of Agriculture-Oriented Characteristic Towns in China
Authors: Hu Meijun , Wang Lei , Wang Wei , Tong Lingyun , Lin Yuqin
Published: September 2022

In recent years, China’s agriculture-oriented characteristic towns (AOCTs) have developed rapidly. However, the development of AOCTs in different regions varies. Having examined 131 AOCTs in China, this paper constructs a comprehensive evaluation system for the sustainable development of AOCTs and applies a sub-constraint evaluation model to study the performance of AOCTs. The main findings are as follows. (1) The most important dimension for the sustainable development of AOCTs is “social development”, which implies that in order to build AOCTs, the government should pay attention to social development in rural areas, especially improving medical services and public service. (2) Under the dimension of “social development”, the three most important factors are the unemployment rate, per capita consumption expenditures of rural households, and per capita consumption expenditures of urban households. This implies that we must adhere to the policy for ensuring rural employment and encourage the development of local enterprises in order to provide more jobs and change their existing consumption structure. (3) Among the four main economic zones in China, the eastern region has the most advantageous factors, and the western region has the least; furthermore, regarding the disadvantaged factors, the western region has the most and the eastern region the least. This shows that AOCTs in different regions should determine their respective advantages and disadvantages, match resources accordingly, and formulate their own development strategy, which could also contribute to decreasing the gap between the eastern and western regions. Hence, the results of this study not only clearly point out the important factors for the sustainable development of AOCTs but also make them detailed and specific in order to provide the government with targeted and highly operable suggestions.
A Systematic Review of Green Building Development in China: Advantages, Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Cao Yu , Xu Cong , Kamaruzzaman Syahrul Nizam , Aziz Nur Mardhiyah
Published: September 2022

In the 21st century, traditional construction activities exert a severe negative influence on the environment and ecology. To mitigate the negative influence of construction, green buildings have received increasing attention worldwide. Compared with conventional buildings, green buildings have significant advantages for environmental conservation and public health. Although green buildings bring excellent benefits, the development status of green buildings in China is still unsatisfactory. To enhance the understanding of green buildings and promote green building development in China, this study was undertaken to conduct a systematic review of green building development in China. The PRISMA protocol was used as the primary procedure for article screening and selection. This review was conducted between March 2022 and May 2022. In this study, 186 articles were reviewed, and the definition, development trends, evaluation standards, importance, and hindrances of green buildings in China were summarized and discussed through the systematic review. Moreover, the benefits, challenges, and future directions of green building promotion and development in China were discussed and analyzed. This study can promote public familiarity with the current situation of green buildings in China to boost their development. In addition, this study can also provide practical advice to green building stakeholders on the future direction of green building development in China.
Lean Tools in the Context of Industry 4.0: Literature Review, Implementation and Trends
Authors: Rossi Arthur Henrique Gomes , Marcondes Giovanna Bueno , Pontes Joseane , Leitão Paulo , Treinta Fernanda Tavares , De Resende Luis Mauricio Martins , Mosconi Elaine , Yoshino Rui Tadashi
Published: September 2022

With the evolution of Industry 4.0, some problems related to inefficient digitalization become clearer in organizations. To minimize these problems, implementation of the lean philosophy is needed in the digital environment. However, before Lean can start to solve the digitalization problems, there is a need to digitalize its tools so that they can comprehend the Industry 4.0 dynamics and become more effective. The aim of this study is to contribute to the theoretical development of Lean tools in the context of Industry 4.0, promoting directions for the industrial sector from the evolution, difficulties, benefits, implementation and trends of Lean 4.0 tools. To achieve this objective, this study performs a systematic literature review and content analysis of 53 papers from 35 journals. The main results of the research show: (i) the characterization of the Lean 4.0 tools; (ii) the evolution of the Lean tools after the integration with digital technologies; (iii) the main trends of Lean 4.0; (iv) the proposal of a Lean 4.0 theoretical framework. From these results, this paper seeks to promote insights for studies in the area of Lean 4.0, as well as for companies to implement and use the Lean 4.0 tools for better improvement in their digital processes and avoid the digital waste.
European Cities Prone to Terrorist Threats: Phenomenological Analysis of Historical Events towards Risk Matrices and an Early Parameterization of Urban Built Environment Outdoor Areas
Authors: Cantatore Elena , Quagliarini Enrico , Fatiguso Fabio
Published: September 2022

Among other risks, contemporary cities are exposed to terrorism. In addition to being sensitive targets, recent events in Europe have underlined the relevance of public open spaces (squares, streets, etc.) as particularly defenseless parts of Urban Built Environments (UBEs). Despite the fact that previous theoretical studies about radicalism have highlighted the “regional” dimension of the threat, the assessment of terroristic risk is still related to American guidelines. This creates new research scenarios for European UBEs and associated Outdoor Areas (UBEOAs). Thus, this paper provides two correlated main goals. The first is the phenomenological analysis of terrorist threats in European UBEs, starting from the events catalogued in the Global Terrorism Database. Specifically, the matrix of risk is assessed by combining (i) the main urban Environmental Classes (ECs) and their sub-classes, referred to as Outdoor Areas (OutECs), and (ii) the Attack Types (ATs) in order to determine the most efficient and recurrent combination of attack methods and targets (AT-EC and AT-OutEC). Then, the paper identifies the parameters influencing the terroristic risk of the most recurrent and efficient attacks identified in European UBEOAs, starting from (i) the analysis of inherent features of the European phenomenon, (ii) previous experiences in the literature and (iii) the permitted strategies and guidelines in European States. The main results are related to the relevance of Armed Assault and Bombing/Explosion Ats and Open Areas with the presence of public and strategic/symbolic buildings (ECs), while an interesting point of discussion is represented by physical obstacles.
Relationship Management Capability and Service Innovation Performance: The Joint-Effect of Relationship Learning and Competitive Intensity
Authors: Zhu Hanyu , Zhang Kailing , Li Gang , Chen Lin , Zhao Xijie
Published: September 2022

Relationship management capability is a significant factor in promoting a firm’s service innovation performance. Although there is a rich body of study on the role of relationship management capability in performance of firms, scant attention has been paid to the joint effect of relationship learning and competitive intensity. Drawing on the service innovation, network capability and relationship learning theories, this paper establishes a relevant conceptual model, and adopts a hierarchical regression analysis to examine the model with a data set of 298 firms from China. Results show that relationship management capability positively affects the service innovation performance of firms; however, relationship learning partially negatively moderates the relationship between relationship management capability and service innovation performance. The three-way interaction effects of relationship management capability, relationship learning and competitive intensity are partially significant. This paper extends the existing literature on service innovation, network capabilities and relational learning in a service-centered economy. The findings further clarify the process mechanism of the impact of relational management capabilities on enterprise service innovation performance, and should help enterprises utilize relational learning and competitive intensity to break through resource limitations rapidly. The paper offers some enlightenment on promoting service innovation.
Enabling Green Innovations for the Circular Economy: What Factors Matter?
Authors: Siedschlag Iulia , Meneto Stefano , Tong Koecklin Manuel
Published: September 2022

Recent economic theory and international evidence have established that innovations with environmental benefits (green innovations) are crucially important to increase resource efficiency and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. However, robust empirical evidence on what factors drive green innovations at firm-level is limited and inconclusive. To help fill this evidence gap, we designed and used a unified econometric framework to quantify the impact of a comprehensive set of factors on the propensity of firms to introduce innovations with environmental benefits. Such factors include environmental regulations, innovation-inputs, firm-specific characteristics, spillovers from other green innovators, public funding, and co-operation for innovation activities. We distinguished and examined innovations with environmental benefits obtained within the firm and innovations with environmental benefits obtained during the consumption of goods or services by the end user. In addition to average effects across all firms, we also uncovered specific effects for different groups of firms and industries. The results indicate that environmental regulations, in-house R&D, and acquisition of capital assets are important factors that enable firms to introduce green innovations. These results have implications for designing policies aiming at enabling more firms to introduce green innovations and thus accelerate the transition to a circular economy and a more sustainable long-term growth.
Predicting the Impact of Managerial Competencies on the Behavioral Outcomes of Employees in the Selected Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Alebiosu Jadesola Ololade , Salau Odunayo Paul , Atolagbe Tolulope Morenike , Daramola Olamilekan Ayomiposi , Lawal Adedolapo Faith , Igba Iveren , Akinbiyi Faith
Published: September 2022

The effective utilization of a company’s precious human resources is critical to its success. Organizations are increasingly relying on management competencies to ensure the optimal utilization of their human resources. However, due to a plethora of problems, businesses, particularly industrial firms, are behind in realizing the benefits of managerial competencies. To address the inadequacies mentioned above, the current study explored the influence of management abilities on employee behavioral outcomes in selected Nigerian manufacturing enterprises. The notion of diffusion of innovation was used to explain the unavoidability of management competencies. Managers and supervisors from selected Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) in Nigeria formed the target population. More specifically, the purposive sampling technique was used to pick participants for this study. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to a varied cross-section of managers and supervisors to collect data. The data gathered were analyzed using structural equation modelling. Global awareness, communication, self-management, and strategic action competency were discovered to be predictors of employees’ behavioral outcomes. The study discovered recurring barriers that prevent managers from learning and developing, such as a lack of leadership drive, awareness, little or no performance feedback, insufficient cost-benefit analysis, insufficient budgets, and resource allocation, ineffective communication, a lack of specificity of competencies, and a rigid bureaucratic structure. According to the findings, individual managers should take greater responsibility for their learning, superiors should play a more prominent role in management development, and senior leaders should implement processes to strengthen managing competencies. As businesses and society advance, people at all levels should learn and adapt to function in changing situations. Performance will suffer if this learning and alignment are not implemented. It is plausible to argue that the same factors that promote organizational transformation impede managerial competencies.
The Influence of the Credibility of Social Media Influencers SMIs on the Consumers’ Purchase Intentions: Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mabkhot Hashed , Isa Normalisa Md , Mabkhot Ammar
Published: September 2022

In recent years, influencers on social media platforms have received substantial attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Influencers impact consumer purchase intentions, and credibility plays a mediating role in the link between these variables. A survey was conducted in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia with 312 respondents, and partial least squares (PLS-SEM) were used for data analysis. The findings indicate that a significant link was identified between SMIs and purchase intentions, and credibility was determined to play a mediating role between these variables. Furthermore, the findings contribute to understanding customer behavior. The paper discusses the implications and opportunities for the future research.
Sustainable Food Consumption: Demand for Local Produce in Singapore
Authors: Nakajima Maki
Published: September 2022

The rapid pace of climate change has exacerbated Singapore’s ever-present vulnerability to food shortages. While most of Singapore’s current food supply is imported, the country is working towards becoming self-sufficient in at least 30% of its food demand by 2030. Though a high proportion of Singaporeans have pro-environmental views and believe that buying locally grown food is more eco-friendly, the demand for local produce remains low. To better understand the cause of this attitude–behaviour gap, this study investigated the factors influencing the purchasing decisions of local consumers, as well as their willingness to pay a premium for locally produced vegetables, eggs, and seafood in Singapore. The estimation results suggested that what primarily hinders the local produce demand of consumers with positive perceptions towards sustainability is not their income or product price. Instead, product-specific factors, such as freshness and quality of the produce, and easiness to identify the product at store were found to be positively associated with local produce purchase. Ensuring these factors can potentially lead to higher demand for local produce in Singapore. Attitudes and behaviours related to sustainability played a larger role in the willingness to pay (WTP) than purchase decision making. Thus, to enhance the WTP for local produce, educating the public regarding the sustainability aspect of local produce may prove to be effective.
European Green Deal Impact on Entrepreneurship and Competition: A Free Market Approach
Authors: Bogoslov Ioana Andreea , Lungu Anca Elena , Stoica Eduard Alexandru , Georgescu Mircea Radu
Published: September 2022

The European Green Deal (EGD) represents a new and ambitious growth strategy proposed by the European Commission for transforming the EU into a prosperous and resilient society based on competitive economy, efficiency in terms of resource allocation and a green environment. Under these circumstances, the aim of the present research is to highlight the main criticisms of the European Green Deal by taking into consideration the competition and entrepreneurial dimensions of the common market. Methodologically, the research entails a systematic review of the specialty literature and, alongside this, a preliminary bibliometric study on the analysed topic. Therefore, several critical issues on the European Green Deal’s impact on entrepreneurship and competition are highlighted. The research results illustrate that the European Green Deal affects entrepreneurial activity through a prioritization of the environmental dimension, despite the free market. Aiming to achieve the stated goals, the EGD provides the context of governmental interventions and regulations, which will distort entrepreneurship and competitional processes through fiscal policies and other instruments. The lack of clarity, the ambiguous objectives and the overall costs are also weaknesses of the European Green Deal, as highlighted by the present research. Even if it seems impressive on paper, many researchers demonstrated its inefficiency and impossibility. However, the research results are far away from denying the importance of the European Green Deal, considering the long-term perspective.
Exergy Analysis of a CI Engine Operating on Ternary Biodiesel Blends
Authors: Manavalla Sreekanth , Chaudhary Abhishek , Panchal Shreyash Hemant , Ismail Saleel , M Feroskhan , Khan T. M. Yunus , Javed Syed , Ali Mohammed Azam
Published: September 2022

Exergy analysis is carried out on a single-cylinder CI engine fueled with biodiesel blends of palm, jatropha and cottonseed oils. This is to identify the blends with high exergy destruction. To this end, experimental and analytical methods were adopted. Three types of biodiesel blends incorporated in this study are primary, binary and ternary. The load was varied as an independent parameter, and mass flow rates of air and fuel, flue gas composition, etc., were measured during the study. Moreover, the chemical composition of the fuel blends and flue gas, as well as their flow rates, were used to determine the total exergy. The output parameters determined were 1st and 2nd law efficiency and fuel exergy destruction under all loading conditions. The inference obtained from the experiment suggests minutely higher 1st law efficiency for the biodiesel blends. Increasing the blending ratio led to an increase in efficiency indices.
ESG as a Booster for Logistics Stock Returns—Evidence from the US Stock Market
Authors: Rodionova Maria , Skhvediani Angi , Kudryavtseva Tatiana
Published: September 2022

This article investigates the connection between US logistics companies’ commitment to environmental, social and fair governance (ESG) strategy and their performance on the US stock market during the 2007–2022 period. The research considers historical data analysis, CAPM and a comparison of optimised portfolios. According to the results of the analyses, ‘green’ logistics stocks are less volatile, and hence less risky, and more profitable compared to ‘non-green’ logistics stocks. The Great Recession (2007–2009) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) had the greatest impact on stock volatility, in terms of the US stock market. Optimised during the time of the Ukrainian crisis, green logistics portfolios were shown to have higher returns, but also risks and Sharpe ratios, than ‘non-green’ ones. The results confirm there to be a connection between companies’ commitment to ESG strategy and enhanced stock performance, which contributes to the importance of the ESG agenda.
The Effect of Flow Experience on Online Game Addiction during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Effect of Activity Passion
Authors: Kiatsakared Pinyapat , Chen Kuan-Yu
Published: September 2022

Stay-at-home mandates and quarantines related to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have led to significantly increased participation in online gaming. However, as players continue to participate in online games, it may also trigger online game addiction. This study aimed to explore the relationship between players’ flow experience and online game addiction, and to verify whether differences in the type of passion lead to online game addiction. This study used the structural equation model (SEM) to verify the causal relationship between the constructs and then considered model implications with the fit index measurement standard. After investigating 232 players who are passionate about online games, the analysis results show that the higher the flow experience experienced by online game players, the more likely it is to lead to online gaming addiction. Further verification results show that players’ activity passion significantly moderates the relationship between flow experience and online game addiction, and players with obsessive passion are more likely to experience online game addiction than players with harmonious passion. Future work will explore the causes of online game addiction from different perspectives.
Urban Green Space Pattern in Core Cities of the Greater Bay Area Based on Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis
Authors: Lian Zixuan , Feng Xianhui
Published: September 2022

Urban green spaces (UGSs) play a crucial role in supporting urban ecological systems and improving human well-being in cities. The spatial patterns of UGS are vital bases for analyzing various ecological processes. However, few studies have investigated morphological UGS patterns, especially in high-density cities. The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in China is one of the four major bay areas in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns and distributions of UGS in the core GBA cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Hong Kong, and Macao), and discuss the shortcomings and potential environmental impacts of the contemporary patterns of UGS. Morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) was used to analyze the spatial UGS pattern. Seven MSPA metrics (core, islet, perforation, edge, loop, bridge, and branch) were assessed to measure morphological UGS patterns. The results showed that: (1) Hong Kong has the highest quality habitat, with a large and continuous distribution of UGSs, and a few smaller green spaces scattered in built-up areas; (2) Guangzhou’s UGSs are unevenly distributed, with large green spaces concentrated in the northern part of the city and many small, scattered green spaces distributed in built-up areas, demonstrating the most prominent pattern of green space fragmentation; (3) green space patches in the Shenzhen–Hong Kong region exhibit a relatively complex form; and (4) the UGS in Zhuhai–Macao is relatively discrete, and its connectivity is relatively low. These findings not only improve the depth of understanding of the spatial pattern of UGS in the GBA, but also confirm the applicability of MSPA in the analysis of spatial patterns of UGS.
Influence of Organic Amendments on Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential of Paddy Soils under Two Irrigation Regimes
Authors: Yeasmin Sabina , Assaduzzaman  , Kabir Md. Shirajul , Anwar Md. Parvez , Islam A. K. M. Mominul , Hoque Tahsina Sharmin
Published: September 2022

Soil organic carbon (OC) is one of the most important soil components regulating soil quality, fertility and agronomic productivity as well as the global carbon (C) cycle. Soil acts as a sink for global C, which can be influenced by the water regime and organic matter (OM) management in field. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the application of different organic amendments on C sequestration in paddy soils under contrasting irrigation regimes. A 4-month pot experiment was conducted under net house conditions and the treatments were composed of two organic amendments: rice straw (RS) and poultry manure (PM); four application rates of amendment: 0 g (control), 2.5 g, 5.0 g and 15.0 g kg−1 soil; and two irrigation regimes: (i) continuous waterlogging condition (CWL) and (ii) alternate wetting and drying (AWD). After the incubation period, soil samples were collected from the pot and isolated into labile (>53 µm) and mineral-associated (<53 µm) OM. Bulk (before and after incubation) and fractionated soil samples were analyzed for OC, total nitrogen (N), C:N ratio; and C sequestration percentage was calculated. Relatively higher amounts of soil OC were present in CWL condition (1.23%) than AWD (1.13%). The C sequestration potential also showed the similar trend (CWL: 47% > AWD: 35%). This was explained by the induced aerobic condition in between the anerobic condition in AWD and the continuous anaerobic condition in CWL which resulted in a difference in OM decomposition. The mineral-associated OM fraction (<53 µm) was higher in the CWL condition than AWD condition which also indicated the importance of the chemical stabilization of OC (OC bound to minerals) in the CWL condition. The application of PM led to a significant increase (45%) in C sequestration potential than RS (37%). This could be attributed to C:N ratio and probable biochemical composition of amendments which resulted in lower decomposability of PM than RS, and also in line with the higher distribution of OC in mineral-bound OM than labile fraction. The application of higher organic amendments did not increase OC content, and declined C sequestration potential in soils as the microbial activity presumably did not match with the amendment amount. Overall, C sequestration potential was higher with 5 g PM kg−1 soil application under CWL-irrigated paddy soil. The findings indicated the need to pay more attention to the selection of the proper type and rate of organic amendments for higher C sequestration in soil under a specific irrigation system for sustainable agriculture.
An Unsupervised Multi-Dimensional Representation Learning Model for Short-Term Electrical Load Forecasting
Authors: Bai Weihua , Zhu Jiaxian , Zhao Jialing , Cai Wenwei , Li Keqin
Published: September 2022

The intelligent electrical power system is a comprehensive symmetrical system that controls the power supply and power consumption. As a basis for intelligent power supply control, load demand forecasting in power system operation management has attracted considerable research attention in energy management. In this study, we proposed a novel unsupervised multi-dimensional feature learning forecasting model, named MultiDBN-T, based on a deep belief network and transformer encoder to accurately forecast short-term power load demand and implement power generation planning and scheduling. In the model, the first layer (pre-DBN), based on a deep belief network, was designed to perform unsupervised multi-feature extraction feature learning on the data, and strongly coupled features between multiple independent observable variables were obtained. Next, the encoder layer (D-TEncoder), based on multi-head self-attention, was used to learn the coupled features between various locations, times, or time periods in historical data. The feature embedding of the original multivariate data was performed after the hidden variable relationship was determined. Finally, short-term power load forecasting was conducted. Experimental comparison and analysis of various sequence learning algorithms revealed that the forecasting results of MultiDBN-T were the best, and its mean absolute percentage error and root mean square error were improved by more than 40% on average compared with other algorithms. The effectiveness and accuracy of the model were experimentally verified.
Symmetries and Solutions for Some Classes of Advective Reaction–Diffusion Systems
Authors: Torrisi Mariano , Tracinà Rita
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we consider some reaction–advection–diffusion systems in order to obtain exact solutions via a symmetry approach. We write the determining system of a general class. Then, for particular subclasses, we obtain special forms of the arbitrary constitutive parameters that allow us to extend the principal Lie algebra. In some cases, we write the corresponding reduced system and we find special exact solutions.
Fractional Landweber Iterative Regularization Method for Solving the Inverse Problem of Time-Fractional Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Gao Yinxia , Li Dungang , Yang Fan , Li Xiaoxiao
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we consider the inverse problem for the time-fractional Schrödinger equation. This problem is ill-posed, i.e., the solution (if it exists) does not depend continuously on the data. We use the fractional Landweber iterative regularization method to solve this inverse problem and obtain the regularization solution. Under a priori and a posteriori regularization parameter choices, the error estimates are all obtained, respectively.
Antifragile Control Systems: The Case of an Anti-Symmetric Network Model of the Tumor-Immune-Drug Interactions
Authors: Axenie Cristian , Kurz Daria , Saveriano Matteo
Published: September 2022

A therapy’s outcome is determined by a tumor’s response to treatment which, in turn, depends on multiple factors such as the severity of the disease and the strength of the patient’s immune response. Gold standard cancer therapies are in most cases fragile when sought to break the ties to either tumor kill ratio or patient toxicity. Lately, research has shown that cancer therapy can be at its most robust when handling adaptive drug resistance and immune escape patterns developed by evolving tumors. This is due to the stochastic and volatile nature of the interactions, at the tumor environment level, tissue vasculature, and immune landscape, induced by drugs. Herein, we explore the path toward antifragile therapy control, that generates treatment schemes that are not fragile but go beyond robustness. More precisely, we describe the first instantiation of a control-theoretic method to make therapy schemes cope with the systemic variability in the tumor-immune-drug interactions and gain more tumor kills with less patient toxicity. Considering the anti-symmetric interactions within a model of the tumor-immune-drug network, we introduce the antifragile control framework that demonstrates promising results in simulation. We evaluate our control strategy against state-of-the-art therapy schemes in various experiments and discuss the insights we gained on the potential that antifragile control could have in treatment design in clinical settings.
Preliminary Analysis of the Effects of Ad26.COV2.S Vaccination on CT Findings and High Intensive Care Admission Rates of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Negroni Davide , Carriero Serena , Passarella Ilaria , Siani Agnese , Biondetti Pierpaolo , Pizzolante Antonio , Saba Luca , Guzzardi Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

On 27 February 2021, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) authorized the administration of the adenovirus-based Ad26.COV2-S vaccine (J&J-Janssen) for the prevention of COVID-19, a viral pandemic that, to date, has killed more than 5.5 million people. Performed during the early phase of the COVID-19 4th wave, this retrospective observational study aims to report the computerized tomography (CT) findings and intensive care unit admission rates of Ad26.COV2-S-vaccinated vs. unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. From the 1st to the 23rd of December 2021, all confirmed COVID-19 patients that had been subjected to chest non-contrast CT scan analysis were enrolled in the study. These were divided into Ad26.COV2.S-vaccinated (group 1) and unvaccinated patients (group 2). The RSNA severity score was calculated for each patient and correlated to CT findings and type of admission to a healthcare setting after CT—i.e., home care, ordinary hospitalization, sub-intensive care, and intensive care. Descriptive and inference statistical analyses were performed by comparing the data from the two groups. Data from a total of 71 patients were collected: 10 patients in group 1 (4M, 6F, mean age 63.5 years, SD ± 4.2) and 61 patients in group 2 (32M, 29F, mean age 64.7 years, SD ± 3.7). Statistical analysis showed lower values of RSNA severity in group 1 compared to group 2 (mean value 14.1 vs. 15.7, p = 0.009, respectively). Furthermore, vaccinated patients were less frequently admitted to both sub-intensive and high-intensive care units than group 2, with an odds ratio of 0.45 [95%CI (0.01; 3.92)]. Ad26.COV2.S vaccination protects from severe COVID-19 based on CT severity scores. As a result, Ad26.COV2.S-vaccinated COVID-19 patients are more frequently admitted to home in comparison with unvaccinated patients.
Comparing the Diagnostic Performance of ECG Gated versus Non-Gated CT Angiography in Ascending Aortic Dissection: A GRRAS Study
Authors: Budeanu Razvan G. , Broemmer Christian , Budeanu Anamaria R. , Pop Marian
Published: September 2022

Rationale and Objective: Thoracic CT angiography (CTA) for ascending aortic dissection, a life-threatening emergency, is performed routinely without Electrocardiographic (ECG) gating, therefore allowing the apparition of a pulsation artefact. We aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance, the inter and intra-reporter agreement of ECG gated CTA and non-ECG gated CTA for detecting ascending aortic dissection, considering their training level. Our hypothesis is that ECG gated CTA has superior diagnostic accuracy for ascending aortic dissection compared to non-gated CTA. Materials and Methods: We collected data using 24 questions survey using clinically validated CT examinations. Sixty-six respondents (medical students, radiology residents, and consultants) blinded to the actual diagnosis independently evaluated the images pertaining to the presence of ascending aortic dissection. The reference standard was represented by clinical and imaging diagnosis. Inter-rater and inter-group concordance was evaluated; the agreement with reference tests was calculated and assessed as a function of reporters’ training level. Results: Reporters’ ascending aortic dissection assessment showed a better correlation with the reference standard in the ECG gated CTA. The inter-rater correlation was higher in the ECG gated CTA compared to non-ECG gated CTA. Observers’ confidence for diagnosing ascending aortic dissection was higher in the ECG gated CTA. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between different training levels when assessing non-ECG gated examinations. Conclusions: ECG gated CTA shows a higher diagnostic performance for ascending aortic dissection than non-ECG gated CTA, regardless of the reporters’ training level.
The Impact of Cyanobacteria Blooms on the Aquatic Environment and Human Health
Authors: Zhang Weizhen , Liu Jing , Xiao Yunxing , Zhang Yumiao , Yu Yangjinzhi , Zheng Zheng , Liu Yafeng , Li Qi
Published: September 2022

Cyanobacteria blooms are a global aquatic environment problem. In recent years, due to global warming and water eutrophication, the surface cyanobacteria accumulate in a certain area to form cyanobacteria blooms driven by wind. Cyanobacteria blooms change the physical and chemical properties of water and cause pollution. Moreover, cyanobacteria release organic matter, N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus) into the water during their apoptosis, accelerating the eutrophication of the water, threatening aquatic flora and fauna, and affecting the community structure and abundance of microorganisms in the water. Simultaneously, toxins and carcinogens released from cyanobacteria can be enriched through the food chain/web, endangering human health. This study summarized and analyzed the research of the influence of cyanobacteria blooms on the aquatic environment and human health, which is helpful to understand further the harm of cyanobacteria blooms and provide some reference for a related research of cyanobacteria blooms.
Effects of Flexor Digitorum Longus Muscle Anatomical Structure on the Response to Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Patients with Post-Stroke Claw Foot Deformity
Authors: Takekawa Toru , Kobayashi Kazushige , Yamada Naoki , Takagi Satoshi , Hara Takatoshi , Kitajima Tomohide , Sato Tomoharu , Sugihara Hiroshi , Kinoshita Kazuo , Abo Masahiro
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: The purpose of this retrospective case-control study was to determine the relationship between the control of toe movements by flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) muscles and the response to treatment with botulinum toxin (BoNT) in post-stroke patients with claw toe. (2) Methods: Subjects with stroke-related leg paralysis/spasticity and claw toes received multiple injections of BoNT (onabotulinumtoxin A) into the FHL or FDL muscles. We investigated the relationship between the mode of transmission of FHL and FDL muscle tension to each toe (MCT) and treatment outcome using the data of 53 patients who received 124 injections with clinically recorded treatment outcome. We also dissected the potential variables that could determine the treatment outcome. (3) Results: The effectiveness of BoNT treatment was significantly altered by FDL-MCT (OR = 0.400, 95% CI = 0.162–0.987, p = 0.047). Analysis of the response to the first BoNT injection showed an odds ratio of FDL-MCT of approximately 6.0 times (OR = 0.168, 95% CI = 0.033–0.857, p = 0.032). The more tibial the influence of the FDL muscle on each toe, the better the treatment outcome on the claw toe. (4) Conclusions: The anatomic relation between FDL muscle and each toe seems to affect the response to treatment with BoNT in post-stroke patients with claw toes.