bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison between the Molecularly Imprinted and Non-Molecularly Imprinted Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges for the Transdermal Delivery of Melatonin
Authors: Hoti Gjylije , Ferrero Riccardo , Caldera Fabrizio , Trotta Francesco , Corno Marta , Pantaleone Stefano , Desoky Mohamed M. H. , Brunella Valentina
Published: March 2023

Melatonin is a neurohormone that ameliorates many health conditions when it is administered as a drug, but its drawbacks are its oral and intravenous fast release. To overcome the limitations associated with melatonin release, cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CD-based NSs) can be used. Under their attractive properties, CD-based NSs are well-known to provide the sustained release of the drug. Green cyclodextrin (CD)-based molecularly imprinted nanosponges (MIP-NSs) are successfully synthesized by reacting β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) or Methyl-β Cyclodextrin (M-βCD) with citric acid as a cross-linking agent at a 1:8 molar ratio, and melatonin is introduced as a template molecule. In addition, CD-based non-molecularly imprinted nanosponges (NIP-NSs) are synthesized following the same procedure as MIP-NSs without the presence of melatonin. The resulting polymers are characterized by CHNS-O Elemental, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Zeta Potential, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-UV) analyses, etc. The encapsulation efficiencies are 60–90% for MIP-NSs and 20–40% for NIP-NSs, whereas melatonin loading capacities are 1–1.5% for MIP-NSs and 4–7% for NIP-NSs. A better-controlled drug release performance (pH = 7.4) for 24 h is displayed by the in vitro release study of MIP-NSs (30–50% released melatonin) than NIP-NSs (50–70% released melatonin) due to the different associations within the polymeric structure. Furthermore, a computational study, through the static simulations in the gas phase at a Geometry Frequency Non-covalent interactions (GFN2 level), is performed to support the inclusion complex between βCD and melatonin with the automatic energy exploration performed by Conformer-Rotamer Ensemble Sampling Tool (CREST). A total of 58% of the CD/melatonin interactions are dominated by weak forces. CD-based MIP-NSs and CD-based NIP-NSs are mixed with cream formulations for enhancing and sustaining the melatonin delivery into the skin. The efficiency of cream formulations is determined by stability, spreadability, viscosity, and pH. This development of a new skin formulation, based on an imprinting approach, will be of the utmost importance in future research at improving skin permeation through transdermal delivery, associated with narrow therapeutic windows or low bioavailability of drugs with various health benefits.
Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites with Hexagonal Boron Nitride—A Comparison of Three Processing Methods: Injection Moulding, Powder Bed Fusion and Casting
Authors: Do Nu Bich Duyen , Imenes Kristin , Aasmundtveit Knut E. , Nguyen Hoang-Vu , Andreassen Erik
Published: March 2023

Materials providing heat dissipation and electrical insulation are required for many electronic and medical devices. Polymer composites with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) may fulfil such requirements. The focus of this study is to compare composites with hBN fabricated by injection moulding (IM), powder bed fusion (PBF) and casting. The specimens were characterised by measuring thermal conductivity, tensile properties, hardness and hBN particle orientation. A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was selected as the matrix for IM and PBF, and an epoxy was the matrix for casting. The maximum filler weight fractions were 65%, 55% and 40% for IM, casting and PBF, respectively. The highest thermal conductivity (2.1 W/m∙K) was measured for an IM specimen with 65 wt% hBN. However, cast specimens had the highest thermal conductivity for a given hBN fraction. The orientation of hBN platelets in the specimens was characterised by X-ray diffraction and compared with numerical simulations. The measured thermal conductivities were discussed by comparing them with four models from the literature (the effective medium approximation model, the Ordóñez-Miranda model, the Sun model, and the Lewis-Nielsen model). These models predicted quite different thermal conductivities vs. filler fraction. Adding hBN increased the hardness and tensile modulus, and the tensile strength at high hBN fractions. The strength had a minimum as the function of filler fraction, while the strain at break decreased. These trends can be explained by two mechanisms which occur when adding hBN: reinforcement and embrittlement.
Durability, Strength, and Erosion Resistance Assessment of Lignin Biopolymer Treated Soil
Authors: Bagheri Pouyan , Gratchev Ivan , Son Suwon , Rybachuk Maksym
Published: March 2023

To mitigate the negative environmental effects of the overuse of conventional materials—such as cement—in soil improvement, sustainable engineering techniques need to be applied. The use of biopolymers as an alternative, environmentally friendly solution has received a great deal of attention recently. The application of lignin, a sustainable and ecofriendly biobased adhesive, to enhance soil mechanical properties has been investigated. The changes to engineering properties of lignin-infused soil relative to a lignin addition to soil at 0.5, 1, and 3.0 wt.% (including Atterberg limits, unconfined compression strength, consolidated undrained triaxial characteristics, and mechanical properties under wetting and drying cycles that mimic atmospheric conditions) have been studied. Our findings reveal that the soil’s physical and strength characteristics, including unconfined compressive strength and soil cohesion, were improved by adding lignin through the aggregated soil particle process. While the internal friction angle of the soil was slightly decreased, the lignin additive significantly increased soil cohesion; the addition of 3% lignin to the soil doubled the soil’s compressive strength and cohesion. Lignin-treated samples experienced less strength loss during wetting and drying cycles. After six repeated wetting and drying cycles, the strength of the 3% lignin-treated sample was twice that of the untreated sample. Soil treated with 3% lignin displayed the highest erosion resistance and minimal soil mass loss of ca. 10% under emulated atmospheric conditions. This study offers useful insights into the utilization of lignin biopolymer in practical engineering applications, such as road stabilization, slope reinforcement, and erosion prevention.
A Modified U-Net Model for Predicting the Sea Surface Salinity over the Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Zhao Ning , Han Zhen
Published: March 2023

The prediction of oceanic features is always an important issue in oceanography, where deep learning has been proven to be a useful tool. In this study, we applied the improved U-net model to predict the monthly sea surface salinity (SSS) over the western Pacific (WP) Ocean, and the model was designed to use the SSSs from six consecutive months to predict the SSS in the next month. The monthly satellite-based SSSs in 2015–2020 were used for model training, and the data collected after January 2021 were used to evaluate the model’s predictive abilities. The results showed that the predicted SSSs represented the general patterns of SSSs over the WP region. However, the small-scale features were smoothed out in the model, and the temporal variations were also not well captured, especially over the East China Sea and Yellow Sea (ECS&YS) region. To further evaluate the potential of the U-net model, a more specific model was conducted for the ECS&YS region (Domain 2), which successfully predicted both spatial and temporal variations in the SSSs, including the spreading and retreating of the low-salinity tongue. Based on the comparison between the two domains and sensitivity experiments, we found that the prediction biases were contributed by the spatial distributions of the SSSs, the domain size, and the filter numbers. In addition, further multi-step prediction experiments suggested that our U-net model could also be used for long-time prediction, and we have examined up to five months. Overall, this study demonstrated the great ability and potential of the U-net model for predicting SSS, even though only a few trainable data are available.
Measures of Maximal Tactile Pressures during a Sustained Grasp Task Using a TactArray Device Have Satisfactory Reliability and Concurrent Validity in People with Stroke
Authors: Gopaul Urvashy , Laver Derek , Carey Leeanne , Matyas Thomas , van Vliet Paulette , Callister Robin
Published: March 2023

Sensor-based devices can record pressure or force over time during grasping and therefore offer a more comprehensive approach to quantifying grip strength during sustained contractions. The objectives of this study were to investigate the reliability and concurrent validity of measures of maximal tactile pressures and forces during a sustained grasp task using a TactArray device in people with stroke. Participants with stroke (n = 11) performed three trials of sustained maximal grasp over 8 s. Both hands were tested in within- and between-day sessions, with and without vision. Measures of maximal tactile pressures and forces were measured for the complete (8 s) grasp duration and plateau phase (5 s). Tactile measures are reported using the highest value among three trials, the mean of two trials, and the mean of three trials. Reliability was determined using changes in mean, coefficients of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate concurrent validity. This study found that measures of reliability assessed by changes in means were good, coefficients of variation were good to acceptable, and ICCs were very good for maximal tactile pressures using the average pressure of the mean of three trials over 8 s in the affected hand with and without vision for within-day sessions and without vision for between-day sessions. In the less affected hand, changes in mean were very good, coefficients of variations were acceptable, and ICCs were good to very good for maximal tactile pressures using the average pressure of the mean of three trials over 8 s and 5 s, respectively, in between-day sessions with and without vision. Maximal tactile pressures had moderate correlations with grip strength. The TactArray device demonstrates satisfactory reliability and concurrent validity for measures of maximal tactile pressures in people with stroke.
A Systematic Review of Optimization Algorithms for Structural Health Monitoring and Optimal Sensor Placement
Authors: Hassani Sahar , Dackermann Ulrike
Published: March 2023

In recent decades, structural health monitoring (SHM) has gained increased importance for ensuring the sustainability and serviceability of large and complex structures. To design an SHM system that delivers optimal monitoring outcomes, engineers must make decisions on numerous system specifications, including the sensor types, numbers, and placements, as well as data transfer, storage, and data analysis techniques. Optimization algorithms are employed to optimize the system settings, such as the sensor configuration, that significantly impact the quality and information density of the captured data and, hence, the system performance. Optimal sensor placement (OSP) is defined as the placement of sensors that results in the least amount of monitoring cost while meeting predefined performance requirements. An optimization algorithm generally finds the “best available” values of an objective function, given a specific input (or domain). Various optimization algorithms, from random search to heuristic algorithms, have been developed by researchers for different SHM purposes, including OSP. This paper comprehensively reviews the most recent optimization algorithms for SHM and OSP. The article focuses on the following: (I) the definition of SHM and all its components, including sensor systems and damage detection methods, (II) the problem formulation of OSP and all current methods, (III) the introduction of optimization algorithms and their types, and (IV) how various existing optimization methodologies can be applied to SHM systems and OSP methods. Our comprehensive comparative review revealed that applying optimization algorithms in SHM systems, including their use for OSP, to derive an optimal solution, has become increasingly common and has resulted in the development of sophisticated methods tailored to SHM. This article also demonstrates that these sophisticated methods, using artificial intelligence (AI), are highly accurate and fast at solving complex problems.
Sensors, Circuits, and Systems for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kim Jungsuk
Published: March 2023

Sensor technologies (including electrodes) have been widely utilized in many applications, especially in fields such as smart factories, automation, clinics, laboratories, and more [...]
Digital Fringe Projection-Based Clamping Force Estimation Algorithm for Railway Fasteners
Authors: Fan Zhengji , Hong Yingping , Wang Yunfeng , Niu Yanan , Zhang Huixin , Chu Chengqun
Published: March 2023

The inspection of railway fasteners to assess their clamping force can be used to evaluate the looseness of the fasteners and improve railway safety. Although there are various methods for inspecting railway fasteners, there is still a need for non-contact, fast inspection without installing additional devices on fasteners. In this study, a system that uses digital fringe projection technology to measure the 3D topography of the fastener was developed. This system inspects the looseness through a series of algorithms, including point cloud denoising, coarse registration based on fast point feature histograms (FPFH) features, fine registration based on the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, specific region selection, kernel density estimation, and ridge regression. Unlike the previous inspection technology, which can only measure the geometric parameters of fasteners to characterize the tightness, this system can directly estimate the tightening torque and the bolt clamping force. Experiments on WJ-8 fasteners showed a root mean square error of 9.272 N·m and 1.94 kN for the tightening torque and clamping force, demonstrating that the system is sufficiently precise to replace manual measurement and can substantially improve inspection efficiency while evaluating railway fastener looseness.
Constructing an In Vitro and In Vivo Flow Cytometry by Fast Line Scanning of Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Ding Leqi , Yan Jingsheng , Xu Jin , He Hao
Published: March 2023

Composed of a fluidic and an optical system, flow cytometry has been widely used for biosensing. The fluidic flow enables its automatic high-throughput sample loading and sorting while the optical system works for molecular detection by fluorescence for micron-level cells and particles. This technology is quite powerful and highly developed; however, it requires a sample in the form of a suspension and thus only works in vitro. In this study, we report a simple scheme to construct a flow cytometry based on a confocal microscope without any modifications. We demonstrate that line scanning of microscopy can effectively excite fluorescence of flowing microbeads or cells in a capillary tube in vitro and in blood vessels of live mice in vivo. This method can resolve microbeads at several microns and the results are comparable to a classic flow cytometer. The absolute diameter of flowing samples can be indicated directly. The sampling limitations and variations of this method is carefully analyzed. This scheme can be easily accomplished by any commercial confocal microscope systems, expands the function of them, and is of promising potential for simultaneous confocal microscopy and in vivo detection of cells in blood vessels of live animals by a single system.
Analysis of the Development Status and Prospect of China’s Agricultural Sensor Market under Smart Agriculture
Authors: Sun Ning , Fan Beibei , Ding Yahui , Liu Yuanjinsheng , Bi Yuyun , Seglah Patience Afi , Gao Chunyu
Published: March 2023

Agricultural sensors are essential technologies for smart agriculture, which can transform non-electrical physical quantities such as environmental factors. The ecological elements inside and outside of plants and animals are converted into electrical signals for control system recognition, providing a basis for decision-making in smart agriculture. With the rapid development of smart agriculture in China, agricultural sensors have ushered in opportunities and challenges. Based on a literature review and data statistics, this paper analyzes the market prospects and market scale of agricultural sensors in China from four perspectives: field farming, facility farming, livestock and poultry farming and aquaculture. The study further predicts the demand for agricultural sensors in 2025 and 2035. The results reveal that China’s sensor market has a good development prospect. However, the paper garnered the key challenges of China’s agricultural sensor industry, including a weak technical foundation, poor enterprise research capacity, high importation of sensors and a lack of financial support. Given this, the agricultural sensor market should be comprehensively distributed in terms of policy, funding, expertise and innovative technology. In addition, this paper highlighted integrating the future development direction of China’s agricultural sensor technology with new technologies and China’s agricultural development needs.
Programmable Nanostructures Based on Framework-DNA for Applications in Biosensing
Authors: Liu Bing , Wang Fan , Chao Jie
Published: March 2023

DNA has been actively utilized as bricks to construct exquisite nanostructures due to their unparalleled programmability. Particularly, nanostructures based on framework DNA (F-DNA) with controllable size, tailorable functionality, and precise addressability hold excellent promise for molecular biology studies and versatile tools for biosensor applications. In this review, we provide an overview of the current development of F-DNA-enabled biosensors. Firstly, we summarize the design and working principle of F-DNA-based nanodevices. Then, recent advances in their use in different kinds of target sensing with effectiveness have been exhibited. Finally, we envision potential perspectives on the future opportunities and challenges of biosensing platforms.
A Prediction Model for Remote Lab Courses Designed upon the Principles of Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Georgakopoulos Ioannis , Piromalis Dimitrios , Ntanos Stamatios , Zakopoulos Vassilis , Makrygiannis Panagiotis
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a cease to the physical-presence operation of many laboratory-based university courses. As a response, higher education courses turned into distance learning. Distance education can foster sustainability through resource savings offered by the benefits of technology use. Therefore, there is a necessity to establish a pathway for sustainability practices concerning the increasing distance education enrollment and technological progress. Under the previous concept, this research paper presents a remote lab for the “Data Acquisition Systems” course, delivered during the pandemic as the digital twin of its respective conventional lab. This remote lab was designed on the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) principles to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration competencies. This paper aims to develop a concrete framework for identifying factors that critically affect students’ performance during remote lab courses. The analysis is based on students’ engagement data collected by the NI-ELVIS remote lab measurement system during the spring academic semester of 2020 at the University of West Attica, Greece. Furthermore, the paper develops a competent prediction model for students at risk of failing the lab. The findings indicate that content comprehension and theory-exercise familiarization were the main risk factors in the case of the specific remote lab. In detail, a unit increase in content comprehension led to a 2.7 unit decrease in the probability of the risk occurrence. In parallel, a unit increase in theory familiarization through exercises led to a 3.2 unit decrease in the probability of the risk occurrence. The findings also underlined that risk factors such as critical thinking were associated with ESD competencies. Besides this, the benefits of delivering distance-learning labs according to the proposed methodology include environmental benefits by contributing to resource and energy savings since students who are about to fail can be located early and assisted.
Integrating Critical Infrastructure Networks into Flood Risk Management
Authors: Schotten Roman , Bachmann Daniel
Published: March 2023

Critical infrastructure (CI) networks are essential for the survival and functionality of society and the economy. Disruptions to CI services and the cascading effects of these disruptions are not currently included in flood risk management (FRM). The work presented in this study integrates CI into every step of FRM, including flood risk analysis, risk mitigation and risk communication. A CI network modelling technique enables the flood consequences for CI to be quantified as part of the flood risk analysis. The CI consequences derived from this analysis include spatial overviews and the temporal succession of CI disruptions. The number of affected CI end-users and the duration of the disruption are arranged in a risk matrix and in a decision-making matrix. Thus, the total flood risk is extended with CI consequences. By integrating CI and CI network characteristics into the flood risk assessment and the mitigation steps, a wider range of measures for action can be considered. Additionally, the continuous participation of CI operators is introduced as beneficial for every step of the FRM. A case study in Accra, Ghana proves the benefits of CI integration for all FRM steps. During participatory CI stakeholder engagements for this study six CI sectors were identified for the assembly of the CI network. The backbone of the analysis is a multisectoral, layered CI network model with 433 point elements, 1216 connector elements and 486 polygon elements.
Building a Better World: The Contribution of Cooperatives and SSE Organizations to Decent Work and Sustainable Development
Authors: Filippi Maryline , Bidet Eric , Richez-Battesti Nadine
Published: March 2023

The ILO’s recognition of the social and solidarity economy (SSE), with an internationally accepted definition, pointed out its important role in achieving sustainable development goals, which aim at fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all, and reducing inequalities. This article stresses the essential role of cooperatives in achieving the objectives of sustainable development and decent work. It clarifies the relationships among the social and solidarity economy, corporate social responsibility, and responsible business conduct. It shows why the SSE, which consists of value- and principle-driven/based units, is particularly relevant to improving accountability in business and society. This article especially focuses on the contribution of SSE businesses to decent work using examples from different ILO reports in a qualitative and thematic approach. It proposes some critical thoughts on the cooperative model and recommendations for reinforcing commitments to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Innovative Business Models for a Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy in the French Agrifood Domain
Authors: Donner Mechthild , de Vries Hugo
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the circular economy and the bioeconomy have increasingly been developed in France, driven by public policies. In this article, innovative circular bioeconomy business models in the French agrifood domain are studied concerning main drivers, business model elements, circular economy principles, enablers and barriers, and sustainability benefits. The study is based on an online review and analysis of 44 local, collaborative and small-scale initiatives. It appears that the strategies of the businesses are based on the seven circular economy pillars laid out by the French Agency for the Environment and Ecological Transition, mostly recycling, sustainable procurement, and industrial and territorial ecology. Geographical embeddedness and the relational proximity of actors are other crucial factors that play a role in the success of these business models, next to pro-environmental consumer trends and local public support. The outcomes further reveal that all three sustainability dimensions are integrally considered in France, with environmental and social dimensions slightly prominent above the economic one. The application of the game concept and its seven building blocks (time, playing fields, pieces, moves, players, rules, wins or loses) allows this study to demonstrate the essential elements of emerging business models within bioeconomy systems, their dynamic interrelations and the need for full policy attention.
Resilience of Rural Households: Insights from a Multidisciplinary Literature
Authors: Bekee Barituka , Valdivia Corinne
Published: March 2023

Due to the increase in both the frequency and severity of shocks and stressors that rural households are faced with, a vast array of studies has emerged in recent times on issues surrounding their resilience. Scholarship in this field has benefitted from insights from multiple disciplines including applied economics, disaster risk management, and human ecology, to name a few. These diverse contributions, although beneficial and necessary, have led to what appears to be discrepancies in the research arena. Using a bibliometric approach and thematic clustering, we shed light on the research landscape of rural household resilience. Furthermore, this article synthesizes some of the main contributions from various subfields and offers a systematic way for studies to approach the subject matter. From issues such as the objective and subjective dimensions of resilience characterization and measurement, to the degree of integration of the broader social ecological systems within which, households exist, the systematic classification of related concepts carried out in this article helps to organize knowledge, as well as aims to provide a guiding framework for future research and review efforts.
Estimating Carbon Stock Change Caused by Multi-Scenario Land-Use Structure in Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Hu Jixi , Yan Dingyue , Wang Weilin
Published: March 2023

Land-use changes remain a major source of terrestrial ecosystem carbon stock (TECS) change. However, existing studies estimating TECS change caused by land-use changes, considering the mixed land-use structure and its continuous structural changes in the land-use change model, are still absent. Our study first analyzed land-use changes during the years 2000–2020 in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan (CZX) urban agglomeration, and then simulated the multi-scenario mixed land-use structure pattern in 2030, and finally estimated its effects on TECS change. Results show that: (1) The TECS change in CZX urban agglomeration during the years 2000–2020 are trending downward, decreasing 5.62 Tg. (2) Over the past 20 years, land-use changes in CZX urban agglomeration were dominated by the increase of artificial surfaces, and the decrease of forest, farmland, and grassland, which are major sources of TECS reduction. (3) The total TECS in inertial development, cultivated land protection, and ecological priority scenarios, are 95.82 Tg, 95.97 Tg, and 97.31 Tg, respectively. Compared to TECS in 2020, the decrease is 2.61 Tg, 2.46 Tg, and 1.12 Tg, respectively. While the spatial pattern of losses in TECS is trending toward sustained expansion in the inertial development and cultivated land protection scenario, the ecological priority scenario is more concentrated. The results can provide decision support for regional carbon accounting, for the assessment of terrestrial carbon stock, and for the planning of the “dual-carbon” (refer to peak carbon and carbon neutrality in dioxide emissions) goal.
Research on Driving Factors of Forest Ecological Security: Evidence from 12 Provincial Administrative Regions in Western China
Authors: Guo Yanlong , Ma Xingmeng , Zhu Yelin , Chen Denghang , Zhang Han
Published: March 2023

Forests are associated with countrywide ecological security, and there are significant differences in the forests of different regions. Based on the DPSIR model, 25 indicators were selected from five dimensions to determine the index system, and the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method and gray correlation were applied to determine the index of western China’s forests. The spatial distribution map was used to observe the spatial changes of forests. The results show that first, Inner Mongolia (0.466) has the best forest ecological security status and Ningxia (0.124) has the worst forest resource status. Second, the first and most frequent correlation is the area of planted forests (I1). The last and most frequent correlation is sulfur dioxide emission (P2). Thirdly, Inner Mongolia and Szechwan belong to the high ecological safety–high economic level, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Tibet belong to the high ecological safety–low economic level, and Gansu and Guizhou belong to the low ecological safety–low economic level. The rest of the regions are classified in the low ecological security–high economic level. Fourth, the forest ecological security in western China has gradually become better, with the security index increasing from 0.417 to 0.469, with an average annual increase of 12.47%.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Knowledge, Practice, and Management of Solid Waste Segregation in Higher Educational Institutes: A Case Study in KSA
Authors: Rabeiy Ragab , Almutairi Saud , Birima Ahmed , Kassem Lamyaa , Nafady Ayman
Published: March 2023

Solid waste management is highly considered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the protection of the environment, preserving resources, and producing energy. Solid waste is collected in bins from Qassim University (QU) as a mixture without any segregation processes. The key to obtaining university stakeholders’ involvement in the waste separation program is awareness coupled with participation. This study evaluates the stakeholders’ knowledge and practices related to solid waste separation at QU, KSA, as well as explores the current collection system of solid waste on the university’s campus. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to measure the knowledge and practices of QU stakeholders, as well as the existing management of solid waste in the University. The questionnaire consists of three sections; knowledge, practices, and actual waste management in QU. A total of corrected 437 responses were collected from QU demographic variables based on gender, language, age, and job. Frequency analysis, Chi-square test, t-test, and correlation test were utilized to estimate the average values and the association between the survey statements and demographic variables. The results revealed that the awareness level of respondents is high, and their application is good. Although fewer than 50% of the QU stakeholders have practiced waste separation at the generation site in specific bins, the majority are willing to do that with an agreement level of 98%. Additionally, the analysis proved that the solid waste is collected efficiently in QU but the waste separation at the generation point is poor. The responses of the participants implied that the most disposed of waste in QU is paper, followed by plastic. Teaching courses, workshops, and advertisements related to waste are recommended to increase awareness of the benefits of waste separation at the source, both economically and environmentally. The results of this study help the decision-makers in the programs’ implementation of sustainable development and resource reservation that is also consistent with KSA vision 2030.
Astaxanthin Alleviates Aflatoxin B1-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in IPEC-J2 Cells via the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tian Yue , Che Haoyu , Yang Jinsheng , Jin Yongcheng , Yu Hao , Wang Chuanqi , Fu Yurong , Li Na , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2023

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a typical fungal toxin found in feed, is highly carcinogenic. Oxidative stress is one of the main ways it exerts its toxicity; therefore, finding a suitable antioxidant is the key to reducing its toxicity. Astaxanthin (AST) is a carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties. The aim of the present research was to determine whether AST eases the AFB1-induced impairment in IPEC-J2 cells, and its specific mechanism of action. AFB1 and AST were applied to IPEC-J2 cells in different concentrations for 24 h. The AST (80 µM) significantly prevented the reduction in the IPEC-J2 cell viability that was induced by AFB1 (10 μM). The results showed that treatment with AST attenuated the AFB1-induced ROS, and cytochrome C, the Bax/Bcl2 ratio, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3, which were all activated by AFB1, were among the pro-apoptotic proteins which were diminished by AST. AST activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway and ameliorates antioxidant ability. This was further evidenced by the expression of the HO-1, NQO1, SOD2, and HSP70 genes were all upregulated. Taken together, the findings show that the impairment of oxidative stress and apoptosis, caused by the AFB1 in the IPEC-J2 cells, can be attenuated by AST triggering the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Design for the Prediction of Peak Outflow of Embankment Breaching Due to Overtopping by Regression Technique and Modelling
Authors: Verma Deepak , Berwal Parveen , Khan Mohammad Amir , Alharbi Raied Saad , Alfaisal Faisal M. , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: March 2023

The study of embankment breaching is not an easy practice, as it includes various parameters to meet the suitability of the design approach, especially when we consider it for the long term. Embankment breach studies generally include the prediction of different breach parameters. The important physical and hydrodynamic parameters of the flood wave generated from the embankment failure are breach width, breach slope, formation time, peak outflow, and time to failure. Out of these parameters, peak outflow is a very important breach parameter, as it deflects the magnitude of destruction on the downstream side of the embankment and affects the evacuation plans for the downstream population. The prediction of breach peak outflow due to overtopping of the embankment is very essential for dam failure prevention and mitigation, as well as for the design of an early warning system. Many researchers have used dam failure data, comparative studies, experimental studies, or regression techniques to develop various models for predicting peak outflow. The present paper analyzes the results of the design for forty experiments carried out in two different laboratory water channels (flumes). Different embankment models are overtopped with the objective of studying the breach behavior during overtopping. The study was inspired by reports in the open literature of embankment failures that resulted in catastrophic conditions. With experimental data, an efficient model is developed for predicting breach peak outflow (Qp) by correlating with other independent embankment breach parameters for cohesive as well as non-cohesive embankments. The model is validated with historical and laboratory data compiled in the past. For the validation of current investigational work, the experimental data of the present study are compared with the model already developed by other researchers. From the study and analysis, it is observed that breach peak outflow depends upon hydraulic, geometric, and geotechnical parameters of embankments. Being a phenomenon that is active for a short duration only, the manual measurement of various parameters of the modeling process poses some limitations under laboratory conditions.
Validation of research tools and activities in a distance-learning course in English in an e-environment using interactive teaching methods
Authors: Gospodinova Tsvetelina
Published: March 2023

Validation of research tools and activities in a distance-learning course in English in an e-environment using interactive teaching methods
Increasing the motivation of students in small settlements in Ukraine to learn foreign languages
Authors: Alexandrov Oleg
Published: March 2023

This article presents some trends in educational policy in Ukraine in recent decades as a prerequisite for improving the language competences of young people there. Among the challenges hindering the successful acquisition of a foreign language is the low personal motivation of learners. Observations and positive personal experiences from the author’s participation as a volunteer in an international GoCamp project aimed at increasing motivation to learn English, German and French in informal settings in small towns in Ukraine are shared. For many children and young people, extracurricular activities with foreign volunteers during summer language camps (projects, educational games, quizzes, discussions, arts and sports activities, etc.) are the first steps towards developing intercultural communicative competence, without which success in a globalizing world is difficult to achieve.
A hedonistic mood in Florence with Antonfrancesco grazzini il lasca’s “le cene”
Authors: Petkova-Staleva Petya
Published: March 2023

In the vast panorama of 16th-century Italian collections of novellas, Grazzini’s “Le cene” stands out for its extraordinary hedonistic mood. The narrative is set in Florence in the winter at the end of Carnival, when the time is set aside for merriment and fun. And one of the amusements consists precisely in the telling of novellas, which brings delight to both the tellers and the listeners, and therefore to potential readers. The framed narrative situation also corresponds with the subject matter of most of the novellas narrated, as the narration is intended to bring pleasure, to provoke laughter, to the exclusion of the lecturing tone present in many other authors. The formation of the narrating company is not dictated by any tragic events, but is merely a coincidence of circumstances whereby they find themselves shut out of the bad winter weather in the warm parlour of the landlady on the first evening of the telling. Subsequent gatherings, however, are the result of the desire of the company to continue in time the pleasure of good and entertaining story telling which brings laughter and merriment on winter evenings.
The novels of Giovanni Sercambi: On the trail and away from the Decameron
Authors: Petkova-Staleva Petya
Published: March 2023

Giovanni Sercambi’s collection of novellas is another step in the development of the genre: although it ostensibly follows the path outlined by the Decameron, a number of innovations can be found that give it a special place. The author-narrator enjoys a privileged position in the artistic world of the work, fitting into the framing narrative as one of the characters acting to create a narrative situation as “realistic” as possible. His role as narrator and author of the book is formalised within the narrative itself. The purpose of the novella’s narrative evolves throughout the collection from consolation during the long journey at the beginning of the collection to a lesson contained in the examples worthy of emulation. The traveling party, which voluntarily agrees to obey certain rules, can be seen as a model of society in miniature, and its formation as a political and social project based on Christian morality. The path, into which the fellowship embarks, therefore, far from aiming only at physical survival, also aims at salvation from spiritual death, becoming a symbol of man’s way of life. The titles of the novellas are also a novelty in the novelistic tradition, which will have almost no precedents in the next two centuries.
Influence of the environmental factor on the development of hotel enterprises
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian University of Economics G. V. Plekhanov, Steinke A. Yu.
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, we are thinking more and more about the environment, about ecology and about what kind of footprint we leave behind on this planet. This extends to all areas of our activity — both to everyday life and to global trends in various industries. Fashion for the conscious use of environmental resources extends to the hotel business. The article analyzes the activities of hotel enterprises and formulates recommendations for environmentally friendly activities of hotel enterprises.
Assessment of the state of leading hotel enterprises in Moscow
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian University of Economics G. V. Plekhanov, Rybkina E. V.
Published: March 2023

The article examines the state of the three leading hotels in Moscow. The author analyzes the state of the Moscow hotel complex and identifies its main problems. The article also suggests possible directions for the development of activities and improvement of the quality of service.
Organizational and legal mechanisms of regulation tourism services
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian University of Economics G.V. Plekhanov, Panova E. A.
Published: March 2023

Tourism on a global scale is a large inter-industry system with a variety of links between its individual elements both within the economy of one country and within the relations of the economy of this country with the world economy as a whole. The article discusses the mechanism of regulation of tourism services.
E-Commerce Impact on Small Companies
Authors:   Departemen Ilmu Hubungan Internasional, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia, Surya A , Nugraha R F ,   Fakultas Teknik dan Ilmu Komputer, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine how much influence e-commerce has on small companies. The type of research method used was descriptive method by examining the results of several studies. The results of this study were that e-commerce was able to increase the number of sales and expand market reach. Based on the results of the literature, it was found that the existence of e-commerce can increase the productivity of small companies
Digital Business Opportunities in Education Services: the Use of Information Technology in the Covid-19 Endemic
Authors:   Administration Busines Departement, Faculty of Economics and Busines Digital, Institut Digital Ekonomi LPKIA, Jalan Soekarno-Hatta No. 456, Bandung, Sugiana N.S.S. , Liong T.K. ,   Administration Busines Departement, Faculty of Economics and Busines Digital, Institut Digital Ekonomi LPKIA, Jalan Soekarno-Hatta No. 456, Bandung, Hamdani D.S. ,   Administration Busines Departement, Faculty of Economics and Busines Digital, Institut Digital Ekonomi LPKIA, Jalan Soekarno-Hatta No. 456, Bandung, Sulastri T. ,   Administration Busines Departement, Faculty of Economics and Busines Digital, Institut Digital Ekonomi LPKIA, Jalan Soekarno-Hatta No. 456, Bandung, Hendriana T.I. ,   Administration Busines Departement, Faculty of Economics and Busines Digital, Institut Digital Ekonomi LPKIA, Jalan Soekarno-Hatta No. 456, Bandung
Published: March 2023

The impact of Covid-19 in various segments of life makes everyone talk about it; not only in the community among workers and businessmen but also within any community whose activities are conducted from home, either merely some social activities or simple economic transactions; those activities are done in one of another way that they are all required to know how to use information technology. Data have it that nearly all Indonesia people are unique mobile users, social media users and Internet users. Thus, the increase in the use of information technology seems to be very substantial. What arises from this phenomenon is that business opportunities in various sectors have turned into digital, as the educational services that have also turned into online forms and often involve parents who have to provide digital facilities for their children as the students. This research is conducted using descriptive approach with quantitative analysis, and it aims to bring forward some finding that opportunities do avail in the current pandemic-influenced educational services. Observation and studies on research data reveal the use of information technology and its trends, and serve as a reference that digital business opportunities in the educational field will keep accelerating during the Covid-19 endemic era. And this in turn is expected to serve as important information for any interested parties
Internal Institutionalization of Golkar Party For the Study of Simultaneous 2020 Pilkada (Elections of Regional Heads) in Bandung District
Authors:   Department of Government Science, Faculty of Political and Social Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Raya Bandung Sumedang KM.21 street, Jawa Barat 45363, Indonesia, Kartini D S , Mulyawan R ,   Department of Government Science, Faculty of Political and Social Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Raya Bandung Sumedang KM.21 street, Jawa Barat 45363, Indonesia, Rudiana  ,   Department of Government Science, Faculty of Political and Social Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Raya Bandung Sumedang KM.21 street, Jawa Barat 45363, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

The research aims to analyze the internal institutionalization of Golkar in Bandung District by taking a case study of the 2020 Pilkada. The method implemented in this research is a qualitative method classified as descriptive, with data collection techniques using documents. The researcher will review those data and give meaning to them. The result of the research is Golkar, which has controlled Bandung Regency for 20 years, turned out to be defeated in the 2020 Pilkada due to the institutionalization of political parties that could not accommodate the wishes of party seniors. By looking at four political parties’ institutionalizations from Huntington, Golkar is one of the political parties with a high survival level and can survive during regime shifts to other regimes in Bandung District. The political party structure is also complex enough, but the political party’s dependency on the mass organization in its winning electoral strategy is still high. The birth of political party intrafraction led to the defeat of the pair of NiaUsman in the battle for Bandung District Regent seat in 2020. In conclusion, Golkar in Bandung District only leaves two things that still exist in party institutions, which are the party chronology and organizational structure. The impact of the research is no matter how strong the party institutionalization is, if it doesn’t accommodate the wishes of the party’s seniors, the institutionalization will be weak, as well as if the party is very dependent on the organization’s wing