bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Application Research of a UAV-Based Road Illuminance Measurement System
Authors: Xu Songhai , Zou Nianyu , He Qipeng , He Xiaoyang , Li Kexian , Cheng Min , Liu Kai
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a UAV-based road illumination measurement system and evaluates its performance through experiments. The system employs a HUBSAN Zino 2+ UAV, STM32F103RCT6 microcontroller, BH1750 illuminance sensor, and GPS and integrates flight, processing, measurement, cloud platform, obstacle avoidance, communication, and power supply units via the OneNET cloud platform. Both hardware and software designs were implemented, using the Z-score algorithm to handle outliers in illumination data. The system showed a single-point measurement error rate of 1.14% and a MAPE of 5.08% for multi-point measurements. In experiments, the system’s horizontal and vertical illuminance RMSE were 1.92 lx and 1.75 lx, respectively. The real-time visualization interface improved operational efficiency, cutting labor costs by half and time costs by nearly four-fifths. UAV control and monitoring from the roadside ensured safety during measurements. The system’s efficiency and wide measurement range enabled extended experiments, collecting illuminance data across multiple horizontal and vertical planes. This resulted in the creation of both horizontal and innovative vertical-plane illuminance distribution maps. These findings provide valuable data for evaluating road lighting quality, enhancing road traffic safety, and improving road illumination design.
Initial Boundary Value Problem for the Coupled Kundu Equations on the Half-Line
Authors: Hu Jiawei , Zhang Ning
Published: August 2024

In this article, the coupled Kundu equations are analyzed using the Fokas unified method on the half-line. We resolve a Riemann–Hilbert (RH) problem in order to illustrate the representation of the potential function in the coupled Kundu equations. The jump matrix is obtained from the spectral matrix, which is determined according to the initial value data and the boundary value data. The findings indicate that these spectral functions exhibit interdependence rather than being mutually independent, and adhere to a global relation while being connected by a compatibility condition.
Effects of Ocean Acidification and Temperature Coupling on Photosynthetic Activity and Physiological Properties of Ulva fasciata and Sargassum horneri
Authors: Wang Kai , Tao Xiang , Zhang Shouyu , Zhao Xu
Published: August 2024

To investigate the ecological impacts of macroalgae in the framework of shifting global CO2 concentrations, we conducted a study utilizing Ulva fasciata and Sargassum horneri specimens sourced from the Ma’an Archipelago in Zhejiang Province on how ocean acidification (OA) and temperature changes interact to affect the photosynthetic physiological responses of macroalgae. The results of the study showed that OA reduced the tolerance of U. fasciata to bright light at 20 °C, resulting in more pronounced photoinhibition, while 15 °C caused significant inhibition of U. fasciata, reducing its growth and photosynthetic activity, but OA alleviated the inhibition and promoted the growth of the alga to a certain extent. The tolerance of S. horneri to bright light was also reduced at 20 °C; the inhibition was relieved at 15 °C, and the OA further improved the algal growth. The Relative Growth Rate (RGR), photosynthetic pigment content, and the release of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of U. fasciata were mainly affected by the change in temperature; the growth of the alga and the synthesis of metabolites were more favored by 20 °C. A similar temperature dependence was observed for S. horneri, with faster growth and high metabolism at 15 °C. Our results suggest that OA reduces the tolerance of macroalgae to high light at suitable growth temperatures; however, at unsuitable growth temperatures, OA effectively mitigates this inhibitory effect and promotes algal growth.
Variation in the Health Status of the Mediterranean Gorgonian Forests: The Synergistic Effect of Marine Heat Waves and Fishing Activity
Authors: Canessa Martina , Bertolotto Rosella , Betti Federico , Bo Marzia , Dagnino Alessandro , Enrichetti Francesco , Toma Margherita , Bavestrello Giorgio
Published: August 2024

Over the past thirty years, the red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata in the Mediterranean Sea has faced increasing threats, including heat waves and human activities such as artisanal and recreational fishing. Epibiosis on damaged gorgonian colonies is generally used as an indirect indication of stressed conditions. The density and height of P. clavata and the percentage of colonies affected by epibiosis and entangled in lost fishing gear were monitored to investigate the phenomenon and its trend over time in the Ligurian Sea. Analyses were based on transects collected during ROV campaigns between 2015 and 2022 at depths of 33–90 m. A strong correlation was observed between fishing efforts in the study area and the level of epibiosis. Maximal percentages of colonies affected by epibiosis and entanglement were recorded at depths of 50–70 m. Temporally, marine heat waves before 2019 were identified as the primary cause of damage to P. clavata. The decrease in epibiosis percentages after 2019, despite the 2022 heat wave, may be due to a quick recovery ability of the populations and a reduction in fishing activities during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Long-term monitoring programmes are essential to understand the changes in marine benthic communities exposed to different stressors.
An In Vitro Orbital Flow Model to Study Mechanical Loading Effects on Osteoblasts
Authors: Mohan Subburaman , Surisetty Ritika , Kesavan Chandrasekhar
Published: August 2024

Flow induced by an orbital shaker is known to produce shear stress and oscillatory flow, but the utility of this model for studying mechanical loading effects in osteoblasts is not well defined. To test this, osteoblasts derived from the long bones of adult male C57BL/6J mice were plated on 6-well plates and subjected to orbital shaking at various frequencies (0.7, 1.4, and 3.3 Hz) for 30 and 60 min in serum-free differentiation media. The shear stress on cells produced by 0.7, 1.4, and 3.3 Hz shaking frequencies were 1.6, 4.5, and 11.8 dynes/cm2, respectively. ALP activity measured 72 h after shaking (orbital flow) showed a significant increase at 0.7 and 1.4 Hz, but not at 3.3 Hz, compared to static controls. Orbital flow-induced mechanical stress also significantly increased (25%) osteoblast proliferation at a 0.7 Hz flow compared to static controls. Additionally, expression levels of bone formation markers Osf2, Hif1a, Vegf, and Cox2 were significantly increased (1.5- to 3-fold, p < 0.05) in cells subjected to a 0.7 Hz flow compared to non-loaded control cells. We also evaluated the effect of orbital flow on key signaling pathways (mTOR, JNK, and WNT) known to mediate mechanical strain effects on osteoblasts. We found that blocking mTOR and WNT signaling with inhibitors significantly reduced (20–30%) orbital flow-induced ALP activity compared to cells treated using a vehicle. In contrast, inhibition of JNK signaling did not affect flow-induced osteoblast differentiation. In conclusion, our findings show that the flow produced by an orbital shaker at a lower frequency is an appropriate inexpensive model for studying the molecular pathways mediating mechanical strain effects on primary cultures of osteoblasts in vitro.
Protective Effect of Polysaccharides Isolated from Sargassum horneri against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress Both In Vitro, in Vero Cells, and In Vivo in Zebrafish
Authors: Wei Shuangyan , Wang Li , Yang Jia , Xu Ruihang , Jia Rui , He Peimin
Published: August 2024

The extensive outbreak of Sargassum horneri in China has not merely imposed a severe threat to the ecological environment and human life in coastal waters but also impeded the development of waterway transportation and the local economy. Consequently, we isolated polysaccharides from S. horneri, designated as SHP, and evaluated the antioxidant activity of SHP both in vitro and in vivo by investigating the effect of SHP on H2O2-induced African green monkey kidney cells (Vero cells) and zebrafish. The results demonstrated that SHP can enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in zebrafish. It also effectively inhibits micro malondialdehyde and ROS levels in Vero cells and zebrafish to mitigate the oxidative damage caused by H2O2, thereby achieving the protective effect of SHP on Vero cells and zebrafish. In conclusion, SHP holds the potential as a natural antioxidant. SHP can be contemplated for utilization as a natural antioxidant in the biomedical, cosmetic, and food industries, thereby alleviating the environmental stress caused by S. horneri and achieving resource utilization.
Circular Economy, Dairy Cow Feed Leftovers, and Withania somnifera Supplementation: Effects on Black Belly Ram’s Libido, Sperm Quality, Sexual Behavior, and Hemogram Values
Authors: Rodriguez-Sánchez Andrés J. , Meza-Herrera Cesar A. , De Santiago-Miramontes Angeles , Navarrete-Molina Cayetano , Veliz-Deras Francisco G. , Ordoñez-Morales Julieta Z. , Flores-Salas Jessica M. , Marin-Tinoco Ruben I.
Published: August 2024

Considering a circular economy perspective, this study evaluates the possible effect of targeted short-term supplementation with Withania somnifera L. (WS; Ashwagandha) on ram’s seminal quality, socio-sexual behaviors, and blood constituents. Black Belly rams (n = 20) received a basal diet comprising feed-leftovers from dairy cows in the north-arid Mexico (i.e., Comarca Lagunera CL). The experimental units, with proven libido and fertility, were homogeneous in terms of age (3.41 ± 0.21 yr.), live weight (LW; 53.8 ± 3.3 kg), body condition (BC; 2.96 ± 0.01 units), initial sperm concentration (2387 ± 804 × 106), and viability (23.9 ± 15.6%). Rams were randomly assigned during the transition reproductive period (i.e., May to Jun; 25° NL) to three treatment groups: non-supplemented control group (CONT; n = 6), low WS-supplemented (LWS; i.e., 100 mg kg LW−1 d−1 × 40 d; n = 7), and high-WS-supplemented (HWS; i.e., 200 mg kg LW−1 d−1 × 40 d; n = 7). The basal leftover diet was offered twice daily (0700 and 1600 h); the experimental period (EP) lasted 47 d. No differences (p > 0.05) among treatments occurred regarding LW and BCS at the onset of the EP. Whereas the greater scrotal circumference (SCRC, cm) arose in the LWS and CONT rams, an increased ejaculated volume (VOLEJA, mL) occurred in the WS-rams. A total of 5/9 (i.e., 55%) appetitive and 3/3 (i.e., 100%) consummatory sexual behaviors favored (p < 0.05) the WS-rams, particularly the HWS rams, towards the final EP. The same was true (p < 0.05) regarding the hemogram variables white blood cell count (×109 cells L−1), hemoglobin concentration (g dL−1), and medium corpuscular volume (fL). This study, based on a rethink–reuse–reduce enquiry approach, enabled connectedness between two noteworthy animal systems in the CL: dairy cows and meat sheep schemes. Certainly, the use of dairy cow feed-leftovers aligned with the short-term supplementation with WS promoted enhanced testicular function, augmented seminal volume, and an increased sexual behavior in Black Belly rams in northern Mexico. Finally, while our research outcomes should enhance not only the resilience and sustainability of sheep production and the well-being of sheep-producers and their families, it may also embrace clinical translational applications.
The Role of Milk Oligosaccharides in Enhancing Intestinal Microbiota, Intestinal Integrity, and Immune Function in Pigs: A Comparative Review
Authors: Gormley Alexa , Garavito-Duarte Yesid , Kim Sung Woo
Published: August 2024

The objective of this review was to identify the characteristics and functional roles of milk coproducts from human, bovine, and porcine sources and their impacts on the intestinal microbiota and intestinal immunity of suckling and nursery pigs. Modern pig production weans piglets at 3 to 4 weeks of age, which is earlier than pigs would naturally be weaned outside of artificial rearing. As a result, the immature intestines of suckling and nursery pigs face many challenges associated with intestinal dysbiosis, which can be caused by weaning stress or the colonization of the intestines by enteric pathogens. Milk oligosaccharides are found in sow milk and function as a prebiotic in the intestines of pigs as they cannot be degraded by mammalian enzymes and are thus utilized by intestinal microbial populations. The consumption of milk oligosaccharides during suckling and through the nursery phase can provide benefits to young pigs by encouraging the proliferation of beneficial microbial populations, preventing pathogen adhesion to enterocytes, and through directly modulating immune responses. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the specific functional components of milk oligosaccharides from human, bovine, and porcine sources, and identify potential strategies to utilize milk oligosaccharides to benefit young pigs through the suckling and nursery periods.
Cant1 Affects Cartilage Proteoglycan Properties: Aggrecan and Decorin Characterization in a Mouse Model of Desbuquois Dysplasia Type 1
Authors: Gramegna Tota Chiara , Leone Alessandra , Khan Asifa , Forlino Antonella , Rossi Antonio , Paganini Chiara
Published: August 2024

Desbuquois dysplasia type 1 (DBQD1) is a recessive chondrodysplasia caused by mutations in the CANT1 gene, encoding for the Golgi Calcium-Activated Nucleotidase 1 (CANT1). The enzyme hydrolyzes UDP, the by-product of glycosyltransferase reactions, but it might play other roles in different cell types. Using a Cant1 knock-out mouse, we demonstrated that CANT1 is crucial for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis; however, its impact on the biochemical properties of cartilage proteoglycans remains unknown. Thus, in this work, we characterized decorin and aggrecan from primary chondrocyte cultures and cartilage biopsies of mutant mice at post-natal day 4 by Western blots and further investigated their distribution in the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) by immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that the GAG synthesis defect caused by CANT1 impairment led to the synthesis and secretion of proteoglycans with shorter GAG chains compared with wild-type animals. However, this alteration did not result in the synthesis and secretion of decorin and aggrecan in the unglycanated form. Interestingly, the defect was not cartilage-specific since also skin decorin showed a reduced hydrodynamic size. Finally, immunohistochemical studies in epiphyseal sections of mutant mice demonstrated that the proteoglycan structural defect moderately affected decorin distribution in the ECM.
Intensification of Human Land Use Decreases Taxonomic, Functional, and Phylogenetic Diversity of Macroinvertebrate Community in Weihe River Basin, China
Authors: Ma Jixin , Yin Xuwang , Liu Gang , Song Jinxi
Published: August 2024

Recent anthropogenic activities have escalated human exploitation of riparian zones of river ecosystems, consequently diminishing aquatic biodiversity. This intensification of land use is also causing water quality degradation and changes in water environmental factors, evidenced by increased nutrient levels and adversely impacting the community structure and diversity of aquatic organisms. Notably, the Weihe River Basin, the largest tributary of the Yellow River, has demonstrated signs of significant anthropogenic pressure. Despite this, comprehensive investigations examining the effects of land-use intensity on aquatic organism diversity in this watershed remain limited. In this study, the environmental impacts and macroinvertebrate diversity under high-intensity and low-intensity land-use scenarios within the Weihe River Basin were investigated through field surveys conducted during the spring and autumn seasons. Our results demonstrated that areas under high-intensity land use exhibited elevated nutrient concentrations (e.g., total nitrogen) compared to those under low-intensity land use. These environmental changes significantly influenced the macroinvertebrate community structure, reducing functional and phylogenetic diversities in high-intensity land-use watersheds. Hydrological factors (water depth, river width, and discharge) have a significant impact on macroinvertebrate taxonomic diversity. Thus, understanding the effects of land-use intensity on aquatic biodiversity is essential for ecological assessments of impacted watersheds and developing management strategies for the sustainable use and planning of riparian lands in the Weihe River Basin.
Effects of Capulin (C. xalapensis) on the Microbiological, Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Yogurt
Authors: Molina Cheyli , García Sindy Karina Campos , Marcía Fuentes Jhunior , Ore Areche Franklin , Yadav Ajitesh , Aleman Ricardo S.
Published: August 2024

The capulin fruit (Conostegia xalapensis) is a seasonal wild berry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory acceptance and physicochemical characteristics of yogurt with the incorporation of capulin at different concentrations (2, 4, and 6%). The fruits were dehydrated at three different temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C), and flour was prepared as raw material for microbiological and physicochemical characterization. The moisture (9.05%), ash (4.24%), fat (3.7%), carbohydrates (7.2%), protein (6.9%), and fiber (13.1%) were determined. The pH, viscosity, syneresis, water holding capacity, and microbial counts were determined. The acceptability of yogurt was determined through a sensory evaluation with 100 semi-trained judges using a 9-point hedonic test. The results showed a significant difference between the yogurt containing 4 and 6% capulin fruit and the yogurt with the greatest acceptability containing 2% capulin fruit. The pH was within the range of values recommended for commercial yogurt. Likewise, the proximate of capulin fruit was higher than those reported by other authors who have conducted studies with blueberries or wild peas, making capulin jelly an efficient supplement to naturally color fruit yogurt. The incorporation of capulin-based jelly, as we discovered, holds promise as a potential food alternative and a viable substitute for artificial coloring. This finding could have significant implications for the food industry, offering a natural and healthier option.
Lifestyle Medicine Case Manager Nurses for Type Two Diabetes Patients: An Overview of a Job Description Framework—A Narrative Review
Authors: Cangelosi Giovanni , Mancin Stefano , Pantanetti Paola , Nguyen Cuc Thi Thu , Morales Palomares Sara , Biondini Federico , Sguanci Marco , Petrelli Fabio
Published: August 2024

Background: Lifestyle medicine (LM) is a contemporary scientific discipline with a multidisciplinary approach. Case Management offers a viable alternative for the care of patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to identify the role and clinical applications of the lifestyle medicine case manager nurse (LMCMN) for T2D patients internationally and to analyze the role of specialist nurses in Italy through a narrative review. A secondary objective was to define a job description (JD) for a future Delphi method. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and grey literature sources to analyze the international and Italian regulatory contexts. Subsequently, a JD for the LMCMN was developed for application in a future Delphi Study. Results: Nurses play a strategic role in managing T2D, and the LM approach has demonstrated strong evidence of effectiveness. This study developed a specific JD for the LMCMN suitable for both Italian and international contexts. Conclusions: The specific role of the LMCMN is still underdeveloped internationally. In the context of territorial assistance and chronic disease management, this professional is crucial for delivering quality care and shaping health policies that meet community needs.
The Leadership Challenge: Improving Learning in Maltese Schools
Authors: Bezzina Christopher G.
Published: August 2024

This reflective paper aims to contextualise the notion of leadership and professional learning within the Maltese context and present the challenges that the country faces if it truly wants to improve the level of learning in our schools. It presents the main challenge that the country faces at the conceptual, policy and institutional levels as the country needs to grapple with our understanding of governance and how this has been addressed over the years. It is argued that through such an engagement can we relate to the notion of leadership and being a leader in Maltese schools. The paper will explore the role that leadership and governance have on the way we view reform and the nurturing of professional learning and development in Maltese schools. The position taken is that central to any changes requires exploring the need to nurture trust as a fundamental principle that governs the way we relate at both systems and school level. Unless a change in mindset is adopted few changes will leave an impact where it truly matters, student learning.
Creating School–University Partnerships in Urban Schools to Address Teacher Shortages
Authors: Little Mary , Hahs-Vaughn Debbie L. , DeStefano Christine Depies , Farotimi Oluwaseun , Marrett Caroline Pratt , Burrows Borowczak Andrea C.
Published: August 2024

Partnerships among professionals within collegiate teacher preparation programs and school districts are needed to address current teacher shortages, especially critical in urban, high-needs schools. This research study showcases a collaborative model of teacher recruitment, preparation, and support that envisions and co-constructs reconceptualized roles, opportunities, and responsibilities for university faculties, supervising teachers, and teacher candidates. The concept is supported through a continuum of professional learning and reflection. The enhanced partnership model (EPM) for internship requires a partnership between faculties in teacher preparation programs and school districts to develop, engage, and evaluate an EPM for urban-school teacher preparation in multiple urban school sites in the southeastern United States. The goals of this innovative EPM revolve around recruiting diverse teacher candidates, collaboratively preparing them to focus on rigorous academic coursework as well as practical, classroom-based experiences, and retaining the new teachers. Employment data were accessed via administrative sources. A chi-square test of association was used to examine the relationship between participation in the EPM and employment (n = 158). The findings highlight that pre-service teachers participating in the EPM are 4.5 times as likely to be employed in a high-needs school, and 75% of those employed are still employed three years later. The implications of these results are shared.
Forgiveness Psychoeducation with Emerging Adults: REACH Forgiveness and Community Campaigns for Forgiveness
Authors: Worthington Everett L.
Published: August 2024

Much attention has been devoted to the effectiveness of forgiveness interventions in children and adolescents featuring two premier programs by Enright and his colleagues. Little attention has been given to psychoeducational forgiveness interventions with emerging adults. This is a narrative review of REACH Forgiveness studies with emerging adults (ages 18–25). The life tasks of emerging adults justify offering psychoeducational interventions to emerging adults. Research studies on REACH Forgiveness (k = 17), non-REACH Forgiveness studies (k = 4), and community campaigns at universities (k = 4) with emerging adults are summarized. Effect sizes per hour (d/h) for REACH Forgiveness studies (k = 13 for psychoeducational groups; k = 4 for self-administered workbooks) are reported. The proto-REACH groups (k = 5) had mean d/h = 0.104; REACH groups (k = 9) had d/h = 0.101; self-administered workbooks (k = 3) had mean d/h = 0.15; non-REACH Forgiveness studies (k = 4) had d/h = 0.09. All studies were from the USA, and most were from universities. However, a recent article reported randomized controlled trials in five non-USA samples of adults (N = 4598). A 3.34-h workbook had d/h = 0.16, suggesting that the workbook might be effective with emerging adults around the world. Finally, three USA Christian universities had public health immersion campaigns to promote forgiveness, and a community psychoeducational campaign in 2878 secular university students in Colombia (of ~9000 total) allowed choices among 16 psychoeducational activities. The number of activities used was proportional to forgiveness experienced. For forgiveness, d = 0.36 plus substantial reductions in depression and anxiety, indicating strong public health potential of forgiveness psychoeducation in emerging adults worldwide.
An Attractive School-Age Educare—Free Choices as Expanded or Limited Agency
Authors: Ackesjö Helena , Wernholm Marina , Krasniqi Mergim
Published: August 2024

The present study aimed to investigate and problematize an attractive school-age educare (SAEC) from the children’s perspectives. Which different aspects of quality appear in the children’s narratives about the SAEC activities? This was achieved by listening to children’s narratives and their voices. Forty-three children aged 6 to 10 participated in group conversations with the staff in their SAEC center. The study is theoretically based on a childhood sociological lens where children are recognized as active participants and agents for change and therefore important to listen to. The results show that an attractive School-Age Educare requires committed staff who inspire new discoveries, its own identity-specific premises with appropriate materials, the provision of planned and guided activities, the offering of unexpected and non-routine activities, and space for children’s agency to influence and to choose and to direct one’s own time. It is shown that free choices can both expand and limit children’s agency. In addition, the study illustrates how conversations with children can form a basic method for both developing quality and making the contextual factors for children’s agency visible.
Enhanced WiFi/Pedestrian Dead Reckoning Indoor Localization Using Artemisinin Optimization-Particle Swarm Optimization-Particle Filter
Authors: Liu Zhihui , Song Shaojing , Chen Jian , Hou Chao
Published: August 2024

WiFi fingerprint-based positioning is a method for indoor localization with the advent of widespread deployment of WiFi and the Internet of Things. However, single WiFi fingerprint positioning has the problems of mismatch, unstable signal strength and limited accuracy. Aiming to address these issues, this paper proposes the fusion algorithm combining WiFi and pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR). Firstly, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) model is utilized to optimize the weighted k-nearest neighbors (WKNN) in the WiFi part. Additionally, the artemisinin optimization (AO) algorithm is used to optimize the particle filter (PF) to improve the fusion effect of the WiFi and PDR. Finally, to thoroughly validate the localization performance of the proposed algorithm, we designed experiments involving two scenarios with four smartphone gestures: calling, dangling, handheld, and pocketed. The experimental results unequivocally indicate that the positioning error of AO-PSO-PF algorithm is lower than that of other algorithms including PDR, WiFi, PF, APF, and FPF. The average positioning errors for the two experiments are 0.95 m and 1.42 m, respectively.
The Coordinated Control Strategy of Engine Starting Process in Power Split Hybrid Electric Vehicle Based on Load Observation
Authors: Han Lijin , Zhou Xuan , Yang Ningkang
Published: August 2024

During the process of moving, the power splitting hybrid vehicle is required to start the engine to transfer from pure electric mode to hybrid drive mode. According to the structural characteristics of the system, the engine starting process was divided into four stages, the engine starting process was established, and a multi-stage engine starting coordination control strategy was designed. In the engine reverse-drag process, the coordination control strategy was transformed into the optimal rotation rate tracker problem. In order to solve the load torque required in the tracking problem, a reduced-order observer was designed. Finally, the validity of the coordination control strategy was verified on the simulation platform of the electro-mechanical composite transmission system. The feasibility of the coordination control strategy was verified by hardware-in-the-loop simulation. The results show that the engine start coordination control strategy could achieve steady and fast engine start control. The maximal impact of the whole vehicle is reduced from 30 to 2.5 m/s3.
High-Speed Signal Optimization at Differential VIAs in Multilayer Printed Circuit Boards
Authors: Xu Wen-Jie , Xin Dong-Jin , Yang Lei , Zhou Yong-Kang , Wang Dong , Li Wei-Xin
Published: August 2024

The number of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layers is continually increasing with the increase in data transmission rates, and the Signal Integrity (SI) of high-speed digital systems cannot be ignored. Introducing Vertical Interconnect Accesses (VIAs) in PCBs can realize the electrical connection between the top layer and the inner layers, however, VIAs represent one of the most important reasons for discontinuity between the PCBs and package. In this paper, a new optimization scheme for a differential VIA stub is proposed, with 3D full-wave numerical simulation used for modeling and simulation. Results show that this scheme optimizes the return loss and insertion loss while making the signal eye diagram more ideal, which can improve the transmission effect of high-speed signals.
Improving Early Fault Detection in Machine Learning Systems Using Data Diversity-Driven Metamorphic Relation Prioritization
Authors: Srinivasan Madhusudan , Kanewala Upulee
Published: August 2024

Metamorphic testing is a valuable approach to verifying machine learning programs where traditional oracles are unavailable or difficult to apply. This paper proposes a technique to prioritize metamorphic relations (MRs) in metamorphic testing for machine learning and deep learning systems, aiming to enhance early fault detection. We introduce five metrics based on diversity in source and follow-up test cases to prioritize MRs. The effectiveness of our proposed prioritization methods is evaluated on three machine learning and one deep learning algorithm implementation. We compare our approach against random-based, fault-based, and neuron activation coverage-based MR ordering. The results show that our data diversity-based prioritization performs comparably to fault-based prioritization, reducing fault detection time by up to 62% compared to random MR execution. Our proposed metrics outperformed neuron activation coverage-based prioritization, providing 5–550% higher fault detection effectiveness. Overall, our approach to prioritizing metamorphic relations leads to increased fault detection effectiveness and reduced average fault detection time. This improvement in efficiency can result in significant time and cost savings when applying metamorphic testing to machine learning and deep learning systems.
Research on Multi-Microgrid Electricity–Carbon Collaborative Sharing and Benefit Allocation Based on Emergy Value and Carbon Trading
Authors: Yin Yanhe , Xiao Yong , Ruan Zhijie , Lu Yuxin , Zhu Jizhong , Huang Linying , Lan Jing
Published: August 2024

In response to climate change, the proportion of renewable energy penetration is increasing daily. However, there is a lack of flexible energy transfer mechanisms. The optimization effect of low-carbon economic dispatch in a single park is limited. In the context of the sharing economy, this study proposes a research method for multi-park electricity sharing and benefit allocation based on carbon credit trading. Firstly, a framework for multi-park system operation is constructed, and an energy hub model is established for the electrical, cooling, and heating interconnections with various energy conversions. Secondly, a park carbon emission reduction trading model is established based on the carbon credit mechanism, further forming an optimal economic and environmental dispatch strategy for multi-park electricity sharing. Matlab+Gurobi is used for solving. Then, based on asymmetric Nash bargaining, the comprehensive contribution rate of each park is calculated by considering their energy contribution and carbon emission reduction contribution, thereby achieving a fair distribution of cooperation benefits among multiple parks. The results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the overall operational cost of multiple parks and decrease carbon emissions, and the benefit allocation strategy used is fair and reasonable, effectively motivating the construction of new energy in parks and encouraging active participation in cooperative operations by all parks.
Economic and Environmental Analyses of an Integrated Power and Hydrogen Production Systems Based on Solar Thermal Energy
Authors: Aminov Zarif , Alikulov Khusniddin , Xuan Tran-Dang
Published: August 2024

This study introduces a novel hybrid solar–biomass cogeneration power plant that efficiently produces heat, electricity, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen using concentrated solar power and syngas from cotton stalk biomass. Detailed exergy-based thermodynamic, economic, and environmental analyses demonstrate that the optimized system achieves an exergy efficiency of 48.67% and an exergoeconomic factor of 80.65% and produces 51.5 MW of electricity, 23.3 MW of heat, and 8334.4 kg/h of hydrogen from 87,156.4 kg/h of biomass. The study explores four scenarios for green hydrogen production pathways, including chemical looping reforming and supercritical water gasification, highlighting significant improvements in levelized costs and the environmental impact compared with other solar-based hybrid systems. Systems 2 and 3 exhibit superior performance, with levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) of 49.2 USD/MWh and 55.4 USD/MWh and levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH) of between 10.7 and 19.5 USD/MWh. The exergoenvironmental impact factor ranges from 66.2% to 73.9%, with an environmental impact rate of 5.4–7.1 Pts/MWh. Despite high irreversibility challenges, the integration of solar energy significantly enhances the system’s exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental performance, making it a promising alternative as fossil fuel reserves decline. To improve competitiveness, addressing process efficiency and cost reduction in solar concentrators and receivers is crucial.
Variations of Terrestrial Net Ecosystem Productivity in China Driven by Climate Change and Human Activity from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Xu Mei , Guo Bing , Zhang Rui
Published: August 2024

Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) plays an important role in the quantitative evaluation of carbon source/sinks in terrestrial ecosystems. This study used Theil–Sen median trend analysis, the Mann–Kendall method, and the Geodetector model to analyze the variation patterns and its dominant factors of NEP from 2010 to 2020. The results showed the following: (1) During 2010–2020, the spatial distribution of carbon sinks in China’s terrestrial ecosystems showed a pattern of high in the southeast and low in the northwest. The area with NEP < 0 accounted for 44.74% of the total area, while the area with NEP > 0 accounted for 55.26%. (2) The northwest region belonged to the significant carbon source, while the other regions belonged to significant carbon sinks. (3) The annual average NEP in different sub-regions showed an increasing trend. During 2010–2020, the overall NEP in China showed a trend in shifting from low-level to high-level, indicating that the NEP of terrestrial ecosystems in China increased during the past 11 years. (4) The NEP gravity center in Northeast China showed a trend in moving southward and then northward, while that of the NEP gravity center in East China showed a circular migration trend of ‘northwest-southwest–northeast–southeast’. The gravity center of NEP in Northwest China was moving northeastward. The migration trajectory of the NEP gravity center in Southwest China presented a “Z” shape. The change in the gravity center of NEP in the central and southern regions had a strong circuitous nature, and the overall trend was to migrate southward. (5) The combined actions of climate change and human activities were the main reason for the change in NEP in China’s terrestrial ecosystem from 2010 to 2020. (6) There were obvious differences in the dominant driving factors of NEP evolution in different regions and different periods in the past 40 years.
Multi-Dimensional Landscape Connectivity Index for Prioritizing Forest Cover Change Scenarios: A Case Study of Southeast China
Authors: He Zhu , Lin Zhihui , Xu Qianle , Ding Shanshan , Bao Xiaochun , Li Xuefei , Hu Xisheng , Li Jian
Published: August 2024

Predicting forest cover change (FCC) and screening development scenarios are crucial for ecological resilience. However, quantitative evaluations of prioritizing forest change scenarios are limited. Here, we took five shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) representing potential global changes, namely SSP1: sustainability, SSP2: middle of the road, SSP3: regional rivalry, SSP4: inequality, and SSP5: fossil-fueled development, which were constructed by integrated assessment and climate models. We modeled them with the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) and constructed a multi-dimensional landscape connectivity index (MLCI) employing forest landscape connectivity (FLC) indices to assess forest development in Fujian Province, Southeast China. The MLCI visualized by radar charts was based on five metrics, including forest patch size (class area (CA), number (patch density (PD), isolation (landscape division index (DIVISION), aggregation (mean nearest-neighbor index (ENN_MN), and connectance index, (CONNECT). The results indicate that FC will remain above 61.4% until 2030, with growth observed in SSP1 and SSP4. Particularly, FC in SSP4 substantially increased, converted from cropland (1140.809 km2) and grassland (645.741 km2). SSP4 has the largest MLCI values and demonstrates significant enhancements in forest landscape integrity, with CA, ENN_MN and CONNECT increasing greatly. Our study offers valuable approaches to and insights into forest protection and restoration.
Predicting Forest Fire Area Growth Rate Using an Ensemble Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Long , Shi Changjiang , Zhang Fuquan
Published: August 2024

Due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, the Liangshan Prefecture region is highly prone to large fires. There is an urgent need to study the growth rate of fire-burned areas to fill the research gap in this region. To address this issue, this study uses the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithm to optimize the hyperparameters in the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model, constructing a GWO-XGBoost model. Finally, the optimized ensemble model (GWO-XGBoost) is used to create a fire growth rate warning map for the Liangshan Prefecture in Sichuan Province, China, filling the research gap in forest fire studies in this area. This study comprehensively selects factors such as monthly climate, monthly vegetation, terrain, and socio–economic aspects and incorporates monthly reanalysis data from forest fire assessment systems in Canada, the United States, and Australia as features to construct the forest fire dataset. After collinearity tests to filter redundant features and Pearson correlation analysis to explore features related to the burned area growth rate, the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) is used to oversample the positive class samples. The GWO algorithm is used to optimize the hyperparameters in the XGBoost model, constructing the GWO-XGBoost model, which is then compared with XGBoost, Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression (LR) models. Model evaluation results showed that the GWO-XGBoost model, with an AUC value of 0.8927, is the best-performing model. Using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value analysis method to quantify the contribution of each influencing factor indicates that the Ignition Component (IC) value from the United States National Fire Danger Rating System contributes the most, followed by the average monthly temperature and the population density. The growth rate warning map results indicate that the southern part of the study area is the key fire prevention area.
Financial Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development
Authors: Manta Otilia
Published: August 2024

This Special Issue on “Financial Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development” includes a diverse collection of research papers that explore the evolving landscape of financial technologies (FinTech) and their implications for sustainable development [...]
Screening Wheat Genotypes for Specific Genes Linked to Drought Tolerance
Authors: Sallam Ahmed , El-Defrawy Mohamed M. H. , Dawood Mona F. A. , Hashem Mostafa
Published: August 2024

Drought stress, which significantly affects growth and reduces grain yield, is one of the main problems for wheat crops. Producing promising drought-tolerant wheat cultivars with high yields is one of the main targets for wheat breeders. In this study, a total of seven drought-tolerant wheat genotypes were screened for the presence of 19 specific drought tolerance genes. The genotypes were tested under normal and drought conditions for two growing seasons. Four spike traits, namely, spike length (SPL), grain number per spike (GNPS), number of spikelets per spike (NSPS), and grain yield per spike (GYPS), were scored. The results revealed that drought stress decreased the SPL, GNPS, NSPS, and GYPS, with ranges ranging from 2.14 (NSPS) to 13.92% (GNPS) and from 2.40 (NSPS) to 11.09% (GYPS) in the first and second seasons, respectively. ANOVA revealed high genetic variation among the genotypes for each trait under each treatment. According to the drought tolerance indices, Omara 007 presented the highest level of drought tolerance (average of sum ranks = 3), whereas both Giza-36 genotypes presented the lowest level of drought tolerance (average of sum ranks = 4.8) among the genotypes tested. Among the 19 genes tested, 11 were polymorphic among the selected genotypes. Omara 007 and Omara 002 presented the greatest number of specific drought tolerance genes (nine) tested in this study, whereas Sohag-5, Giza-36, and PI469072 presented the lowest number of drought tolerance genes (four). The number of different genes between each pair of genotypes was calculated. Seven different genes were found between Omara 007 and Giza-36, Omara 007 and Sohag-5, and Omara 002 and PI469072. The results of this study may help to identify the best genotypes for crossing candidate genotypes, and not merely to genetically improve drought tolerance in wheat.
A New Case Report of Traboulsi Syndrome: A Literature Review and Insights Into Genotype–Phenotype Correlations
Authors: Ibarra-Ramírez Marisol , Campos-Acevedo Luis D. , Valenzuela-Lopez Aristides , López-Villanueva Luis Arturo , Fernandez-de-Luna Marissa , Mohamed-Noriega Jibran
Published: August 2024

Traboulsi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by facial dysmorphism, lens subluxation, anterior segment anomalies, and spontaneous filtering blebs. The syndrome is due to mutations in the ASPH gene, which plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the lens. This case report describes the clinical and genetic findings in a Mexican male with Traboulsi syndrome, highlighting the identification of a novel ASPH variant. A 21-year-old male presented with trauma to the right eye while playing soccer. He had a history of lens subluxation and dysmorphic facial features. Ophthalmic examination revealed right eye lens subluxation into the anterior chamber (with signs of a previous episode of acute angle closure) and left eye posterior and inferior lens subluxation with sectorial iris atrophy. Genetic analysis identified a pathogenic ASPH variant (NM_004318.3:c.1892G>A, p.Trp631*) and a novel likely pathogenic variant (deletion of exons 20–21), confirming Traboulsi syndrome. This is the first instance of Traboulsi syndrome in the Mexican population. The absence of spontaneous filtering blebs in this patient supports previous reports of the wide phenotypic variability that could be related to the type of mutation. This novel ASPH variant expands the known genetic heterogeneity of Traboulsi syndrome.
Poor Work Ability Is Associated with Workplace Violence in Nurses: A Two-Wave Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Magnavita Nicola , Meraglia Igor
Published: August 2024

Healthcare personnel must deal with two problems of growing importance: violence in the workplace and the loss of work ability due to the aging of the workforce. Our objective was to evaluate, with a two-wave perspective design, the relationships of work ability, social support, and occupational stress with workplace violence in nurses. In an Italian public health company, we asked nurses to self-assess their work ability using the Work Ability Index (WAI) and we analyzed the relationship between this indicator and the violence experienced in the previous and following years. A total of 321 out of 344 nurses (99.3%) participated. In a logistic regression model, the WAI score was a significant protective factor for violence experienced in the previous year (OR = 0.94 CI95% = 0.90; 0.98 p < 0.01) and in the following year (OR = 0.88 CI95% = 0.84; 0.92 p < 0.01). In a hierarchical logistic regression model, social support acted as a protective factor (OR = 0.87 CI95% = 0.79; 0.95 for violence experienced in the previous year), while occupational stress was a significant determinant of the risk of aggression (OR = 3.65 CI95% = 1.90; 7.03 in the previous year, OR = 3.54 CI95% = 1.801; 6.947 in the following year). The difficulties that nurses encounter in carrying out their growing work demands in an environment that is not promptly adapted to their changing physical and mental states can lead to an increased risk of violence. Prevention of workplace violence should include organizational and ergonomic measures that reduce stress and increase staff support and work ability.
Revisiting One of the Oldest Orphanages, Asylums, and Indigenous Residential Boarding Schools: The Thomas Indian School at Seneca Nation
Authors: Haynes Hayden , McCarthy Theresa , Abrams Corinne , Lewis Melissa E. , Haring Rodney C.
Published: August 2024

For Indigenous populations, one of the most recognized acts of historical trauma has come from boarding schools. These institutions were established by federal and state governments to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into foreign cultures through spiritual, physical, and sexual abuse and through the destruction of critical connections to land, family, and tribal community. This literature review focuses on the impact of one of the oldest orphanages, asylums, and Indigenous residential boarding schools in the United States. The paper shares perspectives on national and international parallels of residential schools, land, truth and reconciliation, social justice, and the reconnection of resiliency-based Indigenous Knowledge towards ancestral strength, reclamation, survivorship, and cultural continuance.