bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Clustering via Single and Complete Linkage Using Fully Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Sokhonn Lynin , Park Yun-Soo , Lee Mun-Kyu
Published: July 2024

Hierarchical clustering is a widely used data analysis technique. Typically, tools for this method operate on data in its original, readable form, raising privacy concerns when a clustering task involving sensitive data that must remain confidential is outsourced to an external server. To address this issue, we developed a method that integrates Cheon-Kim-Kim-Song homomorphic encryption (HE), allowing the clustering process to be performed without revealing the raw data. In hierarchical clustering, the two nearest clusters are repeatedly merged until the desired number of clusters is reached. The proximity of clusters is evaluated using various metrics. In this study, we considered two well-known metrics: single linkage and complete linkage. Applying HE to these methods involves sorting encrypted distances, which is a resource-intensive operation. Therefore, we propose a cooperative approach in which the data owner aids the sorting process and shares a list of data positions with a computation server. Using this list, the server can determine the clustering of the data points. The proposed approach ensures secure hierarchical clustering using single and complete linkage methods without exposing the original data.
Design of New BLE GAP Roles for Vehicular Communications
Authors: Perez-Yuste Antonio , Pitarch-Blasco Jordi , Falcon-Darias Felix Alejandro , Nuñez Neftali
Published: July 2024

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a prominent short-range wireless communication protocol widely extended for communications and sensor systems in consumer electronics and industrial applications, ranging from manufacturing to retail and healthcare. The BLE protocol provides four generic access profile (GAP) roles when it is used in its low-energy version, i.e., ver. 4 and beyond. GAP roles control connections and allow BLE devices to interoperate each other. They are defined by the Bluetooth special interest group (SIG) and are primarily oriented to connect peripherals wirelessly to smartphones, laptops, and desktops. Consequently, the existing GAP roles have characteristics that do not fit well with vehicular communications in cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS), where low-latency communications in high-density environments with stringent security demands are required. This work addresses this gap by developing two new GAP roles, defined at the application layer to meet the specific requirements of vehicular communications, and by providing a service application programming interface (API) for developers of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications. We have named this new approach ITS-BLE. These GAP roles are intended to facilitate BLE-based solutions for real-world scenarios on roads, such as detecting road traffic signs or exchanging information at toll booths. We have developed a prototype able to work indistinctly as a unidirectional or bidirectional communication device, depending on the use case. To solve security risks in the exchange of personal data, BLE data packets, here called packet data units (PDU), are encrypted or signed to guarantee either privacy when sharing sensitive data or authenticity when avoiding spoofing, respectively. Measurements taken and their later evaluation demonstrated the feasibility of a V2X BLE network consisting of picocells with a radius of about 200 m.
Utilizing High-Resolution Imaging and Artificial Intelligence for Accurate Leaf Wetness Detection for the Strawberry Advisory System (SAS)
Authors: Kondaparthi Akash Kumar , Lee Won Suk , Peres Natalia A.
Published: July 2024

In strawberry cultivation, precise disease management is crucial for maximizing yields and reducing unnecessary fungicide use. Traditional methods for measuring leaf wetness duration (LWD), a critical factor in assessing the risk of fungal diseases such as botrytis fruit rot and anthracnose, have been reliant on sensors with known limitations in accuracy and reliability and difficulties with calibrating. To overcome these limitations, this study introduced an innovative algorithm for leaf wetness detection systems employing high-resolution imaging and deep learning technologies, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Implemented at the University of Florida’s Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) in Citra, FL, USA, and expanded to three additional locations across Florida, USA, the system captured and analyzed images of a reference plate to accurately determine the wetness and, consequently, the LWD. The comparison of system outputs with manual observations across diverse environmental conditions demonstrated the enhanced accuracy and reliability of the artificial intelligence-driven approach. By integrating this system into the Strawberry Advisory System (SAS), this study provided an efficient solution to improve disease risk assessment and fungicide application strategies, promising significant economic benefits and sustainability advances in strawberry production.
Comparison of KF-Based Vehicle Sideslip Estimation Logics with Increasing Complexity for a Passenger Car
Authors: Ponticelli Lorenzo , Barbaro Mario , Mandragora Geraldino , Pagano Gianluca , Torres Gonçalo Sousa
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, control is pervasive in vehicles, and a full and accurate knowledge of vehicle states is crucial to guarantee safety levels and support the development of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADASs). In this scenario, real-time monitoring of the vehicle sideslip angle becomes fundamental, and various virtual sensing techniques based on both vehicle dynamics models and data-driven methods are widely presented in the literature. Given the need for on-board embedded device solutions in autonomous vehicles, it is mandatory to find the correct balance between estimation accuracy and the computational burden required. This work mainly presents different physical KF-based methodologies and proposes both mathematical and graphical analysis to explore the effectiveness of these solutions, all employing equal tire and vehicle simplified models. For this purpose, results are compared with accurate sensor acquisition provided by the on-track campaign on passenger vehicles; moreover, to truthfully represent the possibility of using such virtual sensing techniques in real-world scenarios, the vehicle is also equipped with low-end sensors that provide information to all the employed observers.
Hybrid Integrated Wearable Patch for Brain EEG-fNIRS Monitoring
Authors: Li Boyu , Li Mingjie , Xia Jie , Jin Hao , Dong Shurong , Luo Jikui
Published: July 2024

Synchronous monitoring electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) have received significant attention in brain science research for their provision of more information on neuro-loop interactions. There is a need for an integrated hybrid EEG-fNIRS patch to synchronously monitor surface EEG and deep brain fNIRS signals. Here, we developed a hybrid EEG-fNIRS patch capable of acquiring high-quality, co-located EEG and fNIRS signals. This patch is wearable and provides easy cognition and emotion detection, while reducing the spatial interference and signal crosstalk by integration, which leads to high spatial–temporal correspondence and signal quality. The modular design of the EEG-fNIRS acquisition unit and optimized mechanical design enables the patch to obtain EEG and fNIRS signals at the same location and eliminates spatial interference. The EEG pre-amplifier on the electrode side effectively improves the acquisition of weak EEG signals and significantly reduces input noise to 0.9 μVrms, amplitude distortion to less than 2%, and frequency distortion to less than 1%. Detrending, motion correction algorithms, and band-pass filtering were used to remove physiological noise, baseline drift, and motion artifacts from the fNIRS signal. A high fNIRS source switching frequency configuration above 100 Hz improves crosstalk suppression between fNIRS and EEG signals. The Stroop task was carried out to verify its performance; the patch can acquire event-related potentials and hemodynamic information associated with cognition in the prefrontal area.
Modeling Strategic Interventions to Increase Attendance at Youth Community Centers
Authors: Moro-Araujo Alejandro , Alonso Pastor Luis , Larson Kent
Published: July 2024

Community centers play a crucial role in urban environments, providing physical and educational services to their surrounding communities, particularly for students. Among the many benefits for students are enhanced academic outcomes, improvement of behavioral problems, and increased school attendance. Such centers are also particularly vital for low-income and racial minority students as they are pivotal in giving them outside-of-school learning opportunities. However, determinants influencing attendance at community centers remain largely unexplored. The novelty of our research comes from using census data, Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) attendance data, and specific center attributes, to develop human mobility gravitational models that have been used, for the first time, to predict attendance across the BCYF network. Using those models, we simulated the potential effects on general and student attendance by changing center attributes, such as facilities and operating hours. We also researched the impact of changing the walking accessibility to those centers on their respective attendance patterns. After the analysis, we found that the most cost-effective policy to increase BCYF attendance is changing each center’s educational and recreational offerings far beyond any accessibility interventions. Our results provide insights into potential policy changes that could optimize the attendance and reach of BCYF Community Centers to under-served populations.
Energy Management in Residential Microgrid Based on Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring and Internet of Things
Authors: Ramadan Rawda , Huang Qi , Zalhaf Amr , Bamisile Olusola , Li Jian , Mansour Diaa-Eldin , Lin Xiangning , Yehia Doaa
Published: July 2024

Recently, various strategies for energy management have been proposed to improve energy efficiency in smart grids. One key aspect of this is the use of microgrids. To effectively manage energy in a residential microgrid, advanced computational tools are required to maintain the balance between supply and demand. The concept of load disaggregation through non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is emerging as a cost-effective solution to optimize energy utilization in these systems without the need for extensive sensor infrastructure. This paper presents an energy management system based on NILM and the Internet of Things (IoT) for a residential microgrid, including a photovoltaic (PV) plant and battery storage device. The goal is to develop an efficient load management system to increase the microgrid’s independence from the traditional electrical grid. The microgrid model is developed in the electromagnetic transient program PSCAD/EMTDC to analyze and optimize energy performance. Load disaggregation is obtained by combining artificial neural networks (ANNs) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to identify appliances for demand-side management. An ANN is applied in NILM as a load identification task, and PSO is used to optimize the ANN algorithm. This combination enhances the NILM technique’s accuracy, which is verified using the mean absolute error method to assess the difference between the predicted and measured power consumption of appliances. The NILM output is then transferred to consumers through the ThingSpeak IoT platform, enabling them to monitor and control their appliances to save energy and costs.
Mission and Vision of Foodsharing Cafés in Germany
Authors: Fratini Letizia , Bitsch Vera
Published: July 2024

In developed countries, large amounts of edible food are wasted at the household level, with significant negative environmental impacts. Therefore, reducing food waste is included in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In different countries, several food-sharing initiatives have emerged to recover and redistribute surplus food. Recently, a Café concept was established offering such “rescued” food free of charge in publicly accessible locations, often complemented by beverages. Based on web research and semi-structured interviews, the current study analyzed the mission, vision, and activities of these Cafés and the main motivations of volunteers and employees. In addition to other food-sharing initiatives’ goals of raising public awareness about food waste, increasing the appreciation of food, and sharing surpluses, they seek to contribute to increased sustainability by educating citizens and sharing knowledge and skills to reduce household food waste. The Cafés also seek to offer inclusive community spaces and promote the values of solidarity and sustainability. Interviewees’ motivations match the Cafés’ missions, and many seek to achieve broader system change. Furthermore, they value the feeling of community and shared purpose through their engagement. The Cafés’ focus on education and skill building is likely to better serve the goal of reducing food waste than prior initiatives.
Navigating Geopolitical Risks: Deciphering the Greenium and Market Dynamics of Green Bonds in China
Authors: Lian Jiale , Hou Xiaohui
Published: July 2024

This study investigates whether green bonds have an issuance cost advantage over conventional bonds (greenium), examines the impact of geopolitical risks on their price dynamics, and explores the industry-specific effects of such risks in the financial sector. Using a dataset of 270 green bonds and 667 conventional bonds from May 2018 to August 2021, this study applies a two-step panel estimation method to analyze the influence of geopolitical risks on green bond pricing. The findings indicate that green bonds in China have an issuance cost advantage compared to traditional bonds, with a premium of 10–12 bps. Additionally, both recent and historical geopolitical risks, including GPR threats and GPR acts, significantly reduce green bond financing costs, with the China-specific geopolitical risk index having the most substantial impact, lowering costs by up to 17.4 bps. This study also highlights the financial sector, where green bonds do not display an issuance premium, and geopolitical risk has a slightly lower effect compared to the overall market. These results provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of geopolitical risks on the pricing of Chinese green bonds, utilize strict screening criteria and the latest two-stage panel estimation method for more reliable analytical conclusions, and establish green bonds as reliable tools for sustainable investment.
Strategic Fit Orientation and Business Agility of Non-Oil Export Women Entrepreneurs in a Developing Economy
Authors: Adesanya Oluwatoyin Deborah , Ogunnaike Olaleke Oluseye , Ufua Daniel Ebakoleaneh , Onayemi Oluwakemi Oluwafunmilayo , Dada Augustina Esitse , Edewor Ogheneofejiro Jesujoba
Published: July 2024

A firm’s ability to compete effectively depends on matching its internal operations with various exterior contexts. This research investigated the impact of strategic fit orientation on business agility among female entrepreneurs in Lagos state, Nigeria’s non-oil export sector. This study used a descriptive and quantitative approach to gather information from four hundred and two (402) selected female entrepreneurs actively engaged in non-oil exporting activities in the agribusiness, textile, and information and technology business processing industry. The respondents were purposefully determined, while the data were analyzed using measurement and structural modeling. This study reveals that strategic fit orientation significantly mediates firm strategies and business agility. This means that women entrepreneurs should continually develop structures and strategies to stay agile and strategically fit in the business environment. They are to adapt their objectives strategically to reduce potential risks and assess situations and possible consequences of threats to remain dynamic in the business environment. This study addressed the gap between strategic fit orientation and business agility in developing economies.
Impact of Environmental Conditions on Soil Geochemistry in Southern Kazakhstan
Authors: Kakabayev Anuarbek A. , Sharipova Botagoz U. , Baranovskaya Natalia V. , Rodrigo-Ilarri Javier , Rodrigo-Clavero María-Elena , Lo Papa Giuseppe , Bazilevskaya Ekaterina A. , Muratbekova Svetlana , Nurmukhanbetova Nurgul , Durmekbayeva Shynar , Toychibekova Gaziza B. , Kurmanbayev Rakhat , Zhumabayeva Aigul
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the elemental composition of soils in Kyzylorda and Turkestan (southern Kazakhstan), an area rich in natural resources but facing potential environmental threats from industry and agriculture. The goal was to establish baseline geochemical values and assess soil contamination risks. Soil samples were collected from across the region and analyzed using ICP-MS and INAA techniques, providing a comprehensive profile of 72 elements. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in elemental concentrations, with enrichments observed for specific elements when compared with reference values. Notably, both regions shared a core set of elements including rare earth elements (yttrium series: holmium, erbium, thulium), noble metals (gold, platinum, ruthenium, palladium), and tungsten. Enrichment patterns, however, provided distinct insights. Rare earth element enrichments likely reflect the region’s geology, while elevated radioactive elements necessitate further investigation to understand potential environmental and health risks. Enrichment of iron group elements might be linked to a combination of geological factors and anthropogenic activities like mining or industrial processes. A significantly higher number of elements exceeded background levels in Kyzylorda compared with Turkestan, suggesting greater element accumulation in Kyzylorda’s soil. This difference could be attributed to variations in regional geology or historical anthropogenic activities. The established geochemical baseline for 72 elements and the identified areas of potential contamination will inform land management practices, guide future environmental monitoring efforts, and ultimately contribute to the safeguarding of public health in southern Kazakhstan.
Designers’ Needs in Leveraging the Evolving Role of Packaging for Promoting Healthy Eating
Authors: Chu Ruiqi , Hetherington Marion M. , Tang Tang
Published: July 2024

Promoting healthy eating improves both planetary and human health, aligning with sustainable development goals. Eating healthy, locally sourced foods that are rich in nutrients and low in energy density produces benefits for public health in the long term and enhances resource sustainability. Despite the importance of increasing intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, consumers still frequently choose pre-packaged foods, making packaging design crucial in influencing food choice and intake as well as promoting healthy diets. Designers of food packaging are in a crucial position to contribute to health and well-being by influencing consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards healthy eating. However, designers may yet be unaware of their potential to influence and the challenges they may face in this domain. This study investigates designers’ perspectives, understandings, needs and challenges regarding packaging design for promoting healthy eating. A total of 20 designers (n = 10 professionals, 10 students) from various design backgrounds participated in this study, engaging in a packaging design task (centred on either reducing intake of high-energy density foods or increasing intake of fruits and vegetables), followed by one-to-one interviews. A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that the designers primarily focused on enhancing the healthiness of food items through packaging design but often overlooked the potential to regulate consumer intake of energy-dense foods. In addition, the designers expressed concerns regarding consumer preferences and market acceptance for such designs. They faced significant challenges in accessing relevant resources and emphasised the need for health-related information, data on packaging impacts and consumer preferences, practical design examples and theoretical support. These findings highlight the demand for additional support to enable designers to develop tailored packaging designs, contributing to a supportive environment for promoting healthy eating.
Sustainable Development through Fintech: Understanding the Adoption of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Applications by Generation Z in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abed Salma S. , Alkadi Rotana S.
Published: July 2024

Sustainable development has emerged as a paramount priority globally, with the fintech services playing a crucial role in achieving these goals. Although previous research has explored consumer perceptions of novel fintech services, including Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) applications, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the factors influencing adoption among young consumers. This study addresses this limitation by investigating the determinants of BNPL app usage among Saudi Arabian Generation Z consumers, integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and DeLone and McLean’s Information Systems Success model. A survey of 380 BNPL app consumers from Generation Z was conducted, and their responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence positively impact the intention to continue using BNPL apps. Furthermore, system quality, service quality, and information quality exhibit significant correlations with satisfaction within the IS Success model. The study’s outcomes are expected to inform app developers in designing effective apps that engage digital-native consumers and provide policymakers with insights to enhance fintech services. This research contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge on fintech adoption, intentions, and satisfaction.
Effect of W-OH Material on Water/Fertilizer Retention and Plant Growth in the Pisha Sandstone Area of China
Authors: Liang Zhishui , Sun Yue , Fang Xiuwen , Pan Bo , Xiao Yuan , Gao Haiying , Wu Zhiren
Published: July 2024

The Pisha sandstone area in the Yellow River Basin is one of the regions with the most severe soil erosion in China and globally, and its erosion is particularly challenging to control. W-OH, a hydrophilic polyurethane material, possesses controllable degradation properties. It can react with water to achieve soil stabilization and erosion resistance during the curing process. The material has been successfully utilized in erosion control in Pisha sandstone areas. This study aims to investigate the impact of W-OH material on water/fertilizer retention and plant growth through experiments on soil hardness, permeability, soil evaporation, soil column leaching, pot tests, and a small-scale demonstration in practical engineering applications. The results indicate that different concentrations of W-OH solution can effectively permeate Pisha sandstone, solidifying the particles to create a flexible and porous consolidation layer on the surface with a specific depth. As the W-OH concentration (3%, 4%, and 5%) increases, the harnesses of the consolidation layer also increase but remain below 1.5 kPa, which does not impede plant root growth. The soil evaporation rate decreased by approximately 45.2%, 45.8%, and 50.3% compared to the control group. The reduction rates of cumulative total nitrogen (TN) content are around 43.57%, 48.14%, and 63.99%, and, for cumulative total phosphorus (TP), are approximately 27.96%, 45.70%, and 61.17% under the 3%, 4%, and 5% concentrations of W-OH solution, respectively. In the pot tests, concentrations of W-OH solution below 5% are suitable for germination and growth of monocotyledons, while the optimal concentration for dicotyledons is around 3%. In the demonstration, the vegetation coverage of the treated gully increases by approximately 11.35%. This research offers a promising and effective approach to enhance ecological restoration in Pisha sandstone areas.
Influence of Parameter Uncertainties in Carbon Footprint Assessments on the Magnitude of Product-Related Ecological Measures
Authors: Rommelfanger Scally , Kilchert Sebastian , Hiermaier Stefan
Published: July 2024

This study seeks to provide guidance on how top-down greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (GHG ERTs), deriving, for example, from corporate decarbonization strategies, can be translated into quantifiable targets for component measures. Furthermore, it shows how these targets need to be adjusted during the development process to account for parameter uncertainties resulting from the lack of data availability and validity in the early design stage. The scope of the analysis focuses on ecological measure magnitude (EMM) targets for mass reduction and the content of recycled material. The study is split into two sections: The first section introduces a method on how to calculate EMMs based on a partial carbon footprint assessment (CFPA). The second and main section elaborates on an analysis of how parameter uncertainties in the CFPA influence initially defined EMM targets by using perturbation analysis. In the presented paper, the method is applied exemplarily to an automotive component in an internal combustion engine vehicle. The study shows that a parameter uncertainty in the environmental impact of the mass-induced use phase or the primary material production (and semi-finished product provision) has a significant influence on the required EMMs. In the authors’ opinion, this study can increase the awareness of how CFPA parameter uncertainties can affect the credibility of EMM development targets. The used approach can help designers and engineers to minimize the risk of a non-fulfillment of GHG emission-related development targets.
A Biomechanical Study of Potential Plants for Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization of Highland in Thailand
Authors: Mairaing Warakorn , Jotisankasa Apiniti , Leksungnoen Nisa , Hossain Monir , Ngernsaengsaruay Chatchai , Rangsiwanichpong Prem , Pilumwong Jarunee , Pramusandi Sony , Semmad Surat , Ahmmed Abu Noman Faruq
Published: July 2024

Soil bioengineering provides a sustainable method for erosion control and soil slope stabilization using vegetation with multiple co-benefits. This study evaluated ten plant species in Thailand’s highland regions for their soil bioengineering potential and additional benefits. Root architecture, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus were measured to compare biomechanical traits. G. sepium, F. griffithii, P. americana, B. asiatica, and C. arabica exhibited H-type roots with wide lateral spread, while M. denticulata and C. officinarum had VH-type roots with deep taproots and wide lateral extent. A. sutepensis showed M-type roots with most root matrix in the top 0.3 m, where C. cajan and C. sinensis had R-type roots with deep, oblique growth. Most species showed a negative power relationship between the root strength and Young’s modulus with the root diameter except C. cajan that showed a positive correlation. P. americana, F. griffithii, C. officinarum, and C. arabica showed relatively high values of 1 mm root tensile strength (exceeding 24 to 42 MPa), while M. denticulata, G. sepium, and B. asiatica exhibited intermediate root tensile strength (ranging from 8 to 19 MPa). A. sutepensis, C. cajan, and C. sinensis demonstrated the lowest root tensile strength, up to 7 MPa. It is advised to plan slope vegetation by selecting diverse plant species with varying root structures and benefits, addressing both engineering and socioeconomic needs of the sustainable nature-based solution.
Exploring the Tourist Experience of the Majorelle Garden Using VADER-Based Sentiment Analysis and the Latent Dirichlet Allocation Algorithm: The Case of TripAdvisor Reviews
Authors: Saoualih Abdellah , Safaa Larbi , Bouhatous Ayoub , Bidan Marc , Perkumienė Dalia , Aleinikovas Marius , Šilinskas Benas , Perkumas Aidanas
Published: July 2024

The allure of urban green spaces has captured the attention of researchers, especially in regions abundant in botanical wonders worldwide. Surprisingly, the case of Morocco, a country with a strong botanical tradition, has received little attention from researchers. Here, we explore the unique case of the emblematic “Majorelle Garden” in Marrakech, southern Morocco, through the reviews of its many visitors posted on the TripAdvisor platform. This article looks at the question “to what extent can a garden—such as the Majorelle—be a major attraction in a cultural tourist destination?”. Methodologically, we adopted a quantitative approach, examining visitors’ sentiments using the VADER tool from 2006 to 2023, and classifying them into three categories: negative, neutral, and positive. Furthermore, by utilizing LDA (latent dirichlet allocation), we uncover key topics running through visitors’ experiences. Our findings show that positive sentiments prevail, given the culturo-historical and symbolic quality of the garden as a crucible and vector of creativity, with the emergence of sub-corpuses that highlight certain divergences and convergences around the “Majorelle” case. This insight supports sustainability efforts by empowering the managers of the garden studied and industry professionals to develop and implement relevant strategies for managing and marketing the garden tourism attraction experience. In addition, this case study shows how a private urban garden reveals its key role in preserving cultural and botanical heritage, essential for future generations. It shows the garden’s positive impact on sustainable tourism through its ability to attract cultural visitors who appreciate and respect the local environment.
Processes Coupled to Electrocoagulation for the Treatment of Distillery Wastewaters
Authors: Medina Collana Juan Taumaturgo , Ayllon Ormeño Marisol , Julca Meza Caroline , Moreyra Cuadros Gonzalo , Carrasco Venegas Luis Américo , Ancieta Dextre Carlos Alejandro , Rodríguez Taranco Oscar Juan , Avelino Carhuaricra Carmen , Diaz Bravo Pablo , Montaño Pisfil Jorge Alberto
Published: July 2024

Vinasse is acidic, dark brown wastewater obtained as a residue from the alcohol distillation process, the main component of which is water, in addition to mineral nutrients and a high organic load. Electrocoagulation (EC) is a technology that generates coagulating substances in situ by oxidizing sacrificial anodes through an electric current applied to the electrodes. During the last decade, the electrocoagulation process has been intensively investigated in several reviews, due to its ease of operation, versatility, sustainability and low environmental impact. The objective of the present work has been to make a general review of the EC process, its principle, reaction mechanism and operating parameters involved in the electrocoagulation process. In this research, the PRISMA method was used for the analysis of articles from different databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. This review collects numerous studies of the EC process in stillage wastewater treatment and makes a comparison between these experimental results mainly in terms of chemical oxygen demand removal. In addition, this review makes a comprehensive analysis of EC coupled to other processes, taking into account their operating parameters and stillage contaminant removal efficiency. The conclusion of this research points out that electrocoagulation coupled with other treatment processes is very necessary because it reduces energy consumption and increases the rate of pollutant removal from wastewater.
A Sustainable Rental Price Prediction Model Based on Multimodal Input and Deep Learning—Evidence from Airbnb
Authors: Tan Hongbo , Su Tian , Wu Xusheng , Cheng Pengzhan , Zheng Tianxiang
Published: July 2024

In the accommodation field, reasonable pricing is crucial for hosts to maximize their profits and is also an essential factor influencing tourists’ tendency to choose. The link between price prediction and findings about the causal relationships between key indicators and prices is not well discussed in the literature. This research aims to identify comprehensive pricing determinants for sharing economy-based lodging services and utilize them for lodging price prediction. Utilizing data retrieved from InsideAirbnb, we recognized 50 variables classified into five categories: property functions, host attributes, reputation, location, and indispensable miscellaneous factors. Property descriptions and a featured image posted by hosts were also added as input to indicate price-influencing antecedents. We proposed a price prediction model by incorporating a fully connected neural network, the bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT), and MobileNet with these data sources. The model was validated using 8380 Airbnb listings from Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands. Results reveal that our model outperforms other models with simple or fewer inputs, reaching a minimum MAPE (mean absolute percentage error) of 5.5682%. The novelty of this study is the application of multimodal input and multiple neural networks in forecasting sharing economy accommodation prices to boost predictive performance. The findings provide useful guidance on price setting for hosts in the sharing economy that is compliant with rental market regulations, which is particularly important for sustainable hospitality growth.
Eco-Friendly Silver Nanoparticles Obtained by Green Synthesis from Salvia officinalis
Authors: Grigoras Anca Giorgiana , Grigoras Vasile Cristian
Published: July 2024

The plant-mediated synthesis of therapeutic metal nanoparticles is an intensively exploited field in the last decade. In particular, Salvia officinalis, considered one of these plants, was used in this work to synthesize silver particles. Here, we have used harmless substances to obtain silver particles and common characterization methods for quickly estimating sizes and shapes. Thus, UV–Visible spectroscopy helped us online-monitor and optimize the synthesis of silver particles and estimate the size of metallic particles in the stock solutions. The resulting eco-friendly synthesized silver particles were then separated and re-dispersed in water, to be analyzed by laser light scattering, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to prove their nanometric size and shape polydispersity. Furthermore, the role of citric acid in stabilizing colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles was studied.
Measurements of Decoherence in Small Sea-Level Extensive Air Showers
Authors: Clay Roger
Published: July 2024

A study is made of the progressive ‘decoherence’ of cosmic ray extensive air-shower particle-detector signals in small air showers through measurements of coincidence rates for pairs of detectors versus the detector separation. Measurements are made both when only the two separated detectors themselves trigger in coincidence, and when that coincidence trigger also requires the detection of a local air shower by a small external air-shower array. The addition of the explicit air-shower trigger ensures that the latter data correspond to showers of a larger particle size, and triggering by very localised shower cores is then unlikely. When including a shower trigger, the decoherence results appear substantially different in form. The coincidence rate between two detectors only can be approximated by a power-law variation with separation distance. When triggering involves an air-shower array, the variation becomes close to an exponential form with characteristic exponent distances varying systematically with increasing detector and air-shower size thresholds. A result is that one can see that small air showers will exhibit clear non-Poissonian density fluctuations near their cores, out to distances of ~5 m, or at shower energies below ~0.05 PeV. These ideas can be helpful in understanding the statistical properties of signals when using large detectors in air-shower arrays.
Host Jump of an Exotic Fish Rhabdovirus into a New Class of Animals Poses a Disease Threat to Amphibians
Authors: Emmenegger Eveline J. , Bueren Emma K. , Conway Carla M. , Sanders George E. , Hendrix A. Noble , Schroeder Tamara , Di Cicco Emiliano , Pham Phuc H. , Lumsden John S. , Clouthier Sharon C.
Published: July 2024

Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is a rhabdovirus that primarily infects cyprinid finfishes and causes a disease notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health. Amphibians, which are sympatric with cyprinids in freshwater ecosystems, are considered non-permissive hosts of rhabdoviruses. The potential host range expansion of SVCV in an atypical host species was evaluated by testing the susceptibility of amphibians native to the Pacific Northwest. Larval long-toed salamanders Ambystoma macrodactylum and Pacific tree frog Pseudacris regilla tadpoles were exposed to SVCV strains from genotypes Ia, Ib, Ic, or Id by either intraperitoneal injection, immersion, or cohabitation with virus-infected koi Cyprinus rubrofuscus. Cumulative mortality was 100% for salamanders injected with SVCV, 98–100% for tadpoles exposed to virus via immersion, and 0–100% for tadpoles cohabited with SVCV-infected koi. Many of the animals that died exhibited clinical signs of disease and SVCV RNA was found by in situ hybridization in tissue sections of immersion-exposed tadpoles, particularly in the cells of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. SVCV was also detected by plaque assay and RT-qPCR testing in both amphibian species regardless of the virus exposure method, and viable virus was detected up to 28 days after initial exposure. Recovery of infectious virus from naïve tadpoles cohabited with SVCV-infected koi further demonstrated that SVCV transmission can occur between classes of ectothermic vertebrates. Collectively, these results indicated that SVCV, a fish rhabdovirus, can be transmitted to and cause lethal disease in two amphibian species. Therefore, members of all five of the major vertebrate groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians) appear to be vulnerable to rhabdovirus infections. Future research studying potential spillover and spillback infections of aquatic rhabdoviruses between foreign and domestic amphibian and fish species will provide insights into the stressors driving novel interclass virus transmission events.
Identification of the Promoter Antisense Transcript Enhancing the Transcription of the Equine Herpesvirus-1 Immediate-Early Gene
Authors: Maeda Mayuko , Abe Miou , Aoshima Keisuke , Kobayashi Atsushi , Fukushi Hideto , Kimura Takashi
Published: July 2024

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory diseases, abortion, and encephalomyelitis in horses. The EHV-1 immediate-early (IE) protein, essential for viral replication, is transactivated by the binding of a multiprotein complex including the open reading frame 12 (ORF12) and some host factors to the IE promoter region. Promoter-associated non-coding RNAs (pancRNAs), which are transcribed from bidirectional promoters, regulate the transcription of neighboring genes in mammals and pathogens. In this study, we identified a novel pancRNA transcribed from across the areas of the 5′-untranslated region and a promoter of EHV-1 IE and named it IE pancRNA. IE pancRNA and mRNA were simultaneously expressed in EHV-1-infected RN33B-A68B2M cells. This pancRNA was also transcribed in RK13 and E. Derm cells, which are highly susceptible to EHV-1 infection. Furthermore, IE pancRNA upregulated IE gene expression in the presence of ORF12, and stable expression of IE pancRNA increased the number of EHV-1-infected RN33B-A68B2M cells. These results suggest that IE pancRNAs facilitate EHV-1 proliferation by promoting IE gene expression.
Engineering of RNase P Ribozymes for Therapy against Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Smith Adam , Zhang Isadora , Trang Phong , Liu Fenyong
Published: July 2024

Nucleic acid-based gene interference and editing strategies, such as antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, RNA interference (RNAi), and CRISPR/Cas9 coupled with guide RNAs, are exciting research tools and show great promise for clinical applications in treating various illnesses. RNase P ribozymes have been engineered for therapeutic applications against human viruses such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). M1 ribozyme, the catalytic RNA subunit of RNase P from Escherichia coli, can be converted into a sequence-specific endonuclease, M1GS ribozyme, which is capable of hydrolyzing an mRNA target base-pairing with the guide sequence. M1GS RNAs have been shown to hydrolyze essential HCMV mRNAs and block viral progeny production in virus-infected cell cultures. Furthermore, RNase P ribozyme variants with enhanced hydrolyzing activity can be generated by employing in vitro selection procedures and exhibit better ability in suppressing HCMV gene expression and replication in cultured cells. Additional studies have also examined the antiviral activity of RNase P ribozymes in mice in vivo. Using cytomegalovirus infection as an example, this review summarizes the principles underlying RNase P ribozyme-mediated gene inactivation, presents recent progress in engineering RNase P ribozymes for applications in vitro and in mice, and discusses the prospects of using M1GS technology for therapeutic applications against HCMV as well as other pathogenic viruses.
Attempted Transmission of Marburg Virus by Bat-Associated Fleas Thaumapsylla breviceps breviceps (Ischnopsyllidae: Thaumapsyllinae) to the Egyptian Rousette Bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus)
Authors: Pawęska Janusz T. , Storm Nadia , Jansen van Vuren Petrus , Markotter Wanda , Kemp Alan
Published: July 2024

Egyptian rousette bats (ERBs) are implicated as reservoir hosts for Marburg virus (MARV), but natural mechanisms involved in maintenance of MARV in ERB populations remain undefined. A number of hematophagous ectoparasites, including fleas, parasitize bats. Subcutaneous (SC) inoculation of ERBs with MARV consistently results in viremia, suggesting that infectious MARV could be ingested by blood-sucking ectoparasites during feeding. In our study, MARV RNA was detected in fleas that took a blood meal during feeding on viremic bats on days 3, 7, and 11 after SC inoculation. Virus concentration in individual ectoparasites was consistent with detectable levels of viremia in the blood of infected host bats. There was neither seroconversion nor viremia in control bats kept in close contact with MARV-infected bats infested with fleas for up to 40 days post-exposure. In fleas inoculated intracoelomically, MARV was detected up to 14 days after intracoelomic (IC) inoculation, but the virus concentration was lower than that delivered in the inoculum. All bats that had been infested with inoculated, viremic fleas remained virologically and serologically negative up to 38 days after infestation. Of 493 fleas collected from a wild ERB colony in Matlapitsi Cave, South Africa, where the enzootic transmission of MARV occurs, all tested negative for MARV RNA. While our findings seem to demonstrate that bat fleas lack vectorial capacity to transmit MARV biologically, their role in mechanical transmission should not be discounted. Regular blood-feeds, intra- and interhost mobility, direct feeding on blood vessels resulting in venous damage, and roosting behaviour of ERBs provide a potential physical bridge for MARV dissemination in densely populated cave-dwelling bats by fleas. The virus transfer might take place through inoculation of skin, mucosal membranes, and wounds when contaminated fleas are squashed during auto- and allogrooming, eating, biting, or fighting.
Comparison of Post-Vaccination Cellular Immune Response in Patients with Common Variable Immune Deficiency
Authors: Kostinova Aristitsa Mikhailovna , Latysheva Elena Alexandrovna , Kostinov Mikhail Petrovich , Akhmatova Nelly Kimovna , Skhodova Svetlana Anatolyevna , Vlasenko Anna Egorovna , Cherdantsev Alexander Petrovich , Soloveva Irina Leonidovna , Khrapunova Isabella Abramovna , Loktionova Marina Nikolaevna , Khromova Ekaterina Alexandrovna , Poddubikov Arseniy Alexandrovich
Published: July 2024

Background: The problem of identifying vaccine-specific T-cell responses is still a matter of debate. Currently, there are no universal, clearly defined, agreed upon criteria for assessing the effectiveness of vaccinations and their immunogenicity for the cellular component of immunity, even for healthy people. But for patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI), especially those with antibody deficiencies, evaluating cellular immunity holds significant importance. Aim: To examine the effect of one and two doses of inactivated adjuvanted subunit influenza vaccines on the expression of endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on the immune cells and the primary lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Materials and methods: During 2018–2019, six CVID patients received one dose of a quadrivalent adjuvanted influenza vaccine; in 2019–2020, nine patients were vaccinated with two doses of a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. The proportion of key lymphocyte subpopulations and expression levels of TLRs were analyzed using flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies. Results: No statistically significant alterations in the absolute values of the main lymphocyte subpopulations were observed in CVID patients before or after vaccination with the different immunization protocols. However, after vaccination, a higher expression of TLR3 and TLR9 in granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes was found in those patients who received two vaccine doses rather than one single dose. Conclusion: This study marks the first instance of using a simultaneous two-dose vaccination, which is associated with an elevated level of TLR expression in the immune cells. Administration of the adjuvanted vaccines in CVID patients appears promising. Further research into their impact on innate immunity and the development of more effective vaccination regimens is warranted.
Performance Improvement of Active Suspension System Collaborating with an Active Airfoil Based on a Quarter-Car Model
Authors: Abbas Syed Babar , Youn Iljoong
Published: July 2024

This study presents an effective control strategy for improving the dynamic performance index of a two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) quarter-car model equipped with an active suspension system that collaborates with an active aerodynamic surface, using optimal control theory. The model takes several road excitations as input and applies an optimal control law to improve the ride comfort and road-holding capability, which are otherwise in conflict. MATLAB® (R2024a) simulations are carried out to evaluate the time and frequency domain characteristics of the quarter-car active suspension system. Individual performance indices in the presence of an active aerodynamic surface are calculated based on mean squared values for different sets of weighting factors and compared with those of passive and active suspension systems. From the viewpoint of total performance, the overall results show that the proposed control strategy enhances the performance index by approximately 70–80% compared to the active suspension system.