bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Trends and Technological Advancements in the Study of Honey Bee-Derived Peptides with an Emphasis on State-of-the-Art Approaches: A Review
Authors: Al-Rubaie Wissam K. , Al-Fekaiki Dhia F. , Niamah Alaa Kareem , Verma Deepak Kumar , Singh Smita , Patel Ami R.
Published: May 2024

Honey is a natural product that is used by a large number of people because of its distinctive compositional constituents, which have a considerable impact on its market value. The distinctive combination of amino acids and sugars found in honey’s composition, along with its peptide content, could potentially provide several benefits to human health. During the past few years, cutting-edge techniques have been developed and used for the purpose of investigating, identifying, and characterizing peptides that are produced from honey bees. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine current trends and technological advancements in the study of honey bee-derived peptides, focusing on innovative and cutting-edge methods. Furthermore, this review explores various attributes of honey and its components, including the honey bee-derived peptide defensin-1. In addition, this review investigates various methods for separating and purifying peptides, as well as the factors that affect these methods. Additionally, defensin-1, a peptide produced by honey bees, is discussed along with its antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities. In addition, this review focuses on cutting-edge and innovative omic methods used to study honey bee peptides, as well as the significance of artificial intelligence tools in their investigation. Consequently, the review paper delves into various significant obstacles faced by researchers and scientists studying honey bee peptides, while also offering an extensive range of fascinating opportunities and possibilities for future research for those interested in groundbreaking discoveries in this area.
Artificial Intelligence in Sports Medicine: Reshaping Electrocardiogram Analysis for Athlete Safety—A Narrative Review
Authors: Smaranda Alina Maria , Drăgoiu Teodora Simina , Caramoci Adela , Afetelor Adelina Ana , Ionescu Anca Mirela , Bădărău Ioana Anca
Published: May 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis in pre-participation examination (PPE) of athletes, enhancing the detection and monitoring of cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular concerns, including sudden cardiac death, pose significant risks during sports activities. Traditional ECG, essential yet limited, often fails to distinguish between benign cardiac adaptations and serious conditions. This narrative review investigates the application of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) in ECG interpretation, aiming to improve the detection of arrhythmias, channelopathies, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. A literature review over the past decade, sourcing from PubMed and Google Scholar, highlights the growing adoption of AI in sports medicine for its precision and predictive capabilities. AI algorithms excel at identifying complex cardiac patterns, potentially overlooked by traditional methods, and are increasingly integrated into wearable technologies for continuous monitoring. Overall, by offering a comprehensive overview of current innovations and outlining future advancements, this review supports sports medicine professionals in merging traditional screening methods with state-of-the-art AI technologies. This approach aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in athlete care, promoting early detection and more effective monitoring through AI-enhanced ECG analysis within athlete PPEs.
Towards Zero-Carbon Buildings: Challenges and Opportunities from Reversing the Material Pyramid
Authors: Ruta Matteo Francesco , Pittau Francesco , Masera Gabriele
Published: May 2024

The decarbonization of the built environment, both in new construction and renovation, is crucial to mitigate its relevant impact on climate change and achieve the Paris Agreement goals. This study presents a systematic LCA-based methodology to assess the whole-life carbon emissions of buildings, applied to a proposal for the regeneration of one of Milan, Italy’s, disused railway yards. As an entry for the 2020 Reinventing Cities competition, Scalo Lambrate is a project for a mainly residential neighborhood with a public park. Strategies to reduce carbon emissions deriving both from the operational energy and construction and maintenance were evaluated and their effects compared to a reference scenario over a time horizon of 100 years. The results show that, while the opportunities to reduce carbon emissions during the use phase are somehow limited due to the already stringent performance requirements for new builds, the use of fast-growing biogenic materials for construction materials, even if mixed with more traditional ones, can provide a significant reduction in the global warming potential over the whole life cycle, with a reduction of 70% compared to the baseline. The remaining emissions can be offset with afforestation initiatives, which, however, must be assessed against land use issues.
Toward Sustainable Urban Mobility: A Multidimensional Ontology-Based Framework for Assessment and Consensus Decision-Making Using DS-AHP
Authors: Ngossaha Justin Moskolaï , Ngouna Raymond Houé , Archimède Bernard , Negulescu Mihaela-Hermina , Petrişor Alexandru-Ionut
Published: May 2024

Urban mobility is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development, with significant environmental, social, and economic implications. Assessing the sustainability of urban mobility systems in order to create more carbon neutral, liveable, healthier, and sustainable cities and neighborhoods for the future requires a multidimensional approach that integrates diverse factors. However, the lack of a unified assessment framework poses challenges in comparing and evaluating different urban mobility projects. This article proposes an ontology for assessing the sustainability of urban mobility systems. This ontology is based on a multidimensional approach that integrates knowledge from experts in transportation engineering, urban planning, environmental science, and social sciences to incorporate existing sustainability indicators and frameworks, as well as domain-specific knowledge. A consensus approach based on Dempster–Shäfer (DS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods is proposed to account for uncertainties and to allow for the consideration of preferences and ill judgment. Through a case study in Romania, the authors demonstrated the applicability of the proposal to provide a comprehensive and flexible framework for assessing urban mobility sustainability. The proposed ontology provides a valuable tool for policymakers, urban planners, and transportation engineers to make informed decisions towards sustainable urban mobility, and the sensitivity analysis is carried out to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed framework. It has potential for iterative validation and feedback from domain experts, and can serve as a foundation for future research.
Assessing the Success of the Development Strategy of the Cittaslow Movement: An Analysis of Revitalisation Programs and Experts Insights on the Model for Small Towns’ Sustainable Development
Authors: Jaszczak Agnieszka , Pochodyła-Ducka Ewelina , Pranskuniene Rasa
Published: May 2024

The revitalisation of small towns is an attempt to find multi-directional solutions to numerous social, economic, and spatial problems. Properly planned and coordinated actions aimed at the renewal and countering of social exclusion through corrective interventions. Although there is a wealth of research on the significance of revitalisation projects in improving the quality of life for residents in large cities, there is a visible gap regarding the development of models based on the principles of “slow” and “liveability” in small towns. This article presents the results of observations regarding the actual conditions for the development of Cittaslow cities and the possibilities for development based on the assumptions outlined in the strategic documents of these cities, as well as the benefits resulting from projects implemented within the Supralocal Revitalisation Program (SLRP). The study initially identifies the main strategic assumptions and then analyses their connections with the revitalisation effects carried out within the SLRP. The analysis encompassed all projects aimed at solving social problems in fourteen cities in the Warmian–Masurian Voivodeship (Poland). The research included an evaluation of the assumptions regarding the directions of development arising from the provisions in the strategic documents (first stage) and a qualitative assessment based on interviews with local experts (second stage). The results indicate that the experts’ opinions differ partly from the project effects assumed in the documents. This applies primarily to the possibility of basing on the project results when formulating development models of the analysed Cittaslow towns. The results of these studies can serve as a basis for verifying the goals set in the SLRP, and based on them, for future projects and recommendations concerning the revitalisation of other Cittaslow cities in the region, as well as small towns in Europe and around the world.
Construction and Application of Regional Carbon Performance Evaluation Index System: The Case of Chinese Provinces
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhang Zenglian
Published: May 2024

As global warming becomes increasingly severe, reducing carbon emissions and promoting low-carbon development has become an international consensus. Against this backdrop, evaluating regional carbon performance helps better understand the carbon emission status, emission reduction capabilities, and low-carbon development levels, providing a scientific basis for formulating targeted carbon emission reduction policies. This study constructed a “5E” regional carbon performance evaluation index system from five dimensions: economy, effectiveness, efficiency, environmentality, and equity. Then, this study evaluated and analyzed the carbon performance of 30 provinces in China from 2008 to 2021 using the entropy weight TOPSIS method. The research results indicated that (1) during the sample period, China’s carbon performance ranged from 0.416 to 0.504, exhibiting a steady upward trend; the highest score among the first-level indicators was Effectiveness, while the lowest was Economy; (2) in terms of carbon performance among China’s three major regions, it showed a decreasing pattern from east to west, with the growth potential of the central and western regions being greater than that of the eastern region; (3) in 2033, the carbon performance of China in the eastern region, the central region, and the western region will reach 0.602, 0.612, 0.613, and 0.582, respectively. A carbon performance evaluation carries significant practical and strategic implications. Our study can provide a reference for policymakers to assess carbon emission performance and improve carbon management efficiency and decision-making levels.
Evaluating Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs)’ Performance in Managing Community Forests: A Case Study in Central Nepal
Authors: Dhungana Nabin , Lee Chun-Hung , Khadka Chiranjeewee , Adhikari Samjhana , Pudasaini Nabaraj , Ghimire Pramod
Published: May 2024

The community forests (CF) in Nepal, facilitated by Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), is widely recognized as an effective model of community-based forest management. Despite this recognition, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies assessing the performance of CFUGs in sustaining community forests. Addressing this gap, this study examined twenty-two indicators across five performance criteria, such as user group management, forest management, financial management, livelihood management, and collaboration and networking management, within four CFUGs in central Nepal. Data were collected through household surveys (n = 275) and focus group discussions (n = 4), and indicators of performance criteria were assessed using a Likert scale. Reliability was measured using the coefficient of Cronbach’s alpha. ANOVA was employed to compare mean performance criteria across the four CFUGs, providing an evaluative perspective on overall CFUG performance. The findings underscored collaboration and networking management as high performers, showing an index value of 0.71, while user group management exhibited moderate performance with an index value of 0.56, alongside other moderately performing criteria. Noteworthy disparities were evident across the four performance criteria (p < 0.01), with the exception of collaboration and network management. Approximately 55% of the indicators were rated low to moderate, revealing CFUGs’ deficiencies in regular functions, limited uptake of adaptive and market-oriented management practices, minimal contributions to biodiversity conservation, insufficient capacity for forest revenue generation and mobilization, and restricted income generation and benefit-sharing with communities. The absence of timely and pertinent actions further stifled interaction between CFUGs and community forests, undermining the potential for revenue generation, job creation, and collective actions essential for productive community forest management. Prioritization of the indicators based on the performance index value offers critical policy direction to ensure CFUG sustainability and augment participatory management of common pool resources. Strategies to address identified weaknesses and build on strengths are essential for the success of Nepal’s community forests.
Numerical Simulation Study Considering Discontinuous Longitudinal Joints in Soft Soil under Symmetric Loading
Authors: He Xianwei , Xu Xiangyang , Yang Hao
Published: May 2024

In shield tunneling, the joint is one of the most vulnerable parts of the segmental lining. Opening of the joint reduces the overall stiffness of the ring, leading to structural damage and issues such as water leakage. Currently, the Winkler method is commonly used to calculate structural deformation, simplifying the interaction between segments and soil as radial and tangential Winkler springs. However, when introducing connection springs or reduction factors to simulate the joint stiffness of segments, the challenge lies in determining the reduction coefficient and the stiffness of the springs. Currently, the hyperstatic reflection method cannot simulate the discontinuity effect at the connection of the tunnel segments, while the state space method overlooks the nonlinear interaction between the tunnel and the soil. Therefore, this paper proposes a numerical simulation method considering the interaction between the tunnel and the soil, which is subjected to compression rather than tension, and the discontinuity of the joints between the segments. The model structure and external load are symmetrical, resulting in symmetrical calculation results. This method is based on the soft soil layers and shield tunnel structures of the Shanghai Metro, and the applicability of the model is verified through deformation calculations using three-dimensional laser scanning point clouds of sections from the Shanghai Metro Line 5. When the subgrade reaction coefficient is 5000 kN/m3, the model can effectively simulate the deformation of operational tunnels. By adjusting the bending stiffness of individual connection springs, we investigate the influence of bending stiffness reduction on the bending moment, radial displacement, and rotational displacement of the ring. The results indicate that a decrease in joint bending stiffness significantly affects the mechanical response of the ring, and the extent and degree of this influence are correlated with the joint position and the magnitude of joint bending stiffness.
NEMAS: Norm Entrepreneurship in Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Anavankot Amritha Menon , Cranefield Stephen , Savarimuthu Bastin Tony Roy
Published: May 2024

We propose a framework that integrates norm entrepreneurship from human society into the dynamics of an agent society. Most work in agent coordination in a distributed environment studies norms that are provided to agents as part of their specification or distributed from centralised agents. Exploring an alternate perspective, we focus on peer-to-peer interaction by providing the agents with the freedom to initiate norm creation in demanding situations like a potential interference. This paper explores the concept of norm entrepreneurship through proactive establishment and emergence of norms by agents. A common approach in prior work focuses on coordination problems that are reduced to simple game theory models involving the simultaneous performance of a single action by each agent. Instead, we define the concept of a local coordination plan (LCP), which is a sequence of actions from each agent to cope with an interference in their normal course of action. We identify LCPs across various scenarios and abstract these plans using coordination state machines (CSMs). A coordination state machine contains a separate state machine for each agent where the states encapsulate the potentially constrained and suboptimal movement options agents have at a given time. We also explore how multiple LCPs lead to a coordination state machine of the same format and how a coordination state machine can abstract across multiple scenarios.
Classification of Major Solar Flares from Extremely Imbalanced Multivariate Time Series Data Using Minimally Random Convolutional Kernel Transform
Authors: Saini Kartik , Alshammari Khaznah , Hamdi Shah Muhammad , Filali Boubrahimi Soukaina
Published: May 2024

Solar flares are characterized by sudden bursts of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun’s surface, and are caused by the changes in magnetic field states in active solar regions. Earth and its surrounding space environment can suffer from various negative impacts caused by solar flares, ranging from electronic communication disruption to radiation exposure-based health risks to astronauts. In this paper, we address the solar flare prediction problem from magnetic field parameter-based multivariate time series (MVTS) data using multiple state-of-the-art machine learning classifiers that include MINImally RandOm Convolutional KErnel Transform (MiniRocket), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Canonical Interval Forest (CIF), Multiple Representations Sequence Learner (Mr-SEQL), and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)-based deep learning model. Our experiment is conducted on the Space Weather Analytics for Solar Flares (SWAN-SF) benchmark data set, which is a partitioned collection of MVTS data of active region magnetic field parameters spanning over nine years of operation of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The MVTS instances of the SWAN-SF dataset are labeled by GOES X-ray flux-based flare class labels, and attributed to extreme class imbalance because of the rarity of the major flaring events (e.g., X and M). As a performance validation metric in this class-imbalanced dataset, we used the True Skill Statistic (TSS) score. Finally, we demonstrate the advantages of the MVTS learning algorithm MiniRocket, which outperformed the aforementioned classifiers without the need for essential data preprocessing steps such as normalization, statistical summarization, and class imbalance handling heuristics.
Assessment of Shared Mobility Acceptability for Sustainable Transportation in Amman
Authors: Albatayneh Omar , Gaweesh Sherif M. , Akhtar Mohammad Nadeem
Published: May 2024

Shared mobility services furnish convenient transportation alternatives for individuals without vehicle ownership or a preference against driving. Shared mobility could benefit developing countries by providing a cost-effective alternative, enhancing accessibility, reducing congestion, and creating multiple job opportunities. In this study, a comprehensive analysis to assess shared mobility options as an avenue to sustainable transportation in Amman, Jordan, is presented. The study employs a multifaceted methodology, including a survey questionnaire, preliminary analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Model (SEM). The data were collected from a diverse group of Amman residents using a survey composed of 29 questions. The survey included demographic information, travel behavior, willingness to adopt shared mobility, perceived benefits, and possible barriers. These data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), providing an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships among the variables studied. This study concludes by contributing to the ongoing discussion on sustainable urban transportation in Jordan and providing a road map for policymakers, urban planners, and transportation service providers. The presented findings provide an empirical basis for guiding future strategies and interventions toward sustainable urban development in Amman and potentially other urban contexts with comparable characteristics. Key findings reveal a significant potential for shared mobility to enhance urban transportation sustainability. Specifically, a notable positive perception among Amman residents was observed, with an average willingness to switch to shared mobility for daily commuting scoring 4.68 on a 7-point Likert scale. Moreover, a statistical analysis indicates that factors such as reduced costs, improved service reliability, and better environmental sustainability, notably influence the adoption of shared mobility services.
Investigation of Oral Shedding of Torquetenovirus (TTV) in Moderate-to-Severe COVID-19 Hospitalised Patients
Authors: Caixeta Rafael Antônio Velôso , Batista Alexandre Mendes , Caetano Matheus Willian , Palmieri Michelle , Schwab Gabriela , Zerbinati Rodrigo Melim , Victor Andressa Silva Pereira , Gallo Camila de Barros , Tozetto-Mendoza Tânia Regina , Junges Roger , Ortega Karem L. , Costa André Luiz Ferreira , Sarmento Dmitry José de Santana , Pallos Débora , Lindoso José Angelo Lauletta , Giannecchini Simone , Braz-Silva Paulo Henrique
Published: May 2024

Background. Torquetenovirus (TTV) is a small DNA virus constituting the human virome. High levels of TTV-DNA have been shown to be associated with immunosuppression and inflammatory chronic disorders. Aim. To assess the possible association between the salivary viral load of TTV-DNA in patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 and disease severity. Methods. Saliva samples collected from 176 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were used to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and TTV-DNA by use of real-time RT-PCR. Results. The majority of patients were male with severe COVID-19. Presence of SARS-CoV-2 was observed in the saliva of 64.77% of patients, showing TTV-DNA in 55.68% of them. Patients with impaired clinical conditions (p < 0.001), which evolved to death (p = 0.003), showed a higher prevalence of TTV-DNA. The median viral load in patients with severe condition was 4.99 log10 copies/mL, in which those who were discharged and those evolving to death had values of 3.96 log10 copies/mL and 6.27 log10 copies/mL, respectively. A statistically significant association was found between the distribution of TTV-DNA viral load in saliva samples and severity of COVID-19 (p = 0.004) and disease outcomes (p < 0.001). Conclusions. These results indicate that TTV-DNA in saliva could be a useful biomarker of COVID-19 severity and prognosis.
A Review of Protein-Based COVID-19 Vaccines: From Monovalent to Multivalent Formulations
Authors: Qian Gui , Gao Cuige , Zhang Miaomiao , Chen Yuanxin , Xie Liangzhi
Published: May 2024

The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic, has profoundly impacted global healthcare systems and the trajectory of economic advancement. As nations grapple with the far-reaching consequences of this unprecedented health crisis, the administration of COVID-19 vaccines has proven to be a pivotal strategy in managing this crisis. Protein-based vaccines have garnered significant attention owing to their commendable safety profile and precise immune targeting advantages. Nonetheless, the unpredictable mutations and widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 have posed challenges for vaccine developers and governments worldwide. Monovalent and multivalent vaccines represent two strategies in COVID-19 vaccine development, with ongoing controversy surrounding their efficacy. This review concentrates on the development of protein-based COVID-19 vaccines, specifically addressing the transition from monovalent to multivalent formulations, and synthesizes data on vaccine manufacturers, antigen composition, pivotal clinical study findings, and other features that shape their distinct profiles and overall effectiveness. Our hypothesis is that multivalent vaccine strategies for COVID-19 could offer enhanced capability with broad-spectrum protection.
Feasibility of Using a Type I IFN-Based Non-Animal Approach to Predict Vaccine Efficacy and Safety Profiles
Authors: Abdel-Haq Hanin
Published: May 2024

Animal-based tests are used for the control of vaccine quality. However, because highly purified and safe vaccines are now available, alternative approaches that can replace or reduce animal use for the assessment of vaccine outcomes must be established. In vitro tests for vaccine quality control exist and have already been implemented. However, these tests are specifically designed for some next-generation vaccines, and this makes them not readily available for testing other vaccines. Therefore, universal non-animal tests are still needed. Specific signatures of the innate immune response could represent a promising approach to predict the outcome of vaccines by non-animal methods. Type I interferons (IFNs) have multiple immunomodulatory activities, which are exerted through effectors called interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), and are one of the most important immune signatures that might provide potential candidate molecular biomarkers for this purpose. This paper will mainly examine if this idea might be feasible by analyzing all relevant published studies that have provided type I IFN-related biomarkers for evaluating the safety and efficacy profiles of vaccines using an advanced transcriptomic approach as an alternative to the animal methods. Results revealed that such an approach could potentially provide biomarkers predictive of vaccine outcomes after addressing some limitations.
Non-Targeted RNA Sequencing: Towards the Development of Universal Clinical Diagnosis Methods for Human and Veterinary Infectious Diseases
Authors: Spatz Stephen , Afonso Claudio L.
Published: May 2024

Metagenomics offers the potential to replace and simplify classical methods used in the clinical diagnosis of human and veterinary infectious diseases. Metagenomics boasts a high pathogen discovery rate and high specificity, advantages absent in most classical approaches. However, its widespread adoption in clinical settings is still pending, with a slow transition from research to routine use. While longer turnaround times and higher costs were once concerns, these issues are currently being addressed by automation, better chemistries, improved sequencing platforms, better databases, and automated bioinformatics analysis. However, many technical options and steps, each producing highly variable outcomes, have reduced the technology’s operational value, discouraging its implementation in diagnostic labs. We present a case for utilizing non-targeted RNA sequencing (NT-RNA-seq) as an ideal metagenomics method for the detection of infectious disease-causing agents in humans and animals. Additionally, to create operational value, we propose to identify best practices for the “core” of steps that are invariably shared among many human and veterinary protocols. Reference materials, sequencing procedures, and bioinformatics standards should accelerate the validation processes necessary for the widespread adoption of this technology. Best practices could be determined through “implementation research” by a consortium of interested institutions working on common samples.
Soil Hydrothermal Dynamics in the Hengduan Mountains of Southeast Tibet and Associated Influencing Factors
Authors: Meng Lingling , Li Zhaofeng , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Xinpeng
Published: May 2024

Soil water and soil temperature are important ecological factors and driving forces for ecosystem restoration and sustainable development, possessing great significance for climate modeling and prediction. The Hengduan Mountains in southeastern Tibet, China, are located in a climate-change-sensitive area, and the study of soil hydrothermal dynamics in this area is of great significance for local and global climatic change and water resource utilization. This study, based on the soil hydrothermal and meteorological data of the Hengduan Mountain area in Southeast Tibet, analyzes the dynamic change patterns of soil hydrothermal and meteorological factors and explores their influencing relationships. It was found that the dynamic change in soil water content affected by precipitation was “bimodal” type. Among the meteorological factors, soil water content has the strongest correlation with relative humidity. The intra-annual variation curve of soil temperature is similar to that of the atmospheric temperature, showing a “unimodal” type, and has the highest correlation with atmospheric temperature. Specifically, it takes 70 mm and 170 mm of precipitation to change the soil water content and soil temperature at the 150 cm depth. For every 20 °C change in atmospheric temperature, soil temperature above 150 cm changes by an average of 7.2 °C.
Hydraulic Connectiveness Metric for the Analysis of Criticality in Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Marlim Malvin S. , Kang Doosun
Published: May 2024

Capturing the criticality of a water distribution network (WDN) is difficult because of its many constituent factors. In terms of operation, the arrangement of demand nodes and how they connect have a significant influence. This study aims to integrate hydraulic and topologic aspects into a single criticality measure by adapting the structural hole influence matrix concept. This method applies the nodal demand to the corresponding pipes to construct a weighted network. The matrix stores each node’s local and global connection information, and the criticality value is then assigned based on the adjacency information. The criticality value can reveal the locations in terms of nodes or pipes that are vital for maintaining a network’s level of service. By analyzing pipe-failure scenarios, the criticality value can be related to the loss of performance. Assessing the nodal criticality change behavior under an increased stress scenario can help uncover the impacted areas. The metric for district metered area (DMA) creation demonstrates its potential as a weighting to be considered. This unified criticality metric enables the evaluation of nodes and pipes in a WDN, thereby enabling resilient and sustainable development planning.
Recent Advances in Modern Hydrogeology: Promoting Harmony between Nature and Humanity
Authors: Li Peiyue , Wu Jianhua , Elumalai Vetrimurugan
Published: May 2024

Hydrogeology is a crucial branch of Earth science dedicated to deciphering the complex interactions between groundwater and the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere [...]
Optimizing Sampling Strategies for Estimating Riverine Nutrient Loads in the Yiluo River Watershed, China
Authors: Zhang Guoshuai , Xu Yanxue , Xu Min , Li Zhonghua , Qin Shunxing
Published: May 2024

Accurately estimating nutrient loads is crucial for effective management and monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the uncertainty in different sampling frequencies and calculation methods for estimating total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) loads in the Yiluo River watershed, a tributary of the Yellow River in China. Using daily TN and TP concentration data from 2019 to 2020, we conducted a bootstrapping analysis to evaluate the accuracy of nine different load estimation methods at different sampling frequencies. Our results showed that Method 3 (M_3, constant concentration interpolation) and Method 7 (M_7, flow-weighted concentration method), when used with a biweekly sampling frequency, had the lowest Standard Deviation of the Percentage errors (STD) (7.70% and 8.60% for TN, 12.0% and 18.8% for TP, respectively) and Mean Relative Error (MRE) values (0.078% and −1.60% for TN, 0.305% and 2.33% for TP, respectively) on an annual scale. For monthly TN and TP load estimates, M_7 can control the MRE within ±20% at a biweekly sampling frequency. Furthermore, the uncertainty in TN and TP load estimates was generally larger during the summer months (June–September), emphasizing the important role of storm events in nutrient export. Extreme events (<10% of the time) contributed approximately 50% of the annual nutrient loads. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for optimizing water quality monitoring schemes and management strategies in agricultural watersheds.
Spring Meteorological Drought over East Asia and Its Associations with Large-Scale Climate Variations
Authors: Gao Meng , Ge Ruijun , Wang Yueqi
Published: May 2024

East Asia is a region that is highly vulnerable to drought disasters during the spring season, as this period is critical for planting, germinating, and growing staple crops such as wheat, maize, and rice. The climate in East Asia is significantly influenced by three large-scale climate variations: the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In this study, the spring meteorological drought was quantified using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) for March, April, and May. Initially, coupled climate networks were established for two climate variables: sea surface temperature (SST) and SPEI. The directed links from SST to SPEI were determined based on the Granger causality test. These coupled climate networks revealed the associations between climate variations and meteorological droughts, indicating that semi-arid areas are more sensitive to these climate variations. In the spring, PDO and ENSO do not cause extreme wetness or dryness in East Asia, whereas IOD does. The remote impacts of these climate variations on SPEI can be partially explained by atmospheric circulations, where the combined effects of air temperatures, winds, and air pressure fields determine the wet/dry conditions in East Asia.
Youth Work for People and Planet: Integrating Insights from Ecopedagogy into Youth Work
Authors: Cooper Trudi , Corney Tim , Gorman Jamie
Published: May 2024

Youth work is not unitary, has a diverse history, and draws upon differing traditions; however, the focus of all major youth work traditions has been anthropocentric. This approach is now challenged by young people themselves through the climate justice movement, and institutionally through the United Nations Agenda 2030 resolution, which has developed integrated Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to “balance” social, environmental, and economic imperatives. This article examines what insights can be gained from ecopedagogy that would enable youth work to fully integrate an ecological perspective alongside traditional anthropological concerns. The discussion focuses on the nexus and tensions between ecopedagogy and youth work from a theoretical perspective to draw out insights into how changes need to be made to the aims and purposes of youth work, how this might be achieved, and barriers in the current environment.
Mourir pour vivre avec les ours
Authors: Delaby Laurence
Published: May 2024

En Sibérie extrême-orientale, chez les Toungouses et les Ghiliak du bassin de l’Amour et de Sakhaline, les ours et les tigres sont les seuls animaux avec lesquels les hommes entretiennent des relations d’hostilité et d'alliance de type clanique. Ce sont aussi des rivaux économiques qui, selon les croyances toungouses et ghiliak, conjuguent un mode de vie quasi humain avec une nature d'esprit.
Nanuq super-mâle. L'ours blanc dans l'espace imaginaire et le temps social des Inuit de l'Arctique canadien
Authors: Saladin d'Anglure Bernard
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The figure of the polar bear in the inuit culture has been underestimated and little studied by the classical ethnographers. Reexamination of ancient and recent data enables us to demonstrate how this figure dominates the inuit imaginary space of myths, dreams and rites and also how it is omnipresent in the inuit social time. However, it is in shamanic practices that the privileged status of the bear as principal help spirit comes out in strongest relief. Through numerous variations of scale and analogies operated by shamanic thought the polar bear assumes its full meaning as a support, as an instrument and as a symbol of male power. Several drawings by inuit artists illustrate the demonstration.
À propos du culte de l'ours chez les Êvenk
Authors: Vasilevič Glafira Makar’evna
Published: May 2024

Abstract

With the use of all the data concerning bear-worship founded in literature or obtained during her travels, the author tries to find out the age and the place where bear-worship appeared among the Evenki.

She gives a summary of several myths collected in different places of the evenk territory, she quotes the tabooes concerning bears and their substitution-names, then she describes the rituals performed during the bear's hunting, cooking and eating. She concludes that bear-worship spread out during the migration of the evenkis' ancestors in the mountainous forests, east and west from the Baikal and owing to their marriage with foreign ethnies, whose ethnonyms — Ngamêndri, Mangi and Torgani — have now two meanings : "ancestor" and "bear" .
Deux conceptions de l’alliance à travers la fête de l'ours en Sibérie
Authors: de Sales Anne
Published: May 2024

L'auteur étudie la fête de l’ours chez les Nivx (Ghiliak) et les Êvenk (Toungouses) de Sibérie particulièrement exemplaires à cet égard, en établissant un rapport entre le rituel et les régimes .matrimoniaux de ces deux sociétés, fondées respectivement sur l’échange généralisé et l’échange restreint. Cette étude a pour but de montrer comment la fête de l'ours met en scène les relations d’alliance, et ce faisant révèle plus largement, dans les cas choisis, deux conceptions opposées de l’alliance.
Qui confond pur et impur purifie par le renard
Authors: Beffa Marie-Lise , Hamayon Roberte N.
Published: May 2024

Les auteurs commentent trois textes mongols d'un rituel faisant intervenir le renard, publiés avec leur traduction dans les volumes 4 et 10 de la revue Zentralasiatische Studien. Curieux rituel en vérité, où un rite de purification fondé sur une fumigation s'articule à un mythe de souillure fondant un sacrifice, et où l'animal en jeu ne se prête, par nature et par tradition, ni à un rôle de victime sacrificielle, ni à celui de substance fumigatrice ! L'interprétation proposée situe ce rituel dans le cadre de la lutte que le lamaïsme, pour s'implanter en Mongolie, a menée, à partir du XVIIe siècle, contre le chamanisme, et non simplement dans une perspective syncrétiste de ces deux modes de pensée.
The Mongol name of Shan-hai-kuan in the Erdeni-jin tobci
Authors: Serruys Henry
Published: May 2024

À propos de la conquête, par les Mandchous, de Shan-hai-kuan, la dernière place forte avant l'entrée en Chine par la route la plus orientale : il semblerait que Shan-hai-kuan se dise en mongol "[la ville aux] Neuf Portes" (jisün qaγalγa) et que le nom mongol de Qaratai (ou Qaradai) ne s'applique pas à Shan-hai-kuan, comme on l'a soutenu, mais à une autre ville chinoise des environs, restant à identifier.
Music and song for animals
Authors: Serruys Henry
Published: May 2024

The author presents a selection of quotations concerning a traditional custom among Mongol herdsmen — singing or playing to an animal (she-camel, cow or ewe) who rejects her new-born young, in order to calm her and help the milk to flow.
Pièces du jeu d'échecs tuva
Authors: Sat Bril Larissa
Published: May 2024

Dans cet article sont décrites les pièces du jeu d'échecs de Tuva. L'auteur y tente une analyse historique de leur apparition, de leur évolution et de leurs métamorphoses. Il accorde dans ce processus une grande importance à l'imagination populaire qui plonge ses racines dans le mode traditionnel de la vie nomade.
Le mode de vie des Caatan, éleveurs de rennes du Xövsgöl
Authors: Badamxatan Sandagsürengijn
Published: May 2024

The author presents the results of fieldwork carried out in 1959-60 among the Caatan, a small Mongolised Turkic ethnic group of hunters and reindeer herders in the northwest of Mongolia.
Coutumes mongoles liées au poteau de yourte
Authors: Tangad D.
Published: May 2024

The author draws up the list of the Mongol customs related to the yurt-pole. He tries to explain these customs by the fact the Mongols worshipped the yurt-pole for its auspiciousness. The fact that the yurt-pole was generally made of birchwood and that birchtrees played such an important role in shamanism leads the author to consider the yurt-pole as their substitute inside the yurt, where it embodies the axis of the three circles of the yurt (i.e. smoke-hole, upper and lower sides of the lattice-wall), associated to the three worlds : upper, median and lower
Tribus, clans et ulus bouriates à la fin du XIXe siècle
Authors: Hamayon Roberte N.
Published: May 2024

L’auteur présente les données relatives aux Bouriates du recensement fait par l’administration impériale russe en 1897, selon la version révisée publiée par Patkanov en 1912. Ces données, très détaillées, peuvent constituer une base précieuse pour l’étude de l’organisation territoriale et clanique.
La construction du rite dans le jeu d’échecs de compétition
Authors: Wendling Thierry
Published: May 2024

Competition in chess raises questions as to the link between game and ritual. In many ways, official chess games have to be considered as having a ritual dimension. By this they contrast with lightning chess which is just an amusement. In this paper, we will list the ritual aspects of chess and show how chess culture has accentuated some social and cultural traits so that the game has become a rite in the anthropological sense.
ORGANIZATIONAL, FINANCIAL, AND ECONOMIC FOUNDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS STRUCTURE MODELING
Authors:   Dneprfit LLC, Vinichenko M. , Garmider L. ,   Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the issues of definition, interpretation, interpretation and development of organizational, financial and economic principles on which the modeling of business structure as a category is based. It is summarized that a business structure is a result-oriented system focused on specific goals. Regardless of the process of its creation, it should solve problems and realize goals. The author emphasizes the importance of consistency, systematicity and evolutionary nature for maintaining relevance in the economic environment. The author focuses on the comparison of business structures and business projects, emphasizing that structures do not necessarily have to reproduce the most predictable results, since business design can objectively foresee only a limited number of risks and influencing factors. It is noted that the basis for both is an understanding of their creation and identification of the need, despite the differences in the mechanisms of creation. It is emphasized that organizational, economic and financial principles form hybrid groups of principles by which the content and content of the business structure and its practical implementation are assessed. It is stated that the intense interest provoked is superficial in nature and such basic issues as organizational and financial foundations of business structure modeling remain outside the focus of scientific research. The author has established that economic, financial and organizational foundations are the basis of crisis management in the context of ensuring the functioning of an enterprise in the turbulent circumstances of war. Keywords: business structure, economic principles, SMART-analysis, SWOT method, organizational aspects.
Evaluation of Severity, Prevalence, and Complications of COVID-19 among Celiac Patients over the Age of 20 in Sistan Region, Iran
Authors: Shahramiyan Iraj , Arefi Mahdie , Afshari Mahdi , Tahani Masoud , Jahanpanah Anita , Parooie Fateme , Delaram Nasab Mojtaba , Shahramian Zahra
Published: May 2024

Introduction: COVID-19 is an epidemic viral infection that has especially caused great concern for those with chronic diseases. Few studies have been conducted in Asian countries on the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 complications among celiac patients. This study aimed to determine the frequency, severity, and prevalence of COVID-19 complications among celiac patients in Sistan region. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 200 patients including 40 celiac patients and 160 matched controls were studied from September to October 2021. All celiac patients in our registry were contacted and a detailed questionnaire was administered to collect required data. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on patients to detect COVID-19. Recorded variables were compared between celiac patients and controls using t-test and Chi-square test. Statistical analysis was carried out using Stata 14 software. Results: Out of 200 patients, 25% of celiac patients and 18.13% of controls were infected with COVID-19. Additionally, 60% of COVID-19 infected celiac patients had severe gastrointestinal symptoms and none were hospitalized, while 31% of COVID-19 infected controls had gastrointestinal symptoms and 3.45% were hospitalized. The frequency of Marsh score above 2 was significantly lower among COVID-19 infected celiac patients compared with uninfected celiac patients. Conclusion: The presence of celiac disease posed no additional risk for COVID-19 infection in terms of prevalence and frequency. However, in comparison to the general population, celiac patients experienced more severe gastrointestinal complications when infected with COVID-19.
Marienburg Road in 16th Century According to Cartographic Sources: Section from
Alūksne to Russian Border
Authors:   Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State
            University, Kolpakov M. Yu.
Published: May 2024

The Marienburg Road was actively used by the participants of the Russian-Hanseatic
"unusual trade" in the 16th century. This main trade route along the entire
length from Riga to Marienburg (Alūksne) has been reconstructed by researchers. The
leaststudied section of the road is the section from Marienburg to the Russian border.
Using a retrospective method, the author analyzes Swedish cartographic sources of the
17th century including a map of Estland, Livonia and Courland, 1630; geographical map of
Ingria, Estland and Livonia of the first half of the 17th century; a geographical map of
Karelia, Ingria, Estland and Livonia of the second half of the 17th century; a drawing
of noble estates near Neuhausen, 1684; map of Swedish Livonia, 1686; a drawing of
Swedish Livonia, 1686; a road atlas of Dorpat, 1695; a plan of Marienburg with the
district, 1700; a drawing of the Duchy of Livonia, 1702. The information obtained is
compared with the data from the sources on the history of the Livonian estates in the
16th century and from travel descriptions. A reconstruction of the road section from
Marienburg through Semershof (Ziemere) and Rogosi (Ruusmäe) to Neuhausen (Vastseliine)
is proposed.