bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Sustainable Digital Agriculture for Smallholder Farmers: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Gumbi Nametshego , Gumbi Lucas , Twinomurinzi Hossana
Published: August 2023

Smallholder farmers are key contributors to food security globally, and more so in developing countries. Despite their critical role in food security, smallholder farmers are highly constrained by specific contextual challenges such as climate change, productivity, cost of production, credit access, and financial resources constraints that impact their sustenance, sustainability, and growth. Digital agriculture has emerged as a viable solution to addressing smallholder farmers’ contextual challenges, with many digital solutions already existing and developed to serve the agriculture sector. However, many smallholder farmers are beyond the reach of these digital solutions due to underdeveloped or nonexistent digital ecosystems. This paper reports on a systematic review conducted to examine the research that has been undertaken regarding digital agriculture ecosystems in relation to smallholder farmers and to identify challenges, usage, benefits, access, and uptake of the systems. The key findings reveal very limited research directed at digital literacy or skills, affordability, and business model innovation. Most of the challenges concern digital infrastructure, affordability, and digital literacy or skills. The findings also reveal that although digital agriculture is still a nascent concept to smallholder farmers, there are a few early adopters who access information mainly related to agriculture, selling, and marketing. There is, nonetheless, a lack of understanding of the value of digital agriculture systems. The study develops a research agenda that could facilitate digital transformation for smallholder farmers.
Quantitative Analysis and Prediction of Academic Performance of Students Using Machine Learning
Authors: Zhao Lihong , Ren Jiaolong , Zhang Lin , Zhao Hongbo
Published: August 2023

Academic performance evaluation is essential to enhance educational affection and improve educational quality and level. However, evaluating academic performance is difficult due to the complexity and nonlinear education process and learning behavior. Recently, machine learning technology has been adopted in Educational Data Mining (EDM) to predict and evaluate students’ academic performance. This study developed a quantitative prediction model of academic performance and investigated the performance of various machine learning algorithms and the influencing factors based on the collected educational data. The results conclude that machine learning provided an excellent tool to characterize educational behavior and represent the nonlinear relationship between academic performance and its influencing factors. Although the performance of various methods has some differences, all could be used to capture the complex and implicit educational law and behavior. Furthermore, machine learning methods that fully consider various factors have better prediction and generalization performance. In order to characterize the educational law well and evaluate accurately the academic performance, it is necessary to consider as many influencing factors as possible in the machine learning model.
Insights into Pyrolysis Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and the Reaction Mechanism of Wheat Straw for Its Resource Utilization
Authors: Lei Jialiu , Ye Xiaofeng , Wang Han , Zhao Dongnan
Published: August 2023

To realize the energy recovery of wheat straw, the pyrolysis behavior of wheat straw was studied at three heating rates (10, 20, and 30 K/min) based on thermogravimetric analysis (TG–DTG). Kinetics and thermodynamics were analyzed using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) model-free methods, and the reaction mechanism was determined using the Coats–Redfern (CR) model-fitting method. The results show that there are three weightlessness stages in the pyrolysis process, of which the second stage was the main weightlessness stage and two distinct peaks of weightlessness were observed in this stage. With increasing heating rate, the main pyrolytic weightlessness peaks of the DTG curve shift to the high-temperature side. The pyrolysis activation energies calculated by the FWO and KAS methods are 165.17–440.02 kJ/mol and 163.72–452.07 kJ/mol, and the pre-exponential factors vary in the range of 2.58 × 1012–7.45 × 1036 s−1 and 1.91 × 1012–8.66 × 1037 s−1, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters indicate that wheat straw has favorable conditions for product formation and it is a promising feedstock. Its pyrolysis reaction was nonspontaneous and the energy output is stable. CR method analysis shows that the A1/3 random nucleation model is the most suitable mechanism to characterize the pyrolysis process and random nucleation may be in charge of the main pyrolysis stage. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the thermochemical conversion and utilization of wheat straw.
Variability of Extreme Events in Coastal and Inland Areas of South Korea during 1961–2020
Authors: Dubey Swatantra Kumar , Kim JungJin , Hwang Syewoon , Her Younggu , Jeong Hanseok
Published: August 2023

The increased concentrations of greenhouse gases have led to global warming and an increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Such changes in weather patterns may have unexpected implications for everyday life and water resource management in coastal and inland areas; thus, it is critical to understand the pattern of the changes. This study investigated how extreme weather events have changed in inland and coastal South Korea in the past 60 years (1961–2020) at different temporal scales, from monthly to yearly. This study quantified extreme weather events using multiple meteorological indices such as consecutive dry days (CDD), consecutive wet days (CWD), tropical nights, and icy and frosty days. The trends in the extreme weather indices were statistically tested using a non-parametric test. The results showed increases in the minimum and maximum air temperature and the frequency of warm and cold nights and days. The number of CDD and maximum five-day precipitation (RX5day) at the coastal and inland stations increased in the extreme precipitation-related index. The number of warm days and warm nights increased significantly at the majority of weather stations over the 60 year study period. The number of CWD increased during the selected period, but this was not statistically significant. In addition, we found that the temporal variations in the indices became greater over time, which implies the frequency and severity of extreme events such as drought and storm events may increase in the future. This study could help researchers determine the climatic areas at the selected stations that are critical for optimal water resource management planning and/or modeling.
Assessing the Impact of Royalties on Fishery Resource
Authors: Negrei Costel , Ladaru Georgiana-Raluca
Published: August 2023

For the conservation of the fish population, a mix of legal, technical, social and economic instruments must be used, among which we find royalties. Beyond the fact that it is a source of budgetary revenue, depending on its amount, the royalty is meant to help avoid overexploitation of fishery resources, but within a mechanism that combines economic, social and environmental criteria. The modelling of this mechanism, as well as the evaluation of the ecological impact that it generates, represent the objectives of the approaches for conducting scientific research on this topic. To purely biological (based on maximum sustainable yield) and bio-economic models (which also take into account the fishing effort), we add an ecological model, which highlights, in the same plan, the economic, social and ecological optimum.
The Perception of Food Quality and Food Value among the Purchasing Intentions of Street Foods in the Capital of the Philippines
Authors: Tacardon Eric R. , Ong Ardvin Kester S. , Gumasing Ma. Janice J.
Published: August 2023

Transformations in modern lifestyles have caused changes in people’s food consumption, elevating the status of street foods to one of the favored choices. However, very few studies have been dedicated to investigating why street foods have become a popular choice among consumers. This study aimed to apply a modified version of the original theory of planned behavior (TPB), which includes domains affecting the intention to purchase while adding perceived food quality and value together with convenience. A total of 1361 respondents answered a survey based on the extended TPB constructs. Focusing on college graduates in the country, Structural Equation Modeling was utilized for the statistical analysis. Convenience proved to have the highest indirect effect on the intention to purchase street foods, explaining street foods’ ubiquitous and patronized image—which affected the TPB domains. This was followed by perceived food quality, which also had a significant direct effect on the behavioral domains and a higher indirect effect on street food purchase intention than perceived food value. Further discussion on the effect between behavioral domains was presented. This study also provided recommendations that street food vendors, the government, related private businesses, and consumers themselves can use to improve a sustainable community and businesses. In conclusion, this study contributes to the limited literature and promotion of purchasing and consuming street foods.
The Aerodynamic Performance of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines under Rotation Condition
Authors: Li Wenyan , Xiong Yuxuan , Su Guoliang , Ye Zuyang , Wang Guowu , Chen Zhao
Published: August 2023

The near-surface unsteady incoming flow in the atmospheric boundary layer has a great influence on the aerodynamic performance of horizontal axis wind turbines. To consider the effect of the rotation of the blade on the aerodynamic state of a wind turbine near the ground, the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method based on the shear stress transfer (SST) turbulence model is applied to analyze the unsteady aerodynamic interaction characteristics including solving the velocity field, pressure field, structural response state, variation of deformation, and output power in the flow field of the wind turbine. The deformation fluctuation points of different blades in the upwind and downwind regions were observed to move towards the blade tips with increasing rotational speed. The variations of flow velocity and pressure that occur along the radial direction of the wind turbine are observed. The velocity increases from the root to the tip of the blade. The tower shadow effect causes the blade deformation in the upper and lower wind areas to fluctuate. It is more obvious when the blade overlaps with the tower; the overall displacement under the effect of rotation has a large increase compared with the shutdown. The peak increments reach 2.1437 mm to 0.8674 mm; under the effect of inter-action wind speed increased, wind turbine output power increased from 68.33 kW to 84.33 kW, respectively. It helps to better understand the aerodynamic performance of wind turbines, prolong the service life, and optimize the design.
Applying Self-Optimised Feedback to a Learning Management System for Facilitating Personalised Learning Activities on Massive Open Online Courses
Authors: Qi Xin , Sun Geng , Yue Lin
Published: August 2023

Web-based educational systems collect tremendous amounts of electronic data, ranging from simple histories of students’ interactions with the system to detailed traces of their reasoning. However, less attention has been given to the pedagogical interaction data of customised learning in a gamification environment. This study aims to research user experience, communication methods, and feedback and survey functionalities among the existing learning management system; understand the data flow of the online study feedback loop; propose the design of a personalised feedback system; and conclude with a discussion of the findings from the collected experiment data. We will test the importance of gamification learning and analytics learning, as well as conduct a literature review and laboratory experiment to examine how they can influence the effectiveness of monetary incentive schemes. This research will explain the significance of gamification learning and personalised feedback on motivation and performance during the learning journey.
A Review of the Literature about Sustainability in the Work of the Future: An Overview of Industry 4.0 and Human Resources
Authors: Picinin Claudia Tania , Pedroso Bruno , Arnold Maik , Klafke Renata Vidart , Pinto Guilherme Moreira Caetano
Published: August 2023

Background: Industry 4.0 presents a volatile environment and is attentive to the need for changes in employees’ behavior. This paper aimed to investigate academic trends relating to the themes of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and human resources (HR). Methods: a total of 354 articles on the thematic area published in the Scopus database between 2014 and 2023 were analyzed. Results: Industry 4.0 is related to various themes connected to the productive environment, with a focus on technology. Over time, topics related to human resources management have become integrated into research on Industry 4.0. In this scenario, research demonstrates the importance of studies on workers’ education and training. The findings presented in this paper are relevant for researchers, academics, and managers, serving as a guide for future research on I4.0. The main contribution is facilitating the analysis of the role of workers in the Industry 4.0 scenario for different professionals, such as researchers, teachers, and HR managers. Conclusions: the present study points out new possibilities for research on Industry 4.0 and HR. These possibilities should guide researchers and professionals in their implementation.
A Fuzzy TOPSIS-Based Approach for Comprehensive Evaluation of Bio-Medical Waste Management: Advancing Sustainability and Decision-Making
Authors: al-Sulbi Khalil , Chaurasia Pawan Kumar , Attaallah Abdulaziz , Agrawal Alka , Pandey Dhirendra , Verma Vandna Rani , Kumar Vipin , Ansari Md Tarique Jamal
Published: August 2023

Bio-medical waste management is critical for ensuring public health and environmental sustainability. However, due to the inherent ambiguities and complexities involved with waste characteristics and disposal techniques, measuring the efficiency of bio-medical waste management systems presents major hurdles. This study provides a Fuzzy TOPSIS-based (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) strategy for thorough bio-medical waste management assessment. The suggested method combines the benefits of fuzzy logic and TOPSIS, allowing for the incorporation of subjective judgments and ambiguity in the evaluation procedure. Initially, a thorough set of criteria is constructed based on a review of current literature and recommendations from experts, comprising Environmental Impact, Compliance with Regulations, Health and Safety, Technological Feasibility, and Cost-effectiveness. To accurately represent the inherent ambiguity and imprecision in decision-making, each criterion is evaluated using linguistic variables. Furthermore, the Fuzzy TOPSIS approach is used to rate various bio-medical waste management systems depending on how well they perform in comparison to the identified criteria. The language judgments are represented as fuzzy numbers, and the idea of closeness coefficients is used for calculating the relative distance between each alternative and the ideal answer. An investigation in a healthcare facility is performed to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the suggested strategy. To assess numerous waste management approaches, the study uses real-world data on waste management practices, expert opinions, and linguistic analyses. The study’s findings emphasize the benefits of using a Fuzzy TOPSIS-based technique to evaluate bio-medical waste management. According to the findings of this research study, recycling is the best choice because it has the potential to reduce waste, recover resources, and preserve the environment. It assists decision-makers to account for uncertainties and subjectivity, increases transparency and consistency in decision-making, and aids in choosing of the best waste management system. The proposed approach advances sustainable waste management practices in the bio-medical area and provides a helpful tool for policymakers and practitioners looking to enhance waste management systems.
Unraveling On-Farm Wheat Loss in Fars Province, Iran: A Qualitative Analysis and Exploration of Potential Solutions with Emphasis on Agricultural Cooperatives
Authors: Ghaziani Shahin , Dehbozorgi Gholamreza , Bakhshoodeh Mohammad , Doluschitz Reiner
Published: August 2023

Given wheat’s global significance as a primary food crop, and its importance in providing essential nutrition to millions of people worldwide, reducing on-farm losses is crucial to promoting food security, sustainable agriculture, and economic stability. Wheat plays a critical role in food security in Iran, as it is a staple food consumed daily by a large proportion of the population, and is also a vital component of the country’s food self-sufficiency policy. The present study aims to identify the causes and extent of on-farm wheat loss in Fars province, a major wheat-producing area in Iran. Nine experts were interviewed, using open-ended questions, in October 2018. The study revealed that a considerable amount of wheat is lost due to seed overuse, pest infestation, and improper harvesting. The paper discusses the underlying factors associated with these over-arching causes, and highlights their adverse environmental, economic, and societal impacts. The paper also explores potential approaches to take in addressing the issue, and suggests empowering agricultural cooperatives through changes in the government’s engagement with wheat production. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders which are useful for developing effective strategies to reduce on-farm loss, particularly in countries where intensified farming is promoted. These strategies may include limiting the government’s central control and, instead, empowering agricultural cooperatives, as well as adopting supportive approaches, such as improving farmers’ access to proper machinery, and enhancing their sovereignty and freedom.
How to Improve the Synergetic Development Capabilities of the Innovation Ecosystems of High-Tech Industries in China: An fsQCA Analysis Based on the TOE Framework
Authors: Li Mingqiu , Chen Heng , Li Jinqiu , Liu Xiaolei
Published: August 2023

This study explores the synergetic development capability of China’s high-tech industry innovation ecosystem and the diversification path necessary to improve it. Based on the four-spiral perspective, the system synergetic development index was constructed, and the composite system collaborative degree model was used to measure the synergetic development capability of the high-tech industry innovation ecosystem across 30 provinces and cities in China from 2012 to 2020. The influencing factor model of improving the system’s synergetic development capability was constructed under the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, and a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was used to explore the multiple paths available to improve the synergetic development ability of the system. The results show that the four-helix system’s synergetic development capability is poor and needs to be improved. The “technology–organization–environment” conditions cannot be used alone as the necessary conditions for the improvement in the system’s synergetic development capability but need to exert a joint, matching effect through the combination of different factors. In addition, market openness is crucial on the path toward the highly synergetic development of the system. The research results not only provide a theoretical basis for comprehensively improving the system’s synergetic development capability but also provide a practical reference for the differentiation path being revealed. In short, this study has important theoretical and practical significance to promoting the synergetic development and benign evolution of the high-tech industry innovation ecosystem.
Detection of Low Blood Hemoglobin Levels on Pulmonary CT Angiography: A Feasibility Study Combining Dual-Energy CT and Machine Learning
Authors: Kay Fernando U. , Lumby Cynthia , Tanabe Yuki , Abbara Suhny , Rajiah Prabhakar
Published: August 2023

Objectives: To evaluate if dual-energy CT (DECT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) can detect anemia with the aid of machine learning. Methods: Inclusion of 100 patients (mean age ± SD, 51.3 ± 14.8 years; male-to-female ratio, 42/58) who underwent DECT CTPA and hemoglobin (Hb) analysis within 24 h, including 50 cases with Hb below and 50 controls with Hb ≥ 12 g/dL. Blood pool attenuation was assessed on virtual noncontrast (VNC) images at eight locations. A classification model using extreme gradient-boosted trees was developed on a training set (n = 76) for differentiating cases from controls. The best model was evaluated in a separate test set (n = 24). Results: Blood pool attenuation was significantly lower in cases than controls (p-values < 0.01), except in the right atrium (p = 0.06). The machine learning model had sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 83%, 92%, and 88%, respectively. Measurements at the descending aorta had the highest relative importance among all features; a threshold of 43 HU yielded sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 68%, 76%, and 72%, respectively. Conclusion: VNC imaging and machine learning shows good diagnostic performance for detecting anemia on DECT CTPA.
Assessment of the Presence of Transformation Products of Certain Pharmaceutical Products (Psychotropic Family) by Suspect and Non-Targeted HRMS Screening in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Reverbel Solenne , Dévier Marie-Hélène , Dupraz Valentin , Geneste Emmanuel , Budzinski Hélène
Published: August 2023

Aquatic environments are the final receptors of human emissions and are therefore contaminated by molecules, such as pharmaceuticals. After use, these compounds and their metabolites are discharged to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). During wastewater treatment, compounds may be eliminated or degraded into transformation products (TPs) or may be persistent. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method based on high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for the identification of six psychotropic drugs that are widely consumed in France and present in WWTPs, as well as their potential associated metabolites and TPs. Four out of six psychotropic drugs and between twenty-five and thirty-seven potential TPs were detected in wastewater, although this was based on full scan data. TPs not reported in the literature and specific to the study sites and therefore to the wastewater treatment processes were tentatively identified. For the selected drugs, most known and present TPs were identified, such as desmethylvenlafaxine or norcitalopram. Moreover, the short fragmentation study led rather to the identification of several TPs of carbamazepine as ubiquitous persistent TPs.
Botulinum Toxin—A High-Dosage Effect on Functional Outcome and Spasticity-Related Pain in Subjects with Stroke
Authors: Intiso Domenico , Centra Antonello Marco , Gravina Michele , Chiaramonte Angelo , Bartolo Michelangelo , Di Rienzo Filomena
Published: August 2023

Stroke patients can develop spasticity and spasticity-related pain (SRP). These disorders are frequent and can contribute to functional limitations and disabling conditions. Many reports have suggested that higher doses than initially recommended of BTX-A can be used effectively and safely, especially in the case of severe spasticity; however, whether the treatment produces any benefit on the functional outcome and SRP is unclear. Studies published between January 1989 and December 2022 were retrieved from MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register. Only obabotulinumtoxinA (obaBTX-A), onabotulinumtoxinA, (onaBTX-A), and incobotulinumtoxinA (incoBTX-A) were considered. The term “high dosage” indicates ≥600 U. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Globally, 460 subjects were treated with BTX-A high dose, and 301 suffered from stroke. Studies had variable method designs, sample sizes, and aims. Only five (55.5%) reported data about the functional outcome after BTX-A injection. Functional measures were also variable, and the improvement was observed predominantly in the disability assessment scale (DAS). SRP pain was quantified by visual analog scale (VAS) and only three studies reported the BTX-A effect. There is no scientific evidence that this therapeutic strategy unequivocally improves the functionality of the limbs. Although no clear-cut evidence emerges, certain patients with spasticity might obtain goal-oriented improvement from high-dose BTX-A. Likewise, data are insufficient to recommend high BTX dosage in SRP.
From Mimivirus to Mirusvirus: The Quest for Hidden Giants
Authors: Gaïa Morgan , Forterre Patrick
Published: August 2023

Our perception of viruses has been drastically evolving since the inception of the field of virology over a century ago. In particular, the discovery of giant viruses from the Nucleocytoviricota phylum marked a pivotal moment. Their previously concealed diversity and abundance unearthed an unprecedented complexity in the virus world, a complexity that called for new definitions and concepts. These giant viruses underscore the intricate interactions that unfold over time between viruses and their hosts, and are themselves suspected to have played a significant role as a driving force in the evolution of eukaryotes since the dawn of this cellular domain. Whether they possess exceptional relationships with their hosts or whether they unveil the actual depths of evolutionary connections between viruses and cells otherwise hidden in smaller viruses, the attraction giant viruses exert on the scientific community and beyond continues to grow. Yet, they still hold surprises. Indeed, the recent identification of mirusviruses connects giant viruses to herpesviruses, each belonging to distinct viral realms. This discovery substantially broadens the evolutionary landscape of Nucleocytoviricota. Undoubtedly, the years to come will reveal their share of surprises.
MDM2 Influences ACE2 Stability and SARS-CoV-2 Uptake
Authors: Emslander Quirin , Krey Karsten , Hamad Sabri , Maidl Susanne , Oubraham Lila , Hesse Joshua , Henrici Alexander , Austen Katharina , Mergner Julia , Grass Vincent , Pichlmair Andreas
Published: August 2023

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the central entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. However, surprisingly little is known about the effects of host regulators on ACE2 localization, expression, and the associated influence on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here we identify that ACE2 expression levels are regulated by the E3 ligase MDM2 and that MDM2 levels indirectly influence infection with SARS-CoV-2. Genetic depletion of MDM2 elevated ACE2 expression levels, which strongly promoted infection with all SARS-CoV-2 isolates tested. SARS-CoV-2 spike-pseudotyped viruses and the uptake of non-replication-competent virus-like particles showed that MDM2 affects the viral uptake process. MDM2 ubiquitinates Lysine 788 of ACE2 to induce proteasomal degradation, and degradation of this residue led to higher ACE2 expression levels and superior virus particle uptake. Our study illustrates that cellular regulators of ACE2 stability, such as MDM2, play an important role in defining the infection capabilities of SARS-CoV-2.
Ecological Interactions among Thrips, Soybean Plants, and Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus in Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Hameed Asifa , Rosa Cristina , O’Donnell Cheryle A. , Rajotte Edwin G.
Published: August 2023

Analysis of ecological and evolutionary aspects leading to durability of resistance in soybean cultivars against species Soybean vein necrosis orthotospovirus (SVNV) (Bunyavirales: Tospoviridae) is important for the establishment of integrated pest management (IPM) across the United States, which is a leading exporter of soybeans in the world. SVNV is a seed- and thrips- (vector)-borne plant virus known from the USA and Canada to Egypt. We monitored the resistance of soybean cultivars against SVNV, surveyed thrips species on various crops including soybeans in Pennsylvania, and studied thrips overwintering hibernation behavior under field conditions. Field and lab experiments determined disease incidence and vector abundance in soybean genotypes. The impact of the virus, vector, and their combination on soybean physiology was also evaluated. Seed protein, fiber, oil, and carbohydrate content were analyzed using near infra-red spectroscopy. We found that the variety Channel3917R2x had higher numbers of thrips; hence, it was categorized as preferred, while results showed that no variety was immune to SVNV. We found that thrips infestation alone or in combination with SVNV infection negatively impacted soybean growth and physiological processes.
Hybrid Immunity Provides the Best COVID-19 Humoral Response in Immunocompromised Patients with or without SARS-CoV-2 Infection History
Authors: Nazaruk Paulina , Tkaczyk Ignacy , Monticolo Marta , Jędrzejczak Anna Maria , Krata Natalia , Pączek Leszek , Foroncewicz Bartosz , Mucha Krzysztof
Published: August 2023

Immunization against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly limited the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and reduced the associated complications, especially mortality. To prolong immunity, an immune booster was implemented. We evaluated the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection history in the vaccination schedules of kidney and liver transplant recipients and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To this end, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 78 solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients and 40 patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy as representatives of the CKD group. Patients received two or three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. At the follow-up, antibody (Ab) titer, graft function, COVID-19 history, and patients’ clinical condition were assessed. Ab level was higher after two doses in patients with a COVID-19 history over three doses in patients with no COVID-19 history. Compared to three doses, subjects who were administered two doses had a longer median time to infection. Positive antibodies, in response to the third dose, were not observed in up to 8.4% of SOT patients. The results show that the vaccination schedule should take into account the vaccine response rate and COVID-19 history. So-called hybrid immunity appears to be most efficient at providing humoral responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised patients.
Hanjiang River Runoff Change and Its Attribution Analysis Integrating the Inter-Basin Water Transfer
Authors: Wu Guangdong , Liu Yuanqing , Liu Bo , Ren Huazhun , Wang Wenpeng , Zhang Xiao , Yuan Zhe , Yang Mingzhi
Published: August 2023

The Hanjiang River, as a water donor basin, plays a fundamental role in supporting water supply security in northern China while maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems within the basin. However, the combined influence of climate change and anthropogenic interference has resulted in a significant change in the flow regime of the basin, challenging the sustainability of the river system. In order to understand the impact of the above factors on the river runoff, we analyzed the temporal and spatial pattern of runoff and climate factors in the basin and quantitatively assessed the contribution of climate change and human activities to the change in runoff using the elasticity coefficient method. Our results indicate that annual runoff has experienced a significant downward trend over the past 60 years, which is projected to continue into the future. It is also found that the temporal pattern of the runoff regime differed upstream and downstream of the Danjiangkou Reservoir due to the joint operation of the reservoir and China’s Middle Route Project of South-to-North Water Diversion (MRP-SNWD). A significant decrease in runoff was primarily attributed to human activities, followed by precipitation. In contrast, evapotranspiration had the least effect. In particular, the MRP-SNWD was a significant anthropogenic factor, contributing to about 20.3% of the total change in runoff. Our results highlighted the unfavorable effects of human activity on the hydrological system in the Hanjiang River and provided some constructive suggestions to turn vulnerability into resilience.
A Study on Infiltration Characteristics and One-Dimensional Algebraic Model Simulation in Reclaimed Soil with Biochar
Authors: Wang Juan , Shi Danyi , Li Yan , Chen Anquan , Feng Shaoyuan , Liu Chuncheng
Published: August 2023

The cultivated land area in China is approaching the red line of farmland protection. The newly reclaimed land will become a vital reserved land resource, and it possesses a large exploratory potential. Newly reclaimed soil usually has low productivity with poor physical and chemical properties as well as weak fertility, and it is prone to serious soil erosion. The effects of corn straw biochar and rice husk biochar (at the mass ratio of 2%, 4%, and 8%) on the soil infiltration process and soil moisture distribution in the soil profile were studied. The results showed that the infiltration duration was prolonged, and the wetting front migration distance and infiltration rate were decreased under biochar addition treatments, except under the low addition rate for rice husk biochar. The Philip model and Kostiakov model accurately described the water infiltration process of the newly reclaimed soil with both kinds of biochar. The two kinds of biochar used in this study affected both the initial infiltration rates and stable infiltration rates, and water infiltration was more sensitive to rice husk biochar and its addition rate. The moisture in the soil profile after infiltration was simulated using a one-dimensional algebraic model. The surface soil moisture was improved with both kinds of biochar addition, and the water retention ability was enhanced with an increased biochar addition rate. In conclusion, corn straw biochar with a high addition rate is beneficial for inhibiting soil water infiltration and improving weak water retention ability in the newly reclaimed area, which is a recommended choice for efficient soil construction in newly reclaimed land.
Mapping Community Perception, Synergy, and Trade-Off of Multiple Water Values in the Central Rift Valley Water System of Ethiopia
Authors: Geleta Yohannes , Haileslassie Amare , Simane Belay , Assefa Engdawork , Bantider Amare
Published: August 2023

Individuals and communities use and value water in multiple and complex ways. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the pluralistic nature of water values is poorly documented, and the existing and potential value trade-offs are unidentified. This study was undertaken in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia to understand and map water values, priorities, risks, and trade-offs in a multi-stakeholder engagement process to provide the basis for more transparent and accountable decision-making. Integrated assessment methods, combining bio-physical and social methods, were applied. The results show 24 community-perceived and articulated water values that are diverse but interconnected, including values of water, landscapes, the river system, and downstream water bodies. Connections between people and landscape structures are articulated. In terms of priority water values, the overall results reflect the primary but basic need for water for food security and domestic uses. The results further illustrate the pluralistic nature of water values and the dichotomy of preferences among people of different backgrounds. The scenario-based Environmental Flow (EF) assessment exercise integrated into community value preferences and the event calendar that was used show that the river systems in CRV (Ketar, Kulumsa, and Gusha-Temela) have different ecological and socio-cultural flow requirements and that there are marked water value trade-offs. The conclusions of the study suggest that overlapping governance structures are affecting people’s perceptions of water and the way they articulate water values. Policy directions and decision-making need to recognize and acknowledge the multiple water values and competing uses of water in the CRV as a starting point to reconcile trade-offs that will then improve water security. Findings suggest that EF estimation and decision support tools can be customized to local ecological requirements through engaging local stakeholders in the assessment process.
Purchasing Intentions Analysis of Hybrid Cars Using Random Forest Classifier and Deep Learning
Authors: Ong Ardvin Kester S. , Cordova Lara Nicole Z. , Longanilla Franscine Althea B. , Caprecho Neallo L. , Javier Rocksel Andry V. , Borres Riañina D. , German Josephine D.
Published: August 2023

In developed or first-world countries, hybrid cars are widely utilized and essential in technological development and reducing carbon emissions. Despite that, developing or third-world countries such as the Philippines have not yet fully adopted hybrid cars as a means of transportation. Hence, the Sustainability Theory of Planned Behavior (STPB) was developed and integrated with the UTAUT2 framework to predict the factors affecting the purchasing intentions of Filipino drivers toward hybrid cars. The study gathered 1048 valid responses using convenience and snowball sampling to holistically measure user acceptance through twelve latent variables. Machine Learning Algorithm (MLA) tools such as the Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest Classifier (RFC), and Deep Learning Neural Network (DLNN) were utilized to anticipate consumer behavior. The final results from RFC showed an accuracy of 94% and DLNN with an accuracy of 96.60%, which were able to prove the prediction of significant latent factors. Perceived Environmental Concerns (PENCs), Attitude (AT), Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), and Performance Expectancy (PE) were observed to be the highest factors. This study is one of the first extensive studies utilizing the MLA approach to predict Filipino drivers’ tendency to acquire hybrid vehicles. The study’s results can be adapted by automakers or car companies for devising initiatives, tactics, and advertisements to promote the viability and utility of hybrid vehicles in the Philippines. Since all the factors were proven significant, future investigations can assess not only the behavioral component but also the sustainability aspect of an individual using the STPB framework.
Research on Regenerative Braking Control Strategy for Single-Pedal Pure Electric Commercial Vehicles
Authors: Li Zhe , Shi Zhenning , Gao Jianping , Xi Jianguo
Published: August 2023

In recent years, with the increasing severity of energy and environmental issues, countries have vigorously developed the new energy automotive industry. To reduce the difficulty of driver operation and increase endurance mileage, this article proposes a regenerative braking control strategy for a single-pedal pure electric commercial vehicle. Firstly, the single-pedal control system’s hierarchical approach was designed to contain the driver’s intention analysis and torque calculation layers. After identifying the driver’s intention, a logic threshold method was used to determine the braking pattern. Then, a fuzzy theory was used, with road gradient, braking strength, and speed as input parameters, and the ratio coefficient of braking force as the output parameter. A hybrid regenerative braking strategy was formulated based on the ideal distribution curve. Finally, the proposed strategy was verified through simulation and a constant-speed car-following experiment. The constant-speed car-following experiment results show that the maximum optimization rate of energy consumption provided by the proposed single-pedal regenerative braking control strategy is 5.81%, and the average optimization rate is 4.33%. This strategy can effectively reduce energy consumption and improve the economic performance of single-pedal pure electric commercial vehicles.
Capital Accumulation Dynamics
Authors:   International Research Institute for Advanced Systems, Saraev Victor N. , Fedorov Igor Yu. ,   RC Complex Systems
Published: August 2023

The article discusses the scheme of K. Marxian expanded reproduction through the prism of the capital accumulation analysis by R. Luxembourg taking into account of the infrastructure impact on the development of capitalism. The author gives examples of the 21st century infrastructure, in par ticular he examines multilateral platforms — payment systems for cross-border payments, associated with broadband satellite Internet access and an ar tificial intelligence environment.
Social Dominant of the Time Concept in the Process of Cardinal Transformations of Society
Authors:   Institute of Sociology — Branch of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences., Golubitsky Yuri A.
Published: August 2023

The author examines a number of topical aspects of socio-political practice and futurology of the ongoing process of cardinal transformations in post-Soviet Russia. It is shown that this process constitutes the essence of global trends of permanent renewal of state-public institutions, socio-political and production practices; it is associated with abandoning outdated ideologemes, economic concepts, with the elites change in the ongoing struggle for dominance in power structures.
A Educação Ambiental do campo como ferramenta de valorização da agroecologia
Authors: Santos Florisvaldo Cavalcanti dos , Azevedo Sérgio Luiz Malta de Azevedo , Santos Maria Herbênia Lima Cruz Santos , Santos Emanuel Ernesto Fernandes Santos , Almeida Maria do Socorro Pereira de
Published: August 2023

Uma educação pautada no respeito ao ecossistema baseada na agroecologia volta-se para a conservação dos recursos naturais. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar a Educação Ambiental do campo como ferramenta de valorização da agroecologia. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica em periódicos e obras publicadas, com abordagem qualitativa, considerando estudos, análises e comparações da Educação Ambiental do campo como forma de valorização da agroecologia, num espaço temporal de 2010 a 2022. Foi percebido que a Educação Ambiental do campo é um agente que promove a mudança de paradigmas buscando o reconhecimento, desenvolvimento e expansão da agroecologia nas sociedades, mantendo a conservação da natureza.
Educação Ambiental: estudo da percepção ambiental na comunidade ribeirinha na proximidade dos rios Munim e Iguará (MA)
Authors: Braga Fabio Henrique Ramos , Sousa Noelle Silva de , Freato Luciano , Moura Anna Regina Lanner de , Miranda Rita de Cassia Mendonça de , Silva Darlan Ferreira da , Silva Maria Raimunda Chagas
Published: August 2023

O município de Nina Rodrigues é o berço da Revolta da Balaiada, devido seu relevo estar situado entre morros e as margens dos rios Iguará e Munim, com confluência praticamente no centro da cidade, fazendo com que mesmo virassem rotas de fugas e esconderijos na famosa revolta. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a percepção ambiental na comunidade ribeirinha na proximidade dos rios Munim e Iguará no município de Nina Rodrigues no Maranhão. Para a realização da educação ambiental aplicou-se um questionário a essa comunidade a fim de verificar a percepção do ambiente. Os resultados encontrados mostraram que o lançamento de lixo e as queimadas, bem como as retiradas de areia do rio compreendem os principais impactos existentes na região. Diante disso, a Educação Ambiental (EA) mostrou-se de suma importância na contribuição do conhecimento e para intensificar a fiscalização e as ações voltadas para a preservação e recuperação das áreas degradadas.
Les Équidés
Authors: Guadelli Jean-Luc
Published: August 2023

Most Equid remains in layers XXa to VII may be attributed to Equus caballus but it was not possible for us to improve our identification because the molars we studied present anatomical characteristics of würmian Horses when their dimensions are near those of the same teeth of ante-würmian Horses. Furthermore, the small size of our sample has limited the range of our conclusions.

Finally a deciduous lower tooth is attributed to Equus hydruntinus.
Using Web-Hosted Surveys to Obtain Responses from Extension Clients: A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Israel Glenn
Published: August 2023

Surveys are important tools for Extension professionals. Given the development of Web-hosted surveys, two important questions are "When can they be used?" and "How does the data differ from those collected by other methods?" The study reported here compares three modes of delivery: mail only, mail/Web choice, and Web preference with a mail option. Data showed the response rate for the mail-only mode was highest (64.5%), followed by the mail/Web choice mode (59.2%) and the Web preference mode (52.6%). The evidence indicates a need to consider how the results might be affected by methodological decisions to use the Internet.
Motivational Orientations of Adults Participating in a Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program
Authors: Strong Robert , Harder Amy
Published: August 2023

The purpose of the study reported here was to develop a better understanding of adult participation in the Master Gardener Program in Putnam County, Tennessee. Eighty-nine participants were surveyed, and 66 participants returned their completed survey, for a 74.16% response rate. Adults participated "to obtain a practical benefit," "to feed an appetite for knowledge," "to satisfy an intellectual curiosity," and "to satisfy an inquiring mind." MG Coordinators should market their programs as opportunities to learn and share specific gardening knowledge. More comprehensive research is needed to determine if adults are primarily interested in the MG Program strictly for knowledge.
The Cooperative Extension Service as a Boundary Organization for Diffusion of Climate Forecasts: A 5-Year Study
Authors: Breuer Norman , Fraisse Clyde , Cabrera Victor
Published: August 2023

This article compares responses from two surveys in Florida to estimate how climate literacy has evolved as a result of the partnership of the Southeast Climate Consortium with the Cooperative Extension Services for diffusion of climate information. A 32-question survey was developed and posted to the Internet in 2004 and again in 2009. We found that climate knowledge evolved over the 5-year interval in two principal ways. Knowledge and willingness to use and provide information to end users increased on average, and agents had refined what types of climate information are actually useful and to what extent for their clients.
Runa. Una biografía (bastante) autorizada
Authors: Guber Rosana
Published: August 2023

Nacida en 1948, la revista antropológica de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad de Buenos Aires atestigua el dinámico y a veces turbulento devenir de la antropología en la Argentina, sus comprimisos, ataques y supervivencias en interlocución con otras disciplinas de las Humanidades, las Ciencias Naturales y las Ciencias Sociales, con el proceso histórico-político federal, del cual la Ciudad de Buenos Aires fue su más conspicuo escenario, y con el mundo editorial de las revistas académicas. Desde su ámbito de publicación de los invetigadores del Instituto de Antropología, Runa se convirtió en una revista abierta a procedencias diversas y se incorporó al mercado de las revistas científicas e indexadas. Este artículo presenta cómo Funa fue sintetizando estos distintos ejes--desarrollo del campo antropológico, de las revistas aadémicas y de la politica universitaria--y cómo se las arregló para sobrevivir, desde su propio punto de vista.