bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motherhood Penalty and Labour Market Integration of Immigrant Women: A Review on Evidence from Four OECD Countries
Authors: Udayanga Samitha
Published: August 2024

Among several reasons preventing the effective labour market integration of immigrant women, the motherhood penalty and unpaid care responsibilities stand out prominently. In line with this, the present scoping review shows how motherhood affects the labour market integration of immigrant women in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. This review shows that parenthood exacerbates the gender pay gap and limits labour market access, favouring men with children over immigrant mothers. Moreover, the effect of the motherhood penalty might be moderated by the level of education, age of the children, and the country of origin/ethnicity of immigrants. In the four countries examined, labour market outcomes for immigrant women are particularly poor. Factors contributing to this include limited language proficiency, traditional gender norms that restrict the full-time employment of certain groups of immigrant women, and institutional barriers like work-permit processing delays. To address these challenges, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA have implemented various policies facilitating immigrant mothers’ workforce participation. These measures include language and legal-system education, subsidised childcare, and integration programmes for both mothers and children. Additionally, some programmes in Canada and the USA provide employment assistance and financial support for childcare, while Australia and the UK offer comprehensive integration and settlement services.
The Effect of Carbon Trading Pilot Policy on Resource Allocation Efficiency: A Multiple Mediating Effect Model of Development, Innovation, and Investment
Authors: Shao Wei , Dai Debao , Zhao Yunqing , Ye Liang
Published: August 2024

This study extends the existing research on carbon trading policies from the perspective of mediating effects. Based on the difference-in-differences method, this study helps to understand the relationship between China’s carbon trading policies and resource allocation efficiency. The study finds that carbon trading policy promotes the optimization of capital allocation efficiency but does not promote the optimization of labor allocation efficiency. This conclusion has passed a series of robustness tests. Moreover, our analysis shows that carbon trading policies can influence resource allocation efficiency through per capita GDP, foreign direct investment, and innovation levels using multiple mediating models. Factors such as market size, the number of emission entities, and the behavior of market participants affect the resource allocation efficiency in the carbon trading process. Finally, the spatial spillover effect of the carbon trading policy is verified. This paper provides empirical evidence and policy implications for achieving the dual carbon goal and sustainable development.
Evaluation of Mechanical, Ecological, Economical, and Thermal Characteristics of Geopolymer Concrete Containing Processed Slag Sand
Authors: M. G. Girish , Shetty Kiran K. , Nayak Gopinatha , Kamath Kiran
Published: August 2024

This manuscript highlights the mechanical, economical, ecological, and thermal investigations performed on paving quality geopolymer concrete (PQGC) incorporating processed steel slag (PSS) as a substitute for river sand (RSa). The replacement of RSa with PSS ranged from 0 to 100% in the PQGC mix. The mix with 100% PSS content exhibited enhanced geopolymerization, resulting in a denser and more amorphous matrix. This improved the mechanical properties, increasing compressive strength by 10.9%, flexural strength by 23.5%, and splitting tensile strength by 8.3%. The replacement of RSa with PSS in PQGC led to a marginal reduction in (embodied energy) EE and CO2 emissions. However, compared to conventional Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) and Fly Ash PQC (FPQC), the reduction in EE for PQGC was 44% and 34%, while the CO2 emissions of PQGC were reduced by 1.22 and 1.49 times. Despite these benefits, PQGC with 100% PSS was 19% and 30% more expensive than PQC and FPQC, respectively. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of PQGC was approximately one-third that of PQC and FPQC at all levels of replacement of RSa in PQGC when compared to PQC and FPQC. Additionally, thermal conductivity decreased from k = 0.67 W/m °C to k = 0.51 W/m °C with 100% replacement of RSa, keeping the concrete cooler. Therefore, PQGC with 100% PSS, when practically implemented, may help reduce surrounding temperatures. This study concludes that PSS is a feasible and reliable alternative to RSa, enhancing the sustainability of PQGC.
Recovery of Phenolic Compounds by Deep Eutectic Solvents in Orange By-Products and Spent Coffee Grounds
Authors: Silva Cristiane Nunes da , Silva Rhonyele Maciel da , Lemes Ailton Cesar , Ribeiro Bernardo Dias
Published: August 2024

Orange and coffee grounds by-products, rich in phenolic bioactive compounds, can be used in the food industry as antioxidants, colorants, flavorings and additives, mainly because they are solvents that are easy to prepare, have a lower cost, are thermally stable, biodegradable, renewable, and are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). Deep eutectic solvents, which are sustainable and have lower melting points, are effective for extracting these compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) in extracting Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC), from orange by-products and spent coffee grounds. DES formed by citric acid: mannitol (CM-DES), and lactic acid: glucose (LG-DES), were evaluated by varying the following parameters: water content (10–50%), solid–liquid ratio (1:5–1:50 w/w) and temperature (40–50 °C). DES citric acid: mannitol presented the best efficiency in the extraction of TPC under the conditions of 10% water, 80 °C, and solid–liquid ratio 1:10 (w/w) for the orange by-products (1782.92 ± 4.50 mg GAE/L) and 1:15 (w/w) for spent coffee grounds (1620.71 ± 3.72 mg GAE/L). The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the extraction with CM-DES for both by-products in the three methods evaluated: Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) (1.087 ± 0.004 and 1.071 ± 0.006 mol ascorbic acid/L), DPPH radical scavenging activity (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil—DPPH) (0.233 ± 0.003 and 0.234 ± 0.001 mol Trolox equivalent/L), and radical cation scavenging activity ABTS (2,2-azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid—ABTS) (0.284 ± 7.16 and 0.319 ± 0.002 mol Trolox equivalent/L). Therefore, DES with citric acid: mannitol is a promising alternative to conventional solvents to recover phenolic compounds in agro-industrial by-products, such as orange by-products and SCG.
Allocation of Financial Resources and Green Economic Development: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Leilei , Tang Yao , Luo Xiaowei
Published: August 2024

Green development has recently become the theme of global economic development. Focusing on green development, this paper uses China’s interprovincial panel data from 2003–2022 to construct a spatial Durbin model to study the impact of the allocation of financial resources between the virtual economy and the real economy on green development. The findings are as follows: (1) The “virtual and real” allocation of financial resources has a significant effect on the green development of the economy; on the whole, the increase in financial resources in the virtual economy reduces the quality of green economic development. (2) The “virtual and real” allocation of financial resources has an obvious spatial spillover effect on green economic development; the increase in financial resources flowing into the virtual economy in one province (city) reduces the proportion of financial resources flowing into the virtual economy in neighboring provinces, which is conducive to the green economic development of the neighboring provinces. (3) Due to the differences in economic structure, industrial structure, and financial development level among provinces and regions, the “virtual and real” allocation of financial resources has a significant effect on the green economic development of central, eastern, and western China.
Exergy and Energy Analysis of Bifacial PV Module Performance on a Cloudy Day in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almarshoud A. F. , Abdel-halim M. A. , Almasri Radwan A. , Alshwairekh Ahmed M.
Published: August 2024

Bifacial solar modules, capable of harvesting sunlight from both sides, present a promising pathway for sustainable energy generation. This study examines the performance of bifacial modules on a cloudy day through comparative exergy and energy analyses. The analysis considers both the quality and quantity of energy produced by bifacial and monofacial modules. Conducted at Qassim University in Buraydah City, Saudi Arabia, the study recorded measurements during two intervals on a cloudy day using a real-time photovoltaic measurement system. Module performance was evaluated concerning energy yield, exergy yield, and solar irradiance, factoring in ambient and module temperatures. The results demonstrate that bifacial modules outperformed monofacial modules in electrical energy and output exergy. In the first period, the bifacial modules showed a 9.5% higher exergy efficiency and a 7% greater energy efficiency compared to the monofacial modules. During the second period, the bifacial modules achieved a 4.5% higher exergy efficiency and a 3.5% increased energy efficiency over the monofacial modules. These findings contribute to global sustainability efforts by reducing fossil fuel dependence and optimizing bifacial PV module design and operation for enhanced energy and exergy efficiency, even in cloudy conditions. The study’s implications for sustainable development and energy policies underscore the essential role of advanced PV technologies in achieving sustainable energy goals.
Research on the Inhibitory Effect of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on Carbon Leakage
Authors: Lan Tian , Tao Ran
Published: August 2024

Associated with more ambitious targets for reducing emissions, the European Union (EU) plans to implement the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) fully in 2026, aiming to reduce carbon leakage and competitiveness concerns by imposing tariffs on carbon-intensive imports, which is expected to significantly impact its trade partners. Existing research has focused on CBAM’s impact on macroeconomic indicators but has insufficiently addressed its effects on global and regional carbon leakage, especially in non-EU countries like China. This research offers a detailed analysis of industry-specific leakage rates and integrates both global and regional impacts by employing the dynamic recursive GTAP-E general equilibrium model to numerically simulate CBAM’s inhibitory effect on carbon leakage under different carbon tariff scenarios, while also exploring the synergistic effects of anti-leakage policies in non-EU countries. Our simulations indicate the following: (1) CBAM effectively inhibits carbon leakage, with greater inhibition observed at higher tax rates and with the expansion of covered industries. (2) Establishing China’s domestic carbon market pricing can further reduce regional carbon leakage rates. Implementing global export carbon tax policies will significantly diminish the risk of global carbon leakage. (3) The implementation of CBAM is projected to reduce China’s total exports to the EU, though this loss will be partly offset by trade diversion effects. Carbon-intensive industries are more adversely affected in the short term, while all industries except fossil fuels face inevitable long-term negative impacts.
The Eliciting Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum Algae on the Cultivation of Arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) Microgreens
Authors: Drygaś Barbara , Piechowiak Tomasz , Balawejder Maciej , Matłok Natalia , Kreczko Joanna , Puchalski Czesław
Published: August 2024

This study showed the eliciting effect of aqueous extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum on the development of Eruca sativa microgreens in a quartz-based substrate. There is no information in the literature on the impact of its use on the quality, bioactive compound content, and nutritional value of arugula microgreens. Assays that have been made include the following: total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFV), enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and enzymes involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The antioxidant activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was also evaluated. The total phenolic content of arugula microgreens increased significantly after an application of aqueous extracts of A. nodosum to the substrate. The greatest increase in flavonoid content (89%) and antioxidant activity against DPPH (82%) was observed at a concentration of 2.5%. The highest increase in activity of CAT (68.2%), SOD (25%), PAL (13-fold), and PPO (84.2%) was observed with the application of 5% extract. In conclusion, the use of Ascophyllum nodosum algae affects TPC and TFV, antioxidant activity, PAL, PPO, SOD, and CAT in the microgreens studied. By prioritising organic and environmentally friendly extracts, growers can contribute to a more sustainable and healthier food system, especially in the case of the production of Eruca sativa microgreens.
Biomass Partitioning, Carbon Storage, and Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Crop Production under a Grewia optiva-Based Agroforestry System in the Mid-Hills of the Northwestern Himalayas
Authors: Keprate Alisha , Bhardwaj Daulat Ram , Sharma Prashant , Kumar Dhirender , Rana Rajesh Kumar
Published: August 2024

A well-designed tree-based culture provides multiple benefits, aiding in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action), and SDG15 (life on land). A split-plot field experiment near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, tested the following Grewia optiva tree spacings as main plots: S1 10 m × 1 m, S2 10 m × 2 m, S3 10 m × 3 m, and sole cropping (S0—Open) of pea (Pisum sativum L.). Pea cultivation included the following six fertilizer treatments as subplots: control (no application), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), Jeevamrut, FYM + VC, and the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDFs), each replicated three times. The results indicated that the leaves, branches, total biomass, carbon density, and carbon sequestration rate of G. optiva alleys at 10 m × 1 m were greater than those at the other spacings. However, peas intercropped at 10 m × 3 m produced the highest yield (5.72 t ha−1). Compared with monocropping, G. optiva-based agroforestry significantly improved soil properties. Among fertilizers, FYM had the highest yield (6.04 t ha−1) and improved soil health. The most lucrative practice was the use of peas under a 10 m × 1 m spacing with FYM, with economic gains of 2046.1 USD ha−1. This study suggests integrating pea intercropping with G. optiva at broader spacing (10 m × 3 m) and using FYM for optimal carbon sequestration, soil health, and economic returns, and this approach is recommended for the region’s agroecosystems.
The Spatial–Temporal Evolution of the Trade-Offs and Synergy between the Suburban Rural Landscape’s Production–Living–Ecological Functions: A Case Study of Jiashan in the Yangtze River Delta Eco-Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone, China
Authors: Gong Suning , Zhang Lin , Pang Jun
Published: August 2024

The Yangtze River Delta is one of China’s most economically developed regions and includes parts of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. The economic development of the Yangtze River Delta region is in a stage of rapid growth. As a unique intersection of urban and rural functions, contradictions are prominent. The production, life, and ecological functions of suburban rural landscapes are forming new trade-off and synergistic relationships. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the production–living–ecological function of the suburban rural landscape in the Yangtze River Delta region. Jiashan County is located in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, and is an important part of the Yangtze River Delta region. Jiashan County, which has location advantages and economic development, can be used as a representative area to study the relationship between the production–living–ecological function of the suburban rural landscape in the Yangtze River Delta region. To evaluate the current status of the production–living–ecological functions of suburban rural areas in the Yangtze River Delta region and provide data support for future planning decisions in the Yangtze River Delta region, this study selected the suburban rural landscape of Jiashan as the research object and used temporal rank correlation analysis and spatial bivariate autocorrelation analysis to explore the evolution characteristics of the suburban rural landscape of Jiashan from 2000 to 2020. The results show that (1) the linear increase in the production and life functions of Jiashan rural areas has led to a decline in ecological functions, and life functions has been dominant. (2) There are trade-offs and synergistic relationships between the different functions of the suburban rural landscape of Jiashan, showing a temporal change pattern dominated by trade-offs. (3) The multifunctional trade-offs and synergistic relationships for the suburban rural landscape in Jiashan County exhibited obvious spatial pattern variability, and there were differences in how the streets and towns evolved. The relevant policies for the construction of ecological green comprehensive demonstration areas affect the economic, social, and ecological development of the Yangtze River Delta region, resulting in substantial differences in the types of and trends in the spatiotemporal evolution of the functional trade-off and synergistic relationships of the suburban rural landscape. Targeted measures should be taken according to the local conditions to guide the coordinated development of landscape functions.
The Impact of Population Shrinkage on Economic Resilience in Mountain Cities: A Case Study of Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Guo Xing , Li Xudong , Chen Xuan , Jiang Yinggang
Published: August 2024

With the recent changes in population structure and continuous urbanization, the degree of population shrinkage in mountain cities has increased, especially under the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, and the economic development of such mountain cities has become a prominent issue. The epidemic has not only exposed the vulnerability of these cities to economic development but also aggravated the negative impact of population contraction, bringing about new challenges and pressures related to regional population development and economic resilience. This change has become an important topic in the study of mountain cities. Therefore, taking Guizhou Province as a case study, this work applies the population change rate, the entropy method, and a mediation effect model to study the spatiotemporal evolution of population shrinkage and economic resilience, and it explores how population shrinkage influences economic resilience. The results reveal the following: (1) Few counties experienced population shrinkage in Guizhou Province from 2013 to 2017, indicating a sporadic distribution pattern, whereas the degree of population shrinkage increased rapidly from 2018 to 2022, revealing an east–west symmetrical distribution pattern, with Guiyang city located on the central axis. (2) There are significant regional differences in the spatial distribution of the level of economic resilience between the two periods. Under the impact of COVID-19, from 2019 to 2022, although the overall level of economic resilience increased, the level of resilience in most counties tended to decrease. (3) Regarding the mediating effect, population shrinkage affected the level of economic resilience through general public budget expenditure, foreign trade investment, new urban employment, and GDP. The abovementioned findings are helpful for providing theoretical support and empirical guidance for the sustainable development of mountain cities in the face of population contraction, economic challenges, and promoting regional coordination.
Threshold Response Identification to Multi-Stressors Using Fish- and Macroinvertebrate-Based Diagnostic Tools in the Large River with Weir-Regulated Flow
Authors: Ryu Hui-Seong , Heo Jun , Park Kyoung-Jun , Park Hae-Kyung
Published: August 2024

Biodiversity response-based diagnostic tools are nonlinear approaches that simultaneously consider complex environmental stressors. Such approaches have been used to quantify biological responses to environmental changes. This study identified the major environmental stressors of community turnover and corresponding thresholds by applying diagnostic tools that use multiple biological assemblages in a large river with artificially controlled flow. Four Gradient Forest models were constructed using the relationships between stream biological assemblage and 66 parameters over 12 years. The multi-stressors that caused community turnover and their thresholds differed depending on the biological assemblage, even under the same environmental conditions. Specifically, they showed that operation of weirs has increased the importance of certain species (e.g., non-native species). In addition, specific-taxon response to multi-stressors analysis identified the ecological or management thresholds of endangered species, Korean endemic species, non-native species, and legal pollution indicator species, which must be managed from a biodiversity perspective. These thresholds are significant as the first reference points presented in similar ecological environments and can be used as guidelines for species over the long term. We propose that ‘true’ threshold identification requires efforts to recognize and improve the limitations of GF techniques confirmed in this study. This may ultimately enable a sustainable aquatic ecosystems maintenance and biodiversity preservation.
Environmental Impacts of Transportation Network Company (TNC)/Ride-Hailing Services: Evaluating Net Vehicle Miles Traveled and Greenhouse Gas Emission Impacts within San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Using Survey and Activity Data
Authors: Martin Elliot , Shaheen Susan , Wolfe Brooke
Published: August 2024

Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) play a prominent role in mobility within cities across the globe. However, their activity has impacts on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study quantifies the change in personal vehicle ownership and total miles driven by TNC drivers in three metropolitan areas: San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; and Washington, D.C. The data sources for this analysis comprise two surveys, one for TNC passengers (N = 8630) and one for TNC drivers (N = 5034), in addition to data provided by the TNC operators Uber and Lyft. The passenger survey was deployed within the three metropolitan areas in July and August 2016, while the driver survey was deployed from October to November 2016. The TNC operator data corresponded with these time frames and informed the distance driven by vehicles, passenger frequency of use, and fleet level fuel economies. The data from these sources were analyzed to estimate the impact of TNCs on travel behavior, personal vehicle ownership and associated VMT changes, as well as the VMT of TNCs, including app-off driving. These impacts were scaled to the population level and collectively evaluated to determine the net impacts of TNCs on VMT and GHG emissions using fuel economy factors. The results showed that the presence of TNCs led to a net increase of 234 and 242 miles per passenger per year, respectively, in Los Angeles and San Francisco, while yielding a net decrease of 83 miles per passenger per year in Washington, D.C. A sensitivity analysis evaluating net VMT change resulting from vehicle activity and key behavioral impacts revealed the conditions under which TNCs can contribute to transportation sustainability goals.
Interval-Valued Multiobjective Programming Problems Based on Convex Cones
Authors: Wu Hsien-Chung
Published: August 2024

The new solution concepts of interval-valued multiobjective optimization problems using ordering cone are proposed in this paper. An equivalence relation is introduced to divide the collection of all bounded closed intervals into the equivalence classes. The family of all equivalence classes is also called a quotient set. In this case, this quotient set can turn into a vector space under some suitable settings for vector addition and scalar multiplication. The notions of ordering cone and partial ordering on a vector space are essentially equivalent. It means that an ordering in the quotient set can be defined to study the Pareto optimal solution in multiobjective optimization problems. In this paper, we consider the multiobjective optimization problem such that its coefficients are taken to be the bounded closed intervals. With the help of the convex cone, we can study the Pareto optimal solutions of the multiobjective optimization problem with interval-valued coefficients.
Revolutionary Integration of Artificial Intelligence with Meta-Optics-Focus on Metalenses for Imaging
Authors: Kazanskiy Nikolay L. , Khonina Svetlana N. , Oseledets Ivan V. , Nikonorov Artem V. , Butt Muhammad A.
Published: August 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly enhances the development of Meta-Optics (MOs), which encompasses advanced optical components like metalenses and metasurfaces designed to manipulate light at the nanoscale. The intricate design of these components requires sophisticated modeling and optimization to achieve precise control over light behavior, tasks for which AI is exceptionally well-suited. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can analyze extensive datasets and simulate numerous design variations to identify the most effective configurations, drastically speeding up the development process. AI also enables adaptive MOs that can dynamically adjust to changing imaging conditions, improving performance in real-time. This results in superior image quality, higher resolution, and new functionalities across various applications, including microscopy, medical diagnostics, and consumer electronics. The combination of AI with MOs thus epitomizes a transformative advancement, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in imaging technology. In this review, we explored the latest advancements in AI-powered metalenses for imaging applications.
Diagnosis and Management of Neonatal Bacterial Sepsis: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: De Rose Domenico Umberto , Ronchetti Maria Paola , Martini Ludovica , Rechichi Jole , Iannetta Marco , Dotta Andrea , Auriti Cinzia
Published: August 2024

Sepsis remains the second cause of death among neonates after the pathological consequences of extreme prematurity. In this review we summarized knowledge about pathogens causing early-onset sepsis (EOS) and late-onset sepsis (LOS), the role of perinatal risk factors in determining the EOS risk, and the tools used to reduce unnecessary antibiotics. New molecular assays could improve the accuracy of standard blood cultures, providing the opportunity for a quick and sensitive tool. Different sepsis criteria and biomarkers are available to date, but further research is needed to guide the use of antibiotics according to these tools. Beyond the historical antibiotic regimens in EOS and LOS episodes, antibiotics should be based on the local flora and promptly modulated if specific pathogens are identified. The possibility of an antibiotic lock therapy for central venous catheters should be further investigated. In the near future, artificial intelligence could help us to personalize treatments and reduce the increasing trend of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Treatment as the Best Prevention: Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir, a Game Changer in Ending the AIDS Epidemic
Authors: Wen Ziyu , Shi Minjuan , Sun Caijun
Published: August 2024

Despite over four decades of unremitting efforts since the discovery of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), there remains no cure for HIV nor a vaccine for its prevention [...]
A Single-Component Multilayered Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticle Vaccine Based on Extracellular Domains of Matrix Protein 2 against Both Influenza A and B
Authors: Zhang Yi-Nan , Gomes Keegan Braz , Lee Yi-Zong , Ward Garrett , Xie Bomin , Auclair Sarah , He Linling , Zhu Jiang
Published: August 2024

The development of an effective and broadly protective influenza vaccine against circulating and emerging strains remains elusive. In this study, we evaluated a potentially universal influenza vaccine based on single-component self-assembling protein nanoparticles (1c-SApNPs) presenting the conserved matrix protein 2 ectodomain (M2e) from influenza A and B viruses (IAV and IBV, respectively). We previously designed a tandem antigen comprising three IAV M2e domains of human, avian/swine, and human/swine origins (termed M2ex3). The M2ex3-presenting 1c-SApNPs conferred complete protection in mice against sequential lethal challenges with H1N1 and H3N2. To broaden this protection to cover IBVs, we designed a series of antigens incorporating different arrangements of three IAV M2e domains and three copies of IBV M2e. Tandem repeats of IAV and IBV (termed influenza A-B) M2e arrayed on the I3-01v9a 60-mer 1c-SApNP, when formulated with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, generated greater M2e-specific immunogenicity and protective efficacy than the soluble influenza A-B M2e trimer, indicated by higher survival rates and reduced weight loss post-challenge. Importantly, one of the influenza A-B M2e SApNP constructs elicited 100% protection against a lethal influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1) challenge in mice and 70% protection against a lethal influenza B/Florida/4/2006 (Yamagata lineage) challenge, the latter of which has not been reported in the literature to date. Our study thus provides a promising M2e-based single-component universal vaccine candidate against the two major types of influenza virus circulating in humans.
A Multi Comparison of 8 Different Intraocular Lens Biometry Formulae, Including a Machine Learning Thin Lens Formula (MM) and an Inbuilt Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Ray Tracing Formula
Authors: McNeely Richard N. , McGinnity Katherine , Stewart Stephen , Pazo Emmanuel Eric , Moutari Salissou , Moore Jonathan E.
Published: August 2024

A comparison of the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulae, including SRK/T, HofferQ, Holladay 1, Haigis, MM, Barrett Universal II (BUII), Emmetropia Verifying Optical (EVO), and AS-OCT ray tracing, was performed. One hundred eyes implanted with either the Rayone EMV RAO200E (Rayner Intraocular Lenses Limited, Worthing, UK) or the Artis Symbiose (Cristalens Industrie, Lannion, France) IOL were included. Biometry was obtained using IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) and MS-39 AS-OCT (CSO, Firenze, Italy). Mean (MAE) and median (MedAE) absolute errors and percentage of eyes within ±0.25D, ±0.50D, ±0.75D, and ±1.00D of the target were compared, with ±0.75D considered a key metric. The highest percentage within ±0.75D was found with MM (96%) followed by the Haigis (94%) for the enhanced monofocal IOL. SRK/T (94%) had the highest percentage within ±0.75D, followed by Holladay 1, MM, BUII, and ray tracing (all 90%) for the multifocal IOL. No statistically significant difference in MAE was found with both IOLs. EVO showed the lowest MAE for the enhanced monofocal and ray tracing for the multifocal IOL. EVO and ray tracing showed the lowest MedAE for the two respective IOLs. A similar performance with high accuracy across formulae was found. MM and ray tracing appear to have similar accuracy to the well-established formulae and displayed a high percentage of eyes within ±0.75D.
Research on Constant-Flow Water-Saving Device Based on Dynamic Mesh Transient Flow Field Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shunyu , Li Boyan , Li Ang , Yu Bingsong , Chen Zhenlei , Jiang Peng
Published: August 2024

For the control of the outlet flow rate of a constant-flow water-saving device under different water pressures, this study developed and implemented a custom User-Defined Function (UDF) program to simulate the dynamic motion of the water-saving valve within the Fluent environment. This simulation realistically represents the valve’s behavior under varying water pressures, thereby accurately predicting the valve opening height to comply with national regulatory standards. Firstly, a dynamic grid transient CFD simulation model of the water-saving valve was established using a Fluent UDF program written in C language. The parameters of the elastic elements in the water-saving device flow control system were designed to achieve control of the outlet flow rate. Then, the benchmarking analysis of the aforementioned simulation model was completed based on the flow rate test results of the water-saving device. Finally, the relationship between physical quantities and flow field distribution characteristics of the water-saving valve was analyzed under three different water pressures specified in the national standard. Based on the optimization calculations, the valve opening heights under three different water pressures were obtained, ensuring that the outlet flow rates meet the regulatory standards set by the national authorities. Compared with traditional methods that rely solely on steady-state simulations or empirical data, the method proposed in this paper represents a significant advancement.
Hydrodynamic Model of the Area of the Żelazny Most Mining Waste Storage Facility to Reconstruct the Migration of Saline Groundwater
Authors: Gurwin Jacek , Wcisło Marek , Staśko Stanisław , Buczyński Sebastian , Modelska Magdalena , Olichwer Tomasz , Tarka Robert
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the construction of a numerical three-dimensional model of the area of the Żelazny Most Mining Waste Storage Facility (MWSF). In the study area, the difficult geological conditions associated with glaciotectonics are accompanied by a complex hydrotechnical system of sediment deposition and sedimentary water drainage. In order to effectively reflect the water flow paths, a detailed schematization was carried out, using 700,000 boreholes and more than 300 hydrogeological cross-sections. In addition, numerous drainage sections, streams, and ditches were included to reliably assess the amount of saline water entering the underlying aquifers. This research was supported by magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) studies of the reservoir’s sediments. The MWSF is currently being expanded, so the work primarily focuses on illustrating changes in the hydrodynamic field resulting from the inclusion of the new southern section. Models of similar facilities have been implemented before, but in the current one, the combination of meticulous analysis of the hydro-structural system, the water balance, a significant amount of data, the size of the facility, and the use of an unstructured discretization grid in the calculations is undoubtedly innovative and will be an important contribution to the development of analogous solutions around the world.
REV and Three-Dimensional Permeability Tensor of Fractured Rock Masses with Heterogeneous Aperture Distributions
Authors: Huang Na , Han Shengqun , Jiang Yujing , Han Songcai
Published: August 2024

This study performed a representative elementary volume (REV) and 3D equivalent continuum study of rock fractures based on fluid simulations of 3D discrete fracture networks (DFNs). A series of 3D DFNs with heterogeneous aperture distributions (the DFN-H model) and uniform apertures (the DFN-I model) were established, in which the fractures were oriented according to the geological field mapping of a high-level radioactive waste candidate site in China. The 3D DFNs of the different model sizes were extracted and rotated in a number of directions to check whether there was a tensor quality of the permeability at a certain scale. The results show that aperture heterogeneity increases the REV size and results in a necessarily larger model size to reach an equivalent continuum behavior, and this effect is more obvious when the fracture density is smaller. The shape of the 2D permeability contour is irregular, with some breaks when the model size is small. As the model size increases, its shape gradually tends to become smooth and approaches an ellipse. The shape of the permeability contours of the DFN-H model is slender compared to the DFN-I model, indicating a larger difference between the minimum and maximum values of the permeability. For the DFN-H model, there is no appropriate approximation for the equivalent permeability tensor over the studied model size range, whereas a good fit of the permeability ellipsoid is obtained for the DFN-I model, and the 3D directional permeability is calculated at this model scale. The corresponding magnitude and direction of the principal permeability are obtained, which can be viewed as the equivalent permeability tensor for the approximated continuum medium.
An Elderly-Oriented Form Design of Low-Speed New Energy Vehicles Based on Rough Set Theory and Support Vector Regression
Authors: Chen Zimo
Published: August 2024

With the current trend of social aging, the travel needs of the elderly are increasingly prominent. As a means of urban transportation, low-speed new energy vehicles (NEVs) are widely used among the elderly. Many studies are devoted to exploring the function of cars and the travel modes that meet the needs of older people. However, in addition to product performance, the Kansei needs of users also play a key role in communication between enterprises and users. Therefore, the problem of how to improve car shapes in the initial stage of design to meet the Kansei needs of elderly users remains to be solved. In order to fill this gap, the design of low-speed NEVs are selected as the study objects so as to explore the relationship between the visual perception of elderly users and car design; thus, a design method for the form of elderly-oriented cars is proposed. Firstly, using the research framework of Kansei engineering, factor analysis is used to cluster elderly-oriented Kansei factors. Second, the cars’ appearances are deconstructed by morphological analysis, and the key design features affecting elderly-oriented satisfaction are identified by a rough set attribute reduction algorithm. Finally, support vector regression is used to establish a mapping model of elderly-oriented Kansei factors and the key design features to predict the elderly-oriented form design of optimal low-speed NEVs. The research results show that selecting “Hub6”, “Headlight9”, “Car side view2”, “Rearview mirror9”, and “Front door10” in the form deconstruction table for low-speed NEVs can elicit optimal emotions in elderly users. The research results enable enterprises to more effectively understand the emotional cognition of elderly users related to the form of low-speed NEVs and improve the purchase desire and satisfaction of elderly users, providing references and guidance for the elderly-oriented design and development of intelligent transportation tools.
A Simplified 4-DOF Dynamic Model of a Series-Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Dai Lihong , Hu Peng , Wang Tianyou , Bian Guosheng , Liu Haoye
Published: August 2024

To research the dynamic response of a new type of dedicated transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle, a detailed dynamics model should be built. However, a model with too many degrees of freedom has a negative effect on controller design, which means the detailed model should be simplified. In this paper, two dynamic models are established. One is an original and detailed powertrain dynamics model (ODPDM), which can capture the transient response, and it is validated that the ODPDM can be used to accurately describe the real vehicle in some specific operating conditions. The other is a simplified torsional vibration dynamics model to study the torsional vibration characteristics of the hybrid electric vehicle. Compared with the full-order model, which is based on the ODPDM, the simplified model has a very similar vibration in low frequency. This study provides a basis for further vibration control of the hybrid powertrain during the process of a driving-mode switch.
Advancements and Current Developments in Integrated System Architectures of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Mobility
Authors: Rawat Sandeep , Choudhury Sushabhan , Saini Devender Kumar , Gupta Yogesh Chandra
Published: August 2024

Recognizing the challenges faced by power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the concept of integrated battery systems emerges as a promising avenue. This offers the potential for higher energy densities and assuaging concerns surrounding electric vehicle range anxiety. Moreover, mechanical design optimization, though previously overlooked, is gaining traction among researchers as a viable alternative to achieve enhanced energy and power densities. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent research and progress in this domain, emphasizing the significance of battery architectures in enabling the widespread adoption of electric mobility. Beginning with an exploration of fundamental principles underlying LIB systems, the paper discusses various architectures involving different cell form factors, like pouch cells, cylindrical cells, and prismatic cells, along with their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, it reviews recent research trends, highlighting innovations aimed at enhancing battery performance, energy density, and safety through advanced battery system architecture. Through case studies and discussions on challenges and future directions, the paper underscores the critical role of advanced battery system architecture in driving the evolution of e-mobility and shaping the sustainable transportation landscape.
The Influence of Human Resource Development, Discipline, and Job Characteristics on Employee Achievement in The Medan Hajj Dormitory
Authors: Silaen Lisna Riany , Syahputra Dedy , Hutagalung Daniel Jefri Manatap , Simanjuntak Jenny Fransiska , Supriadi Supriadi , Nasti Nilawati
Published: August 2024

This study explores the effects of job characteristics, discipline, and human resource development on employee job satisfaction at UPT Medan Embarkation Hajj Dorm. The research targets all 60 employees of this facility, utilizing multiple linear regression analysis to examine the data. The results reveal that human resource development has a moderate impact on employee performance, while discipline also plays a partial role. However, job characteristics are found to have a significant influence on employee satisfaction. Furthermore, the study highlights that the combination of effective human resource development, consistent disciplinary practices, and well-defined job characteristics dramatically enhances employee performance. These findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to managing human resources, suggesting that integrating these elements can lead to improved job satisfaction and overall employee effectiveness. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for organizational strategies aimed at boosting employee engagement and productivity.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Graph Labeling Study Using VOSviewer
Authors: Kuan Yoong Kooi , Azahri Khairul Azri , Rijal Muhammad Wirawan Nabil Budiman , Mazlan Muhammad Imran
Published: August 2024

Graph labeling is a well-known theme of graph theory that involves an assignment of integers to the domain elements such as vertices or edges, or both, subject to certain conditions. A bibliometric and descriptive quantitative approach is used in this study to conduct a bibliometric analysis on graph labeling by integrating mapping analysis with VOSviewer software. The data was obtained from a Google Scholar search using the keyword "graph labeling" that resulted in 980 articles published between 2018 and 2023, but only 375 of these articles were relevant to the subject. The results show that research on graph labeling changed from 2018 to 2023. To sum up, this work is the first to use VOSviewer for bibliometric analysis of a graph labeling study. It is hoped that this will make it a useful resource for future research on related issues.
Interactive Triangular Global Model (ITGM) to Bridge Knowledge of Parents Towards Their Special Needs Children to Mitigate Communication Gap
Authors: Syed Asif Ali , Syed Hassan Ali , Leghari Irfan M. , Sanjrani Anwar Ali , M Sajid
Published: August 2024

With the ageing of population, the rate of disability is increasing. Its types are many including ‘hard of hearing’. In majority of the countries, they are considered as social liability by their own family on one hand, and by the society on the other. Now-a-days particularly in the developing countries, it is challenging for them to get suitable education and employment opportunities due to various reasons including social stigma, lack of facilities and lack of awareness, particularly among parents. In modern era, technology has played an important role in improving their quality of life. In this regard, parent knowledge and support play crucial role. Systematic literature review is adopted for this study. Based on findings and expertise of researcher, ITGM model is suggested. Findings suggest that due to lack of knowledge of their parents towards sign language and lack of awareness towards their needs. Further, there is no standard sign language system on global platform. In addition, expressions lack in sign language due to missing gap of grammar. Researchers suggest a global model, and recommend Higher Education Institutions, Educationists, NGOs, and Parents alongside policy makers to establish training courses for parents. With special regard to sign language, a global model suggested by the researchers should be further strengthened by funding agencies.
Analysis of the labor market in Russia: current state and trends
Authors: Takhumova O. V. , Voronov A. A.
Published: August 2024

The article reveals the current trends in the formation of the labor market, namely, changes in the unemployment rate, an increase in the number of self-employed citizens are noted, the reasons for this growth are considered, the positive role of startups in solving the problem of employment of young professionals is determined. The authors explore the pros and cons of the remote (remote) form of work and the emerging decline in interest in this form in the modern labor market. The article touches upon the problem of the "extinction" of irrelevant professions in connection with the development of digital technologies. The relevance of the study is due to its importance for the formation of sustainable growth of the regional economy.