bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Cytogenetic Data for the Neottieae Tribe (Orchidaceae) in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Turco Alessio , Wagensommer Robert Philipp , Albano Antonella , Medagli Pietro , D’Emerico Saverio
Published: June 2024

This work presents a summary of cytogenetic data, including new information, on several species within the tribe Neottieae, with an update of the karyotype for 23 species belonging to the genera Cephalanthera, Limodorum, Epipactis, and Neottia (including Listera). Each of these four genera also presents distinctive chromosomal features, such as bimodal karyotypes. Our research includes insights into the distribution of constitutive heterochromatin, measured using C-banding and, in some cases, specific fluorochromes for the detection of A-T- and G-C-rich DNA. In the Epipactis group, it is noteworthy that when using the Giemsa banding technique, certain species (e.g., E. placentina, E. meridionalis) with a chromosome number of 2n = 38 were observed to exhibit a conspicuous wide band of constitutive heterochromatin on the long arm of the third pair in a subcentromeric position, resembling what has been observed in E. helleborine. These differences also have the potential to contribute to the diversification of these species. Based on the karyological results obtained, a hypothesis regarding the origin of certain species within the E. helleborine group is proposed. Additionally, karyological analyses conducted on a specimen of E. microphylla revealed chromosome counts ranging from 36 to 40. Somatic metaphases exhibited evident structural alterations in certain chromosomes, showing rearrangements probably caused by translocation phenomena. Based on the data obtained from the species within the studied genera, it is conceivable that variations in chromosomes, both structurally and in the distribution of constitutive heterochromatin, exert a significant influence on the evolution of the karyotype. Moreover, in many entities belonging to the Neottieae tribe, these processes may also contribute to the diversification of the phenotype in some instances.
A Biological Comparison of Three Colletotrichum Species Associated with Alfalfa Anthracnose in Northern China
Authors: Zhou Wennan , Lan Yanru , Matthew Cory , Nan Zhibiao
Published: June 2024

Anthracnose caused by various species of Colletotrichum is one of the most prevalent diseases in alfalfa worldwide that not only reduces forage yields but also severely compromises forage quality. A comprehensive survey was conducted in 2020 in the main production regions of northern China. The survey results showed that alfalfa anthracnose is prevalent in northern China, with the disease incidence ranging from 9% to 45% and the disease index from 5 to 17 (maximum possible score: 100). In total, 24 isolates were collected and identified as three Colletotrichum species (C. trifolii, C. truncatum and C. americae-borealis) based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis (combined sequences ITS, HIS3, ACT and GAPDH). The three species displayed remarkable environmental adaptability, exhibiting a capacity for growth, sporulation and conidial germination in temperatures ranging from 4 to 35 °C and in different nutrient conditions. Pathogenicity assays showed that C. trifolii was more virulent than the other two species, although the growth vigor (in terms of colony diameter, sporulation and conidial germination) of C. truncatum was the greatest.
Intricate Networks in Nomenclature: Cases of Naming in Arthrocaulon, Arthrocnemum, and Salicornia (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: Iamonico Duilio , Friis Ib , Iberite Mauro
Published: June 2024

The nomenclatural status and typification of the names Arthrocaulon macrostachyum, Salicornia fruticosa, S. fruticosa var. deflexa, S. fruticosa var. glaucescens, S. fruticosa var. intermedia, S. fruticosa var. humilis, S. fruticosa var. pachystachya, S. fruticulosa, S. glauca, S. lignosa, S. macrostachya var. virescens, S. macrostachya var. glaucescens, S. perennis, S. radicans, S. radicans var. caespitosa, S. sarmentosa, S. sempervirens, and S. virginica, as well as an unnamed β-variety of S. fruticosa proposed by A. Bertoloni, are investigated. Concerning A. macrostachyum, we document that the type indicated in literature (G00177362) is not a holotype, and that lectotypification is necessary. A specimen from G (G00687638) is here designated as a lectotype. On the level of variety, Arthrocnemum fruticosum var. macrostachyum is an earlier legitimate name for Salicornia fruticosa var. pachystachya. Furthermore, Piirainen et al. are incorrect when citing Forsskål’s “Salicornia” from Alexandria as “S. virginica Forssk.”; it is not a new name and should be cited as S. virginica auct. non L., as published in Forsskål’s Flora Aegyptiaco-Arabica. Like with numerous other parallel cases in Flora Aegyptiaco-Arabica, Forsskål’s designation of “Salicornia virginica” for an Arabian plant is to be considered a misapplication of the earlier Linnaean name for an American plant. Arthrocnemum glaucum (a nomen illegitimum of Ungern-Sternberg), was listed as type species of Arthrocnemum by the Names in Current Use project; the basionym, Salicornia glauca Delile, is here lectotypified and identified as Arthrocaulon meridionale, published by Ramirez et al. Updated synonymies of Arthrocaulon macrostachyum, A. meridionale, Salicornia fruticosa, and S. perennis are proposed. Salicornia sempervirens is an invalid name according to Art. 36.1a of ICN. No original material was found for S. radicans var. caespitosa. This paper also refer to lecto- or neotypifications on specimens deposited at BM, G, LINN-HS, LY, MPU, NAP, and PAL, and their current taxonomic positions are suggested in a taxonomic part of the paper.
Surface Modifications of Silver Nanoparticles with Chitosan, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, and Polyvinylpyrrolidone as Antibacterial Agents against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica
Authors: Doan Linh , Le Quynh N. , Tran Khoa , Huynh An H.
Published: June 2024

In medicine, the occurrence of antibiotic resistance was becoming a critical concern. At the same time, traditional synthesis methods of antibacterial agents often lead to environmental pollution due to the use of toxic chemicals. To address these problems, this study applies the green synthesis method to create a novel composite using a polymer blend (M8) consisting of chitosan (CS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and silver nanoparticles. The results show that the highest ratio of AgNO3:M8 was 0.15 g/60 mL, which resulted in a 100% conversion of Ag+ to Ag0 after 10 h of reaction at 80 °C. Hence, using M8, Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized at the average size of 42.48 ± 10.77 nm. The AgNPs’ composite (M8Ag) was used to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), and Salmonella enterica (SAL). At 6.25% dilution of M8Ag, the growth of these mentioned bacteria was inhibited. At the same dilution percentage of M8Ag, PA was killed.
Knitting Elastic Conductive Fibers of MXene/Natural Rubber for Multifunctional Wearable Sensors
Authors: Luo Zirong , Kong Na , Usman Ken Aldren S. , Tao Jinlong , Lynch Peter A. , Razal Joselito M. , Zhang Jizhen
Published: June 2024

Wearable electronic sensors have recently attracted tremendous attention in applications such as personal health monitoring, human movement detection, and sensory skins as they offer a promising alternative to counterparts made from traditional metallic conductors and bulky metallic conductors. However, the real-world use of most wearable sensors is often hindered by their limited stretchability and sensitivity, and ultimately, their difficulty to integrate into textiles. To overcome these limitations, wearable sensors can incorporate flexible conductive fibers as electrically active components. In this study, we adopt a scalable wet-spinning approach to directly produce flexible and conductive fibers from aqueous mixtures of Ti3C2Tx MXene and natural rubber (NR). The electrical conductivity and stretchability of these fibers were tuned by varying their MXene loading, enabling knittability into textiles for wearable sensors. As individual filaments, these MXene/NR fibers exhibit suitable conductivity dependence on strain variations, making them ideal for motivating sensors. Meanwhile, textiles from knitted MXene/NR fibers demonstrate great stability as capacitive touch sensors. Collectively, we believe that these elastic and conductive MXene/NR-based fibers and textiles are promising candidates for wearable sensors and smart textiles.
Development of New Edible Biodegradable Films Containing Camu-Camu and Agro-Industry Residue
Authors: Naves Huéberton Barbosa , Stafussa Ana Paula , Madrona Grasiele Scaramal , Tanaka Fabrício Cerizza , Aouada Fauze Ahmad , de Moura Márcia Regina
Published: June 2024

The use of edible films has garnered significant interest in the food and environmental sectors due to their potential to prevent food deterioration and their biodegradability. This study aimed to develop and characterize edible films based on camu-camu residue, gelatin, and glycerol, evaluating their solubility, thermal, degradability, antioxidant, and water vapor permeability properties of the gelatin matrix. This is the first study incorporating camu-camu into a gelatin and glycerol matrix. The films produced with camu-camu residue were manageable and soluble, with some non-soluble residues, providing a shiny and well-presented appearance. In the biodegradation results, samples 3 and 4 appeared to degrade the most, being two of the three most affected samples in the triplicate. The films showed degradation modifications from the third day of the experiment. In the germination and plant growth analysis, sample 4 exhibited satisfactory development compared to the other samples, emerging as the sample with the best overall result in the analyses, attributed to a 13.84 cm increase in the growth of the upper part of the seedling. These results indicate that the produced materials have potential for food packaging applications.
Viability of Total Ammoniacal Nitrogen Recovery Using a Polymeric Thin-Film Composite Forward Osmosis Membrane: Determination of Ammonia Permeability Coefficient
Authors: Shahgodari Shirin , Llorens Joan , Labanda Jordi
Published: June 2024

Total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN) occurs in various wastewaters and its recovery is vital for environmental reasons. Forward osmosis (FO), an energy-efficient technology, extracts water from a feed solution (FS) and into a draw solution (DS). Asymmetric FO membranes consist of an active layer and a support layer, leading to internal concentration polarization (ICP). In this study, we assessed TAN recovery using a polymeric thin-film composite FO membrane by determining the permeability coefficients of NH4+ and NH3. Calculations employed the solution–diffusion model, Nernst–Planck equation, and film theory, applying the acid–base equilibrium for bulk concentration corrections. Initially, model parameters were estimated using sodium salt solutions as the DS and deionized water as the FS. The NH4+ permeability coefficient was 0.45 µm/s for NH4Cl and 0.013 µm/s for (NH4)2SO4 at pH < 7. Meanwhile, the NH3 permeability coefficient was 6.18 µm/s at pH > 9 for both ammonium salts. Polymeric FO membranes can simultaneously recover ammonia and water, achieving 15% and 35% recovery at pH 11.5, respectively.
Surface Modifications of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Chitosan, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, and Polyvinylpyrrolidone as Methylene Blue Adsorbent Beads
Authors: Doan Linh , Nguyen Tam T. T. , Tran Khoa , Huynh Khanh G.
Published: June 2024

Due to the negative impacts the dye may have on aquatic habitats and human health, it is often found in industrial effluent and poses a threat to public health. Hence, to solve this problem, this study developed magnetic adsorbents that can remove synthetic dyes like methylene blue. The adsorbent, in the form of beads, consists of a polymer blend of chitosan, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (average size of 19.03 ± 4.25 nm). The adsorption and desorption of MB from beads were carried out at pH values of 7 and 3.85, respectively. At a concentration of 9 mg/L, the loading capacity and the loading amount of MB after 5 days peaked at 29.75 ± 1.53% and 297.48 ± 15.34 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, the entrapment efficiency of MB reached 29.42 ± 2.19% at a concentration of 8 mg/L. The cumulative desorption capacity of the adsorbent after 13 days was at its maximum at 7.72 ± 0.5%. The adsorption and desorption kinetics were evaluated.
Impact of Drying Processes for Camellia Seeds on the Volatile Compounds of Camellia Seed Oil
Authors: Ma Li , Gao Jing , Zhang Zhen , Zhu Xiaoyang , Chen Bolin , Chen Yongzhong , Deng Senwen , Li Zhigang , Chen Xinzhi
Published: June 2024

The drying process employed for camellia seeds has a significant impact on the quality of camellia seed oil (CO), but research on its influence on the flavor of CO is limited. This study investigated the effects of two typical drying processes, sun-drying and hot-air-drying, on the volatile composition of CO using Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) technology. The results revealed that the CO obtained from hot-air-drying seeds exhibited a higher content of saturated fatty acids, while the levels of unsaturated fatty acids decreased. Additionally, the acid value and peroxide value of the CO obtained from hot-air-drying seeds were also elevated. GC-IMS analysis detected a total of 53 volatile compounds (including monomers and dimers) in the CO. Notably, aldehyde compounds exhibited the highest relative content (38.56–40.75%), followed by alcohols (32.14–38.01%), acids (4.86–14.58%), and esters (3.61–17.73%), while ketones exhibited relatively lower content (2.33–3.75%). The fingerprint profiles indicated that most of the flavor compounds exhibited differences in their content between the two samples. Specifically, the relative abundance of complex aldehyde and ester compounds was higher in the hot-air-dried sample compared to the sun-dried one, while the relative content of acid compounds decreased significantly. The relative odor activity value (ROAV) method identified hexanal as the most important key aroma component in both oil samples. The fingerprint profiles combined with principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that GC-IMS can effectively distinguish samples obtained from different drying treatments. Therefore, through the adjustment of drying methods, CO with various flavor characteristics can be obtained. This study provides valuable theoretical and technical references for CO production and flavor research.
Nano-Strand Formation via Gas Phase Reactions from Al-Co-Fe Reacted with CaF2-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO Flux at 1350 °C: SEM Study and Thermochemistry Calculations
Authors: Coetsee Theresa , De Bruin Frederik
Published: June 2024

The submerged arc welding (SAW) process is operated at high temperatures, up to 2500 °C, in the arc cavity formed by molten oxy-fluoride flux (slag). These high arc cavity temperatures and the complex interaction of gas–slag–metal reactions in a small space below the arc render the study of specific chemical interactions difficult. The importance of gas phase reactions in the arc cavity of the SAW process is well established. A low-temperature (1350 °C) experimental method was applied to simulate and study the vaporisation and re-condensation behaviour of the gas species emanating from oxy-fluoride flux. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses and reaction thermochemistry calculations were combined to explain the role of Al as a de-oxidiser element in gas phase chemistry and, consequently, in nano-strand formation reactions. EDX element maps showed that the nano-strands contain elemental Ti only, and the nano-strand end-caps contain Co-Mn-Fe fluoride. This indicates a sequence of condensation reactions, as Ti in the gas phase is re-condensed first to form the nano-strands and the end-caps formed from subsequent re-condensation of Co-Mn-Fe fluorides. The nano-strand diameters are approximately 120 nm to 360 nm. The end-cap diameter typically matches the nano-strand diameter. Thermochemical calculations in terms of simple reactions confirm the likely formation of the nanofeatures from the gas phase species due to the Al displacement of metals from their metal fluoride gas species according to the reaction: yAl + xMFy ↔ xM + yAlFx. The gas–slag–metal equilibrium model shows that TiO2 in the flux is transformed into TiF3 gas. Formation of Ti nano-strands is possible via displacement of Ti from TiF3 by Al to form Al-fluoride gas.
The Contribution of Muslim Women Australia in the Domestic and Family Violence Space: Victim-Survivor Perspectives from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aftab Amira , Jones Balawyn , Krayem Ghena
Published: June 2024

This article examines the way faith and Islamic values underpin the agency and work of Muslim women in providing domestic and family violence (DFV) support services. Focusing on the role and impact of Muslim Women Australia within the DFV space in the Australian context, this article demonstrates the way Muslim Women Australia utilises faith as a tool for empowerment. It illustrates the way that—despite governmental reforms that required transition from specialised to generalist DFV services—Muslim Women Australia, via their DFV service Linking Hearts, has maintained a strong commitment to providing culturally and religiously appropriate support. Drawing on fieldwork, this article explores the intersection of Muslim women’s agency, faith, and role as DFV service providers, to demonstrate the importance of culturally competent DFV support services within diverse communities. Through interviews with clients (victim-survivors) who accessed Linking Hearts services during the COVID-19 lockdowns, this article highlights the way the Islamic values of advocacy, agency, and dignity underscore the Linking Hearts model to effectively provide culturally and religiously competent support to all clients regardless of their personal beliefs and values.
Design of a Cavity for the High-Power Radio-Frequency Quadrupole Coupler Test for the ANTHEM Project
Authors: Passarelli Andrea , Masullo Maria Rosaria , Baltador Carlo , Grespan Francesco , Palmieri Antonio , Pisent Andrea , Mereu Paolo , Mingioni Carlo , Nenni Marco , Nicoletti Edoardo
Published: June 2024

The ANTHEM (Advanced Technologies for Human-centered Medicine) Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) will employ eight coaxial power couplers, which will be magnetically coupled to the device through a loop antenna. The coupler design can support up to 140 kW in continuous wave operation. This paper presents the design of the cavity used for high-power testing, with the primary objectives of both optimizing the coupling between the couplers and ensuring operations at the designated operating frequency. Furthermore, the paper encompasses thermal and structural assessments conducted through numerical simulations.
Inertial Measurement Unit and Heart Rate Monitoring to Assess Cardiovascular Fitness of Manual Wheelchair Users during the Six-Minute Push Test
Authors: Fasipe Grace , Goršič Maja , Zabre Erika V. , Rammer Jacob R.
Published: June 2024

Manual wheelchair users (MWUs) are prone to a sedentary life that can negatively affect their physical and cardiovascular health, making regular assessment important to identify appropriate interventions and lifestyle modifications. One mean of assessing MWUs’ physical health is the 6 min push test (6MPT), where the user propels themselves as far as they can in six minutes. However, reliance on observer input introduces subjectivity, while limited quantitative data inhibit comprehensive assessment. Incorporating sensors into the 6MPT can address these limitations. Here, ten MWUs performed the 6MPT with additional sensors: two inertial measurement units (IMUs)—one on the wheelchair and one on the wrist together with a heart rate wristwatch. The conventional measurements of distance and laps were recorded by the observer, and the IMU data were used to calculate laps, distance, speed, and cadence. The results demonstrated that the IMU can provide the metrics of the traditional 6MPT with strong significant correlations between calculated laps and observer lap counts (r = 0.947, p < 0.001) and distances (r = 0.970, p < 0.001). Moreover, heart rate during the final minute was significantly correlated with calculated distance (r = 0.762, p = 0.017). Enhanced 6MPT assessment can provide objective, quantitative, and comprehensive data for clinicians to effectively inform interventions in rehabilitation.
Researching the CNN Collaborative Inference Mechanism for Heterogeneous Edge Devices
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Chong , Li Shiwei , Wang Chaoyong , Cao Xianzhi , Yang Liusong
Published: June 2024

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been widely applied in various edge computing devices based on intelligent sensors. However, due to the high computational demands of CNN tasks, the limited computing resources of edge intelligent terminal devices, and significant architectural differences among these devices, it is challenging for edge devices to independently execute inference tasks locally. Collaborative inference among edge terminal devices can effectively utilize idle computing and storage resources and optimize latency characteristics, thus significantly addressing the challenges posed by the computational intensity of CNNs. This paper targets efficient collaborative execution of CNN inference tasks among heterogeneous and resource-constrained edge terminal devices. We propose a pre-partitioning deployment method for CNNs based on critical operator layers, and optimize the system bottleneck latency during pipeline parallelism using data compression, queuing, and “micro-shifting” techniques. Experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves significant acceleration in CNN inference within heterogeneous environments, improving performance by 71.6% compared to existing popular frameworks.
Parsimonious Random-Forest-Based Land-Use Regression Model Using Particulate Matter Sensors in Berlin, Germany
Authors: Venkatraman Jagatha Janani , Schneider Christoph , Sauter Tobias
Published: June 2024

Machine learning (ML) methods are widely used in particulate matter prediction modelling, especially through use of air quality sensor data. Despite their advantages, these methods’ black-box nature obscures the understanding of how a prediction has been made. Major issues with these types of models include the data quality and computational intensity. In this study, we employed feature selection methods using recursive feature elimination and global sensitivity analysis for a random-forest (RF)-based land-use regression model developed for the city of Berlin, Germany. Land-use-based predictors, including local climate zones, leaf area index, daily traffic volume, population density, building types, building heights, and street types were used to create a baseline RF model. Five additional models, three using recursive feature elimination method and two using a Sobol-based global sensitivity analysis (GSA), were implemented, and their performance was compared against that of the baseline RF model. The predictors that had a large effect on the prediction as determined using both the methods are discussed. Through feature elimination, the number of predictors were reduced from 220 in the baseline model to eight in the parsimonious models without sacrificing model performance. The model metrics were compared, which showed that the parsimonious_GSA-based model performs better than does the baseline model and reduces the mean absolute error (MAE) from 8.69 µg/m3 to 3.6 µg/m3 and the root mean squared error (RMSE) from 9.86 µg/m3 to 4.23 µg/m3 when applying the trained model to reference station data. The better performance of the GSA_parsimonious model is made possible by the curtailment of the uncertainties propagated through the model via the reduction of multicollinear and redundant predictors. The parsimonious model validated against reference stations was able to predict the PM2.5 concentrations with an MAE of less than 5 µg/m3 for 10 out of 12 locations. The GSA_parsimonious performed best in all model metrics and improved the R2 from 3% in the baseline model to 17%. However, the predictions exhibited a degree of uncertainty, making it unreliable for regional scale modelling. The GSA_parsimonious model can nevertheless be adapted to local scales to highlight the land-use parameters that are indicative of PM2.5 concentrations in Berlin. Overall, population density, leaf area index, and traffic volume are the major predictors of PM2.5, while building type and local climate zones are the less significant predictors. Feature selection based on sensitivity analysis has a large impact on the model performance. Optimising models through sensitivity analysis can enhance the interpretability of the model dynamics and potentially reduce computational costs and time when modelling is performed for larger areas.
Latency-Sensitive Function Placement among Heterogeneous Nodes in Serverless Computing
Authors: Shahid Urooba , Ahmed Ghufran , Siddiqui Shahbaz , Shuja Junaid , Balogun Abdullateef Oluwagbemiga
Published: June 2024

Function as a Service (FaaS) is highly beneficial to smart city infrastructure due to its flexibility, efficiency, and adaptability, specifically for integration in the digital landscape. FaaS has serverless setup, which means that an organization no longer has to worry about specific infrastructure management tasks; the developers can focus on how to deploy and create code efficiently. Since FaaS aligns well with the IoT, it easily integrates with IoT devices, thereby making it possible to perform event-based actions and real-time computations. In our research, we offer an exclusive likelihood-based model of adaptive machine learning for identifying the right place of function. We employ the XGBoost regressor to estimate the execution time for each function and utilize the decision tree regressor to predict network latency. By encompassing factors like network delay, arrival computation, and emphasis on resources, the machine learning model eases the selection process of a placement. In replication, we use Docker containers, focusing on serverless node type, serverless node variety, function location, deadlines, and edge-cloud topology. Thus, the primary objectives are to address deadlines and enhance the use of any resource, and from this, we can see that effective utilization of resources leads to enhanced deadline compliance.
Understanding the Emotional Toll of Racial Violence on Black Individuals’ Health
Authors: Quesne Julien
Published: June 2024

This paper discusses the pivotal role emotions can play in the higher prevalence of disease and mortality in Black populations in North America. There is a large body of research on the potentially harmful effect of negative emotions upon physical well-being. However, many scholars continue to interpret this link via a biological and reactive lens of emotion. By largely disentangling the embodiment of emotions from the traditional biological framework to which they are typically tied, we seek to analyze the nexus of race, emotion, and health through political, historical, and even ontological lenses. This analysis leverages Barrett’s theory of constructed emotion to elucidate the tangible impact of emotion on physical well-being and, in conjunction with Afropessimist metatheory on race, the potential contribution to understanding premature mortality among Black populations in North America. Barrett’s theory offers insight into how the persistent experience of negative emotions related to race can disrupt the delicate balance of an individual’s body-budget. The detrimental impact of White supremacy’s affective classifications and associated emotion concepts on Black populations is a stark reality, contributing significantly to daily health challenges faced by these communities in North America.
WASTA in Arab Societies: Optimizing or Worsening Quality of Life? The Role of Religiosity
Authors: Elsaher Ibrahim A.
Published: June 2024

WASTA, a word widely used in Arab society, implies using people’s connections to generate mutual advantages. WASTA is rooted deeply in the culture of Arab societies and has a double effect that stimulates a continuous argument. On one hand, WASTA is considered a valuable social practice that optimizes social bonds and dual support to improve the overall quality of life (QoL) for all parties. In contrast, WASTA is regularly criticized for extending inequality and corruption in the community, which might worsen QoL, taking into consideration the mediating impacts of religiosity. This paper investigated the dual effects of WASTA on QoL and the mediating role of religiosity in Arab societies. Three hundred and ninety small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) owners in Saudi Arabia participated in a self-structured questionnaire that was analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results showed that the appearance of some dimensions of WASTA in Arab societies can optimize QoL. At the same time, other elements can worsen the QoL of the participating parties, but the adverse effect can be mitigated when religiosity is a mediator. These results suggest that WASTA can act as a positive connection method in Arab societies when accompanied by religiosity but can accelerate corruption in its absence; several practical and theoretical implications were discussed and elaborated.
Physical Exercise and Executive Function in the Pediatric Overweight and Obesity Population: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Cerda-Vega Enrique , Pérez-Romero Nuria , Sierralta Sergio Araya , Hernández-Mendo Antonio , Reigal Rafael E. , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Martínez-Salazar Cristian , Campos-Jara Rodrigo , Arellano-Roco Cristián , Campos-Jara Christian , Hernández-Cifuentes Victoria , Contreras-Osorio Falonn
Published: June 2024

Background: Executive function is often altered in overweight/obese children and adolescents, which has a negative impact on their learning and daily life. Furthermore, research has shown the benefits of physical exercise in improving cognitive performance. This protocol aims to define in a detailed and structured manner the procedures that will be conducted for the development of a systematic review of the literature aimed at evaluating the effects of physical exercise on the executive functions of children and adolescents (≤18 years) with overweight/obesity in comparison with peers in control groups. Methods: The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases will be searched for longitudinal studies that have at least one experimental and one control group using pre- and post-intervention measures of executive function, including working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility in the pediatric population who are overweight or obese. The risk of bias and certainty of evidence will be assessed using Cochrane RoB2 and GRADE, respectively. Furthermore, Der Simonian–Laird’s random effects model will be employed for meta-analyses. The effect sizes will be calculated with 95% confidence intervals, and p values < 0.05 indicate statistical significance for each dimension of executive function in the different groups before and after the intervention. Discussion: The results of this review may be useful for education and health professionals to design treatment plans for overweight/obese children and adolescents, offering potential benefits related to the learning and cognitive abilities of this population. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023391420.
The Circular Economy Practices in the European Union: Eco-Innovation and Sustainable Development
Authors: Peyravi Bahman , Peleckis Kęstutis , Limba Tadas , Peleckienė Valentina
Published: June 2024

This study examines whether there is convergence in eco-innovation by comparing the circular economy practices of European Union Member States. The European Union Member States’ eco-innovation initiatives in the circular economy are the foundation for their interpretation of their relative efficiencies. In 2015, the European Commission granted sanction to the Circular Economy Package, in accordance with the European Union’s (EU) objective of transitioning to a low-carbon economy that is competitive, resource-efficient, and environmentally sustainable. This compilation includes legislative proposals and a comprehensive action plan for refuse management. Subsequently, in January 2018, additional measures were implemented to guarantee the successful implementation of the action plan. Concurrently, numerous European Union Member States implemented substantial strategies to facilitate this transition. The current systematic literature review is conducted using the “SALSA method”, which commences with a scoping search, progresses to an evaluation, and concludes with synthesis and analysis. Its purpose was to elucidate the circular economy practices and eco-innovation activities in the European Union. The objective of this assessment is to provide a concise overview of the most recent developments and initiatives that have been implemented in the European Union since the Circular Economy Package was adopted. Furthermore, it will evaluate the strategies implemented by particular Member States in this context. Methods of scientific literature analysis, including systematic, comparative, content analysis, grouping, comparison, SALSA, and TOPSIS methods, are used in this study.
Evaluating the Impact of Airborne Fine Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals on Oxidative Stress via Vitamin Supplementation
Authors: Lee Eunji , Hong Seonmi , Kim Yong-Dae , Lee Dae-In , Eom Sang-Yong
Published: June 2024

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the interrelationships between PM2.5 exposure, heavy metal concentrations, and oxidative stress indicators, while evaluating the impact of antioxidant intake, such as vitamins, on these associations. PM2.5 exposure assessments were conducted using portable sensor-based monitors; biomarker analyses for heavy metals and oxidative stress were performed in 114 non-smoking adults. We observed that personal or ambient PM2.5 exposure levels were not associated with increased levels of heavy metals in blood and urine, nor with oxidative stress levels in urine. However, the concentrations of cadmium and lead in blood, and those of chromium and nickel in urine, were significantly associated with the urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Additionally, increases in blood cadmium, urinary chromium, and nickel levels were significantly associated with higher urinary MDA concentrations in the non-vitamin-supplement group, but this trend was not observed in the regular vitamin supplement group. Our findings suggest that a regular intake of vitamin supplements might modulate the relationship between heavy metal exposure and oxidative stress, indicating potential protective effects against oxidative damage induced by PM2.5 and heavy metals. This study highlights the complexity of environmental pollutant exposure and its impact on human health, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore potential protective strategies.
A Theory and Evidence-Based Artificial Intelligence-Driven Motivational Digital Assistant to Decrease Vaccine Hesitancy: Intervention Development and Validation
Authors: Li Yan , Lee Kit-Ching , Bressington Daniel , Liao Qiuyan , He Mengting , Law Ka-Kit , Leung Angela Y. M. , Molassiotis Alex , Li Mengqi
Published: June 2024

Vaccine hesitancy is one of the top ten threats to global health. Artificial intelligence-driven chatbots and motivational interviewing skills show promise in addressing vaccine hesitancy. This study aimed to develop and validate an artificial intelligence-driven motivational digital assistant in decreasing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Hong Kong adults. The intervention development and validation were guided by the Medical Research Council’s framework with four major steps: logic model development based on theory and qualitative interviews (n = 15), digital assistant development, expert evaluation (n = 5), and a pilot test (n = 12). The Vaccine Hesitancy Matrix model and qualitative findings guided the development of the intervention logic model and content with five web-based modules. An artificial intelligence-driven chatbot tailored to each module was embedded in the website to motivate vaccination intention using motivational interviewing skills. The content validity index from expert evaluation was 0.85. The pilot test showed significant improvements in vaccine-related health literacy (p = 0.021) and vaccine confidence (p = 0.027). This digital assistant is effective in improving COVID-19 vaccine literacy and confidence through valid educational content and motivational conversations. The intervention is ready for testing in a randomized controlled trial and has high potential to be a useful toolkit for addressing ambivalence and facilitating informed decision making regarding vaccination.
Deciphering the Potential of Probiotics in Vaccines
Authors: Xu Chang , Aqib Amjad Islam , Fatima Mahreen , Muneer Sadia , Zaheer Tean , Peng Song , Ibrahim Essam H. , Li Kun
Published: June 2024

The demand for vaccines, particularly those prepared from non-conventional sources, is rising due to the emergence of drug resistance around the globe. Probiotic-based vaccines are a wise example of such vaccines which represent new horizons in the field of vaccinology in providing an enhanced and diversified immune response. The justification for incorporating probiotics into vaccines lies in the fact that that they hold the capacity to regulate immune function directly or indirectly by influencing the gastrointestinal microbiota and related pathways. Several animal-model-based studies have also highlighted the efficacy of these vaccines. The aim of this review is to collect and summarize the trends in the recent scientific literature regarding the role of probiotics in vaccines and vaccinology, along with their impact on target populations.
Vaccination in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Neglected Topic
Authors: Stroffolini Tommaso , Stroffolini Giacomo
Published: June 2024

Patients with liver cirrhosis, due to their weakened innate and adaptive immunity, are more prone to frequent and severe vaccine-preventable infections. Moreover, impaired adaptive immunity results in a limited antibody response to vaccines. Despite this suboptimal antibody response, vaccines have proven to be very effective in reducing severe outcomes and deaths in these patients. In the Western world, regulatory authorities and scientific liver societies (e.g., AASLD and EASL) have recommended vaccinations for cirrhotic patients. However, despite these strong recommendations, vaccine coverage remains suboptimal. Improving vaccine effectiveness and safety information, providing comprehensive counseling to patients, fact-checking to combat fake news and disinformation and removing barriers to vaccination for disadvantaged individuals may help overcome the low coverage rate. In view of this, vaccines should be administered early in the course of chronic liver diseases, as their efficacy declines with the increasing severity of the disease.
Bibliometric Analysis of Trends and Research Progress in Acid Mine Drainage Remediation from 1990 to 2023
Authors: Li Zhonghong , Sun Fei , Jiang Weilong , Li Xiaoguang , Jiang Jingqiu , Jin Fangyuan , Lu Jinxia , Yang Fang
Published: June 2024

Acid mine drainage (AMD), arising from mineral resource exploitation, has transformed into a significant global environmental issue for the mining sector, posing considerable risks to water, soil, ecosystems, and human health. In this study, the current status and cutting-edge dynamics of AMD remediation research were evaluated using a bibliometrics approach. Publications on AMD remediation were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database, and the relevant literature was analyzed quantitatively using various statistical methods, including keyword co-occurrence and burst analysis. In total, 2743 articles related to AMD remediation published from 1990 to 2023 were obtained. The number of publications tended to increase annually, with a relatively fast rate of increase in recent years. Recent research related to AMD remediation has mainly focused on the ecological risks, the environmental geochemical cycling, the application of sulfate-reducing bacteria and adsorption, and the recovery of heavy metals (HMs) and rare earth elements (REEs). It is anticipated that these topics of AMD remediation research are expected to be at the forefront of future research endeavors. In addition, the current status, advantages, and challenges of AMD remediation technologies are discussed from both active and passive management perspectives, providing a theoretical basis and reference for AMD remediation.
La Marina Baja Water Consortium (1950–1978): Hydro-Economic Model of Water Governance behind Tourism Development in Benidorm (Spain)
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez César , López-Ortiz María-Inmaculada , Fernández-Aracil Patricia
Published: June 2024

This paper analyzes the events that originated an integrated water resources management (IWRM) model called Consorcio de Aguas de la Marina Baja (CAMB), in the province of Alicante (Spain), in 1978. The impact of tourism and population growth in the second half of the 20th century motivated the need for new management formulas seeking a balance between available resources and a greater need for water resources. The emergence of mass tourism in Benidorm at the end of the 1950s generated a great imbalance between the needs and availability of water resources. Also considering the effect of periods of severe drought, the solution to the deficit was found in the principles of institutional economics and circular water management. Water infrastructure and technology are elements of great importance in this model, allowing the exchange of natural water for reclaimed water, as a result of previous agreements between traditional irrigators and supply users of coastal populations. Its success has guaranteed the coexistence of traditional agriculture and the consolidated tourism activity, making possible the conservation of the cultural landscape. The historical and economic analysis of the model that led to the creation of CAMB can be applied to other regions facing similar challenges.
Graph Neural Networks for Sensor Placement: A Proof of Concept towards a Digital Twin of Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Menapace Andrea , Zanfei Ariele , Herrera Manuel , Brentan Bruno
Published: June 2024

Urban water management faces new challenges due to the rise of digital solutions and abundant data, leading to the development of data-centric tools for decision-making in global water utilities, with AI technologies poised to become a key trend in the sector. This paper proposes a novel methodology for optimal sensor placement aimed at supporting the creation of a digital twin for water infrastructure. A significant innovation in this study is the creation of a metamodel to estimate pressure at consumption nodes in a water supply system. This metamodel guides the optimal sensor configuration by minimizing the difference between estimated and observed pressures. Our methodology was tested on a synthetic case study, showing accurate results. The estimated pressures at each network node exhibited low error and high accuracy across all sensor configurations tested, highlighting the potential for future development of a digital twin for water distribution systems.
Field Investigations and Service Life Assessment of Geosynthetic Filters in Tidally Influenced Revetments in Cases of Ochre Clogging
Authors: Tophoff Lukas , Schüttrumpf Holger , Heimbecher Frank , Vollmer Christian , Philipp Bodo , Abdullaeva Yulduzkhon
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, there have been individual cases of damage to the revetments of the German North Sea estuaries due to clogging by precipitated ochre products. This process is defined as ochre clogging and has been extensively explained in the literature. The primary aim of the investigations was to better understand the clogging process under in situ conditions and the causative environmental conditions surrounding the filters. Extensive in situ investigations were therefore carried out. It was found that a permeability reduction in geotextile filters can be strongly accelerated by ochre clogging, which appears to be a biogeochemical process. This describes a combined action of the chemical precipitation of iron and manganese, precipitation by microorganisms, and physical clogging. A further aim of this study was to establish limit values for the decisive ochre clogging parameters, which could be used to quantify the susceptibility to ochre clogging. It was shown that the determination of the iron and manganese content of the groundwater, as well as the redox capacity of the groundwater, is sufficient to assess the tendency for ochre clogging. To minimise the negative impact on filter performance, recommendations for an adapted filter design have been developed as a guide for planners.
NEED ANALYSIS TO DESIGN TEACHERS’ MODULE INCORPORATED WAYS OF THINKING AND ICT-COMPETENCES
Authors: Shopia Khilda , Purnawati Purnawati , Sudarmaji Imam
Published: June 2024

Globalization and the advancement of technology influence in education fields. In current situations, most of teachers find difficulties in integrating 21st century skills; ICT-Competences and ways of thinking into teaching and learning activity. In other words, teachers and students need to comprehend and prepare themselves with the comprehension ways of thinking and tools for working. Qualitative research was conducted in this study. Descriptive analysis was employed as the methodology of this research to determine and analyze the needs analysis to design the teachers’ module incorporated by ways of thinking and ICT-Competences in English teaching and learning activity. Need analysis was conducted to identify the procedure and the needs in designing the teachers’ module. The data was analyzed using a systematic content descriptive text based on ACTS21S framework descriptors, UNESCO ICT-Competences and the Hutchinson and Waters Need Analysis Process. The result illustrated that there are forty indicator of ways of thinking and ICT competence are formulated and incorporated into the three phase of teaching and learning activity (pre-instructional, instructional, follow-up). There are the target needs and learners need that should be formulated to face the 21st century skills in current education challenges. In short, this study will be helpful for the teacher in preparing students in 21st century skills.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAGMATIC KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCE IN MAINTAINING COMMUNICATION
Authors: Mardiana Rizdika
Published: June 2024

In order to share and deliver ideas or information and exchange knowledge, humans must communicate with one another. However, not all people are good communicators. When a speaker speaks, the listener must pay attention to the context and meaning of the utterances to effectively respond; otherwise, the response will break the communication. For this reason, this paper elaborates on the significance of pragmatic knowledge and pragmatic competence in relation to linguistic communication and linguistic expressions used by the speaker and listener.