bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferrimagnetic Decorated Ternary Metallic Nanoislands with Hexagonal and Square Structures
Authors: Mouhib M. , Bri S. , Belrhiti M. D. , Mounir H.
Published: August 2024

We attempt to study the mixed-spin Ising on two decorated ferrimagnetic ternary metallic nanoislands possessing hexagonal and square structures, with a mixture of spin numbers 3/2, 1, and 1/2. Via the finite cluster approximation, the critical and compensation characteristics have been explored by implementing the influences of decorating and interface exchange couplings ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), along with the crystal fields ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) on the phase diagrams and magnetizations. In the absence of crystal fields, the hexagonal structure exhibits only the second-order transition with one or two compensation points; meanwhile, the square structure undergoes the multiple transitions behavior (two or three transition temperatures) with a first-order transition at low temperatures. The inclusion of the crystal fields demonstrates the elevation of the ferrimagnetic region of order. Interestingly, we have uncovered under only the effect of [Formula: see text] acting on spin-1 sublattice the occurrence of the first-order with reentrance indicating two and three transitions for the hexagonal and square structures, respectively. Finally, under a uniform crystal field ([Formula: see text]), the first-order keeps existing only for the square nanoisland.
Cooperative Containment Strategies to Pursue One Faster Evader with Collision Avoidance
Authors: Zhou Shaobo , Li Huiping , Wu Tianyu
Published: August 2024

On the surface of complex sea areas with obstacles, the encirclement mission against one hostile unmanned surface vehicle (USV) with high capability is usually extremely challenging. Especially when the evasion USV is endowed with a higher speed, the pursuit USVs are more likely to fail. In this work, the containment strategies by multiple low-speed pursuit USVs to capture one high-speed evasion USV considering collision avoidance are studied. On the basis of the conventional artificial potential field (APF) method, we first design a virtual target point to replace the actual evasion USV, which will help the pursuit USVs better implement the surrounding behavior. Thereafter, we reset the triggering conditions of the APF method to avoid the unnecessary obstacle avoidance actions. The proposed strategies can help the pursuit USVs better accomplish the containment strategies while bypassing the obstacles. Simulation experiments have verified the effectiveness of the designed cooperative containment strategies.
Derivation of the Archimedes’ Principle and Dynamical Evolution of a Floating Object
Authors: Barlas Aydın , Ayfer Taha
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to derive an alternative way to investigate an object’s equilibrium position in a liquid. The investigation was prolonged for an accurate description of a physical model. Restrictive conditions were discussed along the path. Principles of mechanics were used to alternate Archimedes’ principle.
Invariant Checking for SMT-Based Systems with Quantifiers
Authors: Redondi Gianluca , Cimatti Alessandro , Griggio Alberto , Mcmillan Kenneth L.
Published: August 2024

This article addresses the problem of checking invariant properties for a large class of symbolic transition systems defined by a combination of SMT theories and quantifiers. State variables can be functions from an uninterpreted sort (finite but unbounded) to an interpreted sort, such as the integers under the theory of linear arithmetic. This formalism is very expressive and can be used for modeling parameterized systems, array-manipulating programs, and more. We propose two algorithms for finding universal inductive invariants for such systems. The first algorithm combines an IC3-style loop with a form of implicit predicate abstraction to construct an invariant in an incremental manner. The second algorithm constructs an under-approximation of the original problem and searches for a formula which is an inductive invariant for this case; then, the invariant is generalized to the original case and checked with a portfolio of techniques. We have implemented the two algorithms and conducted an extensive experimental evaluation, considering various benchmarks and different tools from the literature. As far as we know, our method is the first capable of handling in a large class of systems in a uniform way. The experiment shows that both algorithms are competitive with the state of the art.
Precision Evaluation Methods of Petri Nets Modelling Discrete‐Event Processes
Authors: López-Mellado Ernesto , Barragán-Pérez Rubén
Published: August 2024

In process mining, conformance checking determines the quality of discrete‐event process models through several measures computed with respect to a set of event sequences λ from which the model N is obtained. Precision is a measure that evaluates the surplus language of the model with respect to λ. This article outlines four precision evaluation approaches for Petri net (PN) workflow models obtained through process discovery techniques. First, the basics of the quality measures of process models stablished in conformance checking are summarised. Then, the methods for model precision evaluation in literature are outlined and analysed. Finally, the advantages and limitations of the methods are pointed out and compared.
An Investigation into the Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Wound‐Healing Activities of Curculigo latifolia Found in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Taufik Amanina Yusrina , Yasin Hartini Mohd , Ahmad Norhayati , Arai Masayoshi , Ja’afar Fairuzeta
Published: August 2024

This present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical content and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Curculigo latifolia leaves (CL) and C. latifolia roots (CR) found in Brunei Darussalam. Phytochemical screening showed that CL and CR extracts contain saponins, tannins, glycosides, and terpenoids. CR showed higher total phenolic content (TPC), but lower total flavonoid content (TFC) when compared to CL. The high TPC in CR contributed to its potent radical scavenging activity (RSA) against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and strong ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Additionally, CR exerted significant inhibition of ∝‐glucosidase and ∝‐amylase, suggesting a potential link between the chemical compounds and its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. In the animal study of antihyperglycemic activity, treatment with 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of the CL extract normalised the blood glucose levels and improved body weight gain of alloxan‐induced diabetic rats within 14 weeks. Furthermore, our investigation into the wound‐healing effects of young C. latifolia leaves (YCL) and matured C. latifolia leaves (MCL) showed a significant reduction in wound size on Day 3, 5, and 7 of the experimental study, indicating its wound‐healing potential. Based on our findings, C. latifolia can be consumed as part of a balanced diet due to its antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.
Priestia flexa as a Novel Urinary Tract Pathogen in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire: Insights From Genomic Sequencing
Authors: Gbégbé Dého Aristide , Kacou Okran Beyosse Christophe , N’zi N’goran Parfait , Angaman Djédoux Maxime
Published: August 2024

Bacterial strains coded 21LM367, 21LM07, and 21LM1136 were isolated from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) at the Centre Hospitalier Régional de Daloa in Côte d’Ivoire. Based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis, DNA‐DNA digital hybridisation (dDDH), and other comparative genomic methods, strains 21LM07, 21LM367, and 21LM1136 were determined to be Priestia flexa. The size of the assembled complete genomes ranged from 8,624,538 to 4,007,501 bp. The average GC content was 37.76%, 46.33%, and 43.03% for strains 21LM07, 21LM367, and 21LM1136, respectively. The total number of coding regions (CDS) in each genome was 4172, 8497, and 6795, respectively, for strains 21LM07, 21LM367, and 21LM1136. Genomic prediction analysis revealed that a total of 4241, 8583, and 6881 genes were annotated in the 21LM07, 21LM367, and 21LM1136 genomes, respectively. No virulence or resistance genes were predicted in the genomes of strains 21LM07 and 21LM1136. On the other hand, two genes conferring resistance to beta‐lactam and tetracyclines as well as nine virulence genes were predicted in the genome of 21LM367. In addition, 438, 350, and 153 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were predicted in the genomes of strains 21LM367, 21LM1136, and 21LM07, respectively. Strain 21LM07 was characterised by the absence of plasmids in its genome. Two plasmids were predicted in the genomes of isolates 21LM367 and 21LM1136; however, rep7a and IncI2 were predicted to contain the tet(K) resistance gene. No typical multilocus sequences could be characterised in the genomes of the different strains.
Supplementary Data 1 from Sacituzumab Govitecan Demonstrates Efficacy across Tumor Trop-2 Expression Levels in Patients with Advanced Urothelial Cancer
Authors: Loriot Yohann , Balar Arjun V. , Petrylak Daniel P. , Kalebasty Arash R. , Grivas Petros , Fléchon Aude , Jain Rohit K. , Swami Umang , Bupathi Manojkumar , Barthélémy Philippe , Beuzeboc Philippe , Palmbos Phillip , Kyriakopoulos Christos E. , Pouessel Damien , Sternberg Cora N. , Tonelli Julia , Sierecki Mitch , Zavodovskaya Marianna , Elboudwarej Emon , Diehl Lauri , Jürgensmeier Juliane M. , Tagawa Scott T.
Published: August 2024

Table S1 and Table S2
Supplementary Table S5 from Efficacy and Safety of Adagrasib plus Cetuximab in Patients with KRASG12C-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yaeger Rona , Uboha Nataliya V. , Pelster Meredith S. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S. , Barve Minal , Saltzman Joel , Sabari Joshua K. , Peguero Julio A. , Paulson Andrew Scott , Jänne Pasi A. , Cruz-Correa Marcia , Anderes Kenna , Velastegui Karen , Yan Xiaohong , Der-Torossian Hirak , Klempner Samuel J. , Kopetz Scott E.
Published: August 2024

Table S5. Summary of TRAEs with adagrasib monotherapy in previously treated patients with KRASG12C-mutated unresectable or metastatic CRC.
Supplementary Table S1 from Efficacy and Safety of Adagrasib plus Cetuximab in Patients with KRASG12C-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yaeger Rona , Uboha Nataliya V. , Pelster Meredith S. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S. , Barve Minal , Saltzman Joel , Sabari Joshua K. , Peguero Julio A. , Paulson Andrew Scott , Jänne Pasi A. , Cruz-Correa Marcia , Anderes Kenna , Velastegui Karen , Yan Xiaohong , Der-Torossian Hirak , Klempner Samuel J. , Kopetz Scott E.
Published: August 2024

Table S1. Representativeness of study participants.
Infraestruturas urbanas nas cidades brasileiras: quadro nacional, mudanças climáticas e a agenda para ordenamento territorial. Síntese Territorial
Authors: Tavares Jeferson ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Arquitetura e Urbanismo
Published: August 2024

A infraestrutura interfere diretamente na qualidade de vida dos seususuários e induz as transformações no seu entorno. Sua ausência acarreta problemas de saúde, dificulta a oportunidade de emprego, provoca desconforto e prejudica o bem estar social. Este documento apresenta a síntese dos principais resultados de pesquisas relacionadas às políticas públicas urbanas e regionais vinculadas ao planejamento das cidades brasileiras, com foco na infraestrutura e na maneira como as cidades crescem e se relacionam com as mudanças climáticas. O objetivo foi apresentar o impacto das infraestruturas de mobilidade, de saneamento, de habitação e de urbanização de favelas financiadas pelo governo federal entre 1990 e 2019.
An Analysis of Albania’s Encounter with International Criminal Justice
Authors: Gerdeci Alba , Jusufi Islam
Published: August 2024

This article aims to provide an account on Albania’s encounter with international criminal justice, reflecting on the data collected under EU cost Action ca18228 and the States’ Scoping Survey. It looks at how Albania has engaged or not engaged with international criminal justice, in relevant provisions of domestic law, in its level of support and cooperation with international and hybrid courts, in domestic prosecutions of international crimes, and memorialisation activities. The findings suggest that the response to international crimes committed in Albania or abroad has been mixed. While little, if any accountability has been sought for the horrendous crimes during its communist past, Albania’s response to international crimes abroad in neighbouring Yugoslav territories was that of justice and accountability for those who committed crimes. The Kosovo War prompted a strategic shift in Albania’s approach, as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (ksc) faced criticism highlighting tensions between accountability and nationalistic sentiments.
Mare Tutum: Thucydides, King Minos, and the Concept of the ‘Secure Sea’ in Seventeenth-Century Maritime Law
Authors: Batson Alexander
Published: August 2024

This article examines a crucial argument in seventeenth-century maritime law: the concept of mare tutum, or ‘the secure sea’. According to this idea, the sea was characterized by chaotic piracy and required a strong central governing authority to impose order. Once the sea was secure, the ruler would reap the rewards of commerce and tariff revenues. Mare tutum espoused the idea of sea sovereignty for the goal of economic growth. Crucial to this idea was Thucydides’ account of the Cretan King Minos. The jurists Nicolaes Bonaert, Pietro Battista Borghi, and Giovanni Palazzi used the model of Minos’ Aegean thalassocracy to argue for Portuguese, Genoese, and Venetian control of the seas. The article illuminates the hitherto unknown importance of Thucydides in maritime law. It also complicates the traditional mare liberum/mare clausum framework by positing a third option which focused on control of the seas as a means to fostering trade and economic growth.
Computational Analysis of Magneto Bioconcvection Casson Nanofluid Flow Containing Gyrotactic Microbes: A Bio-Microsystemtechnology and Bio-Fuel Cells Application
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Basem Ali , Fatima Nahid , Zahra Tehseen , Ramzan Aleena , Waqas Hassan , Farooq Umar , Ali Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Scientists and researchers have been captivated by the field of nanotechnology research, drawn to its diverse applications such as cancer treatment, pharmaceuticals, aircraft manufacturing, nano-robot technology, bionano advancements, heat exchange instruments, engine coolant use, microelectronics,
water distillation, pharmaceutical procedures, and rubber materials. Incorporating gyrotactic microbes into nanoparticles is crucial for enhancing the thermal efficiency of various systems, including microbial fuel cells, bacteria-powered micro-mixers, micro-volumes such as microfluidic devices,
enzyme biosensors, and chip-shaped microdevices like bio-microsystems.This study focuses on investigating the bioconvectional flow of Casson nanofluid, incorporating nano-particles, gyrotactic micro-organisms, and thermal radiation, passing through a needle. The bioconvection fluid is formed
through the combined effects of Lorentz forces, a magnetic field, and the interaction of motile micro-organisms with nanoparticles. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using resemblance transformations, and the solution is obtained
through the BVP4C solver shooting technique. The numerical results are presented using MATLAB, depicted in figures and tabular formats. The findings, interpreted from a physical standpoint, reveal that fluid flow decreases with an increase in bioconvection Rayleigh number and buoyancy ratio
parameter. Thermal flow, on the other hand, increases with a rise in Brownian motion parameter and thermophoresis effect parameter. Concentration profiles decrease with an increase in thermophoresis parameter and Lewis number, while motile microorganism profiles decline with an augmentation
in Peclet number and bioconvection Lewis number.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks Modelling for Analyzing Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow Over Porous Media with an Induced Magnetic Field
Authors: Divya A. , Jithendra Thandra , Balakrishna S.
Published: August 2024

The goal of this work is to better comprehend how enhanced thermal transfer, which really increased the induced magnetic field of hybrid nanofluid, may alleviate the growing heat density of tiny and other technological processes. Non-Newtonian fluid, like Oldroyd-B fluid is encrypted
for a given physical model. Furthermore, copper and alumina hybridize in sodium alginate to produce a homogeneous, very diluted combination. The non-linear PDE system of equations is transformed into an ordinary differential system by applying the appropriate self-similarity variables. For
this stage of the work, we built a mid-rich integrated ANN-LMBP that is envisioned with non-linear thermal radiation and heat production. Graphical depictions are used to demonstrate the interplay between various skewing. The entropy production of the Oldroyd-B fluid slopes with temperature
ratio for all comparing scenarios, while Bejan number exhibits a declination with increase in Brinkman number. For uses including thickening, gelling, emulsifying, stabilizing, and texturizing, the predictions come true. Since sodium alginate is a standard component that is utilized in many
cuisines today, including ice cream, jelly, acidic milk drinks, sauces, fast noodles and beer.
Development of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program in Ventral Hernia
Authors: Ewing John K. , Cassling Kyle E. , Hanneman Michael A. , Broucek Joseph R. , Raymond Britany L. , Pierce Richard A. , Geiger Timothy M. , Bradley Joel F.
Published: August 2024

Background

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have spread after initial success in colorectal surgery decreasing length of stay (LOS) and decreasing opioid consumption. Adoption of ERAS specifically for ventral hernia patients remains in evolution. This study presents the development and implementation of an ERAS pathway for ventral hernia.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team met weekly over 6 months to develop an ERAS pathway specific to ventral hernia patients. 75 process components and outcome measures were included, spanning multiple phases of care: Preoperative-Clinic, Preoperative Day of Surgery (DOS), Intraoperative, and Postoperative. Preoperative components included education and physiologic optimization. Pain control across phases of care focuses on nonopioid, multimodal analgesia. Postoperatively, the pathway emphasizes early diet advancement, early mobilization, and minimization of IV fluids. We compared compliance and outcome measures between a Pre Go-Live (PGL) period (9/1/2020-8/30/2021) and After Go-live (AGL) period (5/12/2022-5/19/2023).

Results

There were 125 patients in the PGL group and 169 patients in the AGL group. Overall, ERAS compliance increased from 73.9% to 82.9% after implementation. Length of stay decreased from an average of 2.27 days PGL to 1.92 days AGL. Finally, the average daily postoperative opioid usage decreased from 25.4 to 13.5 MME after the implementation.

Discussion

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery can be successfully applied to the care of hernia patients with improvements in LOS and decreased opioid consumption. Institutional support and multidisciplinary cooperation were key for the development of such a program.
Agreement of ultra-short-term heart rate variability measure after different repeated bouts of sprint ability tests
Authors: Hung Chin-Hwai , Lu Wan-An , Pagaduan Jeffrey Cayaban , Kuo Cheng-Deng , Chen Yung-Sheng
Published: August 2024

This study aims to explore: (1) the validity of post-exercise ultra-short-term heart rate variability (HRVust) after two different bouts of repeated sprint ability test (RSA), and (2) the relationship between HRVust measure and RSA performance. Twenty adolescent male futsal players voluntarily participated in this study (age: 17.65 ± 1.81 years, body height: 170.88 ± 4.98 cm, body weight: 61.78 ± 4.67 kg). The participants performed a standard RSA test (RSAstandard) and an RSA test with a 10% decrement of the best sprint time test (RSA10%decrement) on two separate occasions within a week. On both occasions, a 5-min resting electrocardiography was administered pre- and post-RSA exercise protocols. The first 30-s (HRVust30s), 60-s (HRVust60s), and 60–120-s (HRVust1−2min) were extracted and used to compare with the standard of 5-min HRV recording (HRVcriterion). The natural logarithm (ln) of the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences (RMSSD) HRV indices were utilised to establish intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), coefficient of variation (%CV), and Pearson product-moment correlation ( r). Results revealed the ICC values of HRVust lnSDNN (RSAstandard = 0.77–0.88; RSA10%decrement = 0.41–0.71) and lnRMSSD (RSAstandard = 0.81–0.86; RSA10%decrement = 0.57–0.82). Furthermore, significantly positive correlations between best sprint time and post-exercise HRVust indices were found in lnSDNN ( r = 0.47–0.62; p < 0.05) and lnRMSSD ( r = 0.45; p < 0.05). Additionally, a large CV of lnSDNN (RSAstandard = 32%–45%; RSA10%decrement = 29%–39%), lnRMSSD (RSAstandard = 50%–66%; RSA10%decrement = 48%–52%), and ratio (RSAstandard = 45%–126%; RSA10%decrement = 27%–45%) was found after the RSA protocols. In conclusion, the number of bouts of RSA exercise potentially influences the agreement of post-exercise time-domain HRVust indices to standard HRV measure.
The Significance of the Theological Declaration of Barmen 1934 and “Christophobia in Europe” Today
Authors: Welker Michael
Published: August 2024

The article delves into the enduring significance of theological declarations such as the Barmen Declaration of 1934 and their relevance in contemporary discourse, particularly regarding issues like Christophobia in Europe. It explores the historical contexts and theological underpinnings of declarations like Barmen, Belhar, and the Heidelberg Disputation, highlighting their confrontations with oppressive political and ecclesiastical powers. Additionally, it examines critiques of European attitudes towards Christianity by scholars such as Joseph H.H. Weiler and discusses the transformative potential of movements emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit, such as Pentecostalism. The article underscores the ongoing theological dialogue surrounding liberation, social justice, and the enduring relevance of biblical theology in addressing contemporary challenges.
Environmentalism as Religion
Authors: Graham Gordon
Published: August 2024

Many Judeo-Christians have seen environmental concerns as a way of renewing the contemporary relevance of the doctrine of Creation. This article argues that, set against the decline of Christianity in the Western world, modern environmentalism is a rival, not an ally, to Judeo-Christianity. While its basic thought patterns replicate five key religious motifs—the existence of the sacred, sin and repentance, prophetic warning, the wisdom of sacrifice, and expression of faith through symbolic action—these are humanistic alternatives to the same motifs in Judeo-Christianity. The article concludes with a brief analysis of the deficiencies of environmentalism as a religion.
‘Importing’ the personal vote to maximise the party vote? ‘Parachute personalization’ in an intraparty preference electoral system
Authors: Arter David , Poyet Corentin
Published: August 2024

This article seeks to contribute to the electoral and party politics debate in three main ways. The first is the claim that parachuting politicians into districts in which they have no prior connections is not a nomination practice that is the exclusive preserve of plurality electoral systems, nor does it necessarily engender the critical reaction of carpetbagging in the United States or ‘captain’s picks’ in Australia. Second, the practice of parachutage is tied to the personalisation literature but, in contrast to this literature, the article views [parachute] personalisation and party as complementary and mutually reinforcing rather than contradictory. Parachute personalisation serves party-based representative democracy rather than attenuates it. Third, the article questions the undue focus in the personal vote literature on a candidate’s personal-vote-seeking attributes. Rather, in concentrating on the transferability of the parachute vote as an electoral resource, the generic term ‘personal vote’ is viewed as comprising a mélange of party-vote-earning attributes – inter alia name-recognition and reputational status as a party office-holder – and personal-vote-earning attributes – name-recognition from outside party politics (sport, music, etc.). The central question addressed runs: When and why in an intraparty preference voting system – Finland is the focus – is parachute personalisation practised and with what result?
Cylindrospermopsin adsorption onto activated carbons synthesized from coconut shell: Effect of surface chemical composition on removal efficiency
Authors: Novaes Helzalyce R , Prauchner Marcos J , Ginoris Yovanka P
Published: August 2024

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a toxic metabolite globally documented in aquatic environments, including human supply water sources. Adsorption onto activated carbon (AC) has emerged as a promising and cost-effective advanced technique to remove this cyanotoxin in water treatment utilities. In this context, this work aims to assess the influence of AC's surface chemical composition on kinetics and equilibrium behavior of CYN adsorption. For that, a pristine AC was synthesized by chemical activation with H3PO4 and then submitted to two different post-activation treatments: treatment under the reflux of a HNO3 solution (ACOx); heat treatment under inert atmosphere at 850 oC (ACHT). The modified ACs showed quite different contents of acidic oxygenated groups, which amounted 1.66 and 0.45 mmol g−1 for ACOx and ACHT, respectively. Despite its lower porosity and specific surface area, ACHT presented better kinetic and capacity for CYN adsorption, which suggests that the presence of acidic oxygenated functional groups hinders CYN adsorption at the studied conditions. Also, a full-scale adsorption column breakthrough was estimated by rapid small-scale column tests with granular ACHT and ultrafiltered superficial water collected from Paranoá Lake.
Post-seismic topographic shifts and delayed vegetation recovery in the epicentral area of the 2018 Mw 6.6 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake
Authors: Jie Dou , Xiang Zilin , Wang Xiekang , Zheng Penglin , Avtar Ram , Xinyu Chen , Scaringi Gianvito , Wanqi Luo , Yunus Ali P
Published: August 2024

The 2018, Mw 6.6 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake in Japan triggered over 10,000 landsliding in an area spanning about 500 km2, altering the local topography and leading to the accumulation of loose deposits on hillslopes and in valleys. However, a comprehensive post-seismic landslide inventory and an assessment of topographic changes are lacking, hindering a quantitative hazard assessment. Additionally, the extent of vegetation recovery in areas affected by coseismic landslides, a key indicator of post-seismic debris flow hazard, has not been evaluated. Here, we utilize high-resolution digital elevation models and multi-temporal satellite imagery to analyze topographic changes and vegetation dynamics in the earthquake’s epicentral area (seismic intensity >5.5). We observe that the event roughened the overall gentle topography of the region and made the slopes steeper. Owing to the absence of significant rainstorms and snowmelt post 2018, only a few debris remobilizations (60) and new landslides (80) have occurred in the affected region. Moreover, we noticed a slow vegetation recovery in the post-seismic phase, suggesting that the likelihood of debris flows and gully erosion remains elevated, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and assessment.
Resource Assessment Tool for Effective Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle-Assisted Bridge Inspections
Authors: Marfo Emmanuel A. , Khan Mubbashar A. , Wu Tau , Cavalline Tara L. , Karimoddini Ali
Published: August 2024

It is critically important to plan properly for integrating and deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the bridge inspection process, there is a need for tools to support implementation and decision-making regarding the use of UAVs at specific structures. In this study, a resource estimation tool that can be used to estimate the resources required for UAV-assisted bridge inspections is developed. The tool can aid inspectors in determining the estimated flight time and resources required for using a specific UAV and operator during the inspection of a specific bridge. The tool supports the development of optimal flight paths based on the structural geometry and positioning of structural elements of a bridge, establishes a range of recommended flight speeds for conducting reliable UAV-assisted bridge inspections based on the skill level(s) of the pilot(s) who were involved in conducting inspections. The developed tool also establishes a recommended range of wind speed and the corresponding standoff clearance information for safely conducting UAV-assisted bridge inspections. The tool also provides an estimated number of batteries required to allow the estimated required flight time. In this paper, the development of the tool is described, and the advantages of the tool are illustrated by its application in a case study involving a 10-span steel continuous multi-beam bridge with a reinforced concrete deck. The tool is developed as a spreadsheet and is publicly available through a GitHub page, accessible at https://github.com/ACCESSLab/Resource-Assessment-Tool-for-Effective-UAV-Assisted-Bridge-Inspection .
Ferry System Governance: A Review of the Michigan Ferry System and Comparative Analysis of Governance Strategies Nationwide
Authors: Jazlan Farish , Soltanpour Amirali , Zockaie Ali , Ghamami Mehrnaz
Published: August 2024

Ferries play a crucial role in connecting island communities to mainland services. Thereby, ensuring equitable funding to these services is imperative. The Ferry Boat Program (FBP) is the primary federal funding source that allocates funding to ferry operators. Because of constrained financial resources, prudent fiscal governance is necessary to ensure the resiliency of the ferry systems. The primary objectives of this study are (i) to analyze the governance and funding requirements of ferry systems in Michigan, (ii) to conduct a comparative analysis of governance strategies with other state agencies, and (iii) to understand the effects of FBP formulation change under various legislative timeframes. A case study was conducted on four Michigan Islands. The study reveals that engine hours are a crucial metric for projecting funding needs. The nationwide survey highlights that Michigan has a relatively lower state funding per ridership, compared to other states. It is also observed that ferry services for residential islands exhibit inelastic demand, unlike tourism ferries, and budget allocations solely based on ridership volume might be insufficients. Consequently, the FBP formulation adjustment has affected funding competitiveness for operators serving mainly island residents. Overall, this study reveals that ferry governance models vary in their emphasis, from social cohesion to economic prosperity to mobility welfare. The study highlights the need for adaptive and dynamic governance models to account for demographic nuances to ensure equitable services for both residential and tourism-oriented ferry services. The research findings provide valuable resources for policy design concerning ferry system funding and governance.
Collaboration between High-Speed Rail and Urban Transportation to Improve Urban Air Quality in Green Travel
Authors: Zhao Luyang , Zhao Luman
Published: August 2024

Although high-speed rail (HSR) can reduce the total pollutant emission in intercity travel by replacing road travel, the scope of air pollution caused by vehicles is narrow, suggesting that HSR operation has limited impact on improving urban air quality. However, many studies have confirmed that the opening of HSR does significantly improve air quality in urban districts where HSR stations are located, and the improvements occur in real time. To study the real-time pathways through which this effect arises, this paper discovered the relationship between the opening of HSR, urban transportation, and urban air quality using mediation effect theory. The results showed that HSR has no significant direct impact on improving urban air quality, but mainly affected urban air quality indirectly and in real-time through urban transportation. This paper has identified and confirmed the real-time impact path of HSR on urban air quality, and provided some suggestions related to intercity travel and green tourism to promote the development of green consumption.
Assessing the Impacts of COVID-19 on Online-Shopping Behavior, the Resulting Delivery and Shipping Behavior of Private Households, and Freight Transportation: An Empirical Study of Germany
Authors: Galich Anton , Kehrt Carina
Published: August 2024

Online shopping has gained popularity in many countries over the past two decades. As a result, the question of whether it reduces the overall transportation volume from fewer personal shopping trips or increases it because of more freight transportation, especially in the courier, express, and parcel segment, is a hot topic in transportation research. Yet few studies have applied a holistic approach to distinguishing online-shopping behavior with regard to different product categories, the distances traveled to purchase different products on physical shopping trips, the means of transportation used on these trips, and the freight transportation caused by online shopping. In addition, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020 led to a dramatic increase in online shopping in many countries, with people trying to avoid physical shopping trips for health reasons. Against this background, this article attempts to clarify the net effects of online shopping on transportation volume both before and during the pandemic. For this purpose, two online surveys were conducted to capture online-shopping behavior and its effects on transportation before (2018) and during the pandemic (2021). The investigation area was Germany. The analysis showed that the pandemic generated more online shopping and more personal shopping trips. However, the overall mileage resulting from personal shopping trips, freight transportation, and pick-up and drop-off trips caused by online shopping remained relatively constant, as people traveled shorter distances during the pandemic.
Flavone attenuates nicotine-induced lung injury in rats exposed to gamma radiation via modulating PI3K/Nrf2 and FoxO1/NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Elsayed Nora A , Marzouk Mohammed A , Moawed Fatma SM , Ahmed Esraa SA , Abo-Zaid Omayma AR
Published: August 2024

Prolonged exposure to different occupational or environmental toxicants triggered oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions mediated lung damage. This study was designed to explore the influence and protective impact of flavone on lung injury in rats intoxicated with nicotine (NIC) and exposed to radiation (IR). Forty rats were divided into four groups; group I control, group II flavone; rats were administered with flavone (25 mg/kg/day), group III NIC + IR; rats were injected intraperitoneally with NIC (1 mg/kg/day) and exposed to γ-IR (3.5 Gy once/week for 2 weeks) while group IV NIC + IR + flavone; rats were injected with NIC, exposed to IR and administered with flavone. Redox status parameters and histopathological changes in lung tissue were evaluated. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), forkhead box O-class1 (FoxO1) and nucleotide-binding domain- (NOD-) like receptor pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) gene expression were measured in lung tissues. Moreover, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and phosphatidylinositol three kinase (PI3K) were measured using ELISA kits. Our data demonstrates, for the first time, that flavone protects the lung from NIC/IR-associated cytotoxicity, by attenuating the disrupted redox status and aggravating the antioxidant defence mechanism via activation of the PI3K/Nrf2. Moreover, flavone alleviates pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting the inflammatory signaling pathway FOXO1/NF-κB/NLRP3- Inflammasome. Collectively, the obtained results exhibited a notable efficiency of flavone in alleviating lung injury induced by NIC and IR via modulating PI3K/Nrf2 and FoxO1/NLRP3 Inflammasome.
Transcriptomic Plasticity of the Circadian Clock in Response to Photoperiod: A Study in Male Melatonin-Competent Mice
Authors: Cox Olivia H. , Giannoni-Guzmán Manuel A. , Cartailler Jean-Philippe , Cottam Matthew A. , McMahon Douglas G.
Published: August 2024

Seasonal daylength, or circadian photoperiod, is a pervasive environmental signal that profoundly influences physiology and behavior. In mammals, the central circadian clock resides in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus where it receives retinal input and synchronizes, or entrains, organismal physiology and behavior to the prevailing light cycle. The process of entrainment induces sustained plasticity in the SCN, but the molecular mechanisms underlying SCN plasticity are incompletely understood. Entrainment to different photoperiods persistently alters the timing, waveform, period, and light resetting properties of the SCN clock and its driven rhythms. To elucidate novel candidate genes for molecular mechanisms of photoperiod plasticity, we performed RNA sequencing on whole SCN dissected from mice raised in long (light:dark [LD] 16:8) and short (LD 8:16) photoperiods. Fewer rhythmic genes were detected in mice subjected to long photoperiod, and in general, the timing of gene expression rhythms was advanced 4-6 h. However, a few genes showed significant delays, including Gem. There were significant changes in the expression of the clock-associated gene Timeless and in SCN genes related to light responses, neuropeptides, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), ion channels, and serotonin. Particularly striking were differences in the expression of the neuropeptide signaling genes Prokr2 and Cck, as well as convergent regulation of the expression of 3 SCN light response genes, Dusp4, Rasd1, and Gem. Transcriptional modulation of Dusp4 and Rasd1 and phase regulation of Gem are compelling candidate molecular mechanisms for plasticity in the SCN light response through their modulation of the critical NMDAR-MAPK/ERK-CREB/CRE light signaling pathway in SCN neurons. Modulation of Prokr2 and Cck may critically support SCN neural network reconfiguration during photoperiodic entrainment. Our findings identify the SCN light response and neuropeptide signaling gene sets as rich substrates for elucidating novel mechanisms of photoperiod plasticity. Data are also available at http://circadianphotoperiodseq.com/ , where users can view the expression and rhythmic properties of genes across these photoperiod conditions.
Development of a chitosan/propolis-based polymeric system: Characterization, biocompatibility, and modulation of transcription factor expression
Authors: Velázquez-Rodríguez Raquel , Pozos-Guillén Amaury , Chuc-Gamboa Martha Gabriela , Cauich-Rodríguez Juan Valerio , Flores-Reyes Héctor , Tejeda-Nava Francisco Javier , Aguilar-Perez Fernando Javier , Escobar Garcia Diana Maria
Published: August 2024

Chitosan (CHT) and propolis (P) are natural materials with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucoadhesive properties with many applications in orthopaedia dentistry. The objective of this study was to develop a low molecular weight (LMW) and medium molecular weight (MMW) chitosan polymeric system with propolis at different concentrations (0.31%, 0.62%, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%) and to evaluate the effect in terms of their cell interaction with dental pulp fibroblasts. FTIR spectra of both molecular weights CHT’s films with propolis show increased transmittance bands at 1730–1720 cm−1 and 1460 cm−1, indicating the presence of propolis ethanolic extract in the organic matrix. Contact angles test to determine hydrophobicity CHT films functionalized with propolis exhibit a more hydrophobic surface as propolis concentration increases. Cytotoxicity showed synergy between chitosan and propolis; the highest proliferation was observed in LMW CHT with 0.31% of propolis. Membranes made with CHT of both molecular weights plus propolis in an inflammatory stage (cells previously treated with LPS) can inhibit the expression of NF-k-B, MAPK, and VEGF. A polymeric system based on chitosan/ethanolic extract propolis could be a future alternative treatment for oral ulcers.
The Spillover Effect of Internet usage on Job Satisfaction in the Digital Era: Evidence From Chinese Individual Survey Data
Authors: Shao Qinglong
Published: August 2024

Digitalization has fundamentally reshaped work modes and changed employees’ attitudes toward their job, a trend that was markedly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sheds light on how digitalization-induced work changed levels of job satisfaction at the height of the pandemic by jointly exploring the mediating mechanisms and contextual factors affecting these relationships based on the spillover theory. Using an ordered probit model with data on 26,752 individuals from the 2020 China Family Panel Study, this study confirms the significant impact of Internet usage on job satisfaction. We found that time pressure not only mediated but also strengthened the effect of Internet usage on job satisfaction, whereas time flexibility did not play a moderating role in this relationship in China. The Sobel–Goodman mediation test confirms the robustness of the results. Moreover, the digital divide across socio-demographic groups is revealed. We find that Internet use can significantly improve urban residents’ job satisfaction, while the degree of influence is lower for rural populations. Similarly, female employees’ feelings of job satisfaction are more significantly affected than those of male employees. People who are employed in Information and Communications Technology–related occupations usually enjoy greater satisfaction from Internet use at work than those who are not. In general, by highlighting the critical role of Internet usage at work in promoting job satisfaction mediated by time pressure, this study confirms shifts in job satisfaction amid the rapid digital transformation, particularly during the pandemic.
E-Learning for the Public Good? The Policy Trajectory of Online Education in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Farhadi Beyhan , Winton Sue
Published: August 2024

Our critical historiography of e-learning policy in Ontario, Canada, traces the policy’s trajectory through three settlements (2006-2022) and shows how successive governments have mobilized neoliberal discourses of personalization, access, and choice to justify new arrangements with private actors, within a broader sociopolitical context that includes increased privatization and commodification of public institutions, cuts to public spending, and imagines individuals as rational subjects driven to maximize their economic potential. This context exacerbates challenges students marginalized by schooling already face. Findings from our critical discourse analyses of government documents and news media reports also demonstrate that online learning in Ontario is neither personalized nor customizable but instead is centralized, standardized and, by design, operates independent of rather than interdependent with community. Further, our findings highlight the interdependence of schools – online and in-person – with social processes that create and perpetuate inequality, including gendered and racialized poverty, locally and abroad.
Sustainable urban development: A scoping review of barriers to the public policy and administration
Authors: Galego Diego , Esposito Giovanni , Crutzen Nathalie
Published: August 2024

Sustainable urban development (SUD) gained prominence after the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030), countering imbalanced growth that was impacting society, the economy, and the environment. Research on SUD is rapidly expanding among scholars and practitioners, analysing theoretical and empirical aspects. However, SUD encounters multiple barriers in public policies and administration. This study examines academic literature to identify trends in barriers hindering effective policy development based on policy cycles. Through analysis of 90 records, 183 fragments express barriers to SUD, categorized into five types: organisational, interaction-specific, SUD characteristics, contextual and policy-related. The article offers insights to enhance SUD policies and overcome the identifying barriers.
Automatic driving decision-making on left-turn behavior at unsignalized intersections
Authors: Cai Lei , Guan Hsin , Xu Qi Hong , Jia Xin , Zhan Jun
Published: August 2024

Unsignalized intersections are a common scenario in urban areas. Therefore, it is necessary to consider decisions at unsignalized intersections. Left-turn behavior is used as a representative because there are more cases of interactions with other traffic participants under left-turn behavior. First, the paper proposes a way to improve the efficiency and comfort of the host vehicle when the intersection is obscured. Second, a dynamic game theory is proposed based on the potential conflict area of the intersection, considering safety and traffic efficiency. An estimation of the aggressiveness model based on the potential conflict area is proposed. Thirdly, a driving scheme is proposed by adjusting the passing scheme when the game is yielding. Finally, it was simulated for validation at unsignalized intersections by VTD (Virtual Test Drive). Simulation results show that the proposed method can balance comfort and passing efficiency through unsignalized intersections in the presence of occlusion. The average speed of the proposed method through the intersection is higher when interacting with traffic participants.
Distributed event-triggered cooperative saturation control for nonlinear multi-agent systems with time-delay and output constraint
Authors: Tian Beibei , Liu Qi , Luo Chenxu , Leng Junfa , Jing Shuangxi
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the distributed event-triggered (ET) cooperative control problem is concerned for the nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs) subject to time-delay and output constraint. Different from the traditional static constraint, the output constraint imposed in this paper is dynamic and asymmetric which is more challenging to handle with. A barrier function is employed to deal with the output constraint so that the systems can be converted to the unconstrained form. In order to overcome the time-delay, the Lyapunov-Krasovskii function is considered and a distributed ET consensus controller is designed via backstepping theory. The control signal will be released only if the triggered threshold is violated. Thus, all signals of closed-loop systems are cruelly proved to be bounded. Finally, the proposed control strategy is verified to be effective through a numerical experiment, which ensures the consensus of MASs and reduces communication burden.