bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Scalable Approach to Independent Vector Analysis by Shared Subspace Separation for Multi-Subject fMRI Analysis
Authors: Sun Mingyu , Gabrielson Ben , Akhonda Mohammad Abu Baker Siddique , Yang Hanlu , Laport Francisco , Calhoun Vince , Adali Tülay
Published: June 2023

Joint blind source separation (JBSS) has wide applications in modeling latent structures across multiple related datasets. However, JBSS is computationally prohibitive with high-dimensional data, limiting the number of datasets that can be included in a tractable analysis. Furthermore, JBSS may not be effective if the data’s true latent dimensionality is not adequately modeled, where severe overparameterization may lead to poor separation and time performance. In this paper, we propose a scalable JBSS method by modeling and separating the “shared” subspace from the data. The shared subspace is defined as the subset of latent sources that exists across all datasets, represented by groups of sources that collectively form a low-rank structure. Our method first provides the efficient initialization of the independent vector analysis (IVA) with a multivariate Gaussian source prior (IVA-G) specifically designed to estimate the shared sources. Estimated sources are then evaluated regarding whether they are shared, upon which further JBSS is applied separately to the shared and non-shared sources. This provides an effective means to reduce the dimensionality of the problem, improving analyses with larger numbers of datasets. We apply our method to resting-state fMRI datasets, demonstrating that our method can achieve an excellent estimation performance with significantly reduced computational costs.
Reducing Prejudice against Children with Tungiasis: A Qualitative Study from Kenya on How a School Intervention May Raise Awareness and Change Attitudes towards Neglected Diseases
Authors: Mørkve Åse Walle , Munkejord Mai Camilla
Published: June 2023

Tungiasis/jiggers, which is caused by the sand flea, tunga penetrans, is a ferocious but neglected disease that affects millions of people in more than 80 low-income countries. If left untreated, jiggers may not only cause pain and secondary infection, but also lead to disabilities, including difficulties grasping and walking, concentration problems, sleep disturbance, skin issues and, among children, exclusion from school due to stigma and prejudice. This study aims to shed light on how a sensitising school intervention may increase awareness and improve attitudes towards jiggers among non-affected pupils. The intervention included 11 h of teaching, involving 75 pupils. In addition to teaching and observation, a pretest and a posttest were conducted. The thematic analysis of the pretest statements resulted in the following themes: “Those affected by jiggers lack knowledge”, “Those affected by jiggers lack proper hygiene” and “Those affected by jiggers should be isolated from society”. Moreover, thematic analysis of the posttest statements resulted in the following themes: “Increased knowledge: ‘Now, I can even educate people about jiggers!’” and “Increased compassion: ‘I feel bad about those people’”. To foster a more inclusive school environment, including for children with disabilities due to jiggers, research on the long-term effects of similar school interventions is recommended.
The Forecast of Beijing Habitat Quality Dynamics Considering the Government Land Use Planning and the City’s Spatial Heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Liu Chenghui , Yang Hongbo , Cai Guoyin
Published: June 2023

The evaluation of the habitat quality dynamics is important to conservation management and sustainable development. Forecasting future habitat quality changes depends on reliable projections of future land uses that align with government’s future land-use planning. Additionally, the spatial heterogeneity problem cannot be dismissed in spatial modelling and the uneven distribution of urban development should be considered in the land use simulation and prediction. To address these issues, we established a bidirectional framework: from the top-down side, we impose land use and land cover (LULC) quantity constraints considering the goals of government land use planning; from the bottom-up side, we adopt zoning methods to consider the spatial heterogeneity of land use transition rules for improving the accuracy of land use prediction. We applied this approach to project habitat quality of Beijing in 2035 under different development scenarios. Firstly, we constructed multiple future scenarios (natural development, ND; economic development, ED; ecological protection, EP; livable city, LC) and computed the quantities of various land uses under those scenarios. Secondly, we addressed the spatial heterogeneity issue by adopting the zoning methods to improve the land use simulation accuracy of the PLUS model. Finally, based on the predicted LULC data, we analyzed the future habitat quality patterns in Beijing under different scenarios using InVEST model. We found that the zoning method can improve the simulation accuracy of LULC. Furthermore, significant spatial differences can be found in the habitat quality under different land use scenarios, which represent various government land use strategies. Among the four scenarios, the LC scenario is the most conducive one due to its ability to achieve a good balance between economic and ecological benefits. This study provides evidence for justifying the feasibility of Beijing’s development plan to become a livable city.
Production of Hemicellulose Sugars Combined with the Alkaline Extraction Lignin Increased the Hydro-Depolymerization of Cellulose from Corn Cob
Authors: Yang Xiaorui , Li Xiaotong , Zhu Liyan , Liang Jinhua , Zhu Jianliang
Published: June 2023

Hydro-depolymerization is a novel method for converting agricultural waste into eco-friendly and promising products. Due to the complex structure and composition of corn cob (CC), a three-step process was developed, which involved pre-hydro-depolymerization of hemicellulose, alkaline extraction of lignin, and hydro-depolymerization of cellulose. The pre-hydro-depolymerization step was at first optimized to produce five-carbon and six-carbon sugars, achieving a maximum hemicellulose conversion rate of 78.48 ± 3.92%, and reducing a sugar yield of 59.12 ± 2.95%. Alkaline treatment achieved a maximum lignin extraction efficiency of 73.76 ± 3.68%. After hemicellulose removal and delignification, the cellulose conversion rate increased to 36.63% and further increased to 76.97% after five cycles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to confirm physical and chemical changes in CC residues. The integrated process of hydro-depolymerization and alkaline treatment enables the complete exploitation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and thus holds great potential for application in the agriculture industry.
Antimicrobial Potential of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Banana Peel and Date Seeds Extracts
Authors: Hussien Nahed Ahmed
Published: June 2023

In the present study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were eco-friendly synthesized using banana peel (BPE) and date seed (DSE) extracts. Biosynthesis of both ZnONPs_BPE and ZnONPs_DSE was confirmed by using an ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer (UV–VIS), then followed by their characterization using different analyses: scanning (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial potency of ZnONPs_BPE and ZnONPs_DSE was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay against pathogenic strains to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). UV spectra confirm the formation of ZnONPs-BPE (290 nm) and ZnONP_DSE (400 nm). TEM, SEM, and XRD revealed their hexagonal crystalline structures with nanoscale size ZnONPs_BPE (57.4 ± 13.8 nm, −9.62 mV) and ZnONPs_DSE (72.6 ± 17.1 nm, −5.69 mV). FTIR analysis demonstrated the presence of various functional groups on ZnONPs’ surfaces that act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. The biosynthesized ZnONPs demonstrated a good antimicrobial potential against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) strains. Especially, ZnONPs-BPE has a higher antimicrobial effect against Salmonella enteritidis (MIC = 0.75 mg/mL, MBC = 1.5 mg/mL), while ZnONP_DSE has a higher effect against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 0.75 mg/mL, MBC = 3 mg/mL). The present results are consistent with previous studies that reported the antimicrobial potential of green ZnONPs through ROS induction that in turn damages microbial DNA. Consequently, the present results support the use of different biowastes in NPs’ synthesis, which is a simple and sustainable way that helps with waste management and decreases environmental pollution.
Circular Economy Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Italian Urban Systems: Comparison and Perspectives
Authors: Ghisellini Patrizia , Quinto Ivana , Passaro Renato , Ulgiati Sergio
Published: June 2023

This study evaluates the current collection and recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Italy by means of the analysis of national and regional data from EUROSTAT and the Italian WEEE Coordination Centre database, as well as through qualitative interviews with key stakeholders of the WEEE management system of the Campania region (Southern Italy). Urban systems, among which the metropolitan city of Naples in the Campania region, are the main users of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) and, as a consequence, the main generators of WEEE, which must be managed and recovered properly in order to prevent the loss of valuable resources and the associated environmental impacts. In addition to analysing the current state of WEEE collection and recycling in Italy and its regions and urban systems, the study aims to improve our understanding of the WEEE reverse supply chain and the main barriers and drivers to collection and recycling. The results reveal that the main barriers to the collection/delivery/recycling of WEEE resulted in the low awareness of the citizens about the importance of WEEE recovery, the lack of trust towards administrators, the lack of certified first treatment plants, the aversion of the citizens to the opening of new plants due to past inefficient solutions in solid waste management, the exploitation of high value materials only (so-called “cannibalization”, the illegal trade of WEEE, the influence of the market on the valorization of secondary materials), and, finally, the dominance of economic efficiency over the proximity advantage for the disposal of solid waste. On the other hand, the main drivers for collection emerged to be the adoption of education programmes in schools and constant communication campaigns directed to citizens in order to improve WEEE collection and recycling behaviour; the adoption of economic and non-economic incentives; the availability of municipal collection points (ecological islands) and other collection centres characterised by easy access by citizens for the delivery of their WEEE.
Prediction of Cooling Load of Tropical Buildings with Machine Learning
Authors: Bekdaş Gebrail , Aydın Yaren , Isıkdağ Ümit , Sadeghifam Aidin Nobahar , Kim Sanghun , Geem Zong Woo
Published: June 2023

Cooling load refers to the amount of energy to be removed from a space (or consumed) to bring that space to an acceptable temperature or to maintain the temperature of a space at an acceptable range. The study aimed to develop a series of models and determine the most accurate ones in the prediction of the cooling load of low-rise tropical buildings based on their basic architectural and structural characteristics. In this context, a series of machine learning (regression) algorithms were tested during the research to determine the most accurate/efficient prediction model. In this regard, a data set consisting of ten features indicating the basic characteristics of the building (floor area, aspect ratio, ceiling height, window material, external wall material, roof material, window wall ratio north faced, window wall ratio south faced, horizontal shading, orientation) were used to predict the cooling load of a low-rise tropical building. The dataset was generated utilizing a set of generative and algorithmic design tools. Following the dataset generation, a series of regression models were tested to find the most accurate model to predict the cooling load. The results of the tests with different algorithms revealed that the relationship between the predictor variables and cooling load could be efficiently modeled through Histogram Gradient Boosting and Stacking models.
Outward Foreign Direct Investment and Industrial Structure Upgrading: The Mediating Role of Reverse Green Technology Innovation, the Moderating Role of R&D Investment and Environmental Regulation
Authors: Xing Guangyuan , Dong Hao
Published: June 2023

Based on the provincial panel data from 2004 to 2019, this paper constructs a more comprehensive industrial structure upgrading coefficient and uses a moderated mediation model to verify the mechanism of OFDI reverse green innovation technology on industrial upgrading. It is found that OFDI has a reverse green technology innovation effect, which can positively promote China’s industrial upgrading. From the perspective of a moderated mediating effect, the increase of domestic R&D investment is conducive to shortening the technological gap with developed countries, and the enhancement of domestic environmental regulation also encourages multinational enterprises to implement green technology cooperation. Both of them strengthen the reverse green technology innovation effect of OFDI, and correspondingly have a greater promoting effect on the upgrading of industrial structure. The reverse green technology innovation of OFDI mainly promotes strategic green innovation of noninvention types, but the enhancement of R&D capability and the improvement of environmental regulation can strengthen the reverse substantive green innovation of OFDI. After endogenous processing and replacing the core explanatory variables, the results are still significant.
Resilience in Urban and Architectural Design—The Issue of Sustainable Development for Areas Associated with an Embankment
Authors: Starzyk Agnieszka , Marchwiński Janusz , Maciejewska Eliza , Bujak Piotr , Rybak-Niedziółka Kinga , Grochulska-Salak Magdalena , Skutnik Zdzisław
Published: June 2023

The dynamically changing world poses new challenges to urbanized areas, e.g., related to water management in the architectural and urban context. Improving retention and strengthening blue-green infrastructure can be based on technical, semi-natural and natural methods, which are less invasive. Various forms are used in the city space: flow control, detention, retention, filtration, infiltration, and treatment. The implementation of the green order strategy and shaping sustainable development in the context of designing the city’s resilience is associated with shaping spatial policy and urban planning assumptions for the transformation of public spaces and new investments in urbanized areas in crisis. The shaping of waterfronts in the city and green and blue infrastructure significantly shape the parameters of the environment and the regenerative capacity of the urban ecosystem. The aim of this work was to show the relationship between the problem of embankments and the possibilities of developing space in their proximity, including areas exposed to the risk of flooding. The relationships determined by the goal were verified in comparative studies, a repeatable method of collecting, processing, analyzing, and interpreting the obtained data was used. The issue was presented in a broader context of flood risk and water management in the area of Lake Zegrze, collisions and spatial conflicts were analyzed. The results are presented in the context of detailed water management data for the complex of Riva Zegrze facilities, which is a model example regarding the sustainable development of areas on embankments, considering their specific floodplain development possibilities. The effects of the research allowed for the formulation of conclusions, including in terms of implementation, in the field of urban and architectural design for areas associated with an embankment.
Association of Religious End Time Beliefs with Attitudes toward Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss
Authors: Lowe Benjamin S. , Jacobson Susan K. , Israel Glenn D. , Peterson Anna L.
Published: June 2023

Mobilizing communities for environmental sustainability often involves engaging with religious values and beliefs, which can exert powerful influences on the attitudes, norms, and behaviors of the majority of people worldwide. Christianity is the largest world religion and, in some contexts, has also been among the most skeptical of climate and environmental concerns. A popular explanation for this skepticism focuses on eschatological views (i.e., end time beliefs) and posits that if the earth is going to be destroyed someday, there is little point in conserving it now. Empirical evidence is lacking, however, on the extent to which such beliefs actually influence environmental attitudes. We surveyed Christian undergraduate students in the US (N = 1520) and found that belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ was not significantly associated with variables tested regarding biodiversity loss or climate change. Furthermore, a plurality responded that the earth will be renewed at the end (43%), not destroyed (24%), and beliefs about the fate of the earth were generally not related to attitudinal measures—except for a slim minority of respondents with strongest views that the earth will be destroyed—but were significantly associated with political ideology and literalist views of Scripture. These findings suggest that end time views may not be a major obstacle—at least among younger American Christians—to promoting socio-ecological sustainability.
Exploring the Potential of Halloumi Second Cheese Whey for the Production of Lactic Acid Cultures for the Dairy Industry
Authors: Naziri Eleni , Papadaki Eugenia , Savvidis Iordanis , Botsaris George , Gkatzionis Konstantinos , Mugampoza Ediriisa , Mantzouridou Fani Th.
Published: June 2023

Production of halloumi cheese in Cyprus has increased rapidly over the last decade since the popularity of the cheese is growing. This results in excess production of whey streams that pose serious environmental concerns and are difficult to manage. In our study, the poorly investigated second cheese whey (SCW) generated after the extraction of anari, a by-product of halloumi cheese manufacture, was examined for dairy industry lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture production. The LAB studied were all initially isolated from SCW. These LAB were molecularly identified and characterized in an attempt to explore their potential use as starter cultures for the dairy industry. A total of 11 Gram-positive and catalase-negative isolates were identified, belonging to four different species/subspecies: Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. jakobsenii, Lactobacillus leichmannii and Lactobacillus crispatus. Lactose/galactose utilization tests demonstrated species-specific differences in galactose and lactose catabolism. Interestingly, culturing the selected isolates in SCW supplemented with skimmed milk (30% total solids) improved their freeze-drying tolerance (75–91% survival rate depending on the species). Moreover, isolates in vacuum-packed powders maintained viability and metabolic activity over 3-month storage at 4 °C.
Emission Reduction and Performance Enhancement of CI Engine Propelled by Neem Biodiesel-Neem Oil-Decanol-Diesel Blends at High Injection Pressure
Authors: Khan Md Modassir , Kadian Arun Kumar , Sharma Rabindra Prasad , Hasnain S M Mozammil , Mohamed Ahmed , Ragab Adham E. , Zare Ali , Pandey Shatrudhan
Published: June 2023

Diesel emissions have resulted in air pollution, which is harmful to the sustaining of life. The concerns of energy security and poor air quality have propelled researchers to seek alternate and environment-friendly fuels for the transport sector, keeping diesel engines at the core. Thus, a quaternary blend (diesel-biodiesel-vegetable oil-alcohol) proves to be a promising key to address the above problems. This experimental work focuses aims on investigating the performance and emissions of a diesel engine powered with quaternary blends by changing the fuel injection pressure. The quaternary blend comprised of diesel, neem biodiesel, pure neem oil, and decanol was used to prepare quaternary blends of varied volumetric proportions. This study involves the testing of quaternary blends at varied fuel injection pressure (IP) ranging from 400–500 bar. The engine load varied from 10 Nm to 20 Nm, and the shaft speed was constant at 2000 rpm. It was evident from the outcomes that the least DBODec45 resulted in minimum carbon monoxide (CO) and un-burnt hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions, which were obtained to be 83.33% and 54.5% less than diesel at 500 bar and at a load of 10 Nm and 20 Nm, respectively. Moreover, the blend containing 45% of decanol led to the lowest NOx and smoke concentrations. The lowest brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) was achieved at 500 bar and 20 Nm for the same blend and was found to be 3.22% higher than diesel. Moreover, at the same IP and load, DBODec45 led to highest BTE, which was 3.26% lower than pure diesel.
Conditions on the Sustainable Housing of Foreign Workers: A Case Study of Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Authors: Nam Jeehyun , Gong Keumrok , Jo Heeeun
Published: June 2023

This study examined the laws and policies on the provision of housing for foreign workers and the status of and problems with foreign workers’ accommodations in Gyeonggi province. This was undertaken to identify the fundamental reason for the recurring risks related to workers’ housing sustainability, such as accidents related to inadequate housing in rural areas. We first present a review of the relevant domestic laws and regulations on the construction and installation of foreign workers’ residential facilities in rural areas, as well as of the guidelines set by international organizations and the practices of other countries regarding the provision of workers’ housing. Then, we analyze the data from a survey of foreign workers’ residential facilities in Gyeonggi province using a classification of housing vulnerability to understand the current condition of foreign workers’ accommodations at the local level, including the distribution and conditions of foreign workers’ residential facilities and their compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. Comparing the principles for the provision of workers’ accommodations stipulated in Korean law with the criteria and requirements set forth by international organizations and other countries, it can be seen that Korean law is more focused on setting the minimum requirements for workers’ accommodations. In contrast, international standards for adequate housing and the standards for workers’ housing of other countries not only set minimum requirements but also consider various factors that can enhance the workers’ living environments and quality of life and guarantee equal treatment of foreign workers, including the demand for different types of housing, location, access to cultural facilities, and supplementary facilities. We classified the housing vulnerability of foreign workers’ residential facilities in Gyeonggi province based on their characteristics, such as the housing requirements stipulated by law, and on the degree of housing vulnerability regarding living conditions and accommodation facilities (washing/bathing facilities, electrical safety checks, etc.). As a result, the main problem is location, with 43% (800) of the workplaces violating the Farmland Act. In addition, 80% of the workplaces use containers or prefabricated panels (temporary buildings) as dormitories, which are in violation of the Building Act.
Spatiotemporal Hybrid Air Pollution Early Warning System of Urban Agglomeration Based on Adaptive Feature Extraction and Hesitant Fuzzy Cognitive Maps
Authors: Gu Xiaoyang , Li Hongmin , Fan Henghao
Published: June 2023

Long-term exposure to air pollution will pose a serious threat to human health. Accurate prediction can help people reduce exposure risks and promote environmental pollution control. However, most previous studies have ignored the spatial spillover of air pollution, i.e., that the current region’s air quality is also correlated with that of geographically adjacent areas. Therefore, this paper proposes an innovative spatiotemporal hybrid early warning system based on adaptive feature extraction and improved fuzzy cognition maps. Firstly, a spatial spillover analysis model based on the Moran index and local gravitational clustering was proposed to capture the diffusion and concentration characteristics of air pollution between regions. Then, an adaptive feature extraction model based on an optimized Hampel filter was put forward to process and correct the outliers in the original series. Finally, a hesitant fuzzy information optimized fuzzy cognitive maps model was proposed to forecast the air quality of urban agglomeration. The experimental results show that the air quality forecasting accuracy of urban agglomerations can be significantly improved when the geographical conditions and other interactions among cities are comprehensively considered, and the proposed model outperformed other benchmarks and can be used as a powerful analytical tool during urban agglomeration air quality management.
Toxins from Animal Venoms as a Potential Source of Antimalarials: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Salimo Zeca M. , Barros André L. , Adrião Asenate A. X. , Rodrigues Aline M. , Sartim Marco A. , de Oliveira Isadora S. , Pucca Manuela B. , Baia-da-Silva Djane C. , Monteiro Wuelton M. , de Melo Gisely C. , Koolen Hector H. F.
Published: June 2023

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium spp. and it is mainly transmitted to humans by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. Malaria is an important global public health problem due to its high rates of morbidity and mortality. At present, drug therapies and vector control with insecticides are respectively the most commonly used methods for the treatment and control of malaria. However, several studies have shown the resistance of Plasmodium to drugs that are recommended for the treatment of malaria. In view of this, it is necessary to carry out studies to discover new antimalarial molecules as lead compounds for the development of new medicines. In this sense, in the last few decades, animal venoms have attracted attention as a potential source for new antimalarial molecules. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize animal venom toxins with antimalarial activity found in the literature. From this research, 50 isolated substances, 4 venom fractions and 7 venom extracts from animals such as anurans, spiders, scorpions, snakes, and bees were identified. These toxins act as inhibitors at different key points in the biological cycle of Plasmodium and may be important in the context of the resistance of Plasmodium to currently available antimalarial drugs.
Propofol Induces the Expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in Echinococcus granulosus via the JNK and p38 Pathway In Vitro
Authors: Luo Guangyi , Ma Bin , Jiang Yufeng , Lv Hailong
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nrf2 signaling pathways in Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). E. granulosus protoscoleces (PSCs) cultured in vitro were divided into different groups: a control group, PSCs were pretreated with various concentrations of propofol followed by exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and PSCs were pretreated with MAPK inhibitors, then co-treated with propofol and incubated in the presence of H2O2. PSCs activity was observed under an inverted microscope and survival rate was calculated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by fluorescence microscopy, western blotting was used to detect the expression of Nrf2, Bcl-2, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the PSCs among different groups. Pretreatment of PSCs with 0–1 mM propofol for 8 h prevented PSCs death after exposure to 0.5 mM H2O2. PSCs were pretreated with PD98059, SB202190, or SP600125 for 2 h, co-treated with propofol for an additional 8 h, and then exposed to 0.5 mM H2O2 for 6 h. On day 6, the PSCs viability was 42% and 39% in the p38 and JNK inhibitor groups, respectively. Additionally, pretreatment with propofol significantly attenuated the generation of ROS following H2O2 treatment. Propofol increased the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BCL2 compared with that of the control group. Pretreatment PSCs with SP600125 or SB202190, co-incubation with propofol and H2O2, can reduce the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BCL2 (p < 0.05). These results suggest that propofol induces an upregulated expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 by activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. This study highlights the cross role of metabolic regulation of ROS signaling and targeting signalling pathways that may provide a promising strategy for the treatment of E. granulosus disease.
Magnetized Black Holes: Interplay between Charge and Rotation
Authors: Karas Vladimír , Stuchlík Zdeněk
Published: June 2023

Already in the cornerstone works on astrophysical black holes published as early as in the 1970s, Ruffini and collaborators have revealed the potential importance of an intricate interaction between the effects of strong gravitational and electromagnetic fields. Close to the event horizon of the black hole, magnetic and electric lines of force become distorted and dragged even in a purely electro-vacuum system. Moreover, as the plasma effects inevitably arise in any astrophysically realistic environment, particles of different electric charges can separate from each other, become accelerated away from the black hole or accreted onto it, and contribute to the net electric charge of the black hole. From the point of principle, the case of super-strong magnetic fields is of particular interest, as the electromagnetic field can act as a source of gravity and influence spacetime geometry. In a brief celebratory note, we revisit aspects of rotation and charge within the framework of exact (asymptotically non-flat) solutions of mutually coupled Einstein–Maxwell equations that describe magnetized, rotating black holes.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Torsion-Gravity and Spinors in Fundamental Theoretical Physics”
Authors: Fabbri Luca
Published: June 2023

The Einsteinian theory of gravitation is among the best-established theories ever conceived in physics [...]
Water Quality Sampling and Multi-Parameter Monitoring System Based on Multi-Rotor UAV Implementation
Authors: Zhang Rihong , Wang Zhenhao , Li Xiaomin , She Zipeng , Wang Baoe
Published: June 2023

Water quality sampling and monitoring are fundamental to water environmental protection. The purpose of this study was to develop a water quality sampling and multi-parameter monitoring system mounted on a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The system consisted of the UAV, water sampling and multi-parameter detection device, and path planning algorithm. The water sampling device was composed of a rotating drum, a direct current (DC) reduction motor, water suction hose, high-pressure isolation pump, sampling bottles, and microcontroller. The multi-parameter detection device consisted of sensors for potential of hydrogen (pH), turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and a microcontroller. The flight path of the UAV was optimized using the proposed layered hybrid improved particle swarm optimization (LHIPSO) and rapidly-exploring random trees (RRT) obstacle avoidance path planning algorithm, in order to improve the sampling efficiency. Simulation experiments were conducted that compared the LHIPSO algorithm with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and the dynamic adjustment (DAPSO) algorithm. The simulation results showed that the LHIPSO algorithm had improved global optimization capability and stability compared to the other algorithms, validating the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Field experiments were conducted at an aquaculture fish farm, and the device achieved real-time monitoring of three water quality parameters (pH, TDS, turbidity) at depths of 1 m and 2 m. A rapid analysis of three parameters (ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, dissolved oxygen) was performed in the laboratory on the collected water samples, and validated the feasibility of this study.
Analysis of Resource Potential of Emergent Aquatic Vegetation in the Curonian Lagoon of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kulikova Yuliya , Gorbunova Julia , Aleksandrov Sergey , Krasnovskih Marina , Gurchenko Valentin , Babich Olga
Published: June 2023

This paper presents results of an aquatic vegetation resource potential assessment. The study is aimed at assessing the perspective of biotechnological approaches to reducing the biogenic pollution of water bodies by the removal of aquatic vegetation. The article analyzes the dominant species of aquatic vegetation in the Curonian Lagoon, and their productivity and resource potential. It was established that the concentrations of protein and fat in the biomass of four dominant plants are extremely low, making it impossible to speak of their values in terms of biomass processing. Based on elemental composition, we can conclude that the biomass of Phragmites australis should have a high calorie content because it has a high carbon and hydrogen content (49.6% and 7.1%, respectively), resulting in a high energy value. Synchronous thermal analysis revealed that the maximum energy values of biomasses of Phragmites australis and Scirpus lacustris have a net calorific value of 12.62 and 12.55 MJ/kg, respectively. At the same time, the biomass of these plants has a low ash content (around 6.6–7.6%) and a low sulfur content (less than 0.41%). An analysis of the composition of aquatic vegetation biomass samples allowed us to establish that, given the permissible collection time (no earlier than September), the search for directions in the utilization of aquatic vegetation should focus on processing cellulose with the production of crystalline cellulose, biochar, or biofuel via anaerobic digestion. The removal of the excess biomass of aquatic vegetation (Phragmites australis) will allow the reduction of the nitrogen and phosphorus load in the water body by 140 kg/ha and 14 kg/ha, respectively.
Promoting Sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Biowaste Management and Industrial Symbiosis through an Innovative Web Platform
Authors: Varvaringos Ioannis , Skourtanioti Eva , Letsos Georgios , Rizoudi Evgenia , Makras Ektoras , Panagiotopoulou Margarita , Papadaki Sofia , Valta Katerina
Published: June 2023

Sustainable bioeconomy is a promising pathway towards the transition to a circular and climate-neutral economy. The valorization of biowaste is a key player in this direction. This paper presents the design and development of the AgriPLaCE Platform, which aims to promote synergies that enable the utilization of biowaste from the fruit and vegetable supply chain. The platform consists of the AgriPLaCE Waste Management Database, which provides users with an extended list of potential utilization methods for various types of fruit and vegetable biowaste streams, and the AgriPLaCE Synergies Tool, which facilitates synergies between different actors involved in the biowaste-to-resource value chain from agricultural waste production to waste treatment and new valuable products’ exploitation. Initially, the conceptual design of both tools took place based on analysis of user needs and services alongside the system architecture. Following this, the AgriPLaCE Platform was developed with the implementation of all the necessary subsystems. The results of the platform’s implementation demonstrated its potential to generate multiple collaborations and synergies while users can also deepen their knowledge about alternative and emerging treatment technologies and valuable products from a wide range of fruit and vegetable biowaste streams.
A Two-Stage Pillar Feature-Encoding Network for Pillar-Based 3D Object Detection
Authors: Xu Hao , Dong Xiang , Wu Wenxuan , Yu Biao , Zhu Hui
Published: June 2023

Three-dimensional object detection plays a vital role in the field of environment perception in autonomous driving, and its results are crucial for the subsequent processes. Pillar-based 3D object detection is a method to detect objects in 3D by dividing point cloud data into pillars and extracting features from each pillar. However, the current pillar-based 3D object-detection methods suffer from problems such as “under-segmentation” and false detections in overlapping and occluded scenes. To address these challenges, we propose an improved pillar-based 3D object-detection network with a two-stage pillar feature-encoding (Ts-PFE) module that considers both inter- and intra-relational features among and in the pillars. This novel approach enhances the model’s ability to identify the local structure and global distribution of the data, which improves the distinction between objects in occluded and overlapping scenes and ultimately reduces under-segmentation and false detection problems. Furthermore, we use the attention mechanism to improve the backbone and make it focus on important features. The proposed approach is evaluated on the KITTI dataset. The experimental results show that the detection accuracy of the proposed approach are significantly improved on the benchmarks of BEV and 3D. The improvement of AP for car, pedestrian, and cyclist 3D detection are 1.1%, 3.78%, and 2.23% over PointPillars.
Robust H∞ Output Feedback Trajectory Tracking Control for Steer-by-Wire Four-Wheel Independent Actuated Electric Vehicles
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Jiao Xiaohong , Zhang Ting
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the trajectory tracking control issue of four-wheel independently actuated electric vehicles (FWIA EVs) with steer-by-wire devices concerning parameter uncertainties, external disturbances, input saturation, and vehicle sideslip angle not easily obtained. A robust H∞ dynamic output feedback control strategy is proposed for the integrated control of the steering motor current and direct yaw moment without using sideslip angle information to ensure the reference trajectory tracking and the improvement of handling performance and yaw stability. In the proposed integration control framework, the steer-by-wire device dynamic is involved in the polyhedral linear parameter-varying (LPV) trajectory tracking error model considering the time-varying longitudinal velocity, and the norm-bounded parameter uncertainties such as road adhesion coefficient, tire cornering stiffness, vehicle mass, and vehicle moment of inertia. With the help of the LPV model of all the states of the steer-by-wire FWIA EV, a dynamic output feedback trajectory tracking controller is designed using the robust H∞ technique. The controller gain matrices are obtained by solving the linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the high-fidelity full-vehicle model based on the CarSim-MATLAB/Simulink joint simulation platform verifies the robustness and advantages of the designed control strategy in the accelerated lane-change scenario.
Design, Analysis and Optimization of Electrical Machines and Drives for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Bukhari Syed Sabir Hussain
Published: June 2023

Electrical machines are the key components in the ongoing energy transition and electrification and will be an integral part of people’s lives in a future low-carbon society [...]
Predicting illness progression for children with lower respiratory infections in primary care: a prospective cohort and observational study
Authors: Little Paul , Becque Taeko , Hay Alastair D , Francis Nick A , Stuart Beth , O’Reilly Gilly , Thompson Natalie , Hood Kerenza , Moore Michael , Verheij Theo
Published: June 2023

Background

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), fuelling antibiotic resistance, and there are few prognostic tools available to inform management.

Aim

To externally validate an existing prognostic model (STARWAVe) to identify children at low risk of illness progression, and if model performance was limited to develop a new internally validated prognostic model.

Design and setting

Prospective cohort study with a nested trial in a primary care setting.

Method

Children aged 6 months to 12 years presenting with uncomplicated LRTI were included in the cohort. Children were randomised to receive amoxicillin 50 mg/kg per day for 7 days or placebo, or if not randomised they participated in a parallel observational study to maximise generalisability. Baseline clinical data were used to predict adverse outcome (illness progression requiring hospital assessment).

Results

A total of 758 children participated (n= 432 trial,n= 326 observational). For predicting illness progression the STARWAVe prognostic model had moderate performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50 to 0.77), but a new, internally validated model (seven items: baseline severity; respiratory rate; duration of prior illness; oxygen saturation; sputum or a rattly chest; passing urine less often; and diarrhoea) had good discrimination (bootstrapped AUROC 0.83, 95% CI = 0.74 to 0.92) and calibration. A three-item model (respiratory rate; oxygen saturation; and sputum or a rattly chest) also performed well (AUROC 0.81, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.91), as did a score (ranging from 19 to 102) derived from coefficients of the model (AUROC 0.78, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.88): a score of <70 classified 89% (n= 600/674) of children having a low risk (<5%) of progression of illness.

Conclusion

A simple three-item prognostic score could be useful as a tool to identify children with LRTI who are at low risk of an adverse outcome and to guide clinical management.
Interpersonal Communication of Tourism Awareness Group in Increasing the Quality of Tourism Village Products
Authors: Retno Budi Wahyuni  , Sumirat Warta , Zulhelfa  , Handayaningrum Nuraeni
Published: June 2023

One tourist village in the Temanggung Regency area is the Petarangan tourist village. The beginning of the establishment of this tourist village was due to seeing the tourism potential there. The development to become a tourism village begins with a potential analysis in 2021, and then the local tourism authority will assess the village in 2022. The tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis) has a positive view of the community about how the activities their members carry out can influence people to start participating in it as an effort to care for tourism in Petarangan Village. The research finds out how interpersonal communication from Pokdarwis could increase the quality of tourism village products. Using a descriptive qualitative method focuses on the phenomenon of interpersonal communication used by stakeholders in that village. Data was taken by using questionnaires, interviews and checklists. All data were analyzed descriptively by considering the data validity through triangulation. The activities are about how the stakeholders communicate about the activities to develop the product. The medias used are electronic media and printed media. The message is almost about asking all stakeholders to participate. The role of Pokdarwis members is to get more members. So, community power plays an important role. It was found that interpersonal among the pokdarwis, stakeholders and community have been suitable for Pokdarwis in developing their tourism products.
Tools for Quickly Adapting During Pandemics, Disasters, and Other Unique Events
Authors: Fawcett Jennifer , Parajuli Rajan , Bardon Robert , Boby Leslie , Kays Laurel , Strnad Renee
Published: June 2023

Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, Cooperative Extension personnel across the nation are quickly adapting to daily changes while continuing to respond to the needs of clients. This article provides examples of how we in North Carolina State Extension Forestry have responded to the challenges we have faced thus far. The solutions and tools described can be used in the current situation and for future pandemics, disasters, and other unique events that require "alternative" arrangements. The needs of landowners, farmers, youths, and the public at large will not diminish during this unprecedented time; therefore, we should continue to innovate to ensure that our impact is not diminished.
Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math: From Camps to Careers
Authors: Henry Emily , Munn Becky
Published: June 2023

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers are among the fastest growing and highest paying, yet women are largely underrepresented in these fields, and many girls lack access to STEM opportunities in school. Oregon State University's Open Campus partners with the American Association of University Women to bring an experiential STEM camp, Tech Trek, to middle school girls in rural Oregon with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of women in STEM. Tech Trek serves as a model for intentionally engaging youths to expand access to career opportunities that can be adapted for other Extension programming.
Cultural and Contextual Adaptation of a Childhood Obesity Preventive Intervention Program
Authors: DiNallo Jennifer , Welsh Janet , Li Jacinda , Nix Robert
Published: June 2023

This article describes the adaptation of a parent-focused evidence-based childhood obesity intervention program for implementation by county-based Extension educators in coordination with school district personnel in rural Pennsylvania. The Lifestyle Positive Parenting Program was designed and evaluated in Australia in clinical settings. Several minor and more serious adaptations, such as featured recipes and content of follow-up telephone calls, were made so that the program would be more appropriate for and appealing to target families. Conceptual issues regarding the adaptation of evidence-based programs are reviewed.
4-H International Visitor Exchange Programming Barriers, Challenges, and Alternatives
Authors: Jayaratne K. S.U. , Collins Daniel
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the Delphi study described in this article was to determine barriers, challenges, and alternatives related to planning and implementing 4-H international visitor exchange programs. The Delphi panel comprised 21 Extension agents selected from two southeastern states on the basis of their experience and/or interest in international visitor exchange programming. The Delphi panel identified seven barriers and 16 challenges related to planning and implementing 4-H international visitor exchange programs and 25 alternatives useful for overcoming those barriers and challenges. The study led to practical recommendations for educating agents for the task, recruiting and training host families, and preparing outbound youths.
Gray for a Day: Exploring the Impact of a Sensory Aging Experience
Authors: Yelland Erin , Piper Jessie
Published: June 2023

Gray for a Day is an interactive educational curriculum that centers on use of an empathic model to improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to sensory and functional aging, empathy toward older adults, and one's own health behaviors. The program has been disseminated by Extension educators with varied audiences and evaluated with 2,440 respondents. Participants reported positive changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and intended behaviors. Cooperative Extension and community-based partners are uniquely positioned to use the curriculum to provide sensory experiences that can improve understanding of and empathy toward older adults.