bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurofeedback as neuroempowerment technique for affective regulation and interoceptive awareness in adolescence: preliminary considerations applied to a psychogenic pseudosyncope case
Authors: Balconi Michela , Angioletti Laura , Crivelli Davide
Published: June 2023

Revisions of classical models of acute stress response spectrum and defence cascade process might represent a valuable background for the interpretation of the link between affective reactions, traumatic experiences, and Psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) events in childhood and across the lifespan. Indeed, associations between subjective emotional life, early exposure to distressing and/or traumatic events, and PPS have fuelled a debate on potential causes of occurrence and recurrence of such a peculiar clinical manifestation. At the same time, such background suggests that empowering stress management and affective regulation skills could be the target for neurorehabilitation interventions aiming at reducing the severity of symptomatology and/or improving awareness and management of pseudosyncopal spells. Specifically, neuro/biofeedback-based empowerment of self-regulation skills, associated to an increased interoceptive increased awareness, could be a promising complement to classical psychological therapies. Starting from the presentation of a paediatric PPS clinical case, the present work discusses the relevance of assessing affective appraisal and autonomic reactivity in individuals suffering from PPS episodes and introduces a novel potential neuroempowerment protocol aimed at improving self-regulation and stress management skills in adolescence based on a combined neurofeedback and embodied-awareness intervention. By capitalizing available evidence of the effects of neuromodulation and embodied practices on self-awareness/regulation across the life-span, the proposed protocol is based on neurofeedback-supported affective management training, as well as both contemplative and informal awareness exercises devised to be appealing and challenging even for younger patients.
Patient satisfaction in inpatient psychiatric treatment compared with inpatient equivalent home treatment in Germany: an in-depth qualitative study
Authors: Adam Nele , Neumann Melanie , Edelhäuser Friedrich
Published: June 2023

Background

Inpatient treatment (IT) is the predominant form of psychiatric care in Germany and worldwide, whereby forms of psychiatric treatment have mainly evolved in the direction of home services. Inpatient equivalent home treatment (IEHT) is a new and additional pillar of psychiatric acute care provision legally embedded since 2018 in Germany.

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct an in-depth exploration as little qualitative research has been performed so far in Germany to examine possible differences in patient satisfaction with IT compared with IEHT.

Methods

In the current qualitative study, N = 9 patients of a German hospital providing IT and IEHT were interviewed with the problem-centered interview. Inclusion criteria were IT or IT with subsequent IEHT. The theoretical sampling method was applied to select test persons in the research process. The experiences of the participants during their psychiatric treatment were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis.

Results

The results of both types of psychiatric treatment refer to different satisfaction factors during the treatment period. The function of fellow patients, the setting of the treatment, the conditions in place, and the relationship to relatives turn out to be pivotal for patient satisfaction. In addition, the quality of the therapy and relationship to caregivers itself can have an impact on patient satisfaction, particularly by shared decision making. During the IEHT, patient satisfaction can be strengthened by the possibility to handle daily tasks, to be close to relatives, while not so close to fellow patients, whereas IT patients are mostly satisfied because of the distance to their everyday life and the closeness to fellow patients. The choice of the form of psychiatric treatment according to the individual needs of the patients seems to be one key driver that can in turn increase patient satisfaction. In addition, a clean and hygienic environment seems to be critical for our respondents as a lack of it is one of the reasons to drop out of treatment.

Conclusions

Despite its limitations, this hypothesis-generating study is one of the first investigating German IEHT in comparison with IT in an in-depth qualitative approach contributing to a patient-oriented and cost-effective psychiatric treatment. Although hospitals are highly complex organizations and therefore not directly comparable, other German and international providers of IEHT may derive several generic success factors from this study for the development and improvement of patient satisfaction.
Feedback on audit and action planning for dental caries control: a qualitative study to investigate the acceptability among interdisciplinary pediatric dental care teams
Authors: Cunha-Cruz Joana , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot , Harter Catherine , Rothen Marilynn L. , Hort Kim , Mallott Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Introduction

American Indian and Alaska Native children suffer from the poorest oral health of all populational groups in the United States. Evidence-based practices (EBP) for caries control are well established, but systematically implementing such practices have proven difficult. Audit and feedback with goal setting, and action planning to implement these EBPs have not been tested or adapted for Alaska Native healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to investigate acceptability and perceived feasibility of an audit and feedback intervention for pediatric dental caries control among dental providers and patient stakeholders.

Methods

The pilot program was implemented in two dental clinics from a tribal healthcare consortium in Alaska. Key-informant interviews were conducted to investigate the contextual, organizational, and behavioral facilitators and barriers to the implementation and expansion of the program. Interview transcripts were analyzed by two researchers using thematic analysis.

Results

Eight key informants were interviewed twice (during and after the intervention period), and one once, for a total of 17 interviews. Patient stakeholders were not interviewed due to COVID-19 pandemic clinic closures and social isolation mandates. Three principal themes emerged: a positive organizational climate and culture fostered the acceptability of the program, the positive impacts of the program observed in the pediatric dental teams and the organization, and the challenges to implement the program including understanding the data reports, trusting the accuracy of the data, and competing priorities.

Conclusions

The intervention of audit and feedback with goal setting and action planning was well accepted and perceived as feasible by the study participants given the financial and human resources provided by the research project. This qualitative study can inform the design and evaluation of process-oriented implementation strategies geared towards decreasing health inequities and improving health outcomes, such as dental caries in American Indian and Alaska Native children and adolescents.
Crystallinity and perfection in ethylene vitrimers probed by combined calorimetry, scattering, and time-domain NMR
Authors: Saalwächter Kay , Soman Bhaskar , Evans Christopher M.
Published: June 2023

The kinetics of crystallization and crystal-crystal transformations in ethylene vitrimers are studied by time-domain NMR. These vitrimers previously exhibited polymorphic transition of crystal structures, which are shown here to be distinguishable by NMR via their dipolar line widths based upon different proton densities and fast internal motions. The conditions under which the polymorphs are formed and interconvert are identified via time-resolved NMR experiments, with a focus on recrystallization after full and partial melting. DSC experiments are used to clarify an unexpected superheating effect, which challenges the determination of actual melting points. We further identify a strong memory effect in isothermal (re)crystallization. Implications of the dynamic nature of the vitrimers in relation to the kinetics of crystallization are discussed. We find that internal perfecting of crystals, enabled by the vitrimeric exchange process, can have a large effect on the DSC-detected melting enthalpy without change in overall crystallinity.
Circular economy and agritourism: a sustainable behavioral model for tourists and farmers in the post-COVID era
Authors: Ingrassia Marzia , Bacarella Simona , Bellia Claudio , Columba Pietro , Adamo Marzia Maria , Altamore Luca , Chironi Stefania
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In recent years, issues related to environmental and ecosystem protection have been given greater consideration than in the past. The goal of adopting sustainable development models is vigorously pursued in the European Union and is reflected concretely in the new Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027. The circular economy can certainly be an emerging economic response that can effectively replace growth models centered on a linear view. Agriculture and tourism are two crucial sectors where the “green transition” should be encouraged to help achieve sustainability goals through economic circularity. Agritourism's activity may be relevant in contributing to a behavioral change based on ethical choices. The study aim is to find out if agritourism can be the forerunner for the green transition. The objective is to know motivations and current level of awareness and adoption of concrete behaviors of the circular economy by agritourisms and their guests. The tourists' preferences for Sicilian agritourism offerings were also observed.

Methods

Two types of surveys were conducted: a Census of the Sicilian Agritourisms active at an online travel agency and a sampling survey of the agritourism's visitors.

Results and discussion

The results showed that agritourism by its very nature carries the green transition, partly due to the enormous financial support of the new CAP. Second, it is a provider of quality food and ecosystem services, and a promoter of healthy behaviors and consumption of seasonal and local short-chain products by visitors, so it can be a vehicle for the adoption of the Mediterranean Diet as a sustainable lifestyle and food system. Tourists' propensity to seek out environmentally friendly products and green services can help to improve ethical, responsible, and sustainable tourism. A sustainable behavioral model for farmers and tourists was provided.
Translation to Spanish and linguistic validation of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory
Authors: Olcoz María , Cabezas Miguel Ángel , Rocca Giorgia della , Gómez de Segura Ignacio A.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Pain scales for the assessment of chronic pain have been developed for dogs but they should be translated and linguistically validated to be used by owners with different native languages. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) is widely employed for this purpose but has not been translated into Spanish. Thus, the aim was to produce a validated translation of the Spanish CBPI.

Methods

The original English version of the CBPI was analyzed and translated by two native linguists of the target language and both revised by a third native linguist to identify potential discrepancies and create a unified translation (reconciliation). Then, an independent linguist with native fluency in English and the target language drafted the back-translation. Finally, the research team confronted both the original and the back-translation to identify and solve relevant differences. Once the translated version was produced, a cognitive debriefing was performed to assess the questionnaire in the target population.

Results

A total of 50 surveys were conducted to dog and cat owners of different ages, sex, and socio-economic characteristics. All respondents considered the survey to be clear and a final version of the Spanish CBPI has been produced.
Molecular epidemiology of Candida albicans infections revealed dominant genotypes in waterfowls diagnosed with esophageal mycosis
Authors: Domán Marianna , Makrai László , Vásárhelyi Balázs , Balka Gyula , Bányai Krisztián
Published: June 2023

Fungal infections of animals could yield significant economic losses, especially in the poultry industry, due to their adverse effects on growth, feed intake, digestion, and reproduction. Previous investigations showed that Candida albicans plays the main etiological role in the esophageal mycosis of birds. In this study, we used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to determine the population structure and molecular epidemiology of C. albicans isolated from geese and ducks in Hungary. Interestingly, only three known genotypes were identified among investigated flocks, namely, diploid sequence type (DST) 840, DST 656, and DST 605, suggesting the intra-species transmission of these genotypes. Additionally, two novel allele combinations (new DSTs) were found that have not been previously submitted to the MLST database. Phylogenetic analysis of isolates revealed a close relationship between DST 656 and DST 605 as well as between the two newly identified genotypes (designated DST 3670 and DST 3671). Although isolates from birds belonged to minor clades in contrast with most human isolates, no species-specificity was observed. Poultry-derived isolates were group founders or closely related to group founders of clonal complexes, suggesting that C. albicans is exposed to lesser selective pressure in animal hosts. The increasing number of genetic information in the C. albicans MLST database could help to reveal the epidemiological characteristics and evolutionary pathways that are essential for disease prevention strategies.
COVID-19 mRNA vaccination is associated with IgA nephropathy: an analysis of the Japanese adverse drug event report database
Authors: Nakao Hiroka , Koseki Takenao , Kato Koki , Yamada Shigeki , Tsuboi Naotake , Takahashi Kazuo , Mizuno Tomohiro
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines are used worldwide to prevent severe symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of glomerular injury after COVID-19 vaccination; however, because of the low frequency of such events, only a few reports have been published. A large pharmacovigilance database of real-world spontaneous adverse event (AE) reports is essential for evaluating the drug-associated safety signals regarding rare AEs. Herein, we aimed to investigate the frequency of IgAN after the COVID-19 vaccination, using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database.

Methods: Data on drug-associated AEs reported between April 2004 and May 2022 were obtained from the JADER database on the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency website. To evaluate the safety signals for the targeted AEs, reporting odds ratios (RORs), information components (ICs), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using two-by-two contingency tables.

Results: A total of 697,885 cases were included in the analysis. Safety signals were detected for IgAN (ROR: 6.49, 95% CI: 4.38–9.61; IC: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.70–2.83). Of 30 cases for IgAN associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, 16 had information available on time to onset. Of the 16 cases, 11 occurred ≤2 days after vaccination, and two occurred >28 days after vaccination.

Conclusion: These results suggest that, compared with other drugs, COVID-19 vaccination is associated with a higher frequency of IgAN. Monitoring of gross hematuria following COVID-19 vaccination should be needed.
Efficacy of Novel Combinations of Antibiotics against Multidrug-Resistant—New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Strains of Enterobacterales
Authors: Khalid Shamsi , Migliaccio Antonella , Zarrilli Raffaele , Khan Asad U.
Published: June 2023

The emergence of multidrug-resistance (MDR)—New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM)-producing microorganisms—has become a serious concern for treating such infections. Therefore, we investigated the effective antimicrobial combinations against multidrug-resistant New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-producing strains of Enterobacterales. The tests were carried out using the 2D(two-dimensional) checkerboard method. Of 7 antimicrobials, i.e., doripenem (DRP), streptomycin (STR), cefoxitin (FOX), imipenem (IPM), cefotaxime (CTX), meropenem (MER), and gentamicin (GEN), 19 different combinations were used, and out of them, three combinations showed synergistic effects against 31 highly drug-resistant strains carrying blaNDM and other associated resistance markers. Changes in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were interpreted using the test fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC Index). The FIC Index values of these combinations were found in the range of 0.1562 to 0.5, which shows synergy, whereas no synergism was observed in the remaining antimicrobial combinations. We conclude that these antibiotic combinations can be analyzed in in vivo and pharmacological studies to establish an effective therapeutic approach.
Meningococcal Antibiotic Resistance: Molecular Characterization of Isolates from Patients with Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) in Greece
Authors: Spiliopoulou Ioanna , Xirogianni Athanasia , Simantirakis Stelmos , Tzanakaki Georgina
Published: June 2023

For effective case management and chemoprophylaxis of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD), prompt antibiotic treatment is required. N. meningitidis is usually susceptible to antibiotics, but reduced susceptibility to penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and rifampicin is increasing worldwide, jeopardizing patients’ outcome. We assessed, phenotypically and genotypically, the antimicrobial resistance patterns of 192 strains isolated from IMD cases from all over Greece during 2010–2021. Antimicrobial susceptibility to penicillin, rifampicin, and ciprofloxacin was determined using the E-test. All isolates were genotyped by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). penA, rpoB, and gyrA genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Of the 192 isolates, 37% (72/192) were penicillin-susceptible/had increased exposure, and 11% (21/192) were penicillin-resistant. Among those, 40 penA alleles were identified; penA1, penA27, and penA3 were highly associated with susceptibility to penicillin; penA14, penA25, and penA22 related to reduced susceptibility to penicillin, while penA9, penA910, and penA295 had resistance to penicillin. Two ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates harbored the gyrA346 allele, while one rifampicin-resistant isolate harbored the rpoB5 allele. Resistance to ciprofloxacin and rifampicin remains rare. As Greece is one of the countries with high antimicrobial resistance, continued monitoring of antibiotic resistance is important to ensure timely detection of emerging resistance for treatment and prevention guidelines.
Harmonization of Amoxicillin Dose, Duration, and Formulation for Acute Childhood Respiratory Infections
Authors: Dharmapalan Dhanya , Bielicki Julia , Sharland Mike
Published: June 2023

Pediatric guidelines vary in their recommended amoxicillin dosing for common respiratory infections. It would help program delivery if there was harmonization of dosing and formulation of amoxicillin across multiple clinical respiratory infections, considering the pharmacokinetics, common targets, drug resistance, availability, cost effectiveness, and ease of administration. The World Health Organization EML AWaRe Book recommends higher dose amoxicillin given twice daily for five days for all uncomplicated respiratory infections where an antibiotic is indicated. The WHO AWaRe Book amoxicillin dosing guidance can be achieved for infants and older children using only scored 250 mg and 500 mg dispersible tablets (DTs), the WHO recommended child formulation. There is a clear need for wider availability of 250 mg/500 mg dispersible tablets of amoxicillin in both public and private health care sectors, to improve access to essential antibiotics.
Deep Learning Methods to Detect Image Falsification
Authors: Janutėnas Laimonas , Janutėnaitė-Bogdanienė Jūratė , Šešok Dmitrij
Published: June 2023

The accessibility and advancement of digital image editing tools have enabled individuals to manipulate and create realistic images without a real basis, leading to novel forms of creative expression and new professions. However, this also raises concerns over the malicious use of these technologies in spreading disinformation and fabricated evidence. Deepfake videos, which are generated using deep learning techniques, have become a major concern due to their potential to spread false information and cause harm to individuals and society as a whole. Therefore, the development of accurate and efficient deepfake detection methods has become an urgent need. After a thorough review of deep learning-based approaches for detecting deepfake videos, the LRNet method was chosen as a basis for further research due to its high precision. The method is designed to analyze the temporal changes in a video and identify whether the video has been manipulated or not. Experiments were conducted using a publicly available dataset. The first step involved analyzing the impact of model parameters. A total of 135 combinations were analyzed by changing the block size, dropout rate, learning rate, and optimizer. Based on the results, the model’s performance was enhanced by reducing the initial dropout rate, decreasing the number of GRU hidden neurons, and adding additional linear and ReLU6 layers. Upon conducting and comparing the results, it becomes evident that the chosen and improved method achieves promising outcomes in deepfake detection. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the dual-stream RNNs and the calibration module in enhancing the accuracy of geometric feature detection over time. This approach offers a more reliable way to detect deepfake videos, which is essential for preventing their malicious use in various domains. The results show that our proposed improved method achieves higher accuracy in some scenarios and provides a valuable analysis on how detection models are affected by their parameters.
From Hellerau to Here: Tracing the Lineage and Influence of Dalcroze Eurhythmics on the Family Tree of Theatre Pedagogy
Authors: Davidson Andrew
Published: June 2023

Actor training in Western culture evolved as an oral tradition. Formal education appeared in the late-nineteenth century with the work of Konstantin Stanislavski. Despite its relatively brief history, the family tree of theatre pedagogy now consists of many contrasting branches. Several branches contain the creative and educational DNA of an approach to Western music education known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics. Emile Jaques-Dalcroze was a Swiss pianist and composer whose work at the Hellerau Institute near Dresden in Germany had a significant impact on the Modernist movements in theatre and dance, 1911–1914. Historical records show that this embodied method of music learning was disseminated by Hellerau graduates in drama schools and theatre companies around the world. This essay traces four branches on the family tree of theatre pedagogy that are directly influenced by Dalcroze Eurhythmics. These branches include the legacies of Stanislavski in Russia; Jacques Copeau and Suzanne Bing in France; Rudolph Laban and Yat Malmgren in Germany and England; and Sanford Meisner and Anne Bogart in the United States of America. This essay is written from the author’s perspective as an actor trainer and music educator in a higher education conservatoire. It offers historical contexts for contemporary pedagogies in actor training.
Biosensing for Autoimmune Chronic Disease—A Review
Authors: Golfinopoulou Rebecca , Kintzios Spyridon
Published: June 2023

Although relatively rare, affecting 10% of the general population, autoimmune disorders are causative linked with chronic diseases and morbidity. Control of the course of the disease is closely dependent on the ability to monitor its onset, as well as its response to treatment. In the present report, we review the progress in the development of biosensor-based approaches and related tools for the point-of-care diagnosis and monitoring of biomarkers related to several autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic erythematosus lupus, Crohn’s disease, diabetes mellitus, Behcet’s disease and celiac disease. Various biosensing technologies are discussed, including electrochemical, optical and mechanical ones, along with the use of advanced nanomaterials and immobilization techniques for the biorecognition elements. The need for innovative devices with unique features of rapid, low-cost, real-time detection is discussed in the context of preventing permanent (i.e., nonreversible) organ and tissue damage from chronic autoimmune diseases.
An Innovative Electrochemical Immuno-Platform for Monitoring Chronic Conditions Using the Biosensing of Hyaluronic Acid in Human Plasma Samples
Authors: Mobed Ahmad , Kohansal Fereshteh , Dolati Sanam , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Shakouri Seyed Kazem
Published: June 2023

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the main non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix that is synthesized by fibroblasts and other specialized connective tissue cells. The accumulation of HA on different tissues is a characteristic of disorders that are associated with progressive tissue fibrosis. HA is also known to play a critical role in tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis. It is overproduced by many types of tumors and promotes tumor progression and multidrug resistance. There is a great necessity for the development of an easy and cost-effective detection method for the monitoring of HA for both the diagnosis and efficient treatment of related disorders. In the present study, an innovative immune device was designed for the rapid and sensitive recognition of HA in human plasma samples. For this purpose, an efficient alloy (Pt@Au) was fabricated on the surface of the gold electrode. Thus, a novel substrate was used for the preparation of an efficient transducer, which is necessary for the immobilization of biotinylated antibodies. CHA was applied for the electrochemical deposition of Pt@Au nano-alloy on Au electrodes. Additionally, the morphological study of the used nanocomposite was assessed using FESEM at a working voltage of 3 kV, and the chemical structures of the electrode were analyzed using the EDS apparatus. For the first time, a biocompatible alloy-based substrate was prepared for the study of antigen–antibody identification. The developed immunosensor has a linear response within the range of 0.156–160 ng.mL−1 with a limit of detection of 0.039 ng.mL−1 in human plasma samples. This research study offers a novel promising technique for HA analyses and is anticipated to be used in the early diagnosis of some disorders related to abnormal levels of HA in human bio-fluids. Thus, a constructed (pt@Au) nano-alloy provides a useful interface for the dense loading of AB. This excellent design loads high sensations of the biosensor for the selective detection of HA in real samples (human bio-fluids).
Study on the Laser Melting Procedure for the Specified Zone of the TC4 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Han Jian , Jia Shilong , Liu Yude , Shi Wentian , Zhou Yusheng , Lin Yuxiang , Li Jihang , Han Yifan
Published: June 2023

This paper presents an in-depth study of the variable reference process to improve the organization and properties of selective laser melting TC4 specimens. A relationship equation between body energy density and stratification is proposed. This study aimed to look into how layer and volume energy density affect the surface, tensile characteristics, and microstructure of specimens. The test findings demonstrated that specimen densities rise as the power index falls, with the most excellent density reaching 99.42%. The number of secondary α’ phases declined as the energy density of the laminae slowed down. The tensile strength of these specimens reached 1190.84 MPa, and the yield strength came at 1103.87 MPa with the same interval of variable laser power. This offers a fresh avenue for research into SLM to enhance the specimens’ overall performance.
Symbolic Encoding Methods with Entropy-Based Applications to Financial Time Series Analyses
Authors: Olbryś Joanna , Komar Natalia
Published: June 2023

Symbolic encoding of information is the foundation of Shannon’s mathematical theory of communication. The concept of the informational efficiency of capital markets is closely related to the issue of information processing by equity market participants. Therefore, the aim of this comprehensive research is to examine and compare a battery of methods based on symbolic coding with thresholds and the modified Shannon entropy in the context of stock market efficiency. As these methods are especially useful in assessing the market efficiency in terms of sequential regularity in financial time series during extreme events, two turbulent periods are analyzed: (1) the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and (2) the period of war in Ukraine. Selected European equity markets are investigated. The findings of empirical experiments document that the encoding method with two 5% and 95% quantile thresholds seems to be the most effective and precise procedure in recognizing the dynamic patterns in time series of stock market indices. Moreover, the Shannon entropy results obtained with the use of this symbolic encoding method are homogenous for all investigated markets and unambiguously confirm that the market informational efficiency measured by the entropy of index returns decreases during extreme event periods. Therefore, we can recommend the use of this STSA method for financial time series analyses.
Examining Determinants of Corruption at the Individual Level in South Asia
Authors: Han Jinwon
Published: June 2023

Although the topic of corruption in South Asia has attracted a great deal of attention, extant research on individual-level factors is sparse. With this background, this paper examines the effect of selected individual-level determinants on South Asian people’s justifiability of corruption. For analysis, the paper uses the World Value Survey (WVS) dataset and carries out its own survey as well. Using multinomial logistic regression (MLR) and binomial logistic regression (BLR) as a robustness check, this paper identifies that variables of age, education, religiosity, and individualism/collectivism have significant effects on respondents’ corruption justifiability in South Asia. In addition, the paper performs additional analyses independently using two surveys utilized in the main analysis as a single dataset to report the main differences between them. In conclusion, this paper proposes a region-specific suggestion for South Asian governments and policy makers.
Understanding the Emergence of Rural Agrotourism: A Study of Influential Factors in Jambi Province, Indonesia
Authors: Zulgani Zulgani , Junaidi Junaidi , Hastuti Dwi , Rustiadi Ernan , Pravitasari Andrea Emma , Asfahani Fadwa Rhogib
Published: June 2023

This investigation delineates the multi-faceted determinants integral to the evolution of agrotourism within rural domains, concentrating on the province of Jambi as a case study. This scholarly inquiry engaged with four representative villages, utilizing primary data procured through focus group discussions (FGDs) and comprehensive interviews with various stakeholders. These encompass village administration, village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), youth organizations, the regional body for planning and development, the tourism office, community figureheads, village facilitators, commercial operators, and local community delegates. The analytical methodology incorporated the transcription of FGDs and comprehensive interviews, data distillation, analytical interpretation, and triangulation. The NVivo 11 Plus suite facilitated this qualitative data analysis. The investigation discerned six cardinal determinants that substantively influence the trajectory of agrotourism development within rural areas. These include the potential of nature tourism, the accessibility, and caliber of agro-products, the adequacy of infrastructure, the involvement and roles of community and institutional bodies, technological innovation, and the safeguarding of local cultural heritage. This scholarly inquiry underscores the necessity of a collaborative approach in formulating and implementing policies. This approach, which calls for the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, is aimed at bolstering the sustainable development of agrotourism.
Analyzing the Impact of Foreign Capital Inflows and Political Economy on Economic Growth: An Application of Regime Switching Model
Authors: Khurshid Nabila , Sharif Hamza , Tabash Mosab I. , Hamouri Basem , Fiaz Asma , Munir Fozia
Published: June 2023

The goal of this study is to use the Markov Regime Model (MSM) to evaluate the impact of three important FCIs and the political economy on Pakistan’s economic growth. The current research used quarterly data from 2000 to 2020. The empirical results demonstrate that dictatorship contributes favorably to the high and low growth regime of the economy, while election time contributes positively to the expansion period and adversely in recession times of the economy. Results confirmed that external debt has a strong negative influence on economic growth in both the high and low-growth regimes. Remittances, FDI, and growth, on the other hand, have a positive and substantial link with economic growth. This research suggested that effective fiscal and monetary policies, as well as a suitable political environment, should be provided so that foreign investors would be enticed to invest in Pakistan.
Experimental Study on Adhesive Characteristics of Aircraft Dynamic Icing
Authors: Ding Liang , Gu Xingshi , Yi Xian , Chang Shinan
Published: June 2023

The adhesive properties of aircraft icing play an important role in guiding the design of protection systems, while the formation environment, freezing process, and measurement methods have a great impact on the mechanical characteristics of ice, leading to significant differences in the available experimental results. Therefore, to improve the proximity between the experimental simulation and the actual process of inflight ice shedding, a generation system for the water cloud environment was built and integrated with a set of rotary measuring mechanisms in this paper, allowing the adhesion strength of impact ice to be measured online. In the present test, the appearance characteristics of ice formed under different conditions were observed and analyzed, with the range of its adhesion strength determined. And the effects of freezing mode, ambient temperature, and wind speed on ice adhesion were further discussed. It can be found that the impact ice has a more irregular shape and less adhesion compared to the static ice, and this difference will grow larger with the drop in ambient temperature. In addition, the adhesion of ice first increases and then decreases with the rising ambient temperature, reaching the maximum value (0.254 MPa) around −12 °C. When the flow velocity in the test section increases, the freezing process of water on the substrate will slow down, leading to greater surface adhesion.
Flow Loss Analysis and Structural Optimization of Multiway Valves for Integrated Thermal Management Systems in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Li Meng , Zheng Siyu , Wei Mingshan
Published: June 2023

The multiway valve is the core component of the integrated thermal management system in an electric vehicle, and its heat transfer loss and pressure loss significantly impact the performance of the whole thermal management system. In this paper, heat transfer loss and pressure loss in multiway valves are investigated using three-dimensional unsteady numerical simulations. Heat transfer loss and pressure loss under different operating modes are revealed, and relationships between pressure loss and mass flow rate, inlet temperature, and valve materials are studied. The results show that the significant temperature gradient around the control shaft results in heat transfer loss and pressure loss mainly occurs around the junction of the control shaft and the shell, where the flow direction changes sharply. The pressure loss is nonlinearly and positively correlated with the mass flow rate. Furthermore, the main geometric parameters of the pipeline and the control shaft are optimized. The pressure loss firstly increases and then decreases, with the increasing curvature of the inner walls of the pipe corners in four flow channels. Compared with the structural optimization at the pipe corners, increasing the curvature of the inner wall of the control shaft and the shell corners reduces pressure loss continuously. Moreover, this study obtains an optimal structure with minimum pressure loss using coupled structure optimization at the control shaft and shell corners.
Governance and Performance in Romanian Energy Companies
Authors: Bigioi Adrian Doru , Bigioi Cristina Elena
Published: June 2023

The energy sector is essential to a country’s economy and social life. In recent years, the energy market in Romania has experienced a certain dynamism, influenced by multiple factors such as regional conflicts, national and EU energy legislation, liberalization of the energy market, and increasing demand for energy products. These factors determined a sharp increase in electricity, gas, and oil prices in Romania in recent years. Based on the above, the present study aims to analyze Romanian energy companies’ financial performances and determine whether there is any correlation between their governance and their performance. In order to fulfill the research objectives, financial performance data were extracted and analyzed for a number of 43 energy companies in Romania, considering the financial statements prepared up to 31 December 2021. Using the scoring method, governance indices were determined for each company. Finally, using a linear regression model, we analyzed the correlation between governance and performance of the 43 companies. The results of the study indicate that there is a direct correlation of moderate intensity between the two variables, with the performance of energy companies being higher if they have implemented a governance system.
Energy Security: A Conceptual Overview
Authors: Strojny Jacek , Krakowiak-Bal Anna , Knaga Jarosław , Kacorzyk Piotr
Published: June 2023

In a dynamically changing socio-economic environment with significant technical and technological progress, the notion of energy security takes on a new, broader meaning. Modern literature presents a variety of operational definitions of energy security. Most authors dealing with the issue of energy security expose its different aspects while standing in opposition to competing concepts. As a result, literature that addresses the problems of energy policy is becoming a platform for debates on the essence of energy security and the applicability of its various approaches to individual situations. There is no unanimity among authors with regard to the theoretical framework or the components of this notion. However, the issue of diversity of views is quite typical in social sciences and should not be taken negatively. Despite this, and perhaps contrary to the definitional wealth, experts in the field of energy policy constantly stress the necessity and urgency of undertaking work on the conceptualization of energy security. The aim of the article is a comprehensive review of the concept of energy security in the context of new trends in the development of the energy sector based on a narrative review of scientific literature. The main differences in the perception of energy security have been identified, and it has been pointed out that the “supply concept” of energy security is giving way to an approach in which energy is a factor initiating deep transformations of social systems by changing consumption patterns, reducing energy consumption, and forcing changes in economic systems by imposing energy efficiency standards and environmental standards.
Exploiting Digitalization of Solar PV Plants Using Machine Learning: Digital Twin Concept for Operation
Authors: Yalçin Tolga , Paradell Solà Pol , Stefanidou-Voziki Paschalia , Domínguez-García Jose Luis , Demirdelen Tugce
Published: June 2023

The rapid development of digital technologies and solutions is disrupting the energy sector. In this regard, digitalization is a facilitator and enabler for integrating renewable energies, management and operation. Among these, advanced monitoring techniques and artificial intelligence may be applied in solar PV plants to improve their operation and efficiency and detect potential malfunctions at an early stage. This paper proposes a Digital Twin DT concept, mainly focused on O&M, to obtain more information about the system by using several artificial intelligence boxes. Furthermore, it includes the development of several machine learning (ML) algorithms capable of reproducing the expected behavior of the solar PV plant and detecting the malfunctioning of different components. In this regard, this allows for reducing downtime and optimizing asset management. In this paper, different ML techniques are used and compared to optimize the selected methods for enhanced response. The paper presents all stages of the developed Digital Twin, including ML model development with an accuracy of 98.3% of the whole DT, and finally, a communication and visualization platform. The different responses and comparisons have been made using a model based on MATLAB/Simulink using different cases and system conditions.
Design of Flexible FeCoSiB/ZnO Thin-Film Multiferroic Module for Low-Frequency Energy Harvesting
Authors: Guo Yan , Yang Chen , Huang Bin
Published: June 2023

Multiphase magnetoelectric (ME) composites deposited on flexible substrates have been widely studied, which can respond to ambient mechanical, magnetic, and electric field excitations. This paper reports an investigation of flexible FeCoSiB/ZnO thin-film generators for low-frequency energy harvesting based on three substrates. Both hard substrate Si and flexible substrates (Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polyimide (PI)) are adopted to make a comparison of energy conversion efficiency. For the single ME laminate, a PET-based flexible ME generator presents the best ME coupling performance with an average coupling voltage output of ~0.643 mV and power output of ~41.3 nW under the alternating magnetic field of 40 Oe and 20 Hz. The corresponding ME coupling coefficient reaches the value of 321.5 mV/(cm·Oe) for this micrometer scale harvester. Flexible ME modules with double cantilevered ME generators are further designed and fabricated. When two PET-based generators are connected in series, the average voltage output and power are ~0.067 mV and ~0.447 nW, respectively. Although the energy harvested by ME thin-film generators is much smaller than bulk multiferroic materials, it proves the feasibility of using flexible FeCoSiB/ZnO generators for harvesting ambient magnetic energy and supplying sustainable electronic devices in the future.
Silver-Nanoparticle-Decorated Fused Carbon Sphere Composite as a Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Biehler Erik , Quach Qui , Abdel-Fattah Tarek M.
Published: June 2023

The dwindling supply of fossil fuels has resulted in a search for an efficient alternative energy source. Hydrogen gas offers an abundant, clean-burning supply of energy that can be readily produced over time via the water-splitting reaction of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). This study explored the synthesis of a novel catalyst comprised of silver nanoparticles supported on fused carbon spheres (AgNP-FCS). This composite catalyst was then tested for its ability to optimize the hydrolysis reaction of NaBH4. The fused carbon spheres (FCS) were synthesized via a sustainable source, namely a dextrose solution. The synthesized AgNP-FCS catalyst was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average diameter of silver nanoparticles on the catalyst was found to be 30 nm with 3.7% loading. This catalyst was tested under various reaction conditions, including temperatures, doses of NaBH4, and solution pHs. The activation energy of the reaction as catalyzed by AgNP-FCS was determined to be 37.0 kJ mol−1, which was competitive when compared to similar catalysts for this reaction. A study of the reusability of this catalyst suggests that the catalyst can be used multiple times consecutively with no loss in hydrogen generated. This material presents an opportunity for a sustainable catalyst to optimize the amount of hydrogen generated via the hydrolysis of NaBH4.
Thermal Performance of a Novel Non-Tubular Absorber with Extended Internal Surfaces for Concentrated Solar Power Receivers
Authors: Na Xinchen , Yao Yingxue , Du Jianjun
Published: June 2023

A non-tubular prototype cavity receiver absorber with extended internal surfaces (fins) is proposed to enhance heat transfer in Stirling engine-based Concentrated Solar Power systems. There is limited research on the realization of downsized absorbers in terms of their design and manufacturing. The objective of the absorber solution proposed in this paper is to address the issue of inadequate comprehension regarding the impacts of the geometric and flow parameters on thermohydraulic efficiency. These impacts are numerically investigated in a 100 mm long heat transfer channel with a 10 mm × 10 mm section. The prototype absorber is fabricated using a wire electrode-discharging manufacturing approach, and is experimentally investigated using the enthalpy method. Numerical results indicate that heat transfer to the working fluid in the novel absorber can reach 482 W at the reasonable cost of 0.391% pressure drop per 100 mm (air flow at 0.0015 kg/s and 5 bar). In the experimental investigation, the prototype realizes a 1113.033 W heat transfer rate at 8 bar and 12 kg/h. This implies that a non-tubular design with extended internal surfaces can increase the internal surface area to enhance heat transfer while downsizing the volume to reduce heat loss.
Assessment of the Impact of Lubricating Oil Contamination by Biodiesel on Trunk Piston Engine Reliability
Authors: Chybowski Leszek , Kowalak Przemysław , Dąbrowski Piotr
Published: June 2023

The rheological, ignition, and tribological properties of lubricating oils diluted with biodiesel were analyzed. The flash point tFP, calculated cetane index CCI, density ρ, coefficient of the temperature density change ε, kinematic viscosity ν, dynamic viscosity η, viscosity index VI, and lubricity during a High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFFR) test (x, y, WSD, and WS1.4) and lubricating conditions during an HFFR test (oil film resistance FILM and friction coefficient μ) were determined. The test was performed for the oil mixtures of the lubricating oil of the SAE 30 and SAE 40 viscosity grades, which were diluted with the biodiesel blend (D93B7—diesel oil with 7% v/v fatty acid methyl esters, FAME) at concentrations of diesel oil in the mixture equal to 0% (pure lubricating oil), 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, and 75% m/m, respectively. The experiment confirmed the existence of clear relationships between the increase in the dilution of lubricating oil with tested biodiesel blend and tFP, ρ, ε, ν, η, and VI, and the deterioration of lubrication conditions. It is recommended to take remedial action even in the case of low diesel oil concentration (<5% m/m) in the lubricating oil due to tFP, ν, and η changes. Simultaneously, the tests showed no significant effect on the lubricity and the CCI. The critical contamination of oil with fuel in the range of 2–5% by weight, as indicated in the literature, still allowed for a certain “safety margin” regarding these parameters. However, when the concentration of diesel fuel in the lubricating oil exceeded 5–8% m/m, the deterioration of the lubrication was expressed by a decrease in FILM and an increase in μ was observed; hence, such a contamination should be considered excessive. When the concentration of diesel fuel exceeds 10% by weight, there is a serious risk of engine damage during operation.