bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Performance IoT Cloud Computing Framework Using Pub/Sub Techniques
Authors: Nam Jaekyung , Jun Youngpyo , Choi Min
Published: October 2022

The Internet of Things is attracting attention as a solution to rural sustainability crises, such as slowing income, exports, and growth rates due to the aging of industries. To develop a high-performance IoT platform, we designed and implemented an IoT cloud platform using pub/sub technologies. This design reduces the difficulty of overhead for management and communication, despite the harsh IoT environment. In this study, we achieved high performance by applying the pub/sub platform with two different characteristics. As the size and frequency of data acquired from IoT nodes increase, we improved performance through MQTT and Kafka protocols and multiple server architecture. MQTT was applied for fast processing of small data, and Kafka was applied for reliable processing of large data. We also mounted various sensors and actuators to measure the data of growth for each device using the protocol. For example, DHT11, MAX30102, WK-ADB-K07-19, SG-90, and so on. As a result of performance evaluation, the MQTT Kafka platform implemented in this research was found to be effective for use in environments where network bandwidth is limited or a large amount of data is continuously transmitted and received. We realized the performance as follows: the response time for user requests was measured to be within 100 ms on average, data transmission order verification for more than 13 million requests, data processing performance per second on an average of 113,134.89 record/s, and 64,313 requests per second were performed for requests that occurred simultaneously from multiple clients.
Calculation of Heat Transfer and Drag Coefficients for Aircraft Geometric Models
Authors: Kuzenov Victor V. , Ryzhkov Sergei V. , Varaksin Aleksey Yu.
Published: October 2022

A numerical model to calculate the heat transfer and resistance coefficients near the bodies of complex geometric shapes moving at high velocity is formulated. The processes of heat and mass transfer and flow around aircraft elements are considered. An algorithm for calculating heat fluxes and the heat transfer coefficient is proposed. The developed numerical technique can give an idea of the essential features of the flow, heat transfer at the end keels of the wings, and integral layouts of high-speed aircraft. An approximate mathematical model for calculating the heat transfer processes and resistance coefficients near the bodies of complex geometric shapes moving at high speed in the Earth’s atmosphere is formulated. The calculated results for convective heat transfer and friction coefficients for the X-33 and X-43 vehicles are obtained.
Comparison of Fourteen Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen Tests for SARS-CoV-2: Use and Sensitivity
Authors: Pérez-Martínez Zulema , Martín Gabriel , Sandoval Marta , Castelló-Abiétar Cristian , Rojo-Alba Susana , Boga Jose Antonio , Melón Santiago , Álvarez-Argüelles Marta Elena
Published: October 2022

Fast, sensitive techniques are advisable for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Various rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection tests have been developed, but type and quality of the sample, stage of the disease and viral load can all have an impact on their sensitivity. For this study, a total of 486 swabs were processed and checked with various commercially available tests and then compared with q(RT)-PCR (the gold-standard method). Total sensitivity varied considerably; for example, 42.10% (nal von minden and Tody Laboratories), 68.42% (Cahnos) and 84.78% (PCL). Sensitivity reached 100% when the cycle threshold (Ct) was lower than 22 in almost all tests, although this dropped considerably when the Ct was higher above 30, where only 3 tests identified 40% or more positive samples and in 5 cases it was 0%. What is more, only 2 cases were 100% accurate when viral load was higher than 5 log/103 cells and accuracy was 0% in 12 cases when viral load was lower than 4 log/103 cells. These results, particularly taking into consideration the fact that they used normalized viral load, suggest that antigen detection tests have their role in the fast triage of positive patients, but that considerable care should be taken with negative results, which is even more important if they are used for massive screening.
Variation on Work Demands and Sleep Disturbances Concerning Fixed and Rotating Shifts in the Water, Sanitation, and Waste Sector
Authors: Dionísio Ana , Cotrim Teresa P. , Teles Júlia , Carvalhais José
Published: October 2022

The growing production of waste and increased use of water and sanitation systems worldwide have been pressuring the water, sanitation, and waste sectors. This study analyzed the perception of the determinants of work activity among workers from the water, sanitation, and waste sector in Portugal, the variation in the work demands among different shift types, and the main predictors of sleep disturbances. Data collection was performed through a questionnaire administered to 300 workers in 2017 and 2019. An ageing population was identified in all shift types. Possible occupational trajectories with changes from the fixed night and early morning shifts to daytime and fast rotating shifts may be linked to health conditions. Workers in fixed night and early morning shifts perceived higher physical demands and environmental discomfort, lower social support, and job dissatisfaction. Workers in daytime or fast rotating shifts perceived higher cognitive demands. Sleep disturbances were perceived more negatively among those working permanently on night and early morning shifts. The main predictors of sleep disturbance in both years were the type of shift, and high physical demands. The study highlights the relevance of characterizing the work demands to establish future strategies to improve the health and well-being of shift workers.
Historical Changes of Black Carbon in Snow and Its Radiative Forcing in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Chen Yang , Li Xuejing , Xing Yuxuan , Yan Shirui , Wu Dongyou , Shi Tenglong , Cui Jiecan , Zhang Xueying , Niu Xiaoying
Published: October 2022

Black carbon in snow (BCS) has a significant impact on global climate and is an important component of Earth system modeling. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of BCS simulations in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and its radiative forcing on a global scale. Overall, the multi-model mean generally captures the characteristics of BCS spatial patterns, with maximum concentrations in East Asia and the Tibetan Plateau (~120 ng·g−1), and the lowest in Antarctica (~0.05 ng·g−1). The BCS concentrations in all CMIP6 multi-model mean and individual models generally exhibit a temporally increasing trend globally, with particularly large increases after the 1940s. In terms of seasonal cycles, individual models are generally consistent in most regions. Globally, BCS concentrations are highest around January and lowest in September. The albedo reduction in the Tibetan Plateau and East Asia simulated by the CMIP6 multi-model mean reached ~0.06 in 2014 and may influence climate more than expected.
Responses of Soil N2O and CO2 Emissions and Their Global Warming Potentials to Irrigation Water Salinity
Authors: Wei Qi , Li Xintong , Xu Jiegang , Dai Hongxia , Li Bin , Xu Junzeng , Wei Qi , Wang Kechun
Published: October 2022

Irrigation using marginal quality water (brackish, saline, or treated wastewater, with a salinity of 2–8 g L−1) instead of fresh water alters the soil carbon and nitrogen cycle, and thus, soil greenhouse gas emissions. To reveal the responses of soil nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and their global warming potentials (GWPs) to irrigation water salinity, a pot experiment was conducted at three levels (2, 5, and 8 g L−1, namely S2, S5, and S8). The results show that the cumulative soil CO2 emissions were reduced with increases in the irrigation water salinity and were 11.6–28.1% lower than those from the fresh water-irrigated treatment (CK). The cumulative N2O emissions from S2 and S8 decreased by 22.7% and 39.6% (p < 0.05), respectively, in comparison to CK, whereas those from S5 increased by 87.7% (p < 0.05). The cumulative GWPs from S2 and S8 were 19.6% and 44.1% lower than those from CK, while those from S5 were significantly higher (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that reducing the salinity of brackish water from 5 to 2 g L−1 before using it for irrigation is a potential strategy to mitigate soil GHGs and solve water resource scarcity. The response of soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to salinity may be significantly different among irrigation water salinity ranges. The results have an important guiding significance for exploring greenhouse gas emission reduction measures, and sustainable utilization models of water and soil resources.
Single-Particle Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosols: Applications of Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Moorchilot Vishnu S. , Aravind Usha K. , Menacherry Sunil Paul M. , Aravindakumar Charuvila T.
Published: October 2022

Atmospheric aerosols, produced as a consequence of different anthropogenic and natural processes, impart significant control over the global energy budget, climate, and human–environmental health. Their size varies across the nano–micrometer scale. Based on their origin, they may be classified into primary or secondary aerosols. Biomass burning, incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, volcanic eruptions, and traffic-related and wind-driven suspensions contribute to primary aerosol emissions. In contrast, gas-to-particle conversion within the atmosphere leads to secondary particle production. The study of atmospheric aerosols is vital to the field of atmospheric research. The dynamic nature (highly variable concentration composition and size with space and time) of aerosols makes them difficult to investigate. Today, aerosol research involves the application of various spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques. The single-particle analysis of aerosols is yet a challenge. In this review, the merits and demerits of various offline and online techniques used for aerosol research are discussed in a nutshell. Mass spectrometric techniques fail in distinguishing certain species. However, Raman spectroscopy’s emergence for the compositional analysis of aerosols resolves most of the present characterization challenges. This review focuses on Raman spectroscopy applications, the merits of this technique, and its immense scope for the measurement of various types of aerosols and their properties. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has an advantage over conventional micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS). The review depicts the dominance of SERS, specifically in the context of the measurement of ambient atmospheric aerosols. This review discusses two important components, namely laboratory simulation and ambient aerosol studies.
The Sun and Space Weather
Authors: Gopalswamy Nat
Published: October 2022

The explosion of space weather research since the early 1990s has been partly fueled by the unprecedented, uniform, and extended observations of solar disturbances from space- and ground-based instruments. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from closed magnetic field regions and high-speed streams (HSS) from open-field regions on the Sun account for most of the disturbances relevant to space weather. The main consequences of CMEs and HSS are their ability to cause geomagnetic storms and accelerate particles. Particles accelerated by CME-driven shocks can pose danger to humans and their technological structures in space. Geomagnetic storms produced by CMEs and HSS-related stream interaction regions also result in particle energization inside the magnetosphere that can have severe impact on satellites operating in the magnetosphere. Solar flares are another aspect of solar magnetic energy release, mostly characterized by the sudden enhancement in electromagnetic emission at various wavelengths—from radio waves to gamma-rays. Flares are responsible for the sudden ionospheric disturbances and prompt perturbation of Earth’s magnetic field known as magnetic crochet. Nonthermal electrons accelerated during flares can emit intense microwave radiation that can drown spacecraft and radar signals. This review article summarizes major milestones in understanding the connection between solar variability and space weather.
Impacts of Urban Rail Transit on On-Road Carbon Emissions: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Ou Yifu , Zheng Ji , Nam Kyung-Min
Published: October 2022

We examine the effects of urban rail transit on on-road carbon emissions in 90 Chinese cities, taking a structural equation modeling approach. Urban rail transit theoretically helps mitigate overall transport-sector emissions by absorbing part of the vehicular traffic demand or by generating traffic-diversion effects. However, its net contribution is obscure, given potential traffic-creation effects, since improved rail access can also incentivize new developments and thus induce additional on-road traffic. In contrast to many existing studies that neglect rail transit’s traffic-creation effects, we analyze these opposing effects within a single framework, where primary rail-associated emission channels are explicitly modeled. Our central results show that urban rail density is negatively associated with on-road carbon emissions with a net elasticity of −0.0175, speaking for the dominance of the traffic-diversion effects in China’s context. However, mixed evidence exists on the effects of increased urban rail density on vehicle-kilometers traveled and vehicle ownership, with the two opposing effects being relatively balanced. These findings suggest that transport-sector mitigation needs coordination between urban rail development and planning regulations.
Climate Preferences of Iranian Tourists for Nature-Based Tourism (NBT) in Arid Regions
Authors: Nourmohammadi Fatemeh , Gómez-Martín María
Published: October 2022

Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in the world and is heavily influenced by climate conditions. Insight into tourists’ weather preferences within contexts of extremely arid climates is particularly useful, not only for regions and tourism destinations that currently display such characteristics, but also for regions and tourism destinations for which climate change forecasts predict radicalization in terms of their weather conditions. The objective of this study was to identify the weather preferences of Iranians in relation to nature-based tourism (NBT) in regions with extremely arid climates in Iran. To achieve this aim, the study used a survey to identify the optimal preferences with respect to temperature (maximum and minimum), rainfall, wind speed, sunshine hours, and cloud cover, as well as the thresholds past which the conditions in relation to these elements were considered intolerable. The results of this research may be useful for designing tourism climate indices and/or associated rating scales—adapted to the segment under consideration—that enable the present and future evaluation of the tourism suitability of a region’s climate.
Research on the Effectiveness of Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Electromagnetic Interference Identification Based on I/Q Data
Authors: Wang Jiamin , Wang Haijiang , Sun Zhaoping
Published: October 2022

With the development of wireless communication technology, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) of artificial radio to weather radar increases significantly, which has a serious impact on the quality of radar data. Most of the research on detecting and suppressing electromagnetic interference was based on the primary product of the radar. This paper researches the effectiveness of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) to identify and suppress electromagnetic interference based on the I/Q data output from the front end of a radar receiver. Firstly, this paper selected UNet, ResNet with UNet structure, and DeepLab V3+ for the semantic segmentation of electromagnetic interference and other signals. After semantic segmentation, this paper used the linear interpolation method to suppress EMI. Finally, this paper selected the prediction precision of the model and compared the quality of primary products before and after EMI suppression to evaluate the effectiveness of DCNN. The results showed that all three models could effectively identify the electromagnetic interference and the quality of the data were improved after suppression. It suggests that the use of DCNN on the I/Q data output from the front end of a radar receiver can play a certain effect on the identification of electromagnetic interference.
An Integrated System Dynamics Model and Life Cycle Assessment for Cement Production in South Africa
Authors: Ige Oluwafemi E. , Duffy Kevin J. , Olanrewaju Oludolapo A. , Collins Obiora C.
Published: October 2022

Cement is one of the most produced materials globally. Population growth and urbanization cause an increased demand for the cement needed for expanding infrastructures. As a result of this circumstance, the cement industry must find the optimum compromise between increasing cement production and reducing the negative environmental impact of that production. Since cement production uses a lot of energy, resources and raw materials, it is essential to assess its environmental impact and determine methods for the sector to move forward in sustainable ways. This paper uses an integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) and a system dynamics (SDs) model to predict the long-term environmental impact and future dynamics of cement production in South Africa. The first step used the LCA midpoint method to investigate the environmental impact of 1 kg of Portland cement produced in South Africa. In the cement production process, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), methane (CH4) and particulate matter (PM) were the major gases emitted. Therefore, the LCA concentrated on the impact of these pollutants on global warming potential (GWP), ozone formation, human health, fine particulate matter formation and terrestrial acidification. The system dynamics model is used to predict the dynamics of cement production in South Africa. The LCA translates its results into input variables into a system dynamics model to predict the long-term environmental impact of cement production in South Africa. From our projections, the pollutant outputs of cement production in South Africa will each approximately double by the year 2040 with the associated long-term impact of an increase in global warming. These results are an important guide for South Africa’s future cement production and environmental impact because it is essential that regulations for cement production are maintained to achieve long-term environmental impact goals. The proposed LCA–SD model methodology used here enables us to predict the future dynamics of cement production and its long-term environmental impact, which is the primary research objective. Using these results, a number of policy changes are suggested for reducing emissions, such as introducing more eco-blended cement productions, carbon budgets and carbon tax.
Numerical Simulations of Cloud Number Concentration and Ice Nuclei Influence on Cloud Processes and Seeding Effects
Authors: Fang Wen , Lou Xiaofeng , Zhang Xing , Fu Yu
Published: October 2022

Aerosols, through cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) or ice nuclei (IN), affect cloud microphysics. With increasing concentrations of aerosols, it is important to consider the impact of IN along with CCN on clouds and precipitation in numerical simulations; further, aerosols may also affect the weather-modification seeding effect. On the basis of the observation of natural IN concentration and cloud-drop number concentrations, numerical sensitivity experiments for a snowfall case were designed to study the effects of parameters of IN and cloud number concentrations at the cloud base to consider the CCN effects on clouds and precipitation as well as weather-modification seeding effects. Generally, with smaller cloud-drop number concentration, the mass contents were much lower. With more ice nuclei, more ice crystals were able to nucleate, and additional snow particles were generated through ice crystals. Cloud-drop number concentrations heavily affected the location and amount of snowfall. During the 1e9 test, 2.4 mm was the highest reduction in the amount of snowfall; additionally, the amount of snowfall from the combined impacts of increased IN and cloud-drop number decreased in wide areas, and its maximum precipitation reduction exceeded 2.7 mm as well as up to 15% of the daily amount of snowfall. More IN reduced the artificial seeding effect, lowered the increase in snowfall in the center of the seeding, and lowered the reduction of snowfall in the reduction center of the seeding. With more IN, the seeding effect was able to shift approximately 0.6% from the 3.9% seeding effect of the control simulation.
Impact of PM2.5 and PM10 Emissions on Changes of Their Concentration Levels in Lithuania: A Case Study
Authors: Byčenkienė Steigvilė , Khan Abdullah , Bimbaitė Vilma
Published: October 2022

Due to negative effects on human health and visibility, atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is a prioritized contaminant for urban air pollution management. Over the past few decades, managing emissions have been a top priority. This paper investigated PM national inventory data and mass concentration trends for Lithuania. This analysis considers primary (sum of filterable and condensable) PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from point, mobile on-road and off-road, industry, agriculture, and waste sectors. In this study, by examining both the emissions and the mass concentrations of PM10, the effects of emissions decreasing with a concentration decrease were revealed. The slower decreasing tendency of PM10 and BC (0.03 Gg/year) than that of PM2.5 (0.1 Gg/year) should be noted. Furthermore, the correlation analysis also finds that the increase in PM10 from stationary and mobile combustion sources is closely related to the increase in the contribution to the pollution level.
Some Results of Photometric Measurements of Ionospheric Artificial Airglow at 557.7 and 630 nm Lines of Atomic Oxygen Caused by High-Frequency Radio Emission of the SURA Facility during Development of Sporadic E Layer
Authors: Beletsky Alexander B. , Tkachev Ivan D. , Nasyrov Igor A. , Grach Savely M. , Kogogin Denis A. , Shindin Alexey V. , Vasilyev Roman V.
Published: October 2022

The results of analysis of the experimental data collected on 5 September 2021 on 557.7 and 630 nm artificial airglow of the ionosphere induced by powerful HF radio waves at the SURA facility are presented. For optical measurements, a photometric suite located directly next to the SURA facility was used. Fast variations in the atmospheric emission intensity at 557.7 nm, 630 nm, and 391.4 nm with a three-channel photometer and spatial–temporal variations in the 557.7 nm with a CCD camera were measured. An ionospherically reflected pump wave and the stimulated electromagnetic emission (SEE) were recorded. Background ionospheric conditions were registered with ionosonde. For the first time, an increase in the 557.7 nm emission intensity induced by the SURA facility radiation was found concurrently with a partial blocking ionosphere in the F-region and suppression HF-induced phenomena in the F-region (the 630 nm airglow increase and SEE generation, powerful radio wave anomalous absorption) during the sporadic E-layer (Es) development. Additionally, we managed to obtain images showing moving spots of the SURA-induced 557.7 nm emission increased intensity at the Es layer heights.
Production Potential of Greenhouse Gases Affected by Microplastics at Freshwater and Saltwater Ecosystems
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Lirong , Zhou Lifeng , Liu Jian , Zhou Meng , Lin Zhengyu , Luo Min , Zhang Baohua , Xiao Leilei
Published: October 2022

Currently, microplastic pollution poses a great threat to diverse ecosystems. Microplastics can potentially change soil characteristics and impact soil microorganisms, and then affect the production of CO2, CH4 and other greenhouse gases. However, experimental study on different ecological soils is lacking. Herein, we experimentally analyzed the CO2 and CH4 production potential affected by four types of microplastics in freshwater (Poyang Lake in Jiangxi province, paddy soil in Hunan province) and saltwater (Salt marsh in Shandong province, mangrove soil in Fujian province) ecosystems. Microplastics promoted CO2 production, of which polyethylene terephthalate (PET) had the greatest impact. In our study, the microplastics that had the greatest impact on CH4 concentration emissions were high-density polyethylene (1276 umol·g−1·L−1), followed by polyvinyl chloride (384 umol·g−1·L−1), polyethylene terephthalate (198 umol·g−1·L−1), and polyamide (134 umol·g−1·L−1). In addition, the largest impact on CO2 concentration emissions was displayed by polyethylene terephthalate (2253 umol·g−1·L−1), followed by polyvinyl chloride (2194 umol·g−1·L−1), polyamide (2006 umol·g−1·L−1), and high-density polyethylene (1522 umol·g−1·L−1). However, the analysis results based on one-way ANOVA showed that CO2 emission was most significantly affected by soil properties rather than microplastics types. In comparison, the influencing factor on CH4 production changed from soil types to the interaction between soil types and microplastics, and finally to the microplastics with the increase in incubation time. Further, by comparing CO2 and CH4 production and Global Warming Equivalent (GWE) affected by microplastics, freshwater ecosystems were more sensitive than saltwater. For all the soil types used in this study, high-density polyethylene had the greatest impact on CH4 production potential. In conclusion, our study provided basic data for further understanding the effects of microplastics on soil greenhouse gas emissions from different sources.
Association between PM2.5 Exposure and Cardiovascular and Respiratory Hospital Admissions Using Spatial GIS Analysis
Authors: Tomášková Hana , Šlachtová Hana , Dalecká Andrea , Polaufová Pavla , Michalík Jiří , Tomášek Ivan , Šplíchalová Anna
Published: October 2022

Particulate Matter (PM) air pollution is a serious concern in the northern Moravia region of the Czech Republic. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the risk of acute hospital admissions for cardiovascular (CVD) and respiratory diseases and PM2.5 concentrations using a geographic information system (GIS). The data on acute hospital admissions for cardiovascular (I00-99 according to ICD-10) and respiratory (J00-99) diseases was assigned to 77 geographical units (population of 601,299) based on the residence. The annual concentrations of PM2.5 in the period from 2013–2019 were assigned to these units according to the respective concentration iso-shapes. The Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each concentration category and then compared with the reference category. Statistical analyses were performed using SW STATA v.15. In 2013, approx. half of the population (56%) belonged to the PM2.5 category 34–35 µg·m−3, and 4% lived in PM2.5 concentrations ≥ 38 µg·m−3. During the analysed period, the average concentrations decreased from 30.8 to 21.4 µg·m−3. A statistically significant risk of acute hospitalization for CVD causes was identified in categories ≥ 36 µg·m−3, and for respiratory causes from 34–35 µg·m−3. With increasing concentrations, the risk of both acute cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations increased.
Characteristics of Formaldehyde Pollution in Residential Buildings in a Severe Cold Area—A Case in Liaoning, China
Authors: Song Jiasen , Feng Guohui , Huang Kailiang , Sun Wen , Li Huixing , Li Gang
Published: October 2022

The negative impact of indoor formaldehyde pollution has become a growing interest, especially in severe cold areas, since most residential buildings do not have enough ventilation and people are unwilling to open windows. In order to explore the status and the influencing factors of indoor formaldehyde pollution in severe cold areas and predict the formaldehyde concentrations in these areas, a study of 60 residential buildings in Liaoning, China, was carried out using the method of phenol reagent spectrophotometry. While testing the formaldehyde concentration, the infiltration air change rate of the room was also tested using CO2 as a tracer gas. The correlation between formaldehyde concentration and its influencing factors was analyzed by SPSS software. Multiple linear regression equations were established for the linear regression analysis. The measured data were used to assess the formaldehyde cancer risk of residents in Liaoning. The test results showed that the most serious rates of average formaldehyde pollution occurred in summer with a concentration of 0.097 mg/m3, and the bedroom was the room most seriously polluted by formaldehyde in autumn with a concentration of 0.104 mg/m3. According to the correlation analysis, the formaldehyde concentration was significantly correlated with the indoor temperature, years of decoration, and the infiltration ventilation rate. The linear regression equation for predicting the formaldehyde concentration was established. According to the risk assessment of the test results, residents in Liaoning are already at risk of cancer caused by formaldehyde.
Regularity and Decay of Global Solutions for the Generalized Benney-Lin Equation Posed on Bounded Intervals and on a Half-Line
Authors: Larkin Nikolai A.
Published: October 2022

Initial-boundary value problems for the generalized Benney-Lin equation posed on bounded intervals and on the right half-line were considered. The existence and uniqueness of global regular solutions on arbitrary intervals as well as their exponential decay for small solutions and for a special choice of a bounded interval have been established.
Hyperbolic B-Spline Function-Based Differential Quadrature Method for the Approximation of 3D Wave Equations
Authors: Tamsir Mohammad , Meetei Mutum Zico , Msmali Ahmed H.
Published: October 2022

We propose a differential quadrature method (DQM) based on cubic hyperbolic B-spline basis functions for computing 3D wave equations. This method converts the problem into a system of ODEs. We use an optimum five-stage and order four SSP Runge-Kutta (SSPRK-(5,4)) scheme to solve the obtained system of ODEs. The matrix stability analysis is also investigated. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are demonstrated via three numerical examples. It has been found that the proposed method gives more accurate results than the existing methods. The main purpose of this work is to present an accurate, economically easy-to-implement, and stable technique for solving hyperbolic partial differential equations.
Strategic Alliances for Sustainable Development: An Application of DEA and Grey Theory Models in the Coal Mining Sector
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Nguyen Hoang-Phu , Wang Yen-Hui , Nhieu Nhat-Luong
Published: October 2022

Sustainable development is a global trend and an economic priority for many governments. Although new energies can be considered good investments in green growth, they may lead to financial barriers to developing countries. The purpose of the study concentrates on an alternative solution that increases the efficiency performance of current fossil energy industries. The study has combined two models of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Grey Theory in determining inefficient units to propose potential strategic alliances for sustainable development in the Vietnam Coal industry. Besides considering inputs and outputs in the models, the location of coal mines is also a key indicator in recommending good alliances. The results show that the collaborations between the Cao Son coal mine and the Coc Sau coal mine, and between the Nui Beo coal mine and the Vang Danh coal mine, bring the best improvement for sustainable development. The study suggests detailed strategies in action that enterprises and policymakers can refer to, to apply in practice.
Enhanced Lot Acceptance Testing Based on Defect Counts and Posterior Odds Ratios
Authors: Fernández Arturo J.
Published: October 2022

Optimal defects-per-unit test plans based on posterior odds ratios are developed for the disposition of product lots. The number of nonconformities per unit is modeled by the Conway–Maxwell–Poisson distribution rather than the typical Poisson model. In essence, a submitted batch is conforming if its posterior acceptability is sufficiently large. First, a useful approximation of the optimal test plan is derived in closed form using the asymptotic normality of the log ratio. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem is then solved via Monte Carlo simulation to find the smallest number of inspected items per lot and the maximum tolerable posterior odds ratio. The methodology is applied to the manufacturing of paper and glass. The suggested sampling plan for lot sentencing provides the specified protections to both manufacturers and customers and minimizes the needed sample size. In terms of inspection effort and accuracy, the proposed approach is virtually an advantageous extension of the classical frequentist perspective. In many practical cases, it yields more precise assessments of the current consumer and producer risks, as well as more realistic decision rules.
Single-Cell Protein Production as a Strategy to Reincorporate Food Waste and Agro By-Products Back into the Processing Chain
Authors: Salazar-López Norma Julieta , Barco-Mendoza Gabriel A. , Zuñiga-Martínez B. Shain , Domínguez-Avila J. Abraham , Robles-Sánchez R. Maribel , Ochoa Monica A. Villegas , González-Aguilar Gustavo A.
Published: October 2022

Food waste is a serious problem with negative environmental and economic consequences. Unused food (either as waste or by-products and referred to as food residues in the present work) is a source of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds that could be used in an alternate or secondary life cycle to avoid discarding it. The present work reviews the potential use of food residues for the bioengineering of single-cell protein (SCP), addressing aspects of production, nutrition and safety, as well as the main challenges and perspectives. SCP is obtained from various microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, yeasts and algae, in pure or mixed form. SCP generally contains a higher percentage of protein (30–80%) compared to soy (38.6%), fish (17.8%), meat (21.2%) and whole milk (3.28%). SCP is a source of essential amino acids, including methionine, threonine and lysine. The use of food residues as substrates for the production of SCP would reduce production costs (35–75%); however, optimization and industrial scaling are some of the main challenges to its sustainable production. The use food waste and agro by-products from the food industry could be a promising alternative to obtain protein according to a circular production scheme.
Recent Advances in Drug Delivery System Fabricated by Microfluidics for Disease Therapy
Authors: Jia Fuhao , Gao Yanbing , Wang Hai
Published: October 2022

Traditional drug therapy faces challenges such as drug distribution throughout the body, rapid degradation and excretion, and extensive adverse reactions. In contrast, micro/nanoparticles can controllably deliver drugs to target sites to improve drug efficacy. Unlike traditional large-scale synthetic systems, microfluidics allows manipulation of fluids at the microscale and shows great potential in drug delivery and precision medicine. Well-designed microfluidic devices have been used to fabricate multifunctional drug carriers using stimuli-responsive materials. In this review, we first introduce the selection of materials and processing techniques for microfluidic devices. Then, various well-designed microfluidic chips are shown for the fabrication of multifunctional micro/nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles. Finally, we describe the interaction of drugs with lymphatic vessels that are neglected in organs-on-chips. Overall, the accelerated development of microfluidics holds great potential for the clinical translation of micro/nanoparticle drug delivery systems for disease treatment.
Effect of Heat Stress on Some Physiological and Anatomical Characteristics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. KDML105 Callus and Seedling
Authors: Taratima Worasitikulya , Chuanchumkan Chantima , Maneerattanarungroj Pitakpong , Trunjaruen Attachai , Theerakulpisut Piyada , Dongsansuk Anoma
Published: October 2022

Global warming is a serious problem, with significant negative impacts on agricultural productivity. To better understand plant anatomical adaptation mechanisms as responses to heat stress, improved basic knowledge is required. This research studied the physiological and anatomical responses of Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML105) to artificial heat stress. Dehusked seeds were sterilized and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, supplemented with 3 mg/L 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for callus induction. The cultures were maintained at 25 °C and 35 °C for 4 weeks, while the other culture was treated with heat shock at 42 °C for 1 week before further incubation at 25 °C for 3 weeks. Results revealed that elevated temperatures (35 °C and 42 °C) adversely impacted seedling growth. Plant height, root length, leaf number per plant, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content decreased after heat stress treatment, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage percentage significantly increased, compared to the control. Heat stress induced ROS accumulation, leading to lipid peroxidation and membrane instability. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) results also confirmed negative correlations between MDA, electrolyte leakage and other parameters. MDA content and electrolyte leakage are effective indicators of heat stress in rice. Surface anatomical responses of rice seedlings to heat stress were studied but significant alterations were not observed, and heat stress had no significant negative effects on KDML105 calli. Size and mass of calli increased because heat stress stimulated gene expression that induced thermotolerance. Our results provide useful information for rice breeding and heat stress tolerance programs to benefit long-term global food security.
Do Not Lose Your Head over the Unequal Regeneration Capacity in Prolecithophoran Flatworms
Authors: Grosbusch Alexandra L. , Bertemes Philip , Kauffmann Bob , Gotsis Clemens , Egger Bernhard
Published: October 2022

One of the central questions in studying the evolution of regeneration in flatworms remains whether the ancestral flatworm was able to regenerate all body parts, including the head. If so, this ability was subsequently lost in most existent flatworms. The alternative hypothesis is that head regeneration has evolved within flatworms, possibly several times independently. In the well-studied flatworm taxon Tricladida (planarians), most species are able to regenerate a head. Little is known about the regeneration capacity of the closest relatives of Tricladida: Fecampiida and Prolecithophora. Here, we analysed the regeneration capacity of three prolecithophoran families: Pseudostomidae, Plagiostomidae, and Protomonotresidae. The regeneration capacity of prolecithophorans varies considerably between families, which is likely related to the remaining body size of the regenerates. While all studied prolecithophoran species were able to regenerate a tail-shaped posterior end, only some Pseudostomidae could regenerate a part of the pharynx and pharynx pouch. Some Plagiostomidae could regenerate a head including the brain and eyes, provided the roots of the brain were present. The broad spectrum of regeneration capacity in Prolecithophora suggests that head regeneration capacity is not an apomorphy of Adiaphanida.
The Role of Mesothelin in Activation of Portal Fibroblasts in Cholestatic Liver Injury
Authors: Nishio Takahiro , Koyama Yukinori , Fuji Hiroaki , Ishizuka Kei , Iwaisako Keiko , Taura Kojiro , Hatano Etsuro , Brenner David A. , Kisseleva Tatiana
Published: October 2022

Fibrosis is a common consequence of abnormal wound healing, which is characterized by infiltration of myofibroblasts and formation of fibrous scar. In liver fibrosis, activated Hepatic Stellate Cells (aHSCs) and activated Portal Fibroblasts (aPFs) are the major contributors to the origin of hepatic myofibroblasts. aPFs are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of cholestatic fibrosis, suggesting that aPFs may be a primary target for anti-fibrotic therapy in cholestatic injury. aPFs are distinguishable from aHSCs by specific markers including mesothelin (Msln), Mucin 16 (Muc16), and Thymus cell antigen 1 (Thy1, CD90) as well as fibulin 2, elastin, Gremlin 1, ecto-ATPase nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 2. Msln plays a critical role in activation of PFs, via formation of Msln-Muc16-Thy1 complex that regulates TGFβ1/TGFβRI-mediated fibrogenic signaling. The opposing pro- and anti-fibrogenic effects of Msln and Thy1 are key components of the TGFβ1-induced activation pathway in aPFs. In addition, aPFs and activated lung and kidney fibroblasts share similarities across different organs with expression of common markers and activation cascade including Msln-Thy1 interaction. Here, we summarize the potential function of Msln in activation of PFs and development of cholestatic fibrosis, offering a novel perspective for anti-fibrotic therapy targeting Msln.
Long-Term Analyses of the Rate of Perceived Exertion as an Indicator of Intensity in Women’s Basketball during a Relegation Play-off
Authors: Batalla-Gavalda Abraham , Beltran-Garrido Jose Vicente , Garrosa-Martín Gerson , Cecilia-Gallego Pau , Montoliu-Colás Raul , Corbi Francisco
Published: October 2022

Knowledge of internal load is essential to understand the effect of training and competition on athletes. The aim of this study was to analyse the validity of the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale as an indicator of intensity in amateur female basketball players during a relegation play-off. The heart rate and RPE of 10 players (age: 21.30 ± 2.71 years, weight: 68.84 ± 11.21 kg, body fat: 20.74 ± 3.51%) from a Copa Catalunya team while competing over a 10-day period were analysed. The mean heart rate of each match was registered with the Suunto Team Pack™ heart rate monitors. The RPE values were obtained once the match ended, completing the original Borg scale. The mean RPE ranged from 15.20 ± 2.39 to 18.00 ± 1.07 AU, whereas the mean heart rate (MHR) ranged from 132.35 ± 12.37 to 147.33 ± 10.61 bpm. There was also an improvement in the statistical correlation between the two variables as the days progressed. Regression equations were calculated for the total number of registered matches and the last five matches, obtaining the following regression equations: MHR = 6.23 × RPE20 + 36.8 (R2 = 0.56) for all games and MHR = 30.95 + 6.73 × RPE (R2 = 0.73) for the last five games. The results suggest that RPE could be seen as an indicator of intensity in amateur basketball players during a relegation play-off, improving their relationship with MHR as the weeks went by, which could suggest a learning process.
Applications of Ulva Biomass and Strategies to Improve Its Yield and Composition: A Perspective for Ulva Aquaculture
Authors: Simon Clara , McHale Marcus , Sulpice Ronan
Published: October 2022

Sea lettuce (Ulva spp.), with its worldwide distribution and remarkable ability to grow rapidly under various conditions, represents an important natural resource that is still under-exploited. Its biomass can be used for a wide range of applications in the food/feed, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, biofuel, and bioremediation industries. However, knowledge of the factors affecting Ulva biomass yield and composition is far from complete. Indeed, the respective contributions of the microbiome, natural genetic variation in Ulva species, environmental conditions and importantly, the interactions between these three factors on the Ulva biomass, have been only partially elucidated. Further investigation is important for the implementation of large-scale Ulva aquaculture, which requires stable and controlled biomass composition and yields. In this review, we document Ulva biomass composition, describe the uses of Ulva biomass and we propose different strategies for developing a sustainable and profitable Ulva aquaculture industry.
Variations in Accumulated-Training Load Parameters and Locomotor Demand with Consideration of Puberty in Elite Young Soccer Players
Authors: Nobari Hadi , shemshaki Hamed Kia , Kamiş Okan , Oliveira Rafael , González Pablo Prieto , Mainer-Pardos Elena
Published: October 2022

The study’s purposes were to examine the associations of training load parameters with locomotor demand and puberty status in elite young soccer players and to predict the percentage of changes in their performance ability with adjustments to the training load parameters, using multivariate regression analysis, while considering PHV and maturity offset. Seventeen male players (15–16 years old) participated in this study. Anthropometrics, body composition, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and puberty status (for calculating PHV) and maturity offset were assessed. The results demonstrated substantial differences between the PHV, VO2max, and load parameters (acute and chronic workload (CWL)) over a soccer season. A substantial relationship existed between the workload parameters (VO2max, CWL, and training monotony (TM)) and maturity offset. All of the variables, except for training strain, demonstrated significant variances in relation to the differences between the first and second halves (p < 0.05). Aerobic performance can be estimated using the CWL, TM, and maturity offset values (R2 = 0.46). On the contrary, aerobic power performance can be explained using the acute:chronic workload, TM, and PHV values (R2 = 0.40). In conclusion, the biological maturity state of young soccer players has a substantial impact on their functional potential. Variations in accumulated load contribute significantly to aerobic resistance, whereas weight and height contribute significantly to sprint and vertical-jump performance, respectively.
Tirzepatide—Friend or Foe in Diabetic Cancer Patients?
Authors: Samuel Samson Mathews , Varghese Elizabeth , Kubatka Peter , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: October 2022

It is a well-accepted fact that obesity and diabetes increase the risk of incidence of different cancers and their progression, leading to a decrease in the quality of life among affected cancer patients. In addition to decreasing the risk of cancers, maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI)/body weight and/or blood glucose levels within the normal range critically impacts the response to anti-cancer therapy among affected individuals. A cancer patient managing their body weight and maintaining blood glucose control responds better to anti-cancer therapy than obese individuals and those whose blood glucose levels remain higher than normal during therapeutic intervention. In some cases, anti-diabetic/glucose-lowering drugs, some of which are also used to promote weight loss, were found to possess anti-cancer potential themselves and/or support anti-cancer therapy when used to treat such patients. On the other hand, certain glucose-lowering drugs promoted the cancer phenotype and risked cancer progression when used for treatment. Tirzepatide (TRZD), the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) agonist, has recently gained interest as a promising injectable drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and was approved by the FDA after successful clinical trials (SURPASS 1/2/3/4 and 5, NCT03954834, NCT03987919, NCT03882970, NCT03730662, and NCT04039503). In addition, the reports from the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial (NCT04184622) support the use of TRZD as an anti-obesity drug. In the current review article, we examine the possibility and molecular mechanisms of how TRZD intervention could benefit cancer therapeutics or increase the risk of cancer progression when used as an anti-diabetic drug in diabetic patients.