bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bulkheads’ Position Optimisation in the Concept Design of Ships under Deterministic Rules
Authors: Braidotti Luca , Prpić-Oršić Jasna
Published: March 2023

The position of the transverse bulkheads is the most important aspect in determining the internal subdivision of the ship and has a strong impact on the general arrangement, weight distribution and capacity of the ship. Nowadays, deterministic rules still apply to various types of ships such as gas carriers, naval ships, icebreakers, etc. For these vessels a new floodable length can be defined as the extent of the ship that can be flooded, still assuring compliance with the damage stability criteria. The main objective of this paper is using the floodable lengths to optimize the position of bulkheads. The proposed methodology maximises the margin between the floodable length and the actual flooded length, which consists of two lost contiguous compartments. This method, applicable in the framework of multi-attribute decision-making techniques for ship concept design, allows identification of the minimum number of bulkheads a ship requires, quantification, and maximisation of the safety margin for compliance with deterministic damage stability criteria. This margin ensures maximum flexibility for changes that may be required in the next design phases. The proposed method, based on a multi-stage optimization, is tested on a compressed natural gas carrier to define the minimum number and position of the transverse bulkheads dividing the cargo holds.
Experimental Assessment of Drag Coefficient for Quasi-Radially-Symmetric Microplastic Particles Sinking in Water Stream
Authors: Holjević Toni , Travaš Vanja , Družeta Siniša , Holjević Danko
Published: March 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are found to be omnipresent in marine environments and their production and disposal are constantly increasing. In order to control and mitigate their negative effects on the environment, it is important to understand the processes involved in their transport and sinking. Most of the conducted experimental studies on MP in water have focused on exploring the settling behavior of MP particles under static flow conditions. This paper presents the results of an experimental study of MP particles in a horizontal stream of water. A series of laboratory experiments were carried out to measure the drag coefficient of quasi-radially-symmetric MP particles with different shapes (spheres, cubes, and crosses) and sizes (1.5 to 3.0 mm). In the study, the relationship between the drag coefficient and flow conditions represented by the local Reynolds number is investigated. The experimental procedure was validated, and a total of 400 measurements were performed. Values of the measured drag coefficient ranged from 0.8 to 2.5 for the values of Re from 40 to 300. The results show that the shape of MP particles in the water stream considerably influences the particle drag coefficient, with a rather complex relationship between the drag coefficient and flow conditions.
Research on the Cooperative Scheduling of ARMGs and AGVs in a Sea–Rail Automated Container Terminal under the Rail-in-Port Model
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , He Sha , Sun Shu
Published: March 2023

Reasonable scheduling of a train’s loading and unloading equipment can reduce the energy consumption of production operations; this has great value for the green development of terminals. The collaborative scheduling model of the Automated Rail Mounted Gantry (ARMG) and Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is used to minimize the energy consumption of equipment in a scenario of a vertical railway entering a port and a shared storage yard existing between the port and railway under the mixed operation mode of “train–ship” and “train–yard–ship”. According to the characteristics of the model, the two-layer scheduling rule and the self-adaptive chaos genetic algorithm (SCGA) were proposed to solve the problem of placing the ARMG and the AGV on the same schedule. Simulation experiments verified the effectiveness of the model and algorithm. The effects of the delayed arrival of vessels, the proportion of “transshipment” containers, and the number of automated ARMGs and AGVs on total energy consumption were analyzed. The results showed that when all containers are “train–ship” containers, the number of ARMG and AGV at 1:4 will minimize the total operational energy consumption. Furthermore, as ships take longer to arrive, reducing the number of AGVs can cut energy use by 15% for the same number of ARMG.
Motions Assessment Using a Time Domain Approach for a Research Ship in Antarctic Waters
Authors: Pennino Silvia , Scamardella Antonio
Published: March 2023

An approach combining frequency and time domain analysis is introduced in this study for ship motions assessment. The open-source NEMOH code is utilized to compute the excitation forces and the hydrodynamic coefficients, while heave and pitch motions time histories are determined by solving the Cummins equations in the time domain. The study compares the numerical outcomes for the heave, pitch, and vertical acceleration at the center of gravity with data obtained from a smartphone onboard during an oceanographic expedition in the Antarctic Ocean in early 2020 on the “Laura Bassi” research vessel. In order to validate the proposed method, weather forecast data from the global-WAM (GWAM) model are utilized. The comparison reveals a good agreement between numerical results and onboard measurements, with differences in motion values remaining below 10% and accelerations below 15%. Therefore, the developed code, taking into account its future improvements, represents an initial step towards creating a promising tool for an accurate estimation of ship motions and accelerations.
Use of Interference Patterns to Control Sound Field Focusing in Shallow Water
Authors: Pereselkov Sergey , Kuz’kin Venedikt , Ehrhardt Matthias , Tkachenko Sergey , Rybyanets Pavel , Ladykin Nikolay
Published: March 2023

The possibility of controlling localized fields in multimode shallow water waveguides based on the principle of interference invariance was studied. Within the framework of the numerical experiments in a wide frequency range of 100–350 Hz and range intervals of 10–100 km, the possibilities of focusing the sound field by wavefront reversal and controlling of the focusing of the focal spot by frequency tuning in shallow water waveguides was analyzed. The focal spot scanning was carried out by frequency tuning with a fixed distribution of the sound field at receiving and transmitting vertical antenna apertures. A comparative analysis of the features of focusing and focal spot control for summer and winter stratification of the water layer was carried out. It is shown that the parameters of the focal spot during frequency tuning were more stable in the winter waveguide. It is demonstrated that the sound frequency tuning had a piecewise continuous character and was carried out on a domain of one continuous track and jump-passing on the other track in accordance with the waveguide interference fringes in the range–frequency domain.
Multi-Gene Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Wood-Rotting Fungal Genus Phlebia sensu lato (Polyporales, Basidiomycota)
Authors: Zhao Changlin , Qu Menghan , Huang Ruoxia , Karunarathna Samantha C.
Published: March 2023

Phlebia s.l. (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) accommodates numerous species of wood-inhabiting fungi within the phylum Basidiomycota. The present study employs the morphological and phylogenetic approaches to revise the generic and species classification of Phlebia s.l. and surveys the species diversity. The phylogenetic analyses were performed using multiple gene regions viz. the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1), the small subunit of mitochondrial rRNA gene (mtSSU), the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2). We overall recognize twenty genera of Phlebia s.l., including three new genera viz. Ceriporiopsoides, Phlebicolorata, and Pseudophlebia, seven new species viz. Crustodontia rhododendri, Hydnophlebia fissurata, Luteoporia straminea, Merulius sinensis, Mycoaciella brunneospina, Phlebia niveomarginata, and P. poroides and seventeen new combinations viz. Ceriporiopsoides guidella, C. lagerheimii, Hydnophlebia acanthocystis, H. capsica, H. fimbriata, Merulius fuscotuberculatus, M. nantahaliensis, M. tomentopileatus, Mycoacia tuberculata, Mycoaciella uda, Phlebicolorata alboaurantia, Ph. brevispora, Ph. pseudoplacenta, Ph. rosea, Pseudophlebia lindtneri, Ps. semisupina, and Ps. setulosa. Descriptions, illustrations, phylogenetic trees to show the placements, and notes of new taxa are provided.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Improve the Growth, Water Status, and Nutrient Uptake of Cinnamomum migao and the Soil Nutrient Stoichiometry under Drought Stress and Recovery
Authors: Xiao Xuefeng , Liao Xiaofeng , Yan Qiuxiao , Xie Yuangui , Chen Jingzhong , Liang Gelin , Chen Meng , Xiao Shengyang , Chen Yuan , Liu Jiming
Published: March 2023

Drought greatly influences the growth and ecological stoichiometry of plants in arid and semi-arid regions such as karst areas, where Cinnamomum migao (C. migao) is an endemic tree species that is used as a bioenergy resource. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a key role in nutrient uptake in the soil-plant continuum, increasing plant tolerance to drought. However, few studies have examined the contribution of AMF in improving the growth of C. migao seedlings and the soil nutrient stoichiometry under drought-stress conditions. A pot experiment was conducted under natural light in a plastic greenhouse to investigate the effects of individual inoculation and Co-inoculation of AMF [Funneliformis mosseae (F. mosseae) and Claroideoglomus etunicatum (C. etunicatum)] on the growth, water status, and nutrient uptake of C. migao as well as the soil nutrient stoichiometry under well-watered (WW) and drought-stress (DS) conditions. The results showed that compared with non-AMF control (CK), AM symbiosis significantly stimulated plant growth and had higher dry mass. Mycorrhizal plants had better water status than corresponding CK plants. AMF colonization notably increased the total nitrogen and phosphorus content of C. migao seedlings compared with CK. Mycorrhizal plants had higher leaf and stem total carbon concentrations than CK. The results indicated that AM symbiosis protects C. migao seedlings against drought stress by improving growth, water status, and nutrient uptake. In general, the C. migao seedlings that formed with C. etunicatum showed the most beneficial effect on plant growth, water status, and nutrient uptake among all treatments. In the future, we should study more about the biological characteristics of each AMF in the field study to understand more ecological responses of AMF under drought stress, which can better provide meaningful guidance for afforestation projects in karst regions.
Re-Examination of the Holotype of Ganoderma sichuanense (Ganodermataceae, Polyporales) and a Clarification of the Identity of Chinese Cultivated Lingzhi
Authors: Du Zhuo , Li Yi , Wang Xin-Cun , Wang Ke , Yao Yi-Jian
Published: March 2023

The widely cultivated Chinese Lingzhi is a famous fungus with significant medicinal and economic value, which has commonly been misidentified as Ganoderma lucidum for a long period of time. The scientific binomial of the fungus is always a hotly debated question that revolves around G. lingzhi and G. sichuanense. To interpret the species concept of the taxon, six specific primers for G. sichuanense and one universal primer were designed. Through directed and nested PCRs, we obtained nine ITS sequences from the holotype (HMAS 42798) of G. sichuanense. By genome sequencing, the ITS sequence of the first cultivated Lingzhi (HMAS 25103) was assembled. Based on a phylogenetic study of the genus Ganoderma, the correct name for widely cultivated Ganoderma species in China was confirmed as G. sichuanense, and G. lingzhi should be a later synonym.
Distribution of OGTT-Related Variables in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis from Puberty to Adulthood: An Italian Multicenter Study
Authors: Foppiani Andrea , Ciciriello Fabiana , Bisogno Arianna , Bricchi Silvia , Colombo Carla , Alghisi Federico , Lucidi Vincenzina , Catena Maria , Lucanto Mariacristina , Mari Andrea , Bedogni Giorgio , Battezzati Alberto
Published: March 2023

Background: Insulin secretion and glucose tolerance is annually assessed in patients with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) through oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) as a screening measure for cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. We aimed to describe the distribution and provide reference quartiles of OGTT-related variables in the Italian cystic fibrosis population. Methods: Cross-sectional study of PwCF receiving care in three Italian cystic fibrosis centers of excellence, from 2016 to 2020. We performed a modified 2-h OGTT protocol (1.75 g/kg, maximum 75 g), sampling at baseline and at 30-min intervals, analyzing plasma glucose, serum insulin, and C-peptide. The modified OGTT allowed for the modeling of β cell function. For all variables, multivariable quantile regression was performed to estimate the median, the 25th, and 75th percentiles, with age, sex, and pancreatic insufficiency as predictors. Results: We have quantified the deterioration of glucose tolerance and insulin secretion with age according to sex and pancreatic insufficiency, highlighting a deviation from linearity both for patients <10 years and >35 years of age. Conclusions: References of OGTT variables for PwCF provide a necessary tool to not only identify patients at risk for CFRD or other cystic fibrosis-related complications, but also to evaluate the effects of promising pharmacological therapies.
Association between Serum Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor Level and Arterial Stiffness in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lin Wei-Chen , Wu Tsung-Jui , Wang Chih-Hsien , Hsieh Yi-Jen , Hsu Bang-Gee
Published: March 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a significant cause of death in hemodialysis (HD) patients. To explore their associations, we examine the role of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in arterial stiffness in chronic HD patients. From June to August 2020, we recruited 135 chronic HD patients. The arterial stiffness group included patients with a carotid–femoral pulse-wave velocity (cfPWV) of >10 m/s. Fifty-five HD patients (40.7%) were in the arterial stiffness group. They had a higher prevalence of diabetes (p = 0.001) and hypertension (p = 0.039), were older (p = 0.007) and had higher aortic systolic blood pressure (p = 0.034), brachial systolic blood pressure (p = 0.025), glucose (p = 0.019), C-reactive protein (p = 0.039), and AIx75 (p = 0.003) and suPAR (p < 0.001) levels than the control group. After we performed multivariable logistic regression analysis, except age and glucose, serum suPAR (odds ratio [OR]: 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48–2.70, p < 0.001) was independently associated with arterial stiffness in chronic HD patients. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, suPAR positively correlated with cfPWV (β = 0.475, p < 0.001) and could serve as a biomarker for arterial stiffness development in patients undergoing HD.
Clinical Outcome after Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: Comparison of Two Angular Stable Locking Plates—TomoFix™ versus LOQTEQ® HTO Plate
Authors: Park Hi-Un , Bäcker Henrik Constantin , Häner Martin , Braun Karl F. , Petersen Wolf
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated bony healing and clinical results after medial open-wedge HTO to compare the outcome of the LOQTEQ® HTO plate and the TomoFix™ internal plate fixator. A prospective, non-randomised, comparative study was undertaken. The same surgical technique for the medial open-wedge HTO was used in two treatment groups. In Group 1, the TomoFix™ implant was used for osteosynthesis, and, in Group 2, the LOQTEQ® HTO plate was used. All patients were examined before surgery (T0) and then at 12 months (T1) and at 24 months (T2) postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was the KOOS pain subscore. The secondary outcome criteria were other KOOS subscales, the Tegner score, radiological healing (RUST), and incision length. The KOOS pain subscale and the other KOOS subscores increased significantly in both groups from T0 to T1 and T2 without a significant group difference at each timepoint. The activity measured with the Tegner scale increased significantly from T0 to T2 without a significant group difference. No radiological signs of implant failure were observed in any case at the one-year X-ray, and no patient fulfilled the criteria for non-union. There was no significant difference in the frequency of adverse effects between the two treatment groups. The length of the incision was significantly shorter in the LOQTEQ® HTO group than in the TomoFix™ group. The results of this study show that patient-related outcome scores (KOOS, Tegner) increased after medial open-wedge HTO. There was no difference in clinical outcome or radiological healing between the treatment groups. Both plates are suitable for the osteosynthesis of open-wedge HTO.
Examination of the Relationship between Peripheral Inflammation Markers and Impulsivity and Aggression in Schizophrenia Patients Involved and Not Involved in Crime
Authors: Kaya Suheda , Taşcı Gülay , Kılıç Nülüfer , Karadayı Hüsna , Özsoy Filiz , Atmaca Murad
Published: March 2023

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between peripheral inflammatory markers and aggression and impulsivity in schizophrenia patients with and without criminal histories. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with patients with schizophrenia involved in crimes and hospitalized in the Forensic Psychiatry ward of Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital and patients with schizophrenia not involved in crimes and hospitalized in the psychiatry ward of Elazığ Mental Health and Diseases Hospital. All participants completed the Buss–Waren Aggression Scale (BWAS), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Before treatment, venous blood samples were taken for laboratory measurements on the first day of hospitalization. Results: All participants were male. The mean age of those involved in a crime was 39 ± 9.7 years, while the mean age of those not involved in a crime was 41.2 ± 10.7 years. The PANSS all subscale and total scores of the patients with schizophrenia who were involved in a crime were significantly higher than the group who were not involved (p values were p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.043, p = 0.001, respectively). The BWAS—physical aggression (p = 0.007) and total scores of the scale (p = 0.046) and BIS-11—inability to plan (p = 0.002) scores of the group involved in a crime were higher than the group not involved. As for laboratory parameters, MCH, MCHC, PDW, eosinophils, basophils, RDW-CV, and RDW-SD values were significantly higher in those involved in crime, while MPV, creatinine, albumin, and LDH values were lower. CRP and CRP/albumin values were significantly higher, while neutrophil/albumin values were significantly lower in those who committed murder in the first degree than those who committed other crimes. Conclusion: Based on our results, we found that inflammatory agents were significantly increased in forensic schizophrenia patients with high aggression scores. Significant correlations between some inflammatory factors and impulsivity and aggression scores and differences in these factors according to crime types showed that these factors might be related to violence and criminal behavior. There is a need for further large-scale studies on this subject at different stages of the disease.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Programmed Cell Death-Associated Genes for Tumor Microenvironment Evaluation Promotes Precise Immunotherapy in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Yunxi , Ouyang Wenhao , Wang Zehua , Huang Hong , Ou Qiyun , Lin Ruichong , Yu Yunfang , Yao Herui
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a new hot spot in tumor therapy. Programmed cell death has an important role in the prognosis. We explore a programmed cell death gene prognostic model associated with survival and immunotherapy prediction via computational algorithms. Patient details were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. We used LASSO algorithm and multiple-cox regression to establish a programmed cell death-associated gene prognostic model. Further, we explored whether this model could evaluate the sensitivity of patients to anti-PD-1/PD-L1. In total, 1342 patients were included. We constructed a programmed cell death model in TCGA cohorts, and the overall survival (OS) was significantly different between the high- and low-risk score groups (HR 2.70; 95% CI 1.94–3.75; p < 0.0001; 3-year OS AUC 0.71). Specifically, this model was associated with immunotherapy progression-free survival benefit in the validation cohort (HR 2.42; 95% CI 1.59–3.68; p = 0.015; 12-month AUC 0.87). We suggest that the programmed cell death model could provide guidance for immunotherapy in LUAD patients.
Comparative Study of Graft Healing in 2 Years after “Tension Suspension” Remnant-Preserving and Non-Remnant-Preserving Anatomical Reconstruction for Sherman Type II Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Sun Yijia , Huang Zirong , Zhang Pingquan , Xie Huanyu , Wang Chen , Deng Zhenhan , Chen Kang , Zhu Weimin
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the degree of graft healing after “tension suspension” reconstruction of “Sherman II” anterior cruciate ligament injuries versus non-remnant preserving anatomical reconstruction and to compare the clinical outcomes of the two procedures. Method: The clinical data of 64 patients were retrospectively included. There were 31 cases in the “tension suspension” remnant-preserving reconstruction group and 33 cases in the non-remnant-preserving anatomical reconstruction group. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Tegner score, and the Lysholm activity score were assessed preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively, respectively. The signal/noise quotient (SNQ) of the grafts was measured at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery to quantitatively evaluate the maturity of the grafts after ACL reconstruction; the fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the reconstructed ACL region of interest (ROI) were measured using DTI. Result: A total of 64 patients were included in the study. The mean SNQ values of the grafts in the 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperative remnant-preserving reconstruction (RP) groups were lower than those in the non-remnant-preserving (NRP) reconstruction group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). At each postoperative follow-up, the SNQ values of the tibial and femoral sides of the RP group were lower than those of the NRP group; the SNQ values of the femoral side of the grafts in both groups were higher than those of the tibial side, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). At 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively, the FA and ADC values of the grafts were lower in the RP group than in the NRP group, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05); the IKDC score and Lysholm score of the RP group were higher than the NRP group, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: For Sherman II ACL injury, the graft healing including ligamentization and revascularization at 2 years after the “tension suspension” remnant-preserving reconstruction was better than that of non-remnant-preserving anatomic reconstruction.
Technology Shocks and the Efficiency of Equity Markets in the Developed and Emerging Economies: A Global VAR Approach
Authors: Hammed Yinka S. , Salisu Afees A.
Published: March 2023

We tested the connection between technology shocks and the efficiency of equity markets in developed and emerging economies. We augmented the Global Vector Autoregressive (GVAR) database that covers data on 33 developed and emerging markets with the newly constructed data for technology shocks involving two variants, one with 164 countries (GTS-164), and the other, which is more region-specific. covering only Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries (GTS-OECD). Our analysis was then modeled with GVAR methodology. We found that a one standard positive innovation shock to global technology (GTS-164) raises real equity prices in nearly 70% of the markets considered, and this is sustained over the forecast periods. However, the response of real equity prices to a global-specific technology shock (GTS-OECD) is rather different. While this shock resulted in the immediate rise in real equity prices, it is only transient and dissipated after the third quarter of the forecast horizon in about 85% of these markets. By implication, the efficiency of the real equity market was assured for the region-specific technology shock rather than for the more encompassing measurement that takes account of numerous markets, not minding whether these markets are developed or emerging. In sum, technological shocks seem to have greater impacts on the efficiency of developed (including Euro) markets than other markets.
Bank Credit and Trade Credit: The Case of Portuguese SMEs from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Pinto António , Henriques Carla , Cardoso Carolina , Neves Maria
Published: March 2023

Small companies face significant difficulties in accessing finance, and the use of bank credit and trade credit are the primary sources of financing, specifically in small countries, with little market liquidity, and focused on the banking system, as is the case of Portugal. The main objective of this article is to identify significant drivers of bank and trade credit, as well as investigate the complementary or substitutive relationship between them, considering that both constitute an essential source of financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The sample comprises 5860 companies, and the analysis was performed using panel data methodology (2010–2019). The results suggest that, during the period in which the financial crisis was most felt in the country (2010–2013), companies intensified their demand for trade credit, and in the following years for bank credit. Our evidence does support the substitution hypothesis between trade and bank credit.
Participatory Governance as a Success Factor in Equity Crowdfunding Campaigns for Cultural Heritage
Authors: Borin Elena , Fantini Giulia
Published: March 2023

This study seeks to address a research gap about the role of participatory governance as a success factor in successful equity crowdfunding (ECF) campaigns in the cultural heritage sector. The research stems from calls coming from both equity crowdfunding and cultural heritage research. Concerning equity crowdfunding research, academics have pointed out the need for more research on specific economic sectors and topics related to governance. Concerning cultural heritage and equity crowdfunding, our investigation is in line both with the calls for differentiation of funding schemes that could increase the financial resilience of cultural heritage organizations and with the academic and policy debate on the need to promote engagement and participation, also through participatory governance. Via QCA (Qualitative Comparative Analysis), this research investigates the peculiarities and success factors of equity crowdfunding for cultural heritage, with a special focus on participatory governance. The results indicate that ECF campaigns in this field can raise more funds than the targeted ones if they propose participatory governance schemes and enhance emotional and cultural heritage-related signals, thus differentiating ECF in cultural heritage from ECF in other sectors.
Local Plant and Insect Conservation Evaluated with Organizational Identity Theory
Authors: Maynard Lily , Cadena Bailey , Thompson T’Noya , Pence Valerie , Philpott Megan , O’Neil Mollie , Pritchard Mandy , Glenn Julia , Reilly Bridget , Hubrich Jordan , Jenike David
Published: March 2023

With a range of programs focused on local plant and insect conservation, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden works with partners and our communities to restore landscapes and thriving ecosystems for wildlife and people. We used organizational identity theory (OIT) to evaluate the current strategies and practices of five programs and determine opportunities for adaptation to better achieve our organizational conservation goals. Case studies ranged from habitat restoration of wetlands and gardens to community engagement to encourage individual gardeners and the reintroduction of endangered plants and insects. We present program characteristics and how collaborative partnerships facilitate opportunities for zoos to lead the conservation of local flora and fauna. The OIT framework reveals components critical to strategy implementation and best practices relevant to other zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens when evaluating their collaborative conservation initiatives.
Evaluation of Targeted Injections of Ivermectin or Potassium Chloride for Euthanasia of Anesthetized Thorny Devil Stick Insects (Eurycantha calcarata)
Authors: Heniff Ashlyn C. , Gorges Melinda A. , Lewbart Gregory A. , Balko Julie A.
Published: March 2023

Insects are commonly utilized in biomedical research and have become increasingly popular in museum collections and as pets. Despite this, objective evaluation of insect euthanasia is scarce. This study investigated the effectiveness of targeted injections of ivermectin or potassium chloride (KCl) for the euthanasia of anesthetized thorny devil stick insects (Eurycantha calcarata). Ten clinically healthy mature insects (six males, four females) were enrolled. Insects were weighed and anesthetized via exposure to a cotton ball soaked with 1.6 mL of liquid isoflurane in a 1 L sealed chamber until loss of righting reflex and response to stimulation (induction). Insects then received one of three treatments: ivermectin 100 mg/kg (n = 4), KCl 200 mEq/kg (n = 4), or 0.9% sodium chloride 100 mL/kg (n = 2) injected along the ventral thoracic midline between the first leg plate and the caudal adjacent plate. Following injection, insects were serially monitored for return of spontaneous movement and righting reflex. Death was defined as the absence of spontaneous movement for 48 h. Median (range) induction time and isoflurane concentration at induction was 36 (22–39) min (n = 9) and 22 (19–22)%, respectively. Euthanasia was successful in 4/4, 3/4, and 0/2 isoflurane-anesthetized insects receiving ivermectin, KCl, or 0.9% sodium chloride, respectively. Recovery was prolonged at 10.5 (sodium chloride female), 11.0 (KCl male), and 18.0 (sodium chloride male) hours. This is the first prospective investigation of euthanasia in adult E. calcarata. In this preliminary study, ivermectin 100 mg/kg via ventral midline injection was effective for euthanasia of thorny devil stick insects.
Comparison of Pedotransfer Functions for Determination of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity for Highly Eroded Loess Soil
Authors: Petryk Agnieszka , Kruk Edyta , Ryczek Marek , Lackóová Lenka
Published: March 2023

Saturated hydraulic conductivity is one of the most essential soil parameters, influencing surface runoff and water erosion formation. Both field and laboratory methods of measurement of this property are time or cost-consuming. On the other hand, empirical methods are very easy, quick and costless. The aim of the work was to compare 15 pedotransfer models and determination of their usefulness for assessment of saturated hydraulic conductivity for highly eroded loess soil. The mean values obtained by use of the analyzed functions highly fluctuated between 2.00·10−3 and 4.05·100 m·day−1. The results of calculations were compared within them and with the values obtained by the field method. The function that was the best comparable with the field method were the ones proposed by Kazeny-Carman, based on void ratio and specific area, and by Zauuerbrej, based on total porosity and effective diameter d20. In turn, the functions that completely differed with the field method were the ones proposed by Seelheim, based on effective diameter d50 and by Furnival and Wilson, based on bulk density, organic matter, clay and silt content. The obtained results are very important for analysis among others water erosion on loess soil.
Economic Growth Does Not Mitigate Its Decoupling Relationship with Urban Greenness in China
Authors: Cheng Min , Liang Ying , Zeng Canying , Pan Yi , Zhu Jinxia , Wang Jingyi
Published: March 2023

Accompanied by China’s rapid economic growth, significant urban greening has occurred in Chinese cities, in particular in the urban core areas. In contrast, rapid urbanization and economic growth also led to a high probability of vegetation degradation in urban fringe regions. However, these significant spatial differences in urban greenness associated with economic growth in Chinese cities are not well understood. This study explored the spatiotemporal characteristics of the nighttime light (NTL) and annual maximum enhanced vegetation index (EVImax) in urban areas from 2001 to 2020. A strong decoupling status between economic growth and urban greenness on the national scale was found. Overall, 49.15% of urban areas showed a decoupling status. Spatially, this percentage of urban areas with a decoupling status would significantly decrease when the long-term average NTL surpasses 51. Moreover, this significant threshold of decoupling status was found in 189 cities out of 344 (54.65%) in China. This threshold in each city showed significant spatial heterogeneity but can mostly be attributed to the gradient in the long-term average precipitation (Pmean) of each city during the period of 2001–2020. Specifically, a spatial increase in Pmean of 100 mm responded to a decrease in the threshold of 0.4 DN (p < 0.01). In contrast, there was no significant correlation between the threshold and the economic growth status of each city. Our results provide valuable insights for coordinating the development of urban greening and economic growth.
The Impact Factors and Management Policy of Digital Village Development: A Case Study of Gansu Province, China
Authors: Zhang Ping , Li Weiwei , Zhao Kaixu , Zhao Yi , Chen Hua , Zhao Sidong
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Along with the maturity of smart cities, digital villages and smart villages are receiving more attention than ever before as the key to promote sustainable rural development. The Chinese government has made great efforts in promoting the digital development of villages in recent years, as evidenced by policies intensively introduced by the central and local governments, making China a typical representative country in the world. (2) Methods: This paper evaluates the performance and geographic pattern of rural digital development by the Geographic Information System (GIS) in Gansu, a less developed province in western China, and analyzes the driving mechanism of rural digital development using GeoDetector, providing a basis for spatial zoning and differentiated policy design for the construction, planning and management of digital villages based on the GE matrix. (3) Results: First, the development of digital villages shows a prominent geographical imbalance, with 79 counties divided into leader, follower and straggler levels. Second, digital villages show unsynchronized development in different dimensions, with the village facilities digitalization index in the lead and the village economy digitalization index lagging behind. Thirdly, the development of digital villages is characterized by significant spatial correlation and spillover effects, with cold and hot counties distributed in clusters, forming a “center-periphery” structure. Fourth, the factors show significant influence differentiation. They are classified into all-purpose, multifunctional and single-functional factors by their scope of action, and into key, important and auxiliary factors by their intensity of action. Fifth, the interaction and driving mechanism between different factors is quite complex, dominated by nonlinear enhancement and bifactor enhancement, and the synergistic effect of factor pairs helps increase the influence by 1–4 times. (4) Conclusions: It is suggested that the government develop differentiated policies for zoning planning and management based on the level of digital development of villages in combination with the factor influence and its driving mechanism and promote regional linkage and common development and governance through top-level design.
Coordinated Development and Sustainability of the Agriculture, Climate and Society System in China: Based on the PLE Analysis Framework
Authors: Li Xuelan , Jiang Jiyu , Cifuentes-Faura Javier
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, frequent climate extremes exert a serious impact on agricultural production and social development, which is seldom studied in the previous literature. Production–Living–Ecological (PLE) is a useful analysis framework, and China is a suitable model for such study. This paper takes the Huai River Eco-Economic Belt (HREB), an important agricultural zone in China, to study the relationship among agricultural production (P), society (L), and climate change (E), which is referred to as APLE. This paper constructs a coupled coordination evaluation index system for the APLE system and uses coupling coordination degree models and geographic detector to study the spatial and temporal evolution of the coordinated development of 34 counties (cities) in the HREB from 2009 to 2018. The results show the following: (1) The development of the agricultural subsystem and the social subsystem formed a “scissors difference” from 2009 to 2014, and the three subsystems showed a slight upward trend during 2014–2018. (2) The coupling and coordinated development of the APLE system in the HREB was generally stable, and the coupling coordination degree was improved from low-grade and slightly uncoordinated to barely and primarily coordinated. Furthermore, the spatial differentiation of the coupling coordination degree shows a clear pattern of being high in the southeast and low in the northwest. (3) The main influencing factors are the drought and flood protection rate, the effective irrigation rate, the per capita electricity consumption in agriculture, the number of beds in healthcare facilities per 10,000 people, the per capita disposable income of urban residents, the annual average temperature, and the annual precipitation. (4) The spatial–temporal evolution of the coupling and coordinated development of the APLE system is the result of the comprehensive effect of internal driving forces such as food security, the consumption level of rural residents, and the development level of urbanization construction, and external driving forces such as government public welfare and natural conditions.
Rethinking China’s Rural Revitalization: The Development of a Sense of Community Scale for Chinese Traditional Villages
Authors: Wang Wei , Gao Yun , Pitts Adrian
Published: March 2023

Improving the sense of community (SOC) in Chinese traditional villages is crucial to preventing population loss and conserving the cultural heritage of China’s rural areas. These factors are important components of China’s rural revitalization policy, and thus, it is necessary to measure the SOC of villagers as part of the process. This study has developed a new SOC scale for Chinese traditional villages based on McMillan and Chavis’s four-factor theory involving membership, influence, need fulfillment, and emotional connections. An initial proposed sense of community scale for Chinese traditional village (SCSCTV) was structured as a four-factor scale with 28 items, including items from existing SOC studies and new items created by considering the features of Chinese traditional village communities. The scale was tested in the studies of three traditional villages in Chongqing by using two different methods. The findings provide guidance for the study of villages in the context of Chinese rural societies and a reliable scale for measuring villagers’ SOC.
The Impact of Agricultural Labor Migration on the Urban–Rural Dual Economic Structure: The Case of Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Du Yixuan , Zhao Zhe , Liu Shuang , Li Zhihui
Published: March 2023

Based on the practical requirements of China’s urban–rural integrated development, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to analyze the impact of agricultural labor migration on the urban–rural dual economic structure. This paper empirically examined the impact of agricultural labor migration on the urban–rural dual economic structure by using the spatial Durbin model and the geographically and temporally weighted regression model on the basis of the panel data of 14 regions in Liaoning Province from 2005 to 2020. The results show that agricultural labor migration has an obvious optimization effect and spatial spillover effect on the urban–rural dual economic structure; in terms of space, agricultural labor migration has a stronger impact on the central and western regions and a weaker impact on the southeastern regions; in terms of time, agricultural labor migration can stably promote the integration of urban and rural economies before the second Lewis turning point. Therefore, this paper provides references with regard to increasing investment in rural education and training; improving the structure of government spending; and protecting the rights and interests of rural migrants.
Effects of Multifaceted Street Art on Price Premium of Pre War Commercial Buildings: The Case of Georgetown UNESCO World Heritage Site
Authors: Cheng Chin Tiong , Ling Gabriel Hoh Teck , Chin Hon-Choong , Leng Pau Chung
Published: March 2023

Street art is promoted in most countries to intensify the cultural elements of the cityscape. Although street art provides cultural and social values, its impact on the prices of prewar historic property is still unknown. Therefore, an empirical study that examines the relationship between prewar shophouse prices and street art is needed to improve real estate professionals’ understanding of the historic preservation market. Using pre- and post-models for the years 2009 to 2019, this study systematically determined the actual location of 119 street art objects (in the form of sculptures and murals) and the 852 prewar shophouses sold in George Town, Penang. The price change of prewar shophouses correlates with the number of street art objects within 100 m, 500 m, and 1000 m of the properties. Due to the heterogeneous characteristics of the properties, six primary hedonic models were developed to extract the price premium of street art. This study has shown the impact of street art on a prewar commercial building, where an additional unit of sculpture could increase its price by 8.32%, 1.62%, and 0.74%, based on radii of 100 m, 500 m, and 1000 m, respectively, in the post-model (after 2012–2019). However, a mural painting has no significant effect on the price change of prewar shophouses. In addition, the position of street art (representing visibility) in the model was tested. The result shows that, unlike sculptures that were located at the back of prewar houses, such street art effects contributed positively to the price premium when they were located at the front of the buildings, with each additional unit of sculpture increasing the price premium of prewar houses by 1.13%. Sculptures as street art thus created a positive externality for the city, particularly with respect to the price premium for prewar shophouses.
Sampling and Generalizability in Lx Research: A Second-Order Synthesis
Authors: Plonsky Luke
Published: March 2023

As in many other social sciences, second/additional language (Lx) researchers are often interested in generalizing their findings beyond the samples they collect data from. However, very little is known about the range of learner backgrounds and settings found in Lx research. Moreover, the few papers that have addressed the range of settings and demographics sampled in Lx research paint a disappointing picture). The current study examines the extent to which concerns expressed over this issue are merited and worthy of further attention. Toward that end, sample-related features such as L1, Lx/target language, age, proficiency, and educational setting (or lack thereof) were extracted from a sample of 308 systematic reviews of Lx research. The data from this “meta-synthetic” sample are then used to estimate the extent to which Lx research has sampled—and might or might not be able to generalize to—different populations and contexts including those pertinent to migrant populations, the focus of this special issue. The results reveal an incredibly disproportionate interest in participants with English as a first or target language and as well as university students in a narrow range of countries. The findings are used to call out the applied linguistics community on this gross oversight while also seeking to inform future research and contribute to the ongoing methodological reform movement in applied linguistics.
Greener Grass: The Modern History of Epithelial Stem Cell Innovation
Authors: Pitt Keshia , Mochida Yoshiyuki , Senoo Makoto
Published: March 2023

The field of epithelial stem cell development has been irrevocably shaped by the work of American scientist Howard Green, whose breakthroughs in stem cell culture methods translated to therapeutic practice. In this review, we chronicle the milestones that propelled the field of regenerative medicine of the skin forward over the last fifty years. We detail the early discoveries made by Green and his collaborators, highlight clinical cases that made life-saving use of his findings, and discuss the accomplishments of other scientists who later innovated upon his discoveries.
Gastrointestinal Histoplasmosis: A Descriptive Review, 2001–2021
Authors: Ekeng Bassey E. , Itam-Eyo Asa E. , Osaigbovo Iriagbonse I. , Warris Adilia , Oladele Rita O. , Bongomin Felix , Denning David W.
Published: March 2023

Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis (GIH) is infrequently described in people without underlying HIV infection. We aimed to compare the clinical presentation of GIH in people with and without HIV infection. We conducted a literature search of published cases of GIH from 2001–2021 and found 212 cases. Of these, 142 (67.0%) were male, and 124 (58.5%) had HIV infection. Most cases were from North America (n = 88, 41.5%) and South America (n = 79, 37.3%). Of the 212 cases, 123 (58.0%) were included in both clinical and pathological analyses. The remainder were excluded as details about clinical and pathological findings were not available. Of the 123 cases, 41 had HIV infection while 82 were without HIV infection. The diagnosis was predominantly by histopathology (n = 109, 88.6%). A significant proportion of people with HIV infection had abdominal pain as the most predominant symptom of GIH compared to those without HIV infection (65.9% versus 41.9%, p < 0.05). The colon was the most affected site with a slightly higher proportion in those with HIV infection compared with cases without HIV infection (46.3% versus 42.7%). The commonest pathologic findings were caecal and ileal ulcers. Caecal ulcers were significantly more frequent in cases with HIV infection compared to those without HIV (32.1% versus 7.1%, p < 0.05). Despite being more common in people with HIV infection, GIH also affects people without HIV infection with similar clinical presentations.