bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accessibility of Public Sector Institutions for People with Special Needs in Polish Regions
Authors: Janusz Marcin , Piotrowski Marek , Kwiatkowska Emilia , Grzybowska-Brzezińska Mariola , Maciuk Kamil
Published: November 2023

Social inclusion is one of the important conditions for sustainable socio-economic development. However, one of the paths leading to social inclusion is to ensure a high level of accessibility of institutions for people with special needs. The study described in the present paper examined the accessibility of Polish public sector bodies based on data from government reports (comprehensive study). Accessibility is a feature that should be offered as a complementary service offered to both individuals and legal entities during epidemic emergencies and beyond. The limited accessibility of public institutions is a significant obstacle to the full well-being of the population. Indicating differences in the spatial dispersion of this phenomenon in Poland was the basis for undertaking research for this article. Three areas of accessibility were tested: physical (architectural) accessibility, digital (web) accessibility, and ICT accessibility. A synthetic measure of accessibility was constructed for the study and used to rank Polish voivodeships (provinces, NUTS 2) from highest to lowest. Clustering was used to identify similar regions. The highest- and lowest-scoring regions were the Mazowieckie voivodeship (capital city—Warsaw) and the Podkarpackie voivodeship (capital city—Rzeszów), respectively. Legal accessibility requirements are the biggest driver of further accessibility improvements for voivodeships.
A Transaction Model and Profit Allocation Method of Multiple Energy Storage Oriented to Versatile Regulation Demand
Authors: Zhi Jin , Xue Yuantian , Li Xiaozhu , Song Changcheng , Zhang Kaipeng , Chen Laijun
Published: November 2023

This study proposes a day-ahead transaction model that combines multiple energy storage systems (ESS), including a hydrogen storage system (HSS), battery energy storage system (BESS), and compressed air energy storage (CAES). It is catering to the trend of a diversified power market to respond to the constraints from the insufficient flexibility of a high-proportion renewable energy system (RES). The model is a double-layer game based on the Nash–Stackelberg–cooperative (N–S–C) game. Multiple users in the upper layer form the Nash game with the goal of maximizing their own benefits, while the multiple ESSs in the lower layer form a cooperative game with the goal of maximizing the overall benefits; the two layers form a Stackelberg game. Moreover, an allocation mechanism is proposed to balance the overall and individual rationality and promote the sustainable development of multiple ESSs, considering the operational characteristics. A numerical simulation is carried out using the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed model, which is based on data from the renewable energy gathering area in northwest China. The results show that this strategy shortens the energy storage payback period and improves the energy storage utilization. The simulation results indicate that small-scale energy storage with a rated power of less than 18 MWh does not have a price advantage, indicating the need to improve the configuration capacity of energy storage in the future from decentralized energy storage to independent/shared energy storage.
Effect of Loading Direction on Deformation and Strength of Heterogeneous Paleo Clay Samples
Authors: Huang Shaoping , Yang Yuanhai , Xiao Henglin , Cao Wenying , Cao Kaiming , Xing Ruiming , Wang Yanchao
Published: November 2023

Landslides result from weak surfaces with varying rock-soil properties, posing a significant concern for engineering and accurate deformation analysis. This study investigated the macroscopic physical and mechanical properties of paleo clay specimens during triaxial compression testing, aiming to elucidate the deformation mechanisms exhibited by these specimens under varying loading directions at both the loading and unloading ends, and numerical simulation methods were carried out to simulate actual engineering scenarios. The analysis encompasses deformation patterns, stress–strain relationships, Mohr stress circles, and numerical simulation failure cloud diagrams for soil samples under different loading directions. The results showed that the loading end of heterogeneous specimens exhibited noticeable deformations. Alteration of the loading direction induced variations in the failure mode. The position and size of the deformations for the only iron-manganese clay, loading end iron-manganese clay, and loading end reticulated clay samples changed with the clay layer at the loading end of the sample. Moreover, the stress–strain curves under different loading directions were different, with strain hardening and strain softening appearing in the two loading directions, respectively. The results of this study contribute to an in-depth understanding of the impact of the loading direction on the deformation and strength of paleo clay, thereby providing a foundation for landslide prevention and control measures.
Rural Land Consolidation and Social Consciousness Change: A Case Study of a Land Consolidation Program in Rural Chongqing, China
Authors: Deng Qinwen , Xiang Shuai , Chen Boli
Published: November 2023

With the changing relationship between urban and rural areas in China, the rural areas are experiencing rapid social transformation. To ensure successful implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, land consolidation has become a major measure of rural economic reform. Existing research focuses on quantitative studies exploring the relationship between land consolidation and rural economic development, but there is a lack of studies on the relationship between land consolidation and social change. In this study, we utilized Rocha’s conceptual framework for community empowerment and selected Jin’an Village as our study area, using semi-structured interviews and semi-participatory observation to obtain original materials, with the aim of providing a detailed description of the specific practice of land consolidation and analyzing the impact of land consolidation on the transformation of rural social consciousness. The study found that the participatory practices of Chinese rural villagers in the land consolidation process are consistent with the development process of community empowerment. Rural land consolidation involves villagers in the land consolidation process, which can effectively stimulate villagers’ participation in public affairs. Concurrently, the interaction between villagers and outside investors disrupts the conventional socialization model in rural areas and motivates villagers to act in accordance with contractual agreements. The conclusion is that land consolidation in rural areas can enhance the political democracy and legal consciousness of local villagers, which can lead to a change in local social consciousness. Our findings also emphasize the crucial necessity of providing rural villagers with improved accessibility to professional services and information, coupled with the continued promotion of land consolidation to advance modernization in these areas.
Assessing the Benefits of Climate-Sensitive Design with Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Regeneration: A Case Study in Cheltenham, UK
Authors: Torkfar Pourya , Russo Alessio
Published: November 2023

Addressing the challenge of climate adaptation necessitates an evidence-based approach. The integration of nature into urban spaces is vital in mitigating the effects of climate change, which can be accomplished through the regeneration of grey areas. Consequently, the incorporation of nature-based solutions (NBS) becomes indispensable for the creation of climate-resilient public spaces. However, only a few studies have considered climate change simulated data to design climate-resilient spaces in the UK. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the benefits of two scenarios for regenerating an existing car park space in Cheltenham with 30% and 50% NBS. These design scenarios were the outcomes of a 3-day design workshop aiming to create a climate-resilient public space with NBS. Using ENVI-met software (version 5.0.3) and weather data for the second-highest heatwave in Cheltenham, UK, in 2017 and 2050 predictions, we analysed temperature impacts. Results show NBS could reduce the mean radiant temperature by 6 to 15 degrees. An average decrease of 1.2 in the predicted mean vote (PMV) value, indicating an improvement in thermal comfort within the 50% NBS scenario, highlights its climate adaptation benefits. Comparison between the 30% and 50% NBS scenarios reveals the importance of strategy implementation. This evidence will aid future urban projects in designing climate-resilient and healthy cities, benefiting planning authorities, architects, urban planners, landscape architects, and researchers.
Current and Future Sustainability Traits of Digestive Endoscopy
Authors: Ilias Tiberia Ioana , Hocopan Cristian Sergiu , Brata Roxana , Fratila Ovidiu
Published: November 2023

One of the most important parts of medical care is the endoscopy sector, like digestive endoscopy, which has gained extensive importance and is assumably going to increase in the future. We aimed to analyse and synthesize the impact of digestive endoscopy upon the environment and the possible measures that can be taken to minimize the negative effects of endoscopy related to environmental pollution and human health exposure. The means through which digestive endoscopy produces pollution have been analysed, considering the frame and the base of the last stage of a medical or pharmaceutical product. This research suggests a strategy for improving the impact of this sector on the sustainability of the healthcare system based on four pillars comprising the use of eco-friendly substances, materials, and devices, reducing the consumption of water and all possible devices and energy, reusing those components that can be safely reinserted in the endoscopic circuit and recycling everything that is possible. The conclusions highlight that there is a great need to take control of medical practice, admitting the impact that the healthcare system has on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, acknowledging the limited assets and wealth of the planet, and applying standards and scales of sustainability that can lead to responsible services for patients.
A Comparative Analysis of Social Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurship: An Examination of International Co-Authorship Networks
Authors: Kurata Karin , Miyashita Shuto , Sengoku Shintaro , Kodama Kota , Lim Yeong Joo
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to identify the boundaries between social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship research through conducting a comparative analysis of international co-authorship networks. Analyzing 29,510 papers published in the Web of Science database from 1999 to 2021, this study utilized bibliometric analysis to examine international co-authorship networks, the strength of international co-authorship, and the top collaborative and collaborating countries. The results found that based on quantitative analysis, social entrepreneurship research focuses more on local challenges and less on international collaboration as compared to entrepreneurship research. Moreover, the findings reveal the involvement of developed countries in the international co-authorship for social entrepreneurship research field. This study sheds light on the characteristics of social entrepreneurship research, which focuses on local and regional challenges. Contrastingly, entrepreneurship research focuses on the globalized field while sharing information and technology. These insights could benefit researchers, practitioners, and educators in prioritizing globalization in entrepreneurship and localization in social entrepreneurship.
Assessment of Climate Change’s Impact on Flow Quantity of the Mountainous Watershed of the Jajrood River in Iran Using Hydroclimatic Models
Authors: Najimi Farzaneh , Aminnejad Babak , Nourani Vahid
Published: November 2023

Rivers are the main source of fresh water in mountainous and downstream areas. It is crucial to investigate the possible threats of climate change and understand their impact on river watersheds. In this research, climate change’s impact on the mountainous watershed of the Jajrood River, upstream of Latyan Dam in Iran, was assessed by using a multivariate recursive quantile-matching nesting bias correction (MRQNBC) and the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT). Also, this study considered ten global circulation models (GCMs) from the coupled model intercomparison project phase VI (CMIP6). With a higher correlation coefficient, the MIROC6 model was selected among other models. For the future period of 2031–2060, the large-scale outputs of the MIROC6 model, corresponding to the observational data were extracted under four common socioeconomic path scenarios (SSPs 1–2.6, 2–4.5, 3–7.0, 5–8.5). The bias was corrected and downscaled by the MRQNBC method. The downscale outputs were given to the hydrological model to predict future flow. The results show that, in the period 2031–2060, the flow will be increased significantly compared to the base period (2005–2019). This increase can be seen in all scenarios. In general, changes in future flow are caused by an increase in precipitation intensity, as a result of an increase in temperature. The findings indicate that, although the results show an increase in the risk of flooding, considering the combined effects of three components, i.e., increased precipitation concentration, temperature, and reduced precipitation, climate change is intensifying the problem of water scarcity.
Challenges and Optimization of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Windows: A Review
Authors: Shi Shaohang , Zhu Ning
Published: November 2023

PV windows are seen as potential candidates for conventional windows. Improving the comprehensive performance of PV windows in terms of electrical, optical, and heat transfer has received increasing attention. This paper reviews the development of BIPV façade technologies and summarizes the related experimental and simulation studies. Based on the results of the literature research, the average comprehensive energy-saving rate of BIPV façades can reach 37.18%. Furthermore, limitations and optimization directions of photovoltaic integrated shading devices (PVSDs), photovoltaic double-skin façades, and photovoltaic windows are presented. To improve the energy-saving potential of windows as non-energy efficiency elements of buildings, smart PV windows are proposed to be the key to breakthrough comprehensive performance. However, not all switchable windows concepts can be applied to PV windows. Typical studies on smart windows and PV windows are sorted out to summarize the challenges and optimization of smart PV window technical solutions. Considering the technological innovations in smart PV windows, two requirements of energy-saving materials and building envelopes are put forward. The advances in materials and the building envelope are complementary, which will promote the sophistication and promotion of solar building technology.
Facing Climate Vulnerability in Mountain Areas: The Role of Rural Actors’ Agency and Situated Knowledge Production
Authors: Scotti Ivano , Ievoli Corrado , Bindi Letizia , Bispini Sara , Belliggiano Angelo
Published: November 2023

Climate change is challenging in mountain areas, and initiatives to define resilience programs appear essential to face global warming impacts. Despite the participatory strategy being primarily considered the best solution to involve local actors in adopting resilience actions, the literature stresses how mountain dwellers, like farmers, are often considered passive subjects, and their ability to understand climate change and the actions to adopt is inadequate. Based on this consideration, we aim to highlight the relevance of the mountain actors’ agency, their “lay” situated knowledge, and the epistemology for co-defining resilience actions. Adopting a “weak version” of the Actor-Network Theory as the research posture, we argue that farmers’ perceptions of climate vulnerability is based on their experience of it, and their resilience actions or suggestions are coherent with their endowment resources (financial and knowledge) and their position in the economic system. In this sense, local actors’ initiatives to face climate change can be limited by their specific position in the socioeconomic contest-related value chain and their specific relationship with local natural settings. A participative strategy to co-define resilience actions can help identify more effective initiatives according to the context between actors. Moreover, it can contribute to the knowledge exchange among “lay” local actors, experts, and policymakers, benefiting everyone; farmers could identify suitable solutions to face climate vulnerability, experts could increase their knowledge of local contexts, and policymakers could define adequate policies. Focusing on a specific area in “Alto Molise” (Italy), we present research results to contribute to the debate on climate resilience in mountain areas, stressing the significance of the local actors’ agency, the presence of the different epistemologies put in play (lay and expert ones), the co-production of knowledge, and the need to actively involve local actors in designing practices and policies to face climate change.
Rock Burst Intensity-Grade Prediction Based on Comprehensive Weighting Method and Bayesian Optimization Algorithm–Improved-Support Vector Machine Model
Authors: Bao Guangtuo , Hou Kepeng , Sun Huafen
Published: November 2023

In order to accurately judge the tendency of rock burst disaster and effectively guide the prevention and control of rock burst disaster, a rock burst intensity-grade prediction model based on the comprehensive weighting of prediction indicators and Bayesian optimization algorithm–improved-support vector machine (BOA-SVM) is proposed for the first time. According to the main factors affecting the occurrence and intensity of rock burst, the rock stress coefficient (σθ/σc), brittleness coefficient (σc/σt) and elastic energy index (Wet) are selected to construct the rock burst prediction indicator system. On the basis of the research of other scholars, according to the main performance and characteristics of rock burst, rock burst is divided into four intensity levels. The collected and sorted 120 sets of rock burst case data at home and abroad are taken as learning samples, and the T-SNE algorithm is used to perform dimensionality-reduction visualization processing on the sample data, visually display the distribution of samples of different grades, evaluate the representativeness of the sample data and prejudge the feasibility of the machine learning algorithm to distinguish different rock burst intensity levels. The combined improved analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) and Delphi method determine the subjective weight of the indicators; the combined entropy weight method and CRITIC method determine the objective weight of the indicator, and use the harmonic mean criterion of information theory to synthesize the subjective weight and objective weight of the indicator to obtain the comprehensive weight of the indicators. After weighted prediction indicators, a rock burst intensity-grade prediction model is constructed based on the support vector machine, and the hyperparameters of three types of support vector machines are improved by using the Bayesian optimization algorithm. Then, the prediction accuracy of different models is calculated by the random cross-validation method, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the rock burst intensity-grade prediction model is verified. In order to evaluate the generalization and engineering applicability of the proposed model, 20 groups of rock burst case data from the Maluping mine and Daxiangling tunnel are introduced to predict the rock burst intensity grade. The results show that the accuracy of the rock burst intensity-grade prediction model based on comprehensive weighting and BOA-SVM is as high as 93.30%, which is of higher accuracy and better effect than the ordinary model, and can provide warning information with a higher fault tolerance rate, which provides a new way of thinking for rock burst intensity-grade prediction.
Extraction of Pb, Cu, Zn and As from Fine Dust of Copper Smelting Industry via Leaching with Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Dosmukhamedov Nurlan , Zholdasbay Erzhan , Argyn Aidar
Published: November 2023

Fine dust from copper smelting plants is an important source of raw materials for the extraction of various valuable metals. A specific feature of dust from copper smelting plants in Kazakhstan is their high arsenic content of up to 15%. This work shows the possibility of hydrometallurgical processing of fine dust from copper smelters, obtained during the converting of copper mattes through the Vanyukov process, via direct leaching with sulfuric acid. The influence of temperature, process time and the S:L (solid/liquid) ratio on the selective extraction of Pb, Zn, Cu and As into targeted products under leaching conditions is studied. The results of the test work show that with the optimal process parameters of S:L = 1.5, t = 60 °C, τ = 60 min, the extraction of copper and zinc into solution is achieved as 89% and 96%, respectively, and lead into cake by up to 97%. The relatively low extraction of copper and zinc into the solution is explained by the transition of copper and zinc ferrites that are insoluble in sulfuric acid into the lead cake. The redistribution of arsenic between the leaching products established in this case also affects the reduction in copper and zinc in the solution. The extraction of arsenic into the solution is 49.32%. More than half of the arsenic from the dust is left in the lead cake. The concentration of arsenic in lead cake will lead to its transition into circulating dust during smelting. This will increase the accumulation of arsenic in the overall process flow. Therefore, when organizing dust-processing technology, it is necessary to provide measures for the preliminary removal of arsenic.
Discovering Sustainable Business Partnerships through a Deep Learning Approach to Maximize Potential Value
Authors: Lee Donghun , Kim Jongeun , Song Seokwoo , Kim Kwanho
Published: November 2023

Discovering sustainable business partnerships is crucial for small and medium-sized companies, where they can realize potential value through operational resources and abilities. Prior studies have mostly focused on predicting and developing new business partners using various machine learning techniques or social network analyses. However, effectively estimating potential benefits from business partnerships is much more valuable to companies. Therefore, this study proposes a method which combines deep learning and network analyses to estimate the potential value of business partnerships for companies. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we expand business partnerships between companies and assess potential value derived from the parenthesis using business transaction data collected from the Republic of Korea. The results suggest that companies can gain more potential value from extended networks when compared to previous ones. Furthermore, potential value results show clear distinctions between industries. Our findings provide evidence that small and medium-sized companies can experience significant benefits by establishing adequate business partnerships.
Bipolar Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Technique Based on Probability Aggregation Operators for Selection of Optimal Artificial Intelligence Framework
Authors: Chen Yanhua , Rehman Ubaid ur , Mahmood Tahir
Published: November 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks are essential for development since they offer pre-built tools and libraries that speed up and simplify the production of AI models, leveraging symmetry to save time and effort. They guarantee effective computing by modifying code for particular hardware, facilitating quicker testing and deployment. The identification of a suitable and optimal AI framework for development is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) dilemma, where the considered AI frameworks for development are evaluated by considering various criteria and these criteria may have dual aspects (positive and negative). Thus, in this manuscript, we diagnosed a technique of MCDM within the bipolar fuzzy set (BFS) for identification and selection of optimal AI framework for development. In this regard, we diagnosed probability aggregation operators (AOs) within BFS, such as probability bipolar fuzzy weighted averaging (P-BFWA), probability bipolar fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (P-BFOWA), immediate probability bipolar fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (IP-BFOWA), probability bipolar fuzzy weighted geometric (P-BFWG), probability bipolar fuzzy ordered weighted geometric (P-BFOWH), and immediate probability bipolar fuzzy ordered weighted geometric (IP-BFOWG) operators. The diagnosed technique would be based on these invented probably AOs. Afterward, in this manuscript, we took a case study and obtained the optimal AI framework for development by employing the diagnosed technique of MCDM. We also investigated the comparison of the devised theory with certain prevailing theories to reveal the dominance and significance of the devised theory.
A Method for Calculating the Sign and Degree of Chirality of Supercoiled Protein Structures
Authors: Lutsenko Aleksey , Sidorova Alla , Shpigun Denis , Belova Ekaterina , Tverdislov Vsevolod
Published: November 2023

Chirality plays an important role in studies of natural protein structures. Therefore, much attention is paid to solving the problems associated with the development of criteria and methods for assessing the chirality of biomolecules. In this paper, a new method for calculating the sign and degree of chirality of superhelices is proposed. The method makes it possible to characterize the chirality sign and to quantify coiled-coils and collagen superhelices. The degree of chirality is understood as a value indicating the intensity of twisting of individual helices around the axis of the superhelix. The calculation requires information about the relative spatial arrangement of the alpha carbon of the amino acid residues of the helices that make up the superhelix. The use of a small amount of raw data makes the method easy to apply, and the validity of the results of this study is confirmed through the analysis of real protein structures.
Analysis on the Effect of Phase Noise on the Performance of Satellite Communication and Measurement System
Authors: Liu Xuan , Lu Hongmin , He Yifeng , Wu Fulin , Zhang Chengxi , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: November 2023

An oscillator is a key component of a satellite communication measurement and control system, performing symmetry precisely as a time frequency reference. At the same time, the phase noise index has a close coupling relationship with the overall performance of the entire system, while persistently breaking the symmetry property of the oscillator during work. It is very important to study and reasonably allocate the phase noise index. According to the theoretical formula of phase noise, this paper analyzes the power law spectral model in the frequency domain and the noise jitter characteristics in the time domain. Using the carrier tracking loop in the measurement system, the frequency domain transfer model of phase noise is established, and typical analysis results are given. A discrete fractional integration algorithm is proposed, which can generate the phase noise time domain sequence under the given power law spectral model coefficients. The proposed algorithm is more realistic compared with the previous numerical calculation method, and has sufficient accuracy compared with the results of the instrument. After frequency domain conversion, the RMS deviation between the simulated noise sequence in the frequency domain and the measured single sideband power spectral density is less than 2.5 dB, indicating that the phase noise sequence can reflect the frequency domain characteristics more completely. A communication measurement simulation system is built, and a discrete sequence simulation analysis method combining frequency domain and time domain is provided, and the coupling relationship of key indicators such as phase noise, thermal noise, communication data rate, modulation method and bit error rate is synthesized. The results show that the BER of the QPSK/BPSK communication system will not be significantly reduced if the phase jitter RMS caused by the phase noise is less than 5 degrees, so 5 degrees can be used as a reference for the decomposition of the carrier SSB phase noise index. The simulation results have been successfully applied to a satellite inter-satellite link system, which has universal practical application value.
Constructing Ethical AI Based on the “Human-in-the-Loop” System
Authors: Chen Ximeng , Wang Xiaohong , Qu Yanzhang
Published: November 2023

The Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) system was first proposed by Robert Monarch, a machine learning expert. It adopted a “hybrid” strategy combining human intelligence and machine intelligence, aiming to improve the accuracy of machine learning models and assist human learning. At present, there have been a number ethical design attempts based on the HITL system, and some progress has been made in the ethical choices of disaster rescue robots and nursing robots. However, there is no analysis of why the HITL system can serve as an effective path in constructing ethical AI and how it can implement the efficiency of AI in ethical scenarios. This paper draws on the feasibility of the HITL system and analyzes how ethical AIs are possible when using the HITL system. We advocate for its application to the entire process of ethical AI design.
Correction: Escudero-Flórez et al. Dengue Virus Infection Alters Inter-Endothelial Junctions and Promotes Endothelial–Mesenchymal-Transition-like Changes in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Viruses 2023, 15, 1437
Authors: Escudero-Flórez Manuela , Torres-Hoyos David , Miranda-Brand Yaneth , Boudreau Ryan L. , Gallego-Gómez Juan Carlos , Vicente-Manzanares Miguel
Published: November 2023

Ryan L [...]
Characterization of the Efficacy of a Split Swine Influenza A Virus Nasal Vaccine Formulated with a Nanoparticle/STING Agonist Combination Adjuvant in Conventional Pigs
Authors: Patil Veerupaxagouda , Hernandez-Franco Juan F. , Yadagiri Ganesh , Bugybayeva Dina , Dolatyabi Sara , Feliciano-Ruiz Ninoshkaly , Schrock Jennifer , Suresh Raksha , Hanson Juliette , Yassine Hadi , HogenEsch Harm , Renukaradhya Gourapura J.
Published: November 2023

Swine influenza A viruses (SwIAVs) are pathogens of both veterinary and medical significance. Intranasal (IN) vaccination has the potential to reduce flu infection. We investigated the efficacy of split SwIAV H1N2 antigens adsorbed with a plant origin nanoparticle adjuvant [Nano11–SwIAV] or in combination with a STING agonist ADU-S100 [NanoS100–SwIAV]. Conventional pigs were vaccinated via IN and challenged with a heterologous SwIAV H1N1-OH7 or 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus. Immunologically, in NanoS100–SwIAV vaccinates, we observed enhanced frequencies of activated monocytes in the blood of the pandemic virus challenged animals and in tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLN) of H1N1-OH7 challenged animals. In both groups of the virus challenged pigs, increased frequencies of IL-17A+ and CD49d+IL-17A+ cytotoxic lymphocytes were observed in Nano11–SwIAV vaccinates in the draining TBLN. Enhanced frequency of CD49d+IFNγ+ CTLs in the TBLN and blood of both the Nano11-based SwIAV vaccinates was observed. Animals vaccinated with both Nano11-based vaccines had upregulated cross-reactive secretory IgA in the lungs and serum IgG against heterologous and heterosubtypic viruses. However, in NanoS100–SwIAV vaccinates, a slight early reduction in the H1N1 pandemic virus and a late reduction in the SwIAV H1N1-OH7 load in the nasal passages were detected. Hence, despite vast genetic differences between the vaccine and both the challenge viruses, IN vaccination with NanoS100–SwIAV induced antigen-specific moderate levels of cross-protective immune responses.
Interaction between Groundwater and Surface Water in the Qujiang River Basin in China: Evidence from Chemical Isotope Measurements
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Chaoyu , Jiang Jiyi , Zhang Ying , Wang Guanghao , Xu Liangliang , Qu Zhihui
Published: November 2023

The Qujiang River Basin is a significant water system located in Zhejiang Province, China, that serves as a primary water source for Quzhou City. For this research, we collected and examined water samples from the Qujiang River Basin. In this study, we collected and analyzed water samples from the Qujiang River Basin and employed a combination of methods, including water balance analysis; Piper trilinear diagram; Gibbs diagram; and environmental tracer techniques, such as hydrochemical and isotopic analysis. These techniques helped us to analyze the spatial distribution patterns and evolutionary trends of surface water and groundwater hydrochemistry, along with the stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen, as well as to determine the sources of surface water and groundwater by calculating the conversion ratio between surface water and groundwater. (1) The findings of our study indicate that the primary hydrochemical types in the study area are Ca-HCO3 and Ca-HCO3·Cl, with the ion composition of water primarily influenced by rock weathering and precipitation. (2) Similar spatial variations in hydrochemical indicators were observed between surface water and groundwater in the study area, with frequent transitions between the two. (3) The hydrogen and oxygen isotope content increases downstream, signifying that both groundwater and surface water in the study area are replenished by atmospheric precipitation, as supported by the relationship between hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and the meteoric water line. (4) We determined that groundwater predominantly replenishes surface water in the upstream area. The average contribution rate of groundwater to surface water is 19.67%, with an annual average recharge volume of 1.23 × 106 m3. Midstream and downstream, surface water mainly recharges groundwater, with an average contribution rate of 22.77% and an annual average recharge volume of 1.59 × 106 m3.
A Novel Daily Runoff Probability Density Prediction Model Based on Simplified Minimal Gated Memory–Non-Crossing Quantile Regression and Kernel Density Estimation
Authors: Liu Huaiyuan , Zhu Sipeng , Mo Li
Published: November 2023

Reliable and accurate daily runoff predictions are critical to water resource management and planning. Probability density predictions of daily runoff can provide decision-makers with comprehensive information by quantifying the uncertainty of forecasting. Models based on quantile regression (QR) have been proven to achieve good probabilistic prediction performance, but the predicted quantiles may crossover with each other, seriously reducing the reliability of the prediction. This paper proposes non-crossing quantile regression (NCQR), which guarantees that the intervals between adjacent quantiles are greater than 0, which avoids the occurrence of quantile crossing. In order to apply NCQR to the prediction of nonlinear runoff series, this paper combines NCQR with recurrent neural network (RNN) models. In order to reduce the model training time and further improve the model accuracy, this paper simplifies the minimal gated memory (MGM) model and proposes a new RNN model, called the simplified minimal gated memory (SMGM) model. Kernel density estimation (KDE) is used to transform the discrete quantiles predicted using SMGM-NCQR into a continuous probability density function (PDF). This paper proposes a novel daily density prediction model that combines SMGM-NCQR and KDE. Three daily runoff datasets in the Yangtze River Basin in China are taken as examples and compared with the advanced models in current research in terms of five aspects: point prediction evaluation, interval prediction evaluation, probability density prediction evaluation, the degree of quantile crossing and training time. The experimental results show that the model can provide high-quality and highly reliable runoff probability density predictions.
Influences of Management Practices and Methodological Choices on Life Cycle Assessment Results of Composting Mixtures of Biowaste and Green Cuts
Authors: Joseph Ben , Stichnothe Heinz
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an analysis that aimed to quantify the consequences of modelling choices in the life cycle assessment of composting by investigating the influence of composting management practices and the influence of the selected marginal product for substitution. In order to investigate the different influencing factors, a set of 11 scenarios were defined. The scenario results revealed that increasing the turning frequency of the input material leads to a Global warming potential (GWP) reduction of approx. 50%. However, there is a trade-off between GWP reduction and increases in other environmental impacts, including acidification potential (AP), ozone formation potential (OFP), and stratospheric ozone depletion potential (ODP). GWP and AP can also be reduced by optimal exhaust gas filter maintenance, although this causes OFP and ODP to increase. The most relevant factor for GWP is the choice of substituted products. When peat for horticulture can be replaced, GWP can be substantially lowered while hardly affecting other environmental impacts.
AUDIOLOGICAL TESTING IN COMPLEX GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT OF PATIENTS
Authors: Голованова Л.Е. , Бобошко М.Ю. , Лаптева Е.С. , Огородникова Е.А.
Published: November 2023

Цель исследования — изучение целесообразности включения аудиологического тестирования в систему комплексной гериатрической оценки (КГО) пациентов. Представлены результаты обследования 988 человек пожилого и старческого возраста (средний возраст — 77±7,4 года), каждому из которых была проведена КГО и оценка слуха путем заполнения скрининговой анкеты для пожилых с нарушениями слуха (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly, Screening version — HHIE-S). Все пациенты были разделены на две группы: 1-я — 780 стационарных пациентов, проходивших медико-социальную реабилитацию в разных отделениях Санкт-Петербургского городского гериатрического центра; 2-я — 208 амбулаторных пациентов, из которых 81 дополнительно было проведено аудиологическое обследование, включавшее осмотр ЛОР-органов и тональную пороговую аудиометрию для определения степени снижения слуховой функции. Выявлена корреляция состояния слуха и когнитивного статуса пациентов по результатам краткой шкалы оценки психического статуса (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), а также индекса старческой астении (FI). Результаты работы свидетельствуют о необходимости включения скрининговой анкеты HHIE-S в систему КГО для раннего выявления тугоухости, своевременной коррекции слуха и профилактики когнитивных расстройств.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the advantage of including audiological testing in the system of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) of patients. The results of a survey of 988 elderly and senile people (average age 77±7,4 years) are presented, each of whom underwent a CGA and hearing assessment by fi lling out a questionnaire Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly, Screening version (HHIE-S). All patients were divided into two groups: the fi rst group included 780 inpatient patients undergoing medical and social rehabilitation in different departments of the Saint-Petersburg City Geriatric Center. The second group included 208 outpatient patients, of whom 81 additionally underwent an audiological examination, which included ENT examination and pure tone audiometry to determine the degree of hearing loss. A correlation was revealed between the hearing state and the cognitive status of patients according to the results of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire, as well as the senile asthenia index. The results of the work indicate the need to include the HHIE-S questionnaire in the system of comprehensive geriatric assessment for early detection and correction of hearing loss, and prevention of cognitive disorders.
REFRIGERADOR PORTÁTIL ALIMENTADO POR ENERGIA RENOVÁVEL
Authors: HENRIQUE DA SILVEIRA ZANIN CARLOS
Published: November 2023

This study is about the design of a portable refrigerator powered by renewable energy. Research is done on small scale solar and wind energy availability. The refrigeration is generated by thermoelectric modules, also known as Peltier modules. A successful refrigeration project begins with the correct calculation of the heating load. These calculations are based on local data from the intended area of operation (Tramandaí). The Peltier module selection is done through a heat transfer analysis based on the heat sinks used on the design and using the datasheet provided by the module manufacturer. The software EnergyPlus is used to calculate the available power provided by the photovoltaic panel during operation. Finally a brief study about the system electric components is done and its connections are represented in a simplified drawing. The design of the portable refrigerator has some physical and energetic constraints, like the large size and weight of its components, great energy consume by the Peltier modules and the low rate of energy powered by the renewable sources, adding a limitation to the heating. However, when the product is placed at 5 °C in the refrigerator, the temperature is preserved, and the refrigerator works within its limitations energy.
A MANUTENÇÃO DO WELFARE STATE COMO MECANISMO DE COMBATE À CRIMINALIDADE ECONÔMICA
Authors: MARCELA CHIANCA DE GUSMÃO LIMA LINS ANNA
Published: November 2023

The core of this work is to address the origins of the Welfare State, albeit succinctly, its crisis and whether there is any connection between the crisis and the increase in economic crime in the countries. We observe the structuring of the Welfare State at the beginning of the 20th century and took place in the leading countries of European capitalism as a result of the growing working mass. As it could not be otherwise, the social framework of the social policies developed at that time were predominantly of a social security nature and those resulting from accidents at work, taking advantage, above all, of the increase in trade union organizations in their greatest concentration in countries such as England, France and Germany. Currently in the context of globalization, the welfare state encounters a series of difficulties and the need to recalibrate itself. What we try to demonstrate is that there is a relationship between countries that have not abandoned the roots of their “social heart” and countries that today appear to have the lowest rates of economic crime, according to studies by international organizations. In other words, there is a relationship between the maintenance – recalibrated – of public policies with a lower incidence of financial crimes, the reasons range from reducing levels of social inequality, improving purchasing power, but mainly promoting the notion of social integration, as demonstrated using applied management in Scandinavia as the study premise.
formación de posgrado en Pediatría en centros de salud de Rosario. Un estudio cualitativo
Authors: De Candia Lucas Fernando , Geuna Jesica Daiana
Published: November 2023

La educación médica ha sido influencia por el informe Flexner de 1910, que instaló el razonamiento formal de las ciencias naturales como eje central de la formación médica y aportó a la consolidación de la biomedicina como modelo dominante de la práctica. Ha surgido una propuesta alternativa: la Salud Colectiva (SC) latinoamericana que aspira a adoptar la complejidad para ampliar el análisis de los problemas de salud. El contexto fue la dificultad para abordar problemas poblacionales, el crecimiento de los costos y el lanzamiento de la Atención Primaria de la Salud como estrategia. Hoy, los sistemas de salud demandan profesionales con aptitud para el abordaje interdisciplinario/intersectorial. Fundamentalmente organizada en hospitales, la formación de posgrado tiende a reproducir modelos de enseñanza centrados en la transmisión de conocimiento, descontextualizando los abordajes y poniendo el foco en los procedimientos. Los Centros de Salud (CS) como espacios de prácticas pueden constituir un lugar estratégico para acercar necesidades poblacionales y perfiles profesionales. METODOLOGÍA: Se propuso explorar y describir el proceso educativo de las y los pediatras en formación de posgrado en CS de la Ciudad de Rosario, mediante un estudio cualitativo con entrevistas semi estructuradas a actores clave: personas en formación de posgrado y tutores de la Carrera de Pediatría. RESULTADOS/ DISCUSIÓN: El trabajo en CS con tutoras acompañando el proceso de aprendizaje es una rotación en Pediatría. La misma aparece como una actividad con la potencialidad de ofrecer experiencias superadoras de la biomedicina. Surgen señalamientos críticos al actuar sistemático, la clínica focalizada en la enfermedad y las prácticas descontextualizadas que caracterizan al trabajo hospitalario. CONCLUSIÓN: se identifica la necesidad de potenciar los CS como espacios de formación práctica de posgrado en Pediatría si se aspira a producir graduados mejor preparados para trabajar en los contextos reales de Rosario.
Análisis del tratamiento durante 7 y 10 días con el extracto enriquecido en proantocianidinas de Ligaria cuneifolia sobre la fluidez sanguínea
Authors: Alonso Juan Francisco , Santiago Rahlf Paula , Galiasso Carolina , Urli Leda , Galliano Sebastián , Crosetti Diego , Francés Daniel , Ronco María Teresa , Wagner Marcelo , Carnovale Cristina , Luquita Alejandra
Published: November 2023

La infusión de Ligaria cuneifolia o “muérdago criollo” es utilizada en medicina popular para dar mayor fluidez a la sangre disminuyendo el exceso de Colesterol plasmático. Del extracto crudo se purificó Proantocianidina (PLc). Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los factores celulares y plasmáticos que afectan la fluidez sanguínea a bajas velocidades de flujo, estimada por la cinética de la agregación eritrocitaria en ratas hiperlipémicas durante 7 días y 10 días de tratamiento con PLc. Fueron utilizadas ratas Wistar machos de 70 días de edad (n = 24), alimentadas con dieta rica en grasa. Las ratas controles recibieron por vía intraperitoneal solución fisiológica cada 24 horas y las tratadas PLc 3mg /100g peso corporal, durante 7 días y 10 días (n= 6 cada grupo). El día 8 y 11 respectivamente, los animales fueron anestesiados obteniéndose sangre por punción cardíaca. Se determinaron en plasma: colesterol (total, HDL y LDL) y triglicéridos por métodos enzimáticos; en sangre: se evaluó la cinética de la agregación eritrocitaria por método óptico, obteniéndose 2 parámetros: tamaño de los agregados y velocidad de la agregación eritrocitaria. Factores celulares: Se calculó el índice morfológico según clasificación de Bessis e índice de rigidez por método de filtración. El tratamiento con PLc mostró un efecto hipolipemiante en ratas tratadas durante 7 y 10 días, con una disminución significativa de la agregación eritrocitaria mejorando la fluidez sanguínea, sin cambios en los factores celulares que afectan la capacidad de agregarse de los eritrocitos. De acuerdo con estos resultados podemos concluir que se ha logrado obtener una fracción de Lc, enriquecida en Proantocianidinas que es capaz de disminuir el colesterol y triglicéridos plasmático favoreciendo la fluidez sanguínea a bajas velocidades de flujo, disminuyendo la velocidad de agregación eritrocitaria.