bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Approach for Alignment of Light Field Mirage
Authors: Momonoi Yoshiharu , Yamamoto Koya , Yokote Yoshihiro , Sato Atsushi , Takaki Yasuhiro
Published: December 2022

We previously proposed techniques to eliminate repeated three-dimensional (3D) images produced by the light field Mirage, which consists of circularly aligned multiple-slanted light field displays. However, we only constructed the lower half of the system to verify the proposed elimination techniques. In this study, we developed an alignment technique for a complete 360-degree display system. The alignment techniques for conventional 360-degree display systems, which use a large number of projectors, greatly depend on electronic calibration, which indispensably causes image quality degradation. We propose a systematic approach for the alignment for the light field Mirage, which causes less image quality degradation by taking advantage of the small number of display devices required for the light field Mirage. The calibration technique for light field displays, the image stitching technique, and the brightness matching technique are consecutively performed, and the generation of 360-degree 3D images is verified.
Enzymatic Oxidation of Ferulic Acid as a Way of Preparing New Derivatives
Authors: Aljawish Abdulhadi , Chevalot Isabelle , Paris Cédric , Muniglia Lionel
Published: December 2022

The ferulic acid (FA)-oxidation by Myceliophthora thermophila laccase was performed in phosphate buffer at 30 °C and pH 7.5 as an eco-friendly procedure. LC-MS analysis showed that oxidation products were four dehydrodimers (P1, P2, P3, P5) at MM = 386 g/mol, two dehydrotetramers (P6, P7) at MM = 770 g/mol and one decarboxylated dehydrodimer (P4) at MM = 340 g/mol. Structural characterization showed that FA-dehydrodimers were symmetric for P1 and P5 while asymmetric for P2, P3 and P4. Physicochemical characterization showed that oxidation products presented a higher lipophilicity than that of FA. Moreover, symmetric dimers and tetra dimers had a higher melting point compared to FA and its asymmetric dimers. Antioxidant and anti-proliferative assessments indicated that enzymatic oligomerization increased antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties of oxidation products for P2, P3 and P6 compared to FA. Finally, this enzymatic process in water could produce new molecules, having good antiradical and anti-proliferative activities.
Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of Paraneoplastic Syndromes with Peripheral Nerve Damage
Authors: Tian Jing , Cao Cuifang , Miao Ruihan , Wu Haoran , Zhang Kun , Wang Binbin , Zhou Zhou , Chen Ruomeng , Liu Xiaoyun
Published: December 2022

There are few clinical and electrophysiological studies on paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS) with peripheral nerve damage, which brings great challenges to clinical identification and diagnosis. We analyzed the clinical and electrophysiological data of twenty-five confirmed PNS cases using peripheral nerve damage patients. The results showed the most common chief complaint was weakness (20/25, 80%), followed by numbness (13/25, 52%). Nineteen patients (76%) exhibited peripheral nervous system lesions prior to occult tumors, and the median time from symptom onset to the diagnosis of a tumor was 4 months. The electrophysiological results revealed a higher rate of abnormal amplitudes than latency or conduction velocity, especially in sensory nerves. Meanwhile, we found that, compared with patients >65 y, patients aged ≤65 y exhibited more chronic onset (p = 0.01) and longer disease duration (p = 0.01), more motor nerve involvements (p = 0.02), more amplitude involvement (p = 0.01), and higher rates of the inability to walk independently at presentation (p = 0.02). The present study construed that weakness and paresthesia are common symptoms in PNS with peripheral nerve damage in some areas, and the electrophysiological results mainly changed in amplitude. Tumor screening in young and middle-aged patients with peripheral neuropathy cannot be ignored.
Intrusion Detection System for IoT Using Logical Analysis of Data and Information Gain Ratio
Authors: Chauhan Sneha , Gangopadhyay Sugata , Gangopadhyay Aditi Kar
Published: December 2022

The rapidly increasing use of the internet has led to an increase in new devices and technologies; however, attack and security violations have grown exponentially as well. In order to detect and prevent attacks, an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is proposed using Logical Analysis of Data (LAD). Logical Analysis of Data is a data analysis technique that classifies data as either normal or an attack based on patterns. A pattern generation approach is discussed using the concept of Boolean functions. The IDS model is trained and tested using the Bot-IoT dataset. The model achieves an accuracy of 99.98%, and is able to detect new attacks with good precision and recall.
Renal Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Syncope due to Saddle Pulmonary Tumor Embolism
Authors: Elajami Mohamad K. , Mansour Ephraim , Bahmad Hisham F. , Chaaya Gerard , DeBeer Steven , Poppiti Robert , Omarzai Yumna
Published: December 2022

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is defined as the obstruction of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by a blood clot, tumor, air, or fat emboli originating elsewhere in the body. A saddle PE occurs when the obstruction affects the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery trunk. We present a case of a 46-year-old man who presented to our hospital due to an episode of syncope. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest showed extensive PE and abdominal CT scan showed a large 8 cm left renal mass with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus. Emergent embolectomy, left total nephrectomy, and IVC tumor removal were performed yielding the diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Interestingly, our patient did not experience any symptoms related to his RCC until the diagnosis of PE due to syncope, and the asymptomatic tumor was found out to be the possible cause of this PE due to the presence of tumor cells constituting the tumor embolus. It is thus recommended to improve the early screening process for RCC. Besides, clinicians should pay attention to patients presenting with uncharacteristic symptoms of RCC who might present with symptoms of saddle PE.
Association between Environmental Exposures and Asthma among Children in King Williams Town, South Africa
Authors: Yusuf Rasaq A. , Rathebe Phoka C. , Mbonane Thokazani P.
Published: December 2022

The study aimed to assess the association between environmental exposure and asthma among children between 3 and 12 years old in King Williams Town, South Africa. A quantitative case-control study was conducted at Grey Hospital to assess the association between environmental exposure and asthma among children who reside in King Williams Town. Of the total 566 study participants, 50.5% (286) had asthma while 49.5% did not. Socio-demographic factors associated with asthma in children were being within the age group 9–12 years (OR 1.74, CI 95% 1.09–2.78) and India ethnicity (OR 0.20, CI 95% 0.08–0.48). Factors associated with asthma were weight within 25–35 kg (OR 1.64, CI 95% 1.11–2.42) and BMI within 15–20 (OR 4.80, CI 95% 2.80–8.22). Environmental risk factors associated with asthma were indoor exposure to tobacco smoke from mothers of the participants (OR 5.45, CI 95% 3.08–9.65) and from fathers (OR 4.37; CI 95% 2.77–6.90). Abstaining from eating seafood appeared to be protective from developing asthma (OR 0.01; CI 95% 0.00–0.05). The study found no significant association between outdoor environmental exposures and childhood asthma. The age of participant, weight, BMI, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and eating seafood had significant correlations with childhood asthma. Strengthening the evaluation of children healthcare and encouraging smoking cessation among parents could reduce exposure to environmental asthma triggers among children.
Wind Energy on the High Seas: Regulatory Challenges for a Science Fiction Future
Authors: Herrera Anchustegui Ignacio , Radovich Violeta S.
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to study the current regulation and governance of wind energy turbines on the high seas and detect regulatory challenges. We focus on the existing regulatory framework to develop marine wind farms in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), the nature of wind farms and wind turbines in said areas, and which governance schemes and institutions ought to coordinate and regulate any future marine wind energy development. Our research shows that under public international law, the deployment of wind turbines on (most parts of) the high seas for all States is possible, but many issues still remain, either thinly regulated or unanswered. We inquire where, by whom, and how can marine wind parks be built on the high seas according to public international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the LOSC). Lastly, we evaluate the possible role of marine spatial planning (MSP) in developing wind energy on the high seas.
Feasibility of Harris Hawks Optimization in Combination with Fuzzy Inference System Predicting Heating Load Energy Inside Buildings
Authors: Moayedi Hossein , Le Van Bao
Published: December 2022

Heating and cooling systems account for a considerable portion of the energy consumed for domestic reasons in Europe. Burning fossil fuels is the main way to produce this energy, which has a detrimental effect on the environment. It is essential to consider a building’s characteristics when determining how much heating and cooling is necessary. As a result, a study of the related buildings’ characteristics, such as the type of cooling and heating systems required for maintaining appropriate indoor air conditions, can help in the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings. Numerous studies have used machine learning to predict cooling and heating systems based on variables that include relative compactness, orientation, overall height, roof area, wall area, surface area, glazing area, and glazing area distribution. Fuzzy logic, however, is not used in any of these methods. In this article, we study a fuzzy logic approach, i.e., HHO−ANFIS (combination of Harris hawks optimization and adaptive neuro-fuzzy interface system), to predict the heating load in residential buildings and investigate the feasibility of this technique in predicting the heating load. Fuzzy techniques obtain perfect results. The analysis results show that the HHO−ANFIS with a population size of 400, the highest value of R2 (0.98709 and 0.98794), and the lowest value of RMSE (0.08769 and 0.08281) in the training and testing dataset, respectively, can predict the heating load with high accuracy. According to the high value of R2 (98%) and low value of RMSE, HHO−ANFIS can be used in predicting the heating load of residential buildings.
Research on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Modified Silt Sediment Geopolymer Materials
Authors: Li Changming , Chai Xiaoxiong , Liu Hui , Cheng Haifeng , Jia Dongyang , Di Longfei , Qin Songlin , Jin Yongbao
Published: December 2022

The treatment of silted sediment in the river is a global problem. The accumulation of waste sediment will lead to an adverse impact on the environment. In this paper, the silted sediment was reused to produce geopolymer composite materials via alkali-activated gelling modification. The effects of the modifiers of sodium silicate solution, quicklime, and Na2SO4 admixture, and the dosage of the slag, fly ash, and silica fume admixture, and curing conditions and age, on the compressive strength and microstructure of the geopolymer-modified sediment materials were studied. The crystalline phase and hydration products of the modified sediment geopolymer composites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. A compressive strength test was conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composites. The results showed that the type and dosage of modifier, amount of mineral admixture additive, cure conditions, and cure age had significant effects on the mechanical properties of the composites. The effect of the addition of mineral admixture on the compressive strength of the modified sediment specimens was more noticeable than that of the modifier. The compressive strength of the geopolymer-modified specimens was greatly increased by the addition of mineral dopants. When 10 wt.% silica fume is added, the compressive strength reaches a maximum value of 33.25 MPa at 60 days. The SEM-EDS results show that the C-S-H gels and C-A-S-H gels were the main hydration products. The results indicate that river siltation sediment is an excellent raw material for geopolymer-modified materials. It is feasible to produce reliable and sustainable hydraulic engineering materials by using river sediment geopolymer-modified materials.
PEG Reinforced Scaffold Promotes Uniform Distribution of Human MSC-Created Cartilage Matrix
Authors: Riewruja Kanyakorn , Aguglia Alyssa M. , Hines Sophie , Makarcyzk Meagan J. , Honsawek Sittisak , Lin Hang
Published: December 2022

Previously, we used a gelatin/hyaluronic acid (GH)-based scaffold to induce chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSC). The results showed that hBMSCs underwent robust chondrogenesis and facilitated in vivo cartilage regeneration. However, it was noticed that the GH scaffolds display a compressive modulus that is markedly lower than native cartilage. In this study, we aimed to enhance the mechanical strength of GH scaffolds without significantly impairing their chondrosupportive property. Specifically, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and photoinitiators were infiltrated into pre-formed hBMSC-laden GH scaffolds and then photo-crosslinked. Results showed that infiltration of PEG at the beginning of chondrogenesis significantly increased the deposition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the central area of the scaffold. To explore the mechanism, we compared the cell migration and proliferation in the margin and central areas of GH and PEG-infiltrated GH scaffolds (GH+PEG). Limited cell migration was noticed in both groups, but more proliferating cells were observed in GH than in GH+PEG. Lastly, the in vitro repairing study with bovine cartilage explants showed that PEG- impregnated scaffolds integrated well with host tissues. These results indicate that PEG-GH hybrid scaffolds, created through infiltrating PEG into pre-formed GH scaffolds, display good integration capacity and represent a new tool for the repair of chondral injury.
The Importance of COVID-19/Influenza Vaccines Co-Administration: An Essential Public Health Tool
Authors: Venuto Roberto , Giunta Ioselita , Cortese Rosaria , Denaro Federica , Pantò Giuseppe , Privitera Antonino , D’Amato Smeralda , Genovese Cristina , La Fauci Vincenza , Fedele Francesco , Ceccio Concetta , Squeri Raffaele , Facciolà Alessio
Published: December 2022

Vaccine co-administration is an important tool with several advantages for public health, among which is the increase of vaccination coverage, as well as economic and logistical benefits. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the immune response to the COVID-19 first booster dose in healthcare workers (HCWs) who chose co-administration and in HCWs who received only COVID-19 vaccination and to investigate personal opinions about the experience of co-administration. We carried out a retrospective analysis involving two groups of HCWs, both vaccinated with the complete primary cycle and the first booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, but one of them was also vaccinated, at the same time as the first booster dose, with the influenza vaccine. Active phone calls were also performed, and specific questions about the onset of side effects and general opinions were asked. A good immune response was found in both two groups without any statistically significant difference in the immune response. No severe reactions occurred in either group. A greater part of the sample was completely satisfied, and they would do it again. Our findings are totally in favor of the co-administration, considering the many positive aspects provided by administering, at the same time, more vaccines.
Development and Psychometric Properties of the Community Implementation Behaviour Questionnaire (CIBQ) in the Context of Supporting Caring Relatives of People with Dementia
Authors: Wittek Maren , Manke-Reimers Fabian , Schmitt Eric
Published: December 2022

The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) investigates the determinants influencing the implementation behaviour of actors in healthcare. Caring for people with dementia (PWD) can be burdensome. Therefore, caring relatives (CRs) often rely on support of various actors in their community (CAs). However, the support of this target group is not sufficient, and the implementation of support services needs to be optimised. As it stands, there is no German-language questionnaire to investigate the factors that influence the implementation behaviour of CAs. Therefore, based on the TDF, the Community Implementation Behaviour Questionnaire (CIBQ) was developed in this study. A total of 205 CAs from 16 German communities were surveyed. The 34-item CIBQ asked about their implementation behaviour regarding support services for CRs of PWD. To identify the best model fit, the internal consistency and construct validity were computed. After adaptation, the final CIBQ consisted of ten domains and thirty-one items. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire are as follows: CMIN/DF = 1.63; SRMR = 0.05; RMSEA = 0.07; CFI = 0.92; Cronbach’s alpha 0.74–0.89; inter-item correlation 0.38–0.88. The initial results show satisfactory internal consistency and construct validity of the CIBQ. Using the CIBQ enables the health and care optimisation of CRs of PWD.
Dietary Intakes of Elite Male Professional Rugby Union Players in Catered and Non-Catered Environments
Authors: Posthumus Logan , Driller Matthew , Darry Katrina , Winwood Paul , Rollo Ian , Gill Nicholas
Published: December 2022

In professional rugby union, it is common for players to switch between catered and non-catered dietary environments throughout a season. However, little is known about the difference in dietary intake between these two settings. Twelve elite male professional rugby union players (28.3 ± 2.9 y, 188.9 ± 9.5 cm, 104.1 ± 13.3 kg) from the New Zealand Super Rugby Championship completed seven-day photographic food diaries with two-way communication during two seven-day competition weeks in both catered and non-catered environments. While no significant differences were observed in relative carbohydrate intake, mean seven-day absolute energy intakes (5210 ± 674 vs. 4341 ± 654 kcal·day−1), relative protein (2.8 ± 0.3 vs. 2.3 ± 0.3 g·kgBM·day−1) and relative fat (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 g·kgBM·day−1) intakes were significantly higher in the catered compared to the non-catered environment (respectively) among forwards (n = 6). Backs (n = 6) presented non-significantly higher energy and macronutrient intakes within a catered compared to a non-catered environment. More similar dietary intakes were observed among backs regardless of the catering environment. Forwards may require more support and/or attention when transitioning between catered and non-catered environments to ensure that recommended dietary intakes are being achieved.
Sleep Traits, Night Shift Work and Lung Cancer Risk among Women: Results from a Population-Based Case-Control Study in France (The WELCA Study)
Authors: Cordina-Duverger Emilie , Uchai Shreeshti , Tvardik Nastassia , Billmann Régine , Martin Diane , Trédaniel Jean , Wislez Marie , Blons Hélène , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Antoine Martine , Guénel Pascal , Radoï Loredana ,   WELCA Study Group
Published: December 2022

Circadian rhythm disruption due to night shift work and/or sleep disorders is associated with negative health outcomes including cancer. There is only scant evidence of an association with lung cancer, unlike breast and prostate cancer. We explore the role of sleep disorders and night shift work in lung cancer risk among women in a population-based case-control study, including 716 lung cancer cases and 758 controls. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with sleep duration per day (<7 h, 7–7.9 h, ≥8 h), a summary index of sleep disorders, chronotype, and night shift work exposure metrics. When compared to women with an average sleep duration of 7–7.9 h per day, the OR was 1.39 (95% CI 1.04–1.86) in long sleepers (≥8 h) and 1.16 (95% CI 0.86–1.56) in short sleepers (<7 h). Overall, lung cancer was not associated with the sleep disorder index, nor with night shift work, regardless of the duration of night work or the frequency of night shifts. However, elevated OR associated with the sleep disorder index were found in the subgroup of current smokers. The U-shaped association of lung cancer with sleep duration was more particularly pronounced among women who worked at night ≥5 years. Our findings suggested that sleep patterns are associated with lung cancer risk in women with a potential modifying effect by night shift work duration or tobacco smoking.
Family Caregivers of People with Dementia Associate with Poor Health-Related Quality of Life: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Shin Ji Hye , Kim Ji Hyun
Published: December 2022

Despite the growing awareness of poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in family caregivers of people with dementia (PWD), their relationship has rarely been explored with population-based samples. The current cross-sectional study aimed to determine the detrimental impact of informal dementia caregiving on HRQoL by using nationally representative population-based samples from the Korean Community Health Survey. Demographics, socioeconomic, and physical and mental health-related characteristics as well as HRQoL measured by the Korean version of the European Quality of Life Questionnaire Five Dimension (EQ-5D) were compared between 9563 family caregivers of PWD and 186,165 noncaregivers. Caregivers had lower index scores and higher frequency of some/extreme problems in all five dimensions of the EQ-5D compared with noncaregivers. Logistic regression adjusting for potential confounding factors found that caregivers had a higher frequency of poor HRQoL (lowest quartile of EQ-5D index) than noncaregivers (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.46 [1.39–1.53]). Compared to noncaregivers, caregivers had a higher frequency of some/extreme problems in each dimension of the EQ-5D: mobility (1.30 [1.21–1.40]), self-care (1.62 [1.46–1.80]), usual activity (1.39 [1.29–1.51]), pain/discomfort (1.37 [1.31–1.45]), and anxiety/depression (1.51 [1.42–1.61]). A one-to-one propensity score matching analysis confirmed that poor HRQoL was more frequently found in caregivers compared to noncaregivers (1.38 [1.29–1.48]). Our results indicated that family caregivers of PWD are significantly associated with overall poor HRQoL, underscoring the detrimental impact of informal dementia caregiving on HRQoL. Given the high frequency of poor HRQoL in dementia caregivers and the important recognition of its serious consequences on physical and mental health, clinicians should take into consideration efficient interventions to improve health and HRQoL for family caregivers of PWD.
Malpractice Claims and Incident Reporting: Two Faces of the Same Coin?
Authors: Vetrugno Giuseppe , Foti Federica , Grassi Vincenzo M. , De-Giorgio Fabio , Cambieri Andrea , Ghisellini Renato , Clemente Francesco , Marchese Luca , Sabatelli Giuseppe , Delogu Giuseppe , Frati Paola , Fineschi Vittorio
Published: December 2022

Incident reporting is an important method to identify risks because learning from the reports is crucial in developing and implementing effective improvements. A medical malpractice claims analysis is an important tool in any case. Both incident reports and claims show cases of damage caused to patients, despite incident reporting comprising near misses, cases where no event occurred and no-harm events. We therefore compare the two worlds to assess whether they are similar or definitively different. From 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2021, the claims database of Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS collected 843 claims. From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021, the incident-reporting database collected 1919 events. In order to compare the two, we used IBNR calculation, usually adopted by the insurance industry to determine loss to a company and to evaluate the real number of adverse events that occurred. Indeed, the number of reported adverse events almost overlapped with the total number of events, which is indicative that incurred-but-not-reported events are practically irrelevant. The distribution of damage events reported as claims in the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021 and related to incidents that occurred in the months of the same period, grouped by quarter, was then compared with the distribution of damage events reported as adverse events and sentinel events in the same period, grouped by quarter. The analysis of the claims database showed that the claims trend is slightly decreasing. However, the analysis of the reports database showed that, in the period 2020–2021, the reports trend was increasing. In our study, the comparison of the two, malpractice claims and incident reporting, documented many differences and weak areas of overlap. Nevertheless, this contribution represents the first attempt to compare the two and new studies focusing on single types of adverse events are, therefore, desirable.
The Impacts of Fiscal Subsidies on the Carbon Emissions of Mining Enterprises: Evidence from China
Authors: Dai Wei , Zhang Xuefang , Xu Chaohui
Published: December 2022

Lowering carbon output and reducing emissions have been worldwide concerns as global warming and environmental pollution worsen. Governments play a key role in driving corporate action related to carbon and emission reduction. In this paper, mining companies listed in China’s A-share market were taken as samples to analyze the impacts of fiscal subsidies on the carbon emissions of mining enterprises through empirical tests. These findings demonstrated that fiscal subsidies could substantially lower corporate carbon emissions by incentivizing and enhancing their green-technology innovation. Financing constraints provided no prominent mediator effects between fiscal subsidies and carbon emissions, and these subsidies failed to considerably relieve their financing constraints in order to restrain carbon emissions. These results indicate that government policies on fiscal subsidies could represent significant guidance for corporate low-carbon and environmental-protection efforts, thereby providing empirical evidence for governmental environmental-protection policies.
The Validation of the Decisional and Emotional Forgiveness Scale among a Chinese Sample: The Mediating Role of Forgiveness between Stress Perception and Resilience
Authors: Wang Wenyuan , Liu Suyao , Worthington Everett L. , Li Haijiang
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to revise and test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Decisional and Emotional Forgiveness Scale. In experiment 1, 1171 college students and postgraduates were invited to complete the questionnaire that provides the data for this scale. The results from this, following exploratory factor analysis, showed that the factor loading values met the standards detailed in the past literature, except in the case of item C2. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (while excluding item C2) showed a good structure validity. Furthermore, it also showed that a four-factor model fit the data well and that the reliability values (including internal consistency and test–retest reliability) met the commonly held standards. Decisional and emotional forgiveness subfactors were significantly correlated with transgression-related interpersonal motivations and self-construal. Experiment 2 was conducted in order to further confirm the validity of the scale: the results of mediated analysis showed that emotional forgiveness and the path from decisional forgiveness to emotional forgiveness could mediate the relationship between stress perception and resilience. Thus, the revised Chinese version of the Decisional and Emotional Forgiveness Scale showed good reliability and validity within a Chinese sample, demonstrating its usability as an effective tool to evaluate college students’ level of decisional and emotional forgiveness.
Dynamic Evolution, Regional Differences, and Spatial Spillover Effects of Urban Ecological Welfare Performance in China from the Perspective of Ecological Value
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Guixiang
Published: December 2022

Ecological welfare performance (EWP) is a necessary condition for achieving sustainable economic development and is a crucial initiative for resolving the dilemma of balancing economic development, social welfare, ecology, and the environment. This paper constructs and enhances a comprehensive evaluation system of ecological welfare performance (EWP) from an ecological value viewpoint for the purpose of making the results of the evaluation both comprehensive and objective. In the meantime, the Dagum Gini decomposition, kernel density, and the spatial Durbin model were initiated to measure and analyze urban EWP, which supplies new empirical results for studies on the dynamic evolution, regional differences and driving factors of urban EWP. The findings indicate the following: (1) In each spatial dimension, the urban EWP roughly demonstrates first a decreased and then an increased trend. There is a discrepancy in the east–central–west distribution of urban EWP in space, in which urban EWP in the east and west is larger than that in the central area. (2) For relative differences, intra-regional and inter-regional differences in urban EWP are significantly spatially uneven. Supervariable density is the main source of regional differences. For absolute differences, the EWP demonstrates a significant polarization effect. (3) The urban EWP does not have σ-convergence; nonetheless, it has spatial absolute β-convergence and spatial conditional β-convergence. (4) The urban EWP has a significant spatial correlation. Industrial structure, science and technology innovation, foreign investment, urbanization, government intervention, finance development, and environmental regulations all have influence effects and spatial effects on urban EWP; notwithstanding, the direction and magnitude of the effects vary across the different spatial dimensions.
Innovation of the Third Sector to Improve Nature Reserve Management in the Post-COVID-19 Epidemic Era
Authors: Guo Tian , Zheng Zhitao , Zheng Yourui
Published: December 2022

Encouraging the strong recovery of the economy is an urgent priority for all nations in the post-COVID-19 epidemic era. Social enterprise, as a new-type third sector, boasts unique advantages in structure and function, which can reach public interest targets without relying on government spending; social enterprises can effectively reduce the cost of ecological construction and maintenance, provide more professional and diverse services, and promote sustainable development in the regional economy, society, and ecology. Through an analysis of their structure and function, this study proved that social enterprises serve as a significant institutional innovation to cure the “government failure” and “market failure” in the area of public interest with the merits of the simple structure of the main body, strong self-innovation ability, high spontaneity of members, and convenient application of laws. Thus, its introduction to nature reserve management can pragmatically relieve the financial pressure and increasingly achieve public interest goals. The empirical research indicates that social enterprises need to be supplemented with the maintenance mechanism of bidirectional targets so that they can do their best to meet the requirements of “low government spending, high ecological benefits” in constructing nature reserves in the post-COVID-19 epidemic era, fully motivate the market, and develop the reliable force for public welfare.
The Perception of the National Traceability Platform among Small-Scale Tea Farmers in Typical Agricultural Areas in Central China
Authors: Huang Yatao , Liu Hua , Guo Xuanxuan , Jiao Wenxian
Published: December 2022

As one of the key technologies to ensure the safety of agricultural products, the national traceability platform is being widely promoted in China. However, it has not yet been widely adopted among farmers, especially small-scale farmers. Farmers are both producers and direct participants in the traceability of agricultural products. Their perception directly affects the effectiveness of the promotion of the national traceability platform. This study explores the perception of the national traceability platform among small-scale tea farmers in typical agricultural areas in central China. This research employed Q methodology, an approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative data allowing individuals’ subjective understandings of a specific topic to be studied. The Q-sort procedure was performed in the field with 16 small-scale tea farmers. Next, Q-factor analyses were conducted using the Ken-Q analysis. The results show that small-scale tea farmers have different perceptions of the national traceability platform. Their main characteristics are active participation, resistant participation, risk aversion, and being driven by pressure. These four categories covered 52% of the perceived variance. Meanwhile, there is also a degree of internal consistency in the perception of small-scale tea farmers. Specifically, they are all concerned that participating in the national traceability platform may increase the cost and risk of cultivation and that it is difficult to obtain support from agricultural technicians. Therefore, understanding the perceptions of tea farmers of the national traceability platform is the premise for formulating effective promotion policies. Our research sheds light on the decision-making mechanisms for small-scale tea farmers to participate in national traceability platforms, further expanding the scope of current research on farmer behavior. This research has reference significance for promoting national traceability platforms in China and other countries around the world.
Criterion-Related Validation of a Music-Based Attention Assessment for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Jeong Eunju , Ireland Susan J.
Published: December 2022

The music-based attention assessment (MAA) is a melody contour identification task that evaluates different types of attention. Previous studies have examined the psychometric and physiological validity of the MAA across various age groups in clinical and typical populations. The purpose of this study was to confirm the MAA’s criterion validity in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to correlate this with standardized neuropsychological measurements. The MAA and various neurocognitive tests (i.e., the Wechsler adult intelligence scale DST, Delis–Kaplan executive functioning scale color-word interference test, and Conner’s continuous performance test) were administered to 38 patients within two weeks prior to or post to the MAA administration. Significant correlations between MAA and neurocognitive batteries were found, indicating the potential of MAA as a valid measure of different types of attention deficits. An additional multiple regression analysis revealed that MAA was a significant factor in predicting attention ability.
Using Alternative Sources of Energy for Decarbonization: A Piece of Cake, but How to Cook This Cake?
Authors: Boguslavsky Dmitry V. , Sharov Konstantin S. , Sharova Natalia P.
Published: December 2022

Few analytical or research works claim that the negative impact of improper use of ASEs may be comparable with that of hydrocarbons and sometimes even greater. It has become a common view that “green” energy (ASE) is clean, safe and environmentally friendly (eco-friendly) in contrast with “black” energy (hydrocarbons). We analyzed 144 works on systemic and/or comparative research of the modern and prospective ASE: biofuels, hydrogen, hydropower, nuclear power, wind power, solar power, geothermal power, oceanic thermal power, tidal power, wind wave power and nuclear fusion power. We performed our analysis within the Spaceship Earth paradigm. We conclude that there is no perfect ASE that is always eco-friendly. All ASEs may be dangerous to the planet considered as a closed and isolated unit (“spaceship”) if they are used in an inconsistent manner. This is not in the least a reason to deny them as prospective sources of energy. Using all ASEs in different proportions in various regions of the planet, where their harm to the planet and humanity can be minimized and, on the contrary, their efficiency maximized, would give humanity the opportunity to decarbonize the Earth, and make the energy transition in the most effective way.
Natural Clay Minerals as Potential Arsenic Sorbents from Contaminated Groundwater: Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Rehman Ambrin , Rukh Shah , Ayoubi Samha Al , Khattak Seema Anjum , Mehmood Ayaz , Ali Liaqat , Khan Ahmad , Malik Kouser Majeed , Qayyum Abdul , Salam Hikmat
Published: December 2022

Arsenic (As) contaminated groundwater is a worldwide concern due to its chronic effects on human health. The objectives of the study were to evaluate natural inexpensive raw laterite (RL) and kaolinite (RK) for their potential use as As sorbents and to understand the As sorption on laterite and kaolinite by employing sorption and kinetic models. Raw laterite and RK were tested for EC, pH, XRF and CEC as basic parameters. Batch sorption and kinetic experiments data were fitted in the sorption (Langmuir and Freundlich) model and kinetic (pseudo-first and pseudo-second order) reaction equations, respectively. Morphological and structural changes were observed in RL and RK samples before and after As saturation by employing FTIR and SEM. The major constituent in RL was Fe and Al oxides while in RK major oxides were silica and Al. The Freundlich sorption model well explained the experimental data, indicating a greater sorption capacity of RL on a hetero-layered surface compared to RK. The kinetic reaction equations showed that equilibrium was achieved after a contact time of 240 min and the adsorption was chemisorption in nature. The RL and RK were found to be effective sorbents for As removal, however, RL showed maximum As adsorption and thus superior in comparison with RK. Structural and morphological characterization reveals the role of Fe and Al oxides in the case of RL, and Al oxides in the case of RK, in the adsorption of As. Hence this study concludes that these naturally occurring inexpensive resources can be used as sorbent agents for As-contaminated drinking water treatment.
Effect of Nature of Substituents on Coordination Properties of Mono- and Disubstituted Derivatives of Boron Cluster Anions [BnHn]2– (n = 10, 12) and Carboranes with exo-Polyhedral B–X Bonds (X = N, O, S, Hal)
Authors: Matveev Evgenii Yu. , Avdeeva Varvara V. , Zhizhin Konstantin Yu. , Malinina Elena A. , Kuznetsov Nikolay T.
Published: December 2022

This review systematizes data on the coordination ability of mono- and disubstituted derivatives of boron cluster anions and carboranes in complexation with transition metals. Boron clusters anions [BnHn]2–, monocarborane anions [CBnHn–1]–, and dicarboranes [C2BnHn–2] (with non-functionalized carbon atoms) (n = 10, 12) containing the B–X exo-polyhedral bonds (X = N, O, S, Hal) are discussed. Synthesis and structural features of complexes known to date are described. The effect of complexing metal and substituent attached to the boron cage on the composition and structures of the final complexes is analyzed. It has been established that substituted derivatives of boron cluster anions and carboranes can act as both ligands and counterions. A complexing agent can coordinate substituted derivatives of the boron cluster anions due to three-center two-electron 3c2e MHB bonds, by the substituent functional groups, or a mixed type of coordination can be realized, through the BH groups of the boron cage and the substituent. As for B-substituted carboranes, complexes with coordinated substituents or salts with non-coordinated carborane derivatives have been isolated; compounds with MHB bonding are not characteristic of carboranes.
Synthesis of Y3Al5O12:Ce Powders for X-ray Luminescent Diamond Composites
Authors: Kuznetsov Sergey V. , Sedov Vadim S. , Martyanov Artem K. , Vakalov Dmitrii S. , Tarala Ludmila V. , Tiazhelov Ivan A. , Boldyrev Kirill N.
Published: December 2022

A concentration series of Y3Al5O12:Ce solid solutions were prepared, and the composition demonstrating the highest X-ray luminescence intensity of cerium was identified. Based on the best composition, a series of luminescent diamond–Y3Al5O12:Ce composite films were synthesized using microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in methane–hydrogen gas mixtures. Variations in the amounts of the embedded Y3Al5O12:Ce powders allowed for the fine-tuning of the luminescence intensity of the composite films.
Self-Cleaning and Antibacterial Properties of the Cement Mortar with ZnO/Hydroxyapatite Powders
Authors: Mocioiu Ana-Maria , Mohanu Ileana , Piticescu Roxana Mioara , Tudor Ioan Albert , Petre Ionela , Ghiță Mihai , Ghiță Andreea Nicoleta , Ioța Miruna Adriana , Vitan Nicoleta , Enache Mădălin , Neagu Simona
Published: December 2022

According to literature data, different micro- and nanopowders have been used as a partial substitute for cement mortar due to their small size and large specific surface area. The aim of the work is to develop innovative materials based on cement mortar with antibacterial and self-cleaning properties, which can be used in the long-term maintenance of clean spaces. First, zinc oxide/hydroxyapatite (ZnO/Hap) powder denoted as ZH was synthesized by the hydrothermal method; then it was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/ energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and adsorption–desorption isotherms. The second step was the cement mortar preparation: one plain, denoted E, and one with ZH powder inside, denoted MZH. Both mortars were subjected to self-cleaning and antibacterial tests. In the self-cleaning tests, two concentrated solutions of rhodamine B and methylene blue were used. MZH showed a better decolorating after 24 h of UV light than plain cement mortar denoted E for both solutions. In order to highlight the antibacterial effect of cement mortars on some strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, the direct contact method was used. The study revealed that, after 24 h of incubation, the planktonic growth of the E. coli strain is significantly inhibited in the presence of the MZH sample, compared to the control strain. MZH cement mortar exhibits a better growth inhibitory property than the plain cement mortar E.
Abdominal and Peripheral Tissue Oxygen Supply during Selective Lower Body Perfusion for the Surgical Repair of Congenital Heart Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Magunia Harry , Nester Jana , Sandoval Boburg Rodrigo , Schlensak Christian , Rosenberger Peter , Hofbeck Michael , Keller Marius , Neunhoeffer Felix
Published: December 2022

Background: Lower body perfusion (LBP) may be a strategy for maintaining organ perfusion during congenital heart disease surgery. It is hypothesized that renal and lower limb oxygen supply during LBP is superior to off-pump surgery and comparable to that of a standard cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: in this prospective single-center study, patients aged <1 year were recruited if they were scheduled for a correction of aortic arch anomalies using antegrade cerebral perfusion and LBP (group 1), a repair of coarctation during aortic cross-clamping (group 2), or surgery under whole-body CPB (group 3). Renal (prefix “r”) and peripheral (prefix “p”) oxygen saturation (SO2), hemoglobin amount (Hb), blood velocity (Velo), and blood flow (Flow) were measured noninvasively. Results: A total of 23 patients were included (group 1, n = 9; group 2, n = 5; group 3, n = 9). Compared to the baseline values, rSO2 and pSO2 decreased significantly in group 2 compared to groups 1 and 3. Conversely, rHB significantly increased in group 2 compared to groups 1 and 3, reflecting abdominal venous stasis. Compared to group 3, group 1 showed a significantly lower pFlow during CPB; however, rFlow, pFlow, and pVelo did not differ. Conclusion: according to these observations, LBP results in an improved renal oxygen supply compared to off-pump surgery and may prove to be a promising alternative to conventional CPB.
Molecular Characterization and Genetic Variation in Ceratocystis fimbriata Ell. and Halst. on Pomegranate
Authors: Erakyathappa Navyashree Sailapura , Venkatappa Devappa , Gopal Sangeetha Chittarada , Sridhara Shankarappa , Kalaiah Honnabyraiah Madhapura , Ugalat Jayashree
Published: December 2022

Fifteen isolates of Ceratocystis fimbriata collected from different locations in Karnataka were characterized using ITS gene technology. It produced an amplification size of 600–650 bp, which indicated that all the isolates belong to the genus Ceratocystis, thus confirming the identity of the pathogenic isolates. To test genetic variability, isolates were analyzed using microsatellite markers. An UPGMA dendrogram for genetic variation among the isolates showed that all the isolates fell into two major clusters. The first cluster consisted of isolate Cf-10 and the second cluster was further divided into two sub-clusters. Sub-cluster one consisted of isolate Cf-2. Sub-cluster two was again divided into five groups. The first group included isolate Cf-13, the second group consisted of isolate Cf-14, the third group included isolates Cf-1, Cf-4, Cf-6, Cf-7, Cf-8 and Cf-9, the fourth group included Cf-5 and Cf-11, and the fifth group consisted of Cf-3, Cf-12 and Cf-15. The dissimilarity coefficient ranged from 0.00 to 0.20 among the isolates. Isolates Cf-1, Cf-3, Cf-4, Cf-5 Cf-6, Cf-7, Cf-8, Cf-9, Cf-11, Cf-12 and Cf-15 were found to be highly similar, as their dissimilarity coefficient was zero. Maximum dissimilarity (0.20) was found between isolate Cf-10 and all the other isolates, suggesting they were genetically distinct.
Doping in Recreational Sport as a Risk Management Strategy
Authors: Pitsch Werner
Published: December 2022

Knowledge about the prevalence of doping in recreational sports is still limited and fragmented. The same holds true for explanations of doping prevalence rates among different groups. One of the few theoretical models that exists uses the concept of consumer capital based on Stigler and Becker’s theory of rational addiction. Building on the largest study on doping in recreational sports that has ever been conducted in Europe, the FAIR+ survey, hypotheses on the differences in doping prevalence rates, by the level of participation in competitions and by the relative time spent participating in the sport are, developed. Statistical tests support the model while also drawing attention to the limitations of this theoretical explanation.