bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When the War Is in Your Room: A Cognitive Model of Pathological Affective Dependence (PAD) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Authors: Pugliese Erica , Saliani Angelo Maria , Mosca Oriana , Maricchiolo Fridanna , Mancini Francesco
Published: January 2023

In the last decade, Pathological Affective Dependence (PAD)—as a risk factor for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)—has undergone considerable attention among clinical and social psychologists. However, the psychological nature of PAD has been described in discordant terms throughout the literature. We try to give a clear definition of the construct (1), theorize a first cognitive model of PAD (2), and describe the prototypical characteristics of a pathological affective dependent (in terms of goals, anti-goals, and dysfunctional self-other beliefs) based on goal-oriented theories (3). We finally present (4) the resulting specific TADs (typical affective dependent) profiles (Saver, Unworthy, Traumatic, and Mixed). We believe that our manuscript on the PAD makes a significant contribution to achieve the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal aimed at eliminating “all forms of violence against all women”: in fact, understanding the psychological risk factors of IPV as PAD is an essential protective factor for designing effective prevention social strategies against IPV. Moreover, this work contributes to achieving one of the “outcome targets” of the sixteenth UN Sustainable Development Goal. It is dedicated to the promotion of “peaceful and inclusive societies”, through the reduction of all forms of violence and the protection of children from abuse. Indeed, IPV strongly affects (physical and mental) health and social sustainability of well-being. However, empirical studies on this topic are limited and there is a lack of a theoretical model of PAD. This work represents a theoretical starting point for a broader project aimed at building a cognitive-behavioral protocol and social interventions for the reduction of negative consequences on IPV victims.
Water Erosion Risk Analysis in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park (Spain) Using RUSLE and GIS Techniques
Authors: Merchán Leticia , Martínez-Graña Antonio Miguel , Alonso Rojo Pilar , Criado Marco
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, soil erosion is a global problem of great environmental and social concern, affecting natural resources, natural spaces and agricultural production. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out an erosion risk analysis to estimate the amount of soil lost, as well as to establish possible conservation practices to mitigate this loss. One way of doing this is through the integration of empirical equations such as RUSLE and GIS techniques, giving rise to a mapping of potential and actual erosion, considering the factors that make up this equation. The results obtained indicate that the areas with extreme erosion levels in Arribes del Duero, that is, with the greatest losses (greater than 200 Tm/ha/year), correspond to areas with steep slopes, poorly developed soils such as Leptosols and Regosols and vegetation with little or no vegetation cover. On the other hand, areas with stable levels of erosion (up to 10 Tm/ha/year) are found in flat areas, with more developed soils, such as Alisols and Luvisols, and vegetation with a higher density and herbaceous cover. Finally, it is concluded that the integration of GIS techniques with parametric equations constitutes a simple and economic tool for estimating these losses and, together with land use, allows different mitigation measures to be established, which, in our study area, focus on reducing the length and gradient of the slope, such as contour cultivation, construction of terraces and “bancales”.
Assessing Bioeconomy Development Opportunities in the Latvian Policy Planning Framework
Authors: Laktuka Krista , Blumberga Dagnija , Rozakis Stelios
Published: January 2023

The broad spectrum of bioresource use makes it challenging to interconnect strategic objectives and policy planning documents without compromising a coherent development vision. Bioeconomy development directions have been defined at the EU and Latvian levels. Nevertheless, to facilitate their implementation, the goals must be consistent with those specified in relevant national policy planning documents and vice versa. To determine whether internationally defined bioeconomy objectives are implemented in Latvian policy planning documents and what priority is given to them, a mixed methods approach was used—a systematic literature review combined with a keyphrase assignment approach. The results are summarized in an illustrative screening matrix and aggregated using the TOPSIS method to identify in which policy planning documents bioeconomy objectives are prioritized and to what extent. The results have shown a high prioritization of bioeconomy objectives in Latvian policy planning documents, especially in hierarchically higher documents.
Diagnosing the Institutional Forces Impacting Australia’s Aerial Firefighting Capability
Authors: Seeley Maddison , Hede Hamish , Bylart Mitchell , Rodwell John
Published: January 2023

Climate change is resulting in more wildfires, and increasingly, there are overlapping wildfire seasons between the northern and southern hemispheres. The changing climate is especially impacting the nature of aerial firefighting. This study uses an institutional lens to analyse the resources and structures associated with aerial firefighting in Australia. A set of convergent interviews of subject matter experts surfaced the key issues that have led to the current aerial firefighting situation in Australia and showed the relationships between issues. The convergent interviewing method is used to identify the core, common issues that influence the aerial firefighting system in Australia. The results highlight how aerial firefighting suffers due to the complexities that exist between the states and from a lack of a national strategy. A lack of process standardisation, an overreliance on, often international, LATs and the lack of a coordinated mitigation approach are particularly notable specific issues. Institutional theory suggests that Australia’s aerial firefighting capability has succumbed to isomorphic pressures, with the desire for legitimacy driving ever-increasing institutionalization. To respond to the changing environment, institutional entrepreneurs will be needed to create new norms and significantly change the embedded structures.
Balanced Spider Monkey Optimization with Bi-LSTM for Sustainable Air Quality Prediction
Authors: Aarthi Chelladurai , Ramya Varatharaj Jeya , Falkowski-Gilski Przemysław , Divakarachari Parameshachari Bidare
Published: January 2023

A reliable air quality prediction model is required for pollution control, human health monitoring, and sustainability. The existing air quality prediction models lack efficiency due to overfitting in prediction model and local optima trap in feature selection. This study proposes the Balanced Spider Monkey Optimization (BSMO) technique for effective feature selection to overcome the local optima trap and overfitting problems. The air quality prediction data were collected from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from four cities in India: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Cochin. Normalization is performed using Min-Max Normalization and fills the missing values in the dataset. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is applied to provide deep representation of the input dataset. The BSMO technique selects the relevant features based on the balancing factor and provides the relevant features for the Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) model. The Bi-LSTM model provides the time series prediction of air quality for four cities. The BSMO model obtained higher feature selection performance compared to existing techniques in air quality prediction. The BSMO-BILSTM model obtained 0.318 MSE, 0.564 RMSE, and 0.224 MAE, whereas Attention LSTM reached 0.699 MSE, 0.836 RMSE, and 0.892 MAE. Our solution may be of particular interest to various governmental and non-governmental institutions focused on maintaining high Quality of Life (QoL) on the local or state level.
Corporate Social Responsibility Regulatory System Based on Sustainable Corporation Law Pathway
Authors: Yao Shanshan
Published: January 2023

Whether an enterprise has a positive attitude towards social responsibility and whether it takes actions to assume social responsibility is very important to its sustainable development. The act of not taking social responsibility is not only an important reason for the lack of long-term development of enterprises, but also a key problem that hinders China’s further promotion of sustainable economic development. Therefore, it is very necessary to implement the corporate social responsibility regulatory system. The purpose of this paper is to examine the link between corporate social responsibility regulation and sustainable corporation law pathways. In order to explore this relationship and whether the two support each other, a TOPSIS-grey relational analysis is proposed. The experimental results of this paper show that the use of grey relational analysis (GRA) can evaluate whether the sustainable corporation law pathway has an impact on the practice of corporate social responsibility, and the accuracy rate is as high as 85%. The relationship between sustainable corporation law and corporate social responsibility is complementary, and the relationship between the two has reached more than 80%. Based on the path of sustainable corporation law, through the implementation of the regulatory system, enterprises can better undertake social responsibilities, thus promoting the comprehensive, sustainable and healthy development of enterprises. Only based on the principles of the sustainable corporation law pathway can businesses get better and better.
Sustainable Restoration of Depleted Quarries by the Utilization of Biomass Energy By-Products: The Case of Olive Kernel Residuals
Authors: Vasilatos Charalampos , Kypritidou Zacharenia , Anastasatou Marianthi , Aspiotis Konstantinos
Published: January 2023

The combustion of biomass has a neutral atmospheric CO2 fingerprint, because the overall produced CO2 emissions are balanced by the CO2 uptake from the plants during their growth. The current study evaluates the environmental impact of the biomass ash wastes originating from the combustion of olive-kernel residuals for electricity production in accordance with Directive EE/2003. Additionally, the study investigates the potential use of such waste in the restoration of depleted calcareous aggregate quarries in the frame of the circular economy, as a substrate or as a soil amendment. Olive-kernel residual ash, obtained from a 5 MW operating electricity power plant, was mixed with soil and tested for its adequacy for use as a substrate or soil amendment in a depleted calcareous aggregate quarry. The positive effects of the olive-kernel residual bottom ashes in the availability and the mobility of major and trace elements were assessed in both batch and column experiments. The effect of biomass ash in soil amelioration was assessed via pot experiments, by examining the growth of two plant species Cupressus sempervirens (cypress) and Dichondra repens (alfalfa). The environmental characterization of the olive-kernel residual bottom ash indicates that the water-leachable concentrations of controlled elements are, generally, within the acceptable limits for disposal as inert waste in landfills. However, the bottom ash was found to contain significant amounts of K, Ca and Mg, which are macro-nutrients for the growth of plants, serving as a slow-release fertilizer by adding nutrients in the soil. The application of bottom ash in the alkaline soil had a minor positive effect in plant growth while the addition of the ash in the acidic soil exhibited considerable effect in the growth of Dichondra repens and Cupressus sempervirens due to the release of nutrients and to the pH conditioning. Olive-kernel residual bottom ash has been proved to be appropriate as a soil amendment, and as a soil substrate for the restoration of depleted quarries, decreasing the requirement for commercial inorganic fertilizers.
RoboDoc: Smart Robot Design Dealing with Contagious Patients for Essential Vitals Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Khan Hashim Raza , Haura Insia , Uddin Riaz
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic took valuable lives all around the world. The virus was so contagious and lethal that some of the doctors who worked with COVID-19 patients either were seriously infected or died, even after using personal protective equipment. Therefore, the challenge was not only to help communities recover from the pandemic, but also to protect the healthcare staff/professionals. In this regard, this paper presents a comprehensive design of a customized pseudo-humanoid robot to specifically deal with contagious patients by taking basic vitals through a healthcare staff member from a remote location amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed design consists of two portions: (1) a complete design of mechanical, electrical/electronic, mechatronic, control, and communication parts along with complete assembly to make a complete multitask-performing robot that interacts with patients to take vitals, termed as RoboDoc, and (2) the design of the healthcare staff side (master/operator side) control of a joystick mechanism with haptic feedback. The proposed RoboDoc design can be majorly divided into three parts: (1) the locomotion part is composed of two-wheeled DC motors on a rover base and two omni wheels to support the movements of the robot; (2) the interaction part consists of a single degree-of-freedom (s-DOF) neck to have communication with different heights of patients and (3) two anthropomorphic arms with three degrees-of-freedom (3-DOF). These parts help RoboDoc to reach to patient’s location and take all of the vitals using relevant devices such as an IR temperature thermometer, pulse oximeter, and electronic stethoscope for taking live auscultations from the lungs and heart of the patient. The mechanical design was created using solid works, and the electronic control design was made via proteus 8.9. For haptic teleoperation, an XBOX 360 controller based on wireless communication is used at the master/operator side. For the convenience of the healthcare staff (operator), an interactive desktop-based GUI was developed for live monitoring of all the vital signs of patients. For the remote conversation between the healthcare staff and the patient, a tablet is mounted (that also serves as the robot’s face), and that tablet is controlled via a mobile application. For visual aid, a DSLR camera is integrated and controlled remotely, which helps the doctor monitor the patient’s location as well as examine the patient’s throat. Finally, successful experimental results of basic vitals of the remote patient such as temperature sensing, pulse oximeter, and heart rate (using haptic feedback) were obtained to show the significance of the proposed cost-effective RoboDoc design.
Usage Intention of Shared Autonomous Vehicles with Dynamic Ride Sharing on Long-Distance Trips
Authors: Abbasi Mohammadhossein , Mamdoohi Amir Reza , Sierpiński Grzegorz , Ciari Francesco
Published: January 2023

Technology advancements have paved the way for public access to shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs), but there is still no travel survey examining how SAVs with dynamic ride sharing (DRS) affect long-distance (LD) trips. Given the growth in these trips and the higher importance of travel time and cost on LD trips, assessing potential impacts of SAVs could be a vital tool in planning for a sustainable transportation system. This paper examines the impact of various attitudinal, sociodemographic, and travel-related characteristics on the usage intention of SAVs with DRS on LD trips. We have designed and conducted a web-based survey for this purpose and based on a representative sample of 723 individuals in 2021, a Generalized Ordered Logit model is estimated. Estimation results highlight the key importance of following psychological factors in a descending order: price evaluation, perceived usefulness, consumer innovativeness, sharing attitude, and privacy concern. Further, key factors among sociodemographic and travel-related characteristics are gender, education level, driving license, household car ownership, generational element, and crash history. These findings provide crucial insights into the likely effects of SAVs with DRS on LD trip behavior, based on which a number of practical implications are proposed for facilitating policy-making.
Research on Strategy Evolution of Contractor and Resident in Construction Stage of Old Community Renovation Project
Authors: Xue Yingxia , Liu Fang , Wang Guangbin , Shao Jungang
Published: January 2023

In order to improve the living environment and meet the daily needs of residents, the Chinese government is vigorously promoting the policy of old community renovation, which is closely related to the life quality and happiness of the residents. However, conflicts often occur between residents and contractors in the construction stage of old community renovation projects as a result of failing to satisfy residents’ demands. This paper uses evolutionary game theory to explore this issue. An evolutionary game model between contractor and resident is established, and then nine different strategy evolution scenarios are derived based on it. Numerical simulation is conducted to analyze the influencing factors of conflict between resident and contractor in the construction stage. It is found that construction cost, reputation, and loss caused by resident’s protest are important factors for the contractor to consider resident’s demand. Protesting cost, probability of winning the protest, and increase in benefit of winning protest exert great impact on the evolution of resident’s strategy decision on whether to protest. The paper can help to predict and affect the strategy evolution of the two parties, which will promote smooth progress of old community renovation.
Seasonal Dynamics of Soil Microbial Biomass C, N and P along an Altitudinal Gradient in Central Himalaya, India
Authors: Manral Vijyeta , Bargali Kiran , Bargali Surendra Singh , Karki Himani , Chaturvedi Ravi Kant
Published: January 2023

This study was conducted in a temperate mixed oak–pine forest of Central Himalaya, India to (i) evaluate altitudinal and seasonal variations in the microbial biomass carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and (ii) analyse the relationships between soil microbial biomass C, N and P and physico-chemical properties of soil. Three permanent plots were established in natural forest stands along an altitudinal gradient, three replicates were collected seasonally from each site, and microbial biomass (C, N and P) were determined by a fumigation extraction method. Microbial biomass C, N and P decreased significantly (p < 0.01, correlation coefficient 0.985, 0.963, 0.948, respectively) with increasing altitude having maximum values during rainy season and minimum values during winter season. Microbial biomass C, N and P showed positive correlations with silt particles, water holding capacity, bulk density, soil moisture, organic C, total N and P and negative correlations with sand particles, porosity and soil pH. Microbial biomass C was strongly associated with soil microbial N (r = 0.80, p < 0.01) and P (r = 0.89, p < 0.01) content and soil microbial biomass N and P also showed a strong linear relationship (r = 0.92, p < 0.01). Soil microbial biomass exhibited weak seasonality and was highly influenced by altitude and abiotic variables. The significantly high microbial C, N and P during the rainy season (p < 0.01) and low microbial biomass during the winter season may be due to higher immobilization of nutrients from decomposing litter by microbes as the decomposition rate of litter and microbial activity are at their peak during the rainy period. The microbial C:N ratio indicated that soil fertility is influenced by species composition. Our findings suggested that high microbial biomass and low C:N ratios during the rainy season could be considered a nutrient conservation strategy of temperate mixed oak–pine forest ecosystems.
The Impact of Digitization to Ensure Competitiveness of the Ha’il Region to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Triki Rabab , Maâloul Mohamed Hédi , Bahou Younès , Kadria Mohamed
Published: January 2023

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that seek to achieve sustainable development through Vision 2030. The objective of this research is to study the impact of digitization to ensure the competitiveness of the Ha’il region to achieve sustainable development goals. To do this, we applied two techniques in two steps. The first step is based on artificial intelligence through a machine learning technique. The second step is the vector auto-regressive model and impulse response functions. The results show that digitization has a strong impact on the achievement of five sustainable development goals in the Ha’il region. These five priority objectives among 17 goals have been determined by a machine learning technique, each of which is likely to contribute in one way or another to economic, social, and environmental aspects. The results suggest that digitization promotes the acceleration of sustainable development in the Ha’il region. This study is interesting for policymakers in Saudi Arabia to use artificial intelligence and digitalization to achieve economic unification of this region with other regions of the Kingdom.
Motivations and Challenges for Food Companies in Using IoT Sensors for Reducing Food Waste: Some Insights and a Road Map for the Future
Authors: Ramanathan Ramakrishnan , Duan Yanqing , Ajmal Tahmina , Pelc Katarzyna , Gillespie James , Ahmadzadeh Sahar , Condell Joan , Hermens Imke , Ramanathan Usha
Published: January 2023

Food waste is a serious problem worldwide, including in Europe. Research efforts are being carried out to reduce food waste. In this paper, we focus on using modern digital technologies (also known as Industry 4.0 technologies) to reduce waste in food supply chains. Based on interactions with a number of food companies in Europe over the last four years using Action Research, we provide new insights on the motivations and challenges for food companies when they are engaged in the use of technologies for reducing food waste in their supply chains. Motivations for firms include improved food quality of their produce, improved reliability, support in meeting legal requirements, a green image, and improved revenues from selling the food that has been saved. However, data security issues and trust issues posed challenges in using these technologies. Since this is an emerging area of research, we look at potential business models for technology companies for working with food companies in reducing food waste, identify value propositions and value capture, and look at how these investments in technologies can improve the sustainability of food businesses. We believe technology companies can leverage the opportunities, develop new business models with value propositions around the use of technologies, and support food companies via timely alerts in case of potential quality issues. Value capture occurs via the sale of hardware and subscriptions.
Research on Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Correlation Degree of the Historical and Cultural Towns (Villages) in China
Authors: Xie Binbin , Wei Wei , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Congying , Ju Shengliang
Published: January 2023

Historical and Cultural Towns (Villages) (HCTVs) are the important parts in the recordation of the traditional culture, folk customs and architectural art in China. However, with the rapid development of the economy and rural urbanization, these towns and villages are faced with a series of problems, such as traditional features lost, traditional architecture destroyed and the lack of a long-term comprehensive and effective plan for scientific conservation measures. As a result, these historic heritages and their surroundings are in a serious crisis and will be destroyed to a certain extent. This paper chose 799 HCTVs as objects of this study, which were published by the Department of Housing Construction. The distribution features and mechanism have been analyzed with thesupport of GIS technology. In addition, the spatial correlation between elevation, stream, transportation, traditional culture and language was also explained through spatial overlay analysis. Through the statistical comparison and cluster analysis, it explored natural and human factors with the influence of HCTV distribution. The purpose is to help us make selection more reasonable and offer a reference of development of regional tourism for the future. The results showed that: (1) The spatial distribution of HCTVs clearly varies among different regions of China, and four concentrated typical areas are found in the Shanxi-Hebei-Henan border area, southeast coastal zone, Sichuan-Chongqing-Guizhou border area and Hunan-Guangxi border area. (2) The distribution characteristics have a peculiar style in the countryside and have a trend of cluster around a geographic line (e.g., a traffic line, a river) and a small town. (3) The HCTV has different characteristics in spatial form, river system distribution, regional culture and transportation system. The majority of them are distributed along the river and are cultural centers, traffic hubs and birthplace of civilizations in history. (4) Natural geographical environment, current population distribution patterns, level of regional economic development, accumulation of historic and cultural heritages, as well as rules and standards in the definition of HCTV, are the main factors affecting the spatial distribution. The purpose of this paper is to help us select more reasonable criteria and rules in the process of HCTV selection.
Revisiting the Accelerated Internationalization of Emerging Market SMEs: The Roles of Firms’ Collaborations and Environmental Management Practices
Authors: Zahoor Nadia , Donbesuur Francis , Khan Zaheer , Tarba Shlomo Y. , Cooper Cary L.
Published: January 2023

Although the performance implications of inter- and intra-firm collaborations have been discussed by prior studies, how such collaborations can drive the accelerated internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) originating from emerging markets remains unclear. This study was, thus, aimed at shedding light on this relationship by drawing insights from the resource-based view (RBV). We argued that the interaction between inter- and intra-firm collaborations can drive accelerated internationalization through environmental management practices. We, thus, developed and tested a conceptual framework by performing structural equation modeling on a sample of 208 SMEs based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our findings reveal that the interaction between inter- and intra-firm collaborations is indeed conducive to accelerated internationalization. More importantly, we found that environmental management practices mediate the relationship between such interaction and accelerated internationalization. Our findings have important implications for international entrepreneurship research and practice in relation to how environmental management practices can enhance such a relationship.
Bioactivities and Chemical Compositions of Cinnamomum burmannii Bark Extracts (Lauraceae)
Authors: Djarot Prasetyorini , Yulianita Yulianita , Utami Novi Fajar , Putra Aditya Mahesa , Putri Yurena Irma Mulya , Muhardianty Sri Melia , Suciyani Tiara Akasi , Syaepulrohman Asep
Published: January 2023

Cinnamomum burmanni has antifungal and antibacterial properties, including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and essential oil content of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and safrole. This study aims to determine the antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus, antifungal properties against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, antioxidant, and flavonoid content of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) extracts from C. burmanni bark. This study began with the MAE extraction of C. burmanni, followed by qualitative phytochemical tests on the alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoid groups. Furthermore, using the UV-Vis spectrophotometry method, a quantitative phytochemical test was performed to determine the levels of flavonoids. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-pikrilhidrazil (DPPH) method was used for the antioxidant test, the agar dilution method for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and the paper disc diffusion method for the width of the inhibitory area (LDH). The positive antifungal control was nystatin, while the antibacterial control was amoxicillin, and both negative controls were 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The antifungal and antibacterial components were found to be 3% n-hexane extract from the bark of C. burmanni, with an inhibitory area width (IAW) of 13.83 mm. The best antioxidant results were the ethanol extract with a very active category IC50 of 8.533 ppm, 5.90%, and the highest ethanol extract containing flavonoid test results.
A Big Data Approach for Investigating Bridge Deterioration and Maintenance Strategies in Taiwan
Authors: Chuang Yu-Han , Yau Nie-Jia , Tabor John Mark M.
Published: January 2023

Due to the dwindling maintenance budget and lack of qualified bridge inspectors, bridge-management agencies in Taiwan need to develop cost-effective maintenance and inspection strategies to preserve the safety and functionality of their aging, natural disaster-prone bridges. To inform the development of such a strategy, this study examined the big data stored in the Taiwan Bridge Management System (TBMS) using the knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) process. Cluster and association algorithms were applied to the inventory and five-year inspection data of 2849 bridges to determine the bridge structural configurations and components that are prone to deterioration. Bridge maintenance agencies can use the results presented to reevaluate their current maintenance and inspection strategies and concentrate their limited resources on bridges and components most prone to deterioration.
Does the Quality of Director Fusion Raise the Risk of Corporate Debt Default?
Authors: Yu Wencheng , Zhang Yikang , Du Kun , Wu Yanzhou
Published: January 2023

This paper analyzes the impact of the instability brought about by the change of directors on the risk of corporate debt default from the perspective of the fusion of old and new directors. Combining Ab-sorptive Capacity Theory and Embeddedness Theory, on the one hand, analyzes the threshold effect of the hard integration of directors on corporate debt default risk from the proportion of new directors; on the other hand, through the proportion of the number of well-integrated people, and from the perspective of ability-based role matching and cultural-based group matching between new and old directors, it is judging the individual and interactive effects of director soft fusion quality on firm debt default risk. Through the above two perspectives, we comprehensively judge the independent and interactive effects of directors’ smooth integration quality on corporate debt default risk and consolidate. The study found that the proportion of new directors positively correlates with the increase in the risk of corporate debt default. The weakening of the threshold effect shows that the hard integration of the number of new directors alone will reduce instability due to the increase in the number of new directors, thereby reducing the risk of corporate debt default. Regarding the smooth integration of directors, the role matching between old and new directors has a rejuvenating contribution to corporate debt default risk and has a significant threshold effect. At the same time, group matching positively correlates with corporate debt default risk but has no threshold effect. After the interaction between the two, group matching contributes to debt default risk.
Effects of the Policy of Physical Education Entrance Examination for Senior High School on Health in Middle School Students
Authors: Dong Jiahui , Mo Lin , Shi Yan , Lu Dongsheng , Guo Chen , Wan Zicheng , Wan Bingjun
Published: January 2023

Background: The policy of the Physical Education (PE) Entrance Examination for Senior High School (PEESHS) is an operable and measurable educational policy proposed by the Chinese government to solve the youth’s physical health problems and promote health in middle school students. In recent years, the reform of PEESHS policy has brought youth sports to a new climax, and determining how to achieve the maximum benefit of health promotion with the PEESHS policy is the current focus of the Chinese government, society, schools, and families. The primary purpose was to investigate the health promotion benefits of PE on junior high school students under PEESHS policy and clarify the differences and correlation of overall health, physical fitness, sports participation, social adaptation, and learning facilitation. The secondary aim was to assess the practical value of PEESHS policy implementation on health promotion. Methods: The questionnaire of this study was compiled in four steps, and 31 provincial capitals across China were selected as sampling areas, using the convenience sampling method and snowball sampling method, respectively. The number of questionnaires collected was 11,373 (5703 online; 5670 offline), of which 8574 were valid, with an efficiency rate of 75.4%. Ultimately, 8574 students (4199 girls; 4375 boys) were recruited from junior high schools in 31 provinces and municipalities. Data analyses were performed using ANOVA, t-test, and Pearson bivariate correlation. Results: The results showed that the PEESHS significantly improved participants’ physical fitness, interpersonal relationships, exercise participation, learning efficiency, and psychological health after preparing for PEESHS. Exercise participation and physical fitness showed the most significant positive correlation. Excessive sports intensity was detrimental to health promotion. Conclusion: The PEESHS policy has significantly impacted the health of students participating in PEESHS.
Design and Development of a Macro to Compare Sections of Planes to Parts Using Programming with Visual Basic for Applications in CATIA
Authors: Rojas-Sola José Ignacio , del Río-Cidoncha Gloria , Ortíz-Marín Rafael , Moya-Ocaña José Antonio
Published: January 2023

This article presents an application for educational purposes in the field of engineering graphics, which corrects the dihedral projections of the sections of a plane for a part by comparing the solution provided by the student with that obtained through 3D CAD modelling software. Said application is generated as a macro in CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application), which is included as a tool in the ‘Part Design’ module. The code of this macro is written in the CATVBA language, utilizes the CATIA internal editor, and takes advantage of the capabilities offered by Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in the design of Graphical User Interfaces (GUI). The operation of the macro consists of obtaining the section in the 3D CAD model, projecting it onto three dihedral projections of the part (elevation, plan, and profile), and calculating the visible and hidden lines by means of a numerical process based on dividing the lines into discrete sections. Likewise, to obtain numerical results, the section obtained in CATIA (reference section) is compared with the section provided by the student (section that needed to be corrected) by means of a spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel). The data of the coordinates of the points of the reference section are exported to said spreadsheet as is the data of the coordinates of the section that needed to be corrected, which is contained in a file with a dxf format (Drawing eXchange Format). From these data, by programming the appropriate formulae in the cells of the spreadsheet, the numerical values of the errors are obtained, thereby locating said errors in the dihedral projections of the section which needed to be corrected. Likewise, the application can be programmed to compare the central symmetry of both of the sections.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Telecom in 2022
Authors:   Telecom Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Effects of Botulinum Toxin Type A on the Nociceptive and Lemniscal Somatosensory Systems in Chronic Migraine: An Electrophysiological Study
Authors: Sebastianelli Gabriele , Casillo Francesco , Di Renzo Antonio , Abagnale Chiara , Cioffi Ettore , Parisi Vincenzo , Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Serrao Mariano , Pierelli Francesco , Schoenen Jean , Coppola Gianluca
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) is a commonly used prophylactic treatment for chronic migraine (CM). Although randomized placebo studies have shown its clinical efficacy, the mechanisms by which it exerts its therapeutic effect are still incompletely understood and debated. (2) Methods: We studied in 15 CM patients the cephalic and extracephalic nociceptive and lemniscal sensory systems using electrophysiological techniques before and 1 and 3 months after one session of pericranial BoNT-A injections according to the PREEMPT protocol. We recorded the nociceptive blink reflex (nBR), the trigemino-cervical reflex (nTCR), the pain-related cortical evoked potential (PREP), and the upper limb somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP). (3) Results: Three months after a single session of prophylactic therapy with BoNT-A in CM patients, we found (a) an increase in the homolateral and contralateral nBR AUC, (b) an enhancement of the contralateral nBR AUC habituation slope and the nTCR habituation slope, (c) a decrease in PREP N-P 1st and 2nd amplitude block, and (d) no effect on SSEPs. (4) Conclusions: Our study provides electrophysiological evidence for the ability of a single session of BoNT-A injections to exert a neuromodulatory effect at the level of trigeminal system through a reduction in input from meningeal and other trigeminovascular nociceptors. Moreover, by reducing activity in cortical pain processing areas, BoNT-A restores normal functioning of the descending pain modulation systems.
Toxoplasmosis: A Timeless Challenge for Pregnancy
Authors: Damar Çakırca Tuba , Can İlkay Nur , Deniz Melis , Torun Ayşe , Akçabay Çiğdem , Güzelçiçek Ahmet
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, as well as the general characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, and pregnancy and fetal outcomes of pregnant women diagnosed with acute toxoplasma infection (ATI). The toxoplasma IgM, IgG, and IgG avidity test results of pregnant women who applied to our referral hospital between January 2016 and June 2022, and among them, those diagnosed with ATI, were analyzed. The 119 patients diagnosed with ATI during this time period were included for further analysis. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women was found to be 46.2%, and the rate of ATI was 4%. The total mother-to-child transmission rate was 5% (5/101). Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) was observed in 1 (1.1%) child of the 87 pregnant women who received spiramycin prophylaxis, though it was found in 4 (30.8%) of the children of the 13 untreated mothers. With respect to prenatal treatment, CT rates were significantly higher in the children born to untreated mothers (p = 0.001). In conclusion, although toxoplasma seroprevalence was found to be high in our region, there was a paucity in diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment. Our findings support that prenatal spiramycin prophylaxis is effective in preventing the transmission of parasites from mother to child.
The Risk of Emerging of Dengue Fever in Romania, in the Context of Global Warming
Authors: Ivanescu Larisa Maria , Bodale Ilie , Grigore-Hristodorescu Smaranda , Martinescu Gabriela , Andronic Bianca , Matiut Simona , Azoicai Doina , Miron Liviu
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Few studies to date have assessed the influences induced by climate change on the spatial distribution and population abundance of Aedes albopictus using the latest climate scenarios. In this study, we updated the current distribution of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes and evaluated the changes in their distribution under future climate conditions, as well as the risk of dengue virus emergence in Romania. (2) Methods: Under the two scenarios: High scenario (HS) when no drastic measures to reduce the effects of global warming will be taken, or they are not effective and low scenario (LS) when very stringent greenhouse control measures will be implemented. (3) Results: The results estimate an increase in temperatures in Romania of up to 2.6 °C in HS and up to 0.4 °C in LS, with an increase in the period of virus replication within the vector from June to October in HS and from May to September in LS. Moreover, in 2022, Ae. albopictus was reported in a new county, where it was not identified at the last monitoring in 2020. (4) Conclusions: The rapid spread of this invasive species and the need to implement monitoring and control programs for the Aedes population in Romania are emphasized.
Efficacy Assessment of Autodissemination Using Pyriproxyfen-Treated Ovitraps in the Reduction of Dengue Incidence in Parañaque City, Philippines: A Spatial Analysis
Authors: Ligsay Antonio D. , Regencia Zypher Jude G. , Tambio Kristan Jela M. , Aytona Michelle Joyce M. , Generale Alain Jason A. , Alejandro Grecebio Jonathan D. , Tychuaco Jacquiline S. , De las Llagas Lilian A. , Baja Emmanuel S. , Paul Richard Edward L.
Published: January 2023

Dengue is one of the most important vector-borne diseases worldwide and is a significant public health problem in the tropics. Mosquito control continues to be the primary approach to reducing the disease burden and spread of dengue virus (DENV). Aside from the traditional larviciding and adulticiding interventions, autodissemination using pyriproxyfen-treated (AD-PPF) ovitraps is one of the promising methods to complement existing vector control strategies. Our paper assessed the efficacy of AD-PPF in reducing DENV infections in two barangays in Parañaque City. Using saliva samples from the participants from both the control and intervention sites, we collected the seroprevalence data for three months in each of the two years. Spatial analysis was conducted to determine hotspot areas and identify DENV infection distributions across the trial periods. The results showed that the intervention site was identified as having a clustering of DENV infections in Month 0 of Year 1 and shifted to a random dispersion of dengue cases at the end of Month 3 in Year 2. The disappearance of the clustering of the intervention site translates to a decrease in the cases of DENV infection relative to the control site. Furthermore, we also identified that DENV transmission occurred at a small-scale level that did not go beyond 86 m. In conclusion, AD-PPF is suggested to be an effective strategy and may be used as an additional vector control approach, albeit based on this short-term implementation.
Dark Coincidences: Small-Scale Solutions with Refracted Gravity and MOND
Authors: Cesare Valentina
Published: January 2023

General relativity and its Newtonian weak field limit are not sufficient to explain the observed phenomenology in the Universe, from the formation of large-scale structures to the dynamics of galaxies, with the only presence of baryonic matter. The most investigated cosmological model, the ΛCDM, accounts for the majority of observations by introducing two dark components, dark energy and dark matter, which represent ∼95% of the mass-energy budget of the Universe. Nevertheless, the ΛCDM model faces important challenges on the scale of galaxies. For example, some very tight relations between the properties of dark and baryonic matters in disk galaxies, such as the baryonic Tully–Fisher relation (BTFR), the mass discrepancy–acceleration relation (MDAR), and the radial acceleration relation (RAR), which see the emergence of the acceleration scale a0≃1.2×10−10 m s−2, cannot be intuitively explained by the CDM paradigm, where cosmic structures form through a stochastic merging process. An even more outstanding coincidence is due to the fact that the acceleration scale a0, emerging from galaxy dynamics, also seems to be related to the cosmological constant Λ. Another challenge is provided by dwarf galaxies, which are darker than what is expected in their innermost regions. These pieces of evidence can be more naturally explained, or sometimes even predicted, by modified theories of gravity, that do not introduce any dark fluid. I illustrate possible solutions to these problems with the modified theory of gravity MOND, which departs from Newtonian gravity for accelerations smaller than a0, and with Refracted Gravity, a novel classical theory of gravity introduced in 2016, where the modification of the law of gravity is instead regulated by a density scale.
Biological Properties of 12 Newly Isolated Acinetobacter baumannii-Specific Bacteriophages
Authors: Bagińska Natalia , Harhala Marek Adam , Cieślik Martyna , Orwat Filip , Weber-Dąbrowska Beata , Dąbrowska Krystyna , Górski Andrzej , Jończyk-Matysiak Ewa
Published: January 2023

Infections with the opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii pose a serious threat today, which is aggravated by the growing problem of multi-drug resistance among bacteria, caused by the overuse of antibiotics. Treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii strains with the use of phage therapy is not only a promising alternative, but sometimes the only option. Therefore, phages specific for clinical multi-drug resistant A. baumannii were searched for in environmental, municipal, and hospital wastewater samples collected from different locations in Poland. The conducted research allowed us to determine the biological properties and morphology of the tested phages. As a result of our research, 12 phages specific for A. baumannii, 11 of which turned out to be temperate and only one lytic, were isolated. Their lytic spectra ranged from 11 to 75%. The plaques formed by most phages were small and transparent, while one of them formed relatively large plaques with a clearly marked ‘halo’ effect. Based on Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), most of our phages have been classified as siphoviruses (only one phage was classified as a podovirus). All phages have icosahedral capsid symmetry, and 11 of them have a long tail. Optimal multiplicity of infections (MOIs) and the adsorption rate were also determined. MOI values varied depending on the phage—from 0.001 to 10. Based on similarities to known bacteriophages, our A. baumannii-specific phages have been proposed to belong to the Beijerinckvirinae and Junivirinae subfamilies. This study provides an additional tool in the fight against this important pathogen and may boost the interest in phage therapy as an alternative and supplement to the current antibiotics.