bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Redundant Measurement-Based Maximum Correntropy Extended Kalman Filter for the Noise Covariance Estimation in INS/GNSS Integration
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Zhang Hai , Huang Hongliang , Ge Baoshuang
Published: May 2023

The resolution accuracy of the inertial navigation system/global navigation satellite system (INS/GNSS) integrated system would be degraded in challenging areas. This paper proposed a novel algorithm, which combines the second-order mutual difference method with the maximum correntropy criteria extended Kalman filter to address the following problems (1) the GNSS measurement noise estimation cannot be isolated from the state estimation and suffers from the auto-correlated statistic sequences, and (2) the performance of EKF would be degraded under the non-Gaussian condition. In detail, the proposed algorithm determines the possible distribution of the measurement noise by a kernel density function detection, then depending on the detection result, either the difference sequences–based method or an autoregressive correction algorithm’s result is utilized for calculating the noise covariance. Then, the obtained measurement noise covariance is used in MCEKF instead of EKF to enhance filter adaptiveness. Meanwhile, to enhance the numerical stability of the MCEKF, we adopted the Cholesky decomposition to calculate the matrix inverse in the kernel function. The road experiment verified that our proposed method could achieve more accurate navigation resolutions than the compared ones.
Urinary Proteomic/Peptidomic Biosignature of Breast Cancer Patients Using 1D SDS-PAGE Combined with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sousa Patrícia , Camacho Irene , Câmara José S. , Perestrelo Rosa
Published: May 2023

The potential development of a rapid and highly sensitive breast cancer (BC) diagnostic method has been increasingly investigated by many researchers in order to significantly improve the diagnosis of this disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Thus, this investigation aimed to establish a potential BC urinary peptidomic pattern using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D SDS-PAGE) coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a useful approach for BC diagnosis. The results of Lowry’s assay demonstrated that the total protein concentration increased after precipitation and that the healthy control group (HCs, 160 to 318 µg/mL, 142 ± DD µg/mL, on average) presented higher total protein content than the BC patients (140 to 311 µg/mL, 115 ± DD µg/mL, on average). Related to MALDI-TOF MS analysis, the results revealed that four peptide ion biosignatures (m/z 1046.5, 1062.5, 1237.7 and 1727.9) allowed the discrimination between BC patients and HCs. The distinction efficiency and accuracy of BC urine peptides were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis that enabled the recognition of some features with great sensitivity (88%) and specificity (98%). Therefore, the obtained data revealed MALDI-TOF MS as a powerful tool to explore peptidomic biosignatures due to its speed, sensitivity, and mass accuracy, which allow the establishment of novel disease biomarkers.
Predicting the Potential of China’s Geothermal Energy in Industrial Development and Carbon Emission Reduction
Authors: Shi Honglei , Wang Guiling , Zhang Wei , Ma Feng , Lin Wenjing , Ji Menglei
Published: May 2023

The goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality requires major systemic changes in the energy supply sector. As one of the major non-carbon-based energy sources, geothermal energy is characterized by large reserves, stability, and reliability. This paper summarizes the current situation of geothermal resource endowment and industrial development in China. Based on this, a system dynamics model of geothermal industrialization is established, and the potential of geothermal industrialization and carbon emission reduction in China is predicted. The prediction results show that the growth rate of geothermal heating and cooling areas in the next 40 years will follow a trend of acceleration followed by deceleration. China’s geothermal energy heating and cooling area will reach 11.32–14.68 billion m2 by 2060, an increase of about 9–12 times compared to 2020. The proportion of geothermal heating and cooling area to the total building area in China will reach 13.77–17.85%. The installed capacity of geothermal power generation will reach 14,452.80–20,963.20 MW by 2060 under the scenario with electricity subsidies. The proportion of geothermal energy in China’s primary energy consumption structure will reach 3.67–5.64%. The annual carbon emission reduction potential of the geothermal industry will reach 436–632 million tons, equivalent to 4.41–6.39% of China’s carbon emissions in 2020. The results of this study can provide a reference for the healthy and high-quality development of China’s geothermal industry and help to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.
Ecological Footprint Assessment of Concrete: Partial Replacement of Cement by Water Treatment Sludge and Stone Dust
Authors: Ansari Yakub , Husain Dilawar , Das Umesh Kumar , Haloi Jyotirmoy , Khan Nasar Ahmad , Prakash Ravi , Husain Mujahid
Published: May 2023

Currently, most concrete industries use conventional cement (Ordinary Portland Cement) as a binding material which involves natural resource depletion, colossal CO2 emissions, and a huge energy supply. The present study addresses this critical issue by using stone dust (sun-dried and calcinated) and water treatment sludge (sun-dried and calcinated) to replace cement partly in M20-grade concrete production. The environmental impact of ready-mixed concrete (RMC) production with conventional cement and partially replaced cement by other cementitious material, i.e., stone dust and water treatment sludge in concrete, is assessed through ecological footprint (EF) indicator. Moreover, a novel sustainability index is proposed for ready-mixed concrete plants to scale the environmental impact of different types of concrete (or grades) on the sustainability scale (environmental, social, and economic sustainability). The results showed that the sun-dried water treatment sludge and sun-dried stone dust could effectively replace cement (15% by weight) in the concrete, with a comparable compressive strength over the M20 ready-mixed concrete. The EF of conventional M20 RMC is estimated to be 0.02295 gha/m3. The EF of concrete (with sun-dried water treatment sludge) is reduced by 13.14% of the conventional ready-mixed concrete. The Ecological Sustainability Index (ESI) of the ready-mixed concrete plant is estimated to be 718.42 $/gha. Using water treatment sludge and stone dust in concrete production can be an innovative solution because it simultaneously solves the problem of waste disposal, large carbon emissions, cost, and high environmental impact.
Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Modeling: Applying Vitae Researchers’ Development Framework through the Lens of Web 2.0 Technologies for Vocational-Health Education Researchers
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Zaheer , Iqbal Javed , Seitamaa-Hakkarainen Pirita , Barbera Elena , Ozbilen Fatih Mutlu , Waqar Yasira
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose: The development of research knowledge, skills, and attitudes among postgraduate vocational-health education students is a crucial outcome of their degree program. This study focuses on the research competences of vocational-health education students and their use of web 2.0 technologies to enhance research productivity. The study employs the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) and examines the use of web 2.0 technologies. Method: The study surveyed 390 postgraduate vocational-health education students enrolled in universities in Pakistan. Of the participants, 50.5% were male, 49.5% were female, 45.1% were from private universities, and 54.9% were from public sector universities. Moreover, 68.2% were Master’s students, while 31.8% were doctoral students. The data were analyzed through both symmetrical and asymmetrical modeling techniques, including Partial least square equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), to measure the direct and indirect specific relationships among the constructs. Results: The results confirmed that research competences and web 2.0 technologies have a direct effect on research productivity. Furthermore, the results revealed that web 2.0 technologies mediate in the relationship between research competences and research productivity. Conclusions: The study concludes that research competences and web 2.0 technologies predict research productivity. Additionally, web 2.0 technologies have an intervening role in the relationship between research competences and research productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Implications: This study highlights the broader implications for health education policymakers and institutions to include web 2.0 technologies in their development plans. Future studies can develop web 2.0-based instructional strategies for the professional development of advanced vocational-health education researchers. Originality: This study contributes to the knowledge of research competences, web 2.0 technologies, and research productivity for vocational-health education researchers.
Multi-Criteria Earthquake Risk Sensitivity Mapping at the Local Level for Sustainable Risk-Sensitive Land Use Planning (RSLUP)
Authors: Barua Uttama , Ansary Mehedi Ahmed , Islam Ishrat , Munawar Hafiz Suliman , Mojtahedi Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Risk-Sensitive Land-Use Planning (RSLUP) is a critical process for integrating disaster-risk management (DRM) considerations into land-use planning, for which first it is necessary to understand the existing risk sensitivity. This study aims to develop a GIS-based multi-criteria zoning approach to mapping earthquake-risk sensitivity of land use at local level. The methodology comprises two main steps. Firstly, the spatial earthquake-risk sensitivity of land use is evaluated based on some risk themes related to development, land use, and emergency facilities. Secondly, earthquake-risk sensitivity is mapped by overlaying the spatial risk-theme maps, using weights determined through the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). Overall, four earthquake-risk-sensitive zones were identified in the study area, ranging from high-risk-sensitive zones to low-risk-sensitive zones. This research contributes to the theory and practice of DRM by proposing a multi-criteria risk-sensitivity assessment and mapping methodology. The findings demonstrate that the risk-sensitivity map provides policymakers with a guide to identify “where” and “why” RSLUP interventions are necessary. This will serve as a decision-support system to formulate the “what” and “how” of the RSLUP at the local level, reflecting the risk sensitivity accordingly and thereby ensuring sustainability.
COVID-19 and Microeconomic Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Study on Ethiopian and Nigerian Households
Authors: Giwa-Daramola Damilola , James Harvey S.
Published: May 2023

The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall welfare depends on the resilience of microeconomic units, particularly households, to cope and recover from the shocks created by the pandemic. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where the pandemic has been less pervasive, the pandemic is expected to increase food insecurity, vulnerability, and ultimately poverty. To accurately measure the welfare impact of the pandemic on the macroeconomy, it is important to account for the distributional impact on households and the ability of households to cope with it, which reflects their microeconomic resilience. In this paper, we seek to determine the differential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on household microeconomic resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa. We use direct measurements of economic indicators to measure the impact of the pandemic on 6249 households across Ethiopia and Nigeria. Given that resilience is a latent variable, the FAO’s Resilience Index Measure Analysis (RIMA) framework is utilized to construct the resilience index. We hypothesize that the pandemic created differential economic impacts among households and ultimately household microeconomic resilience. Study findings show that government containment measures improved household microeconomic resilience, while self-containment measures lowered microeconomic resilience. Additionally, households that relied on wage employment and non-farm businesses as their main source of livelihood were found to be more microeconomic resilient.
Scale Effects on Shear Strength of Rough Rock Joints Caused by Normal Stress Conditions
Authors: Shen Jiayi , Sun Chenhao , Huang Huajie , Chen Jiawang , Wu Chuangzhou
Published: May 2023

Scale effects on the mechanical behavior of rock joints have been extensively studied in rocks and rock-like materials. However, limited attention has been paid to understanding scale effects on the shear strength of rock joints in relation to normal stress σn applied to rock samples under direct shear tests. In this research, a two-dimensional particle flow code (PFC2D) is adopted to build a synthetic sandstone rock model with a standard joint roughness coefficient (JRC) profile. The manufactured rock model, which is adjusted by the experiment data and tested by the empirical Barton’s shear strength criterion, is then used to research scale effects on the shear strength of rock joints caused by normal stresses. It is found that the failure type can be affected by JRC and σn. Therefore, a scale effect index (SEI) that is equal to JRC plus two times σn (MPa) is proposed to identify the types of shear failure. Overall, shearing off asperities is the main failure mechanism for rock samples with SEI > 14, which leads to negative scale effects. It is also found that the degree of scale effects on the shear strength of rock joints is more obvious at low normal stress conditions, where σn < 2 MPa.
Tourist Nomads, Leisure Constraints, and Social Cohesion: A Study on International Students Living in Istanbul
Authors: Özdemir Ali Selman , Orhan Bekir Erhan , Karaçam Aydın , Malka Ahmed , Buhociu Dragos Horia , Iconomescu Teodora Mihaela
Published: May 2023

This study aims to investigate the social cohesion and leisure constraints among international students studying in Istanbul. The research follows a descriptive study design using a relational survey model, and the sample was selected using the convenience sampling method. The study included a total of 584 participants, with 231 females (39.6%) and 353 males (60.4%), ranging in age from 21 to 56, who were studying at various universities in Istanbul (X̅ age = 26.71, sd = 3.36). The data collection tool used in this research consisted of two parts. The first part included questions related to demographic characteristics and recreational participation habits. The second part utilized the Leisure Constraints Questionnaire-Short Form (LCQ-SF) and the Socio-Cultural Adaptation Scale-Revised (SCAS-R). Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with multiple comparisons, ANOVA tests, and Pearson Correlation tests were employed in the data analysis. Statistical analyses were performed at a 95% confidence interval with a significance level set at p = 0.05. The research findings indicate differences in the socio-cultural adaptation scale and leisure constraint scale scores of international students based on the type of university, regular engagement in recreational activities, membership in social clubs or student societies, and the program of study. Furthermore, the results reveal that as the duration of stay in Turkey increased, the students demonstrated higher socio-cultural adaptation skills while experiencing more leisure constraints with increasing age.
Freight Distribution in Small Islands: Integration between Naval Services and Parcel Lockers
Authors: Di Gangi Massimo , Polimeni Antonio , Belcore Orlando Marco
Published: May 2023

Freight transportation in urban areas represents an essential activity from the standpoint of economic development; in recent years, the spread of e-commerce (also accelerated by COVID-19) has contributed to increasing the demand for freight distribution over short distances. In most cities, the approaches and measures are often based on new technologies. Nevertheless, today there are contexts wherein delivery operations represent critical tasks to be solved. Furthermore, low accessibility areas, such as small islands, present further problems due to their exclusive dependence on maritime links (and often low-reliability services). This paper tackles this topic, formulating and solving a distribution problem by linking shipping services with last-mile distribution operated by means of an automatic delivery service (parcel lockers). A test application is proposed by considering the small island of Lipari in the archipelago of the Aeolian islands (Sicily, Southern Italy). The results show that such a type of service could reduce the user’s waiting time when compared to traditional home deliveries.
Transitions towards Sustainable and Resilient Rural Areas in Revitalising India: A Framework for Localising SDGs at Gram Panchayat Level
Authors: Pathak Vaidehi , Deshkar Sameer
Published: May 2023

Twenty-first century rural development (RD) demands a new paradigm of sustainability capable of addressing the difficulties and leveraging on the possibilities, such as climate change, demographic shift, international competitiveness, and rapid technological progress. Amidst these challenges, it is necessary to have a guiding framework from a long-term perspective that aids the integration of current RD policies while allowing space for location and community-specific innovations for implementing sustainable and resilient development strategies. India has witnessed several schemes and programmes for RD with exclusive objectives, varied focus areas, and separate domains, resulting in compartmentalisation in policy frameworks and disjointed implementation. Such initiatives were also often ideated from an urban perspective when it came to peri-urban rural areas or offered a generalist rural perspective (when referring to other rural regions, including those nested in ecological zones, thereby disregarding their local relevance). Accordingly, this study proposes a synchronised SMART village framework to tailor existing RD approaches for sustainable transformations aligned with the sustainable development goals and with a possibility of scaling its applicability in the local context. We initially conducted a bibliometric analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the emerging transformative approaches to RD, such as smart village (SV). Though in its nascent stage, the SV initiatives in India primarily envision information and communication technology enabled transformations in rural areas, often forcing villages to establish the relevance of such interventions. The study recognises key challenges to RD in India by using the problem tree analysis and further defines a SMART village framework that can be catalytic in transforming rural areas towards a sustainable and resilient state.
Untangling the Integral Impact of Land Use Change, Economic, Ecological and Social Factors on the Development of Burabay District (Kazakhstan) during the Period 1999–2021
Authors: Alipbeki Onggarbek , Mussaif Gauhar , Alipbekova Chaimgul , Kapassova Aizada , Grossul Pavel , Aliyev Meirzhan , Mineyev Nursultan
Published: May 2023

Long-term spatiotemporal Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) analysis is an objective tool for assessing patterns of sustainable development (SD). The basic purpose of this research is to define the Driving Mechanisms (DM) and assess the trend of SD in the Burabay district (Kazakhstan), which includes a city, an agro-industrial complex, and a national natural park, based on the integrated use of spatiotemporal data (STD), economic, environmental, and social (EES) indicators. The research was performed on the GEE platform using Landsat and Random Forest. The DM were studied by Multiple Linear Regression and Principal Component Analysis. SD trend was assessed through sequential transformations, aggregations, and integrations of 36 original STD and EES indicators. The overall classification accuracy was 0.85–0.97. Over the past 23 years, pasture area has changed the most (−16.69%), followed by arable land (+14.72%), forest area increased slightly (+1.81%), and built-up land—only +0.16%. The DM of development of the AOI are mainly economic components. There has been a noticeable drop in the development growth of the study area in 2021, which is apparently a consequence of the COVID-19. The upshots of the research can serve as a foundation for evaluating SD and LULC policy.
The Impact of Manufacturing Intelligence on Green Development Efficiency: A Study Based on Chinese Data
Authors: Li Xiaozhong , Ling Jun
Published: May 2023

This study used provincial panel data from 2011 to 2020 to empirically analyze the impact of improvements in the manufacturing intelligence level on the efficiency of green development. The results show the following: improvements in manufacturing intelligence significantly increased the efficiency of green development. Following the “Guidelines for the Construction of the National Intelligent Manufacturing Standard System” proposed by China as a quasi-natural experiment, the double-difference method was used to prove the following: the promotional effect is greater in eastern regions after the policy was implemented. An improvement in manufacturing intelligence increases green development efficiency by improving the efficiency of technological innovation and energy use. The impact of the manufacturing intelligence level on green development efficiency shows a threshold effect. The promotion effect is more pronounced in regions where the level of technological innovation and the strength of the government’s role cross this threshold. Therefore, the government should vigorously promote the intelligent transformation of the manufacturing industry and improve the efficiency of China’s green development.
Gifts and Commodities: A Dialectical Thought Experiment for Sublation
Authors: Zhang Ruirui , D’Andrea Joseph , Lang Chunmin
Published: May 2023

The core motivation for this study is the realization that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encounter temporary obstacles, conflicts, or inconsistencies that impede progress and generalization. According to the authors, sustainable development across social, environmental, and economic dimensions is unlikely to occur without redefining the meaning and recalibrating the metrics used to measure commodities. These meanings and metrics must align with values such as general reciprocity, morality, and the common good, going beyond mere calculations of means and ends and personal preferences. The research has three primary objectives: first, to compare and reassess the meanings and responsibilities assigned to “items” traded in indigenous and modern economies; second, to use Hegelian dialectics to enhance and transform the notion of a commodity by revising and expanding its current understanding; and third, to introduce a new construct—the giftized commodity—along with potential implicational scenarios and recommendations for its inclusion in theory development in stakeholder capitalism, sustainable consumer behavior, and ecological economics. Through a dialectical interaction (in a Hegelian sense), by integrating seminal and diverse viewpoints from economics and anthropology, such as Neoliberalism, commodity theory, gift theory, and production and consumption in indigenous societies, the authors intend to modify and restructure the scope of responsibilities associated with commodities and commodity exchange.
Assessment of Factors Influencing Agility in Start-Ups Industry 4.0
Authors: Sreenivasan Aswathy , Ma Suresh , Rehman Ateekh Ur , Muthuswamy Shanthi
Published: May 2023

Agility has a special place in the start-up Industry 4.0 era. More research is required to properly comprehend the agile implications of start-up Industry 4.0 regarding the impact of digitization on the economy, the environment, and society. Investigating the effects of start-up 4.0 agility is still in its early stages. The current study simulates the variables impacting agility in start-up activities in Industry 4.0 to tackle this problem. In addition to the pre-arranged interview, a closed-ended questionnaire was used to gather information. In the context of start-up operations 4.0, the MICMAC technique is used to evaluate and categorize the components that contribute to agility in order to comprehend their interconnections. The research identified eleven characteristics of facilitating agility in start-up operations 4.0. Industry 4.0 concepts have significantly influenced large organizations but deploying agility in start-up 4.0 has been less visible. Hence, this study presents an innovative approach to incorporating agility in modern start-up operations. The significance of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, network and connectivity, technology, and digital twin in this context is evident. The research provides important light on the elements that contribute to the successful use of agility in start-up 4.0, offering useful insights for stakeholders and academics.
Usage Strategies to Increase the Socioeconomic Sustainability of Monumental Structures: The Example of the Hacı Ali Ağa Bath
Authors: Çelebi Karakök Meryem Elif , Ertaş Beşir Şebnem
Published: May 2023

This study aims to identify tourism usage strategies for the protection and socioeconomic sustainable development of monumental structures that maintain their functional continuity. The results revealed that some strategies provide significant opportunities in socioeconomic terms if they maintain a structure’s original function; however, some uses pose a significant threat in the case of functional continuity. The main contribution of this work is the definition of monumental structures in relation to adaptive reuse and strategic planning tools (SWOT). The spatial and functional change of the Hacı Ali Ağa Bath was examined chronologically in the first stage. An external expert group determined 41 factors consisting of functional, social, and economic return concepts revealed by the literature review in the second stage. These factors were then evaluated by internal experts using SWOT analyses. The structure’s formation since 2006 was revealed through analysis. The cultural heritage significance of the hammam culture is the function determined as the strength, whereas the functional changes were determined as the weakness. The building became idle due to the pandemic, thus bringing this situation to light. The importance of the original function was placed on the agenda by the general administration, which is regarded as a prominent opportunity to conduct an assessment. The inability of all functions to establish a relationship with tourism has been recognized as a significant threat. Strong opportunities, strong threats, and usage strategies are provided for monumental structures that maintain their functional continuity.
Thermal Preference May Facilitate Spatial Coexistence of Two Invasive Fish Species in Lake Bosten, China
Authors: Song Dan , Zhang Yinzhe , Li Junfeng , Wang Puze , Ye Shaowen , Zhang Tanglin , Li Wei , Liao Chuansong , Guo Chuanbo , Liu Jiashou
Published: May 2023

As aquaculture food production is expected to increase, introduced aquaculture species play an important role in meeting the rising demand for aquatic food products and contributing to great societal benefits. Species introduction forces sympatric species to coexist within the same ecosystem by niche segregation. Japanese smelt Hypomesus nipponensis and sharpbelly Hemiculter leucisculus are ecologically similar species and were introduced to Lake Bosten, the largest inland lake in Northwest China, accounting for more than 60% of the total production. We predicted that the coexistence of the two invasive species is mediated by habitat segregation. We analyzed spatiotemporal patterns of Japanese smelt and sharpbelly abundance in Lake Bosten to determine the patterns of spatial segregation between the two dominant fish species. Our results showed that, in Lake Bosten, sharpbelly are typically littoral dwellers when the surface temperature increases in spring and summer, while Japanese smelt often prefer pelagic waters, especially during summer and autumn when the surface temperature rises. Japanese smelt showed an affinity for deeper waters, using median depths 1.7 m deeper than those of sharpbelly, irrespective of the sampling season. Water temperature was the main underlying driver of such spatial segregation and coexistence of these two closely related species in Lake Bosten. Spawning, food resources, and fishing were also important possible factors affecting spatial segregation between the two species. Our results provide new information on niche partitioning patterns as strategies for the coexistence of the two dominant non-native fish in Lake Bosten, supporting the idea that ecologically similar species can avoid resource competition through spatial habitat segregation.
Stand Structure Beats Age for Ground Cover Vegetation in Ageing Hemiboreal Scots Pine and Norway Spruce Stands
Authors: Matisone Ilze , Jansone Diāna , Jaunslaviete Ieva , Matisons Roberts , Liepiņa Agnese Anta , Jansons Āris
Published: May 2023

Intensifying forest management and a reduction in the rotation period necessitates the development of intensive biodiversity conservation strategies, such as the triad concept, which aims at ensuring habitat connectivity. Such an approach depends on the relationships between biodiversity components and manageable stand characteristics. Mostly, the biological value of stands has been associated with age, although stand structures, which are often intercorrelated with age, might be of primary importance. The relationships between ground cover vegetation, which is a principal component and indicator of the biological value of temperate conifer forests, and stand characteristics were assessed in pre-harvesting/harvesting age and old-growth coniferous stands in the eastern Baltic region (Latvia). The old-growth stands were nearly two times older than the pre-harvesting/harvesting age stands. Both stand groups showed generally similar ground cover flora, though ground cover vegetation showed higher variability in the old-growth stands. The principal gradients of ground cover vegetation were related to light, site fertility, and structural diversity, as well as the degree of deciduous (particularly Betula spp.) admixture in a tree stand. Considering the explicit contrasts, stand age did not affect ground cover vegetation, implying the principal effects of stand structure, which are manageable characteristics. This implies the potential for specific management to aid the ecological connectivity of stands in commercial forest landscapes.
Comparative Assessment of Ethanol and Methanol–Ethanol Blends with Gasoline in SI Engine for Sustainable Development
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Ijaz Malik Muhammad Ali , Chaudhary Tariq Nawaz , Riaz Fahid , Raza Sohaib , Abubakar Muhammad , Ahmad Malik Farrukh , Muhammad Ahmad Hafiz , Fouad Yasser , Abbas Muhammad Mujtaba , Kalam Muhammad Abul
Published: May 2023

Growing environmental concerns over global warming and depleting fossil fuel reserves are compelling researchers to investigate green fuels such as alcoholic fuels that not only show the concrete decrement in emissions but also enhance engine performance. The current study emphasizes the influence of different alcoholic fuel blends in gasoline on engine performance and emissions for an engine speed ranging from 1200 to 4400 rpm. The obtained performance results demonstrate that the brake power and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) increased with an incrementing blend percentage of ethanol and methanol in gasoline (EM). The minimum brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) was ascertained using pure gasoline followed by E2 and then E5M5. The NOx and CO2 emissions can be described in the decreasing order of E, EM and gasoline due to same trend of exhaust gas temperature (EGT). CO results were in reverse order of CO2. HC emissions were found in the increasing order of E, EM and pure gasoline. E10 performed better among all blends in terms of less exhaust emissions and engine performance. However, EM blended with gasoline significantly reduced NOx. E5M5 produced 1.9% lower NOx emission compared to E10 owing to 1.2% lower EGT. Moreover, greenhouse gases such as CO2, which is mainly responsible for global warming reducing by 1.1% in case E5M5 as compared to E10.
Exact Solutions for Coupled Variable Coefficient KdV Equation via Quadratic Jacobi’s Elliptic Function Expansion
Authors: Zeng Xiaohua , Wu Xiling , Liang Changzhou , Yuan Chiping , Cai Jieping
Published: May 2023

The exact traveling wave solutions to coupled KdV equations with variable coefficients are obtained via the use of quadratic Jacobi’s elliptic function expansion. The presented coupled KdV equations have a more general form than those studied in the literature. Nine couples of quadratic Jacobi’s elliptic function solutions are found. Each couple of traveling wave solutions is symmetric in mathematical form. In the limit cases m→1, these periodic solutions degenerate as the corresponding soliton solutions. After the simple parameter substitution, the trigonometric function solutions are also obtained.
Innovations in Urdu Sentiment Analysis Using Machine and Deep Learning Techniques for Two-Class Classification of Symmetric Datasets
Authors: Muhammad Khalid Bin , Burney S. M. Aqil
Published: May 2023

Many investigations have performed sentiment analysis to gauge public opinions in various languages, including English, French, Chinese, and others. The most spoken language in South Asia is Urdu. However, less work has been carried out on Urdu, as Roman Urdu is also used in social media (Urdu written in English alphabets); therefore, it is easy to use it in English language processing software. Lots of data in Urdu, as well as in Roman Urdu, are posted on social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc. This research focused on the collection of pure Urdu Language data and the preprocessing of the data, applying feature extraction, and innovative methods to perform sentiment analysis. After reviewing previous efforts, machine learning and deep learning algorithms were applied to the data. The obtained results were compared, and hybrid methods were also recommended in this research, enabling new avenues to conduct Urdu language data sentiment analysis.
Techniques for the Thermodynamic Consistency of Constitutive Equations
Authors: Morro Angelo , Giorgi Claudio
Published: May 2023

The paper investigates the techniques associated with the exploitation of the second law of thermodynamics as a restriction on the physically admissible processes. Though the exploitation consists of the use of the arbitrariness occurring in the Clausius–Duhem inequality, the approach emphasizes two uncommon features within the thermodynamic analysis: the representation formula, of vectors and tensors, and the entropy production. The representation is shown to be fruitful whenever more terms of the Clausius–Duhem inequality are not independent. Among the examples developed to show this feature, the paper yields the constitutive equation for hypo-elastic solids and for Maxwell–Cattaneo-like equations of heat conduction. The entropy production is assumed to be given by a constitutive function per se and not merely the expression inherited by the other constitutive functions. This feature results in more general expressions of the representation formulae and is crucial for the compact description of hysteretic phenomena.
Mutant Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 Expression Enhances Response of Gliomas to the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Belinostat
Authors: Chang Chi-Ming , Ramesh Karthik K. , Huang Vicki , Gurbani Saumya , Kleinberg Lawrence R. , Weinberg Brent D. , Shim Hyunsuk , Shu Hui-Kuo G.
Published: May 2023

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are drugs that target the epigenetic state of cells by modifying the compaction of chromatin through effects on histone acetylation. Gliomas often harbor a mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 or 2 that leads to changes in their epigenetic state presenting a hypermethylator phenotype. We postulated that glioma cells with IDH mutation, due to the presence of epigenetic changes, will show increased sensitivity to HDACis. This hypothesis was tested by expressing mutant IDH1 with a point alteration—converting arginine 132 to histidine—within glioma cell lines that contain wild-type IDH1. Glioma cells engineered to express mutant IDH1 produced D-2-hydroxyglutarate as expected. When assessed for response to the pan-HDACi drug belinostat, mutant IDH1-expressing glioma cells were subjected to more potent inhibition of growth than the corresponding control cells. Increased sensitivity to belinostat correlated with the increased induction of apoptosis. Finally, a phase I trial assessing the addition of belinostat to standard-of-care therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients included one patient with a mutant IDH1 tumor. This mutant IDH1 tumor appeared to display greater sensitivity to the addition of belinostat than the other cases with wild-type IDH tumors based on both standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and advanced spectroscopic MRI criteria. These data together suggest that IDH mutation status within gliomas may serve as a biomarker of response to HDACis.
Biodeterioration of Microplastics by Bacteria Isolated from Mangrove Sediment
Authors: Ren Shu-Yan , Ni Hong-Gang
Published: May 2023

As a kind of ubiquitous emerging pollutant, microplastics (MPs) are persistent in the environment and have a large impact on the ecosystem. Fortunately, some microorganisms in the natural environment can degrade these persistent MPs without creating secondary pollution. In this study, 11 different MPs were selected as carbon sources to screen the microorganisms for degradable MPs and explore the possible mechanism of degradation. After repeated domestication, a relatively stable microbial community was obtained after approximately 30 days later. At this time, the biomass of the medium ranged from 88 to 699 mg/L. The growth of bacteria with different MPs ranged from 0.030 to 0.090 optical density (OD) 600 of the first generation to 0.009–0.081 OD 600 of the third generation. The weight loss method was used to determine the biodegradation ratios of different MPs. The mass losses of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyethylene (PE), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) were relatively large, at 13.4%, 13.0%, and 12.7%, respectively; these figures for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) were relatively slight, 8.90% and 9.10%, respectively. The degradation half-life (t1/2) of 11 kinds of MPs ranges from 67 to 116 days. Among the mixed strains, Pseudomonas sp., Pandoraea sp., and Dyella sp. grew well. The possible degradation mechanism is that such microbial aggregates can adhere to the surface of MPs and form complex biofilms, secrete extracellular and intracellular enzymes, etc., break the hydrolyzable chemical bonds or ends of molecular chains by attacking the plastic molecular chains, and produce monomers, dimers, and other oligomers, leading to the reduction of the molecular weight of the plastic itself.
Cytotoxic Effects and Oxidative Stress Produced by a Cyanobacterial Cylindrospermopsin Producer Extract versus a Cylindrospermopsin Non-Producing Extract on the Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cell Line
Authors: Hinojosa María G. , Cascajosa-Lira Antonio , Prieto Ana I. , Gutiérrez-Praena Daniel , Vasconcelos Vitor , Jos Angeles , Cameán Ana M.
Published: May 2023

The incidence and interest of cyanobacteria are increasing nowadays because they are able to produce some toxic secondary metabolites known as cyanotoxins. Among them, the presence of cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is especially relevant, as it seems to cause damage at different levels in the organisms: the nervous system being the one most recently reported. Usually, the effects of the cyanotoxins are studied, but not those exerted by cyanobacterial biomass. The aim of the present study was to assess the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress generation of one cyanobacterial extract of R. raciborskii non-containing CYN (CYN−), and compare its effects with those exerted by a cyanobacterial extract of C. ovalisporum containing CYN (CYN+) in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. Moreover, the analytical characterization of potential cyanotoxins and their metabolites that are present in both extracts of these cultures was also carried out using Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, in tandem (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results show a reduction of cell viability concentration- and time-dependently after 24 and 48 h of exposure with CYN+ being five times more toxic than CYN−. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased with time (0–24 h) and CYN concentration (0–1.11 µg/mL). However, this rise was only obtained after the highest concentrations and times of exposure to CYN−, while this extract also caused a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, which might be an indication of the compensation of the oxidative stress response. This study is the first one performed in vitro comparing the effects of CYN+ and CYN−, which highlights the importance of studying toxic features in their natural scenario.
Immune Efficacy of the EV71 Vaccine in Fujian Province, China: A Real-World Analysis of HFMD
Authors: Li Junrong , Xie Fangqin , Lin Guangcan , Zhang Dongjuan
Published: May 2023

EV71 vaccine immunization mainly protects the human population against severe and fatal HFMD and has a positive effect on reducing the overall incidence rates of HFMD and of hospitalized cases. In the analysis of data collected over 4 years, we compared HFMD’s incidence rate, severity, and etiological changes in a target population before and after vaccine intervention. The incidence rate of HFMD decreased from 39.02‰ in 2014 to 11.02‰ in 2021, with a decrease rate of 71.7%, and the decrease was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The number of hospitalized cases decreased by 68.88%, the number of severe cases dropped by 95.60% and the number of deaths dropped to 0. The proportion of cases caused by the EV71 virus in different populations decreased significantly after the intervention, specifically, by 68.41% among individuals 0–4 years of age, by 74.32% among kindergarten children, by 86.07% in severe cases and by 100% with respect to the number of deaths.
Uneventful Coadministration of Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19 BNT162b2 Vaccines Two Weeks Post-Influenza Vaccination in an Egg-Allergic Subject: A Case Report
Authors: Sayed Anwar A.
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm, and although it has taken the world’s attention, it did not stop the spread of other communicable diseases. Seasonal influenza is a viral infection that could cause severe disease; therefore, annual influenza vaccination is highly recommended, especially among patients with a weakened immune system. However, such vaccination is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity to the vaccine or any of its components, e.g., eggs. This paper describes a case of an egg-allergic individual who received an influenza vaccine containing egg protein, which only caused mild tenderness at the site of injection. Two weeks later, the subject received a double vaccination of a second booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and the seasonal influenza vaccine. The patient reported no local or systemic adverse reactions to the vaccine. This case report suggests vaccination safety for subjects with mild allergies to vaccine components.
Participatory Design and Public Policies: The Case of the General Regional Waste Plan in Valle d’Aosta (Italy)
Authors: Marciano Claudio
Published: May 2023

Waste management is one of the most strategic areas of regional policy planning. The impact of decisions such as the allocation of industrial waste treatment plants and waste collection strategies can affect the economic structure and quality of life of territories. The effectiveness of regulatory and organisational arrangements of Regional Waste Plans is linked to the availability of technologies and material infrastructure, but also to social consensus and behaviours. On this level, participatory planning conducted through foresight techniques plays an increasing role. The article presents an innovative case carried out in Valle d’Aosta in 2021, with the aim of promoting the participatory methodology experimented and the institutionalisation of such applications in strategic waste planning processes. The process involved 35 different stakeholders (unions, businesses, schools, trade, environmental associations, etc.) in structured consultations based on the principle of building a shared transition to 2030. In particular, the project was effective in broadening the participation of civil society in the area, in making the plan’s objectives more ambitious, and in fostering the creation of a collaborative network between public, market and third sector actors.
A SOBRECARGA PROFISSIONAL FRENTE A ASSISTÊNCIA DO OBSTETRA AO PARTO: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DA LITERATURA
Authors: Barros Marcela Rayza Ferreira , Ferreira Tayane Moura , Sá Ribeiro Ana Virginia Matos
Published: May 2023

Introdução: O Enfermeiro Obstetra além de ser responsável pelas atividades previstas para o Enfermeiro, tem ênfase na promoção da saúde da mulher e no auxílio durante a gravidez, o parto e o pós-parto. A sobrecarga desse profissional pode atingir diferentes áreas: pessoal, psicológica e física, afetando diretamente na sua atuação. É fundamental conhecer os fatores que conduzem ao esgotamento, identificando suas implicações no cuidado torna-se possível também otimizar a sua saúde. Objetivo: Analisar o impacto da sobrecarga profissional do Enfermeiro Obstetra na assistência durante o parto. Método: O estudo foi realizado por meio de uma revisão integrativa e selecionados trabalhos publicados em bases de dados, entre os anos de 2016 a 2021, e selecionados 14 artigos para a revisão. Resultados: Foram identificados como principais desencadeadores da sobrecarga: longas jornadas de trabalho, mais de um vínculo empregatício, exploração, desvalorização, resistência médica e déficits nas condições de trabalho. Consequentemente, pode acarretar sentimentos de intolerância, stress, cobranças pessoais, esgotamento físico e frustrações nos membros da equipe interferindo negativamente na saúde do profissional, bem como na assistência prestada a mulher. Conclusão: O enfermeiro é de suma importância no suporte a parturiente, porém o excesso de atividades compromete a produtividade e qualidade do atendimento, podendo também interferir na saúde do mesmo.
EPIDEMIOLOGIA DAS INFECÇÕES HOSPITALARES POR BACTÉRIAS MULTIRRESISTENTES EM UM HOSPITAL ESCOLA NO BRASIL
Authors: De Lima Karine Zendonadi , Rehem Amanda Rodrigues , Dos Santos João Manoel Theotonio , Scorzoni Liliana
Published: May 2023

Introdução: Bactérias multidroga resistentes (MDRs) vêm sendo amplamente correlacionadas a casos de infecções decorrentes da assistência em saúde. Objetivo: O presente estudo objetivou pontuar a incidência das espécies de bactérias multirresistentes; identificar os principais sítios de infecção e descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com IRASs por bactérias MDRs em um hospital privado de médio porte do Vale do Paraíba (São José dos Campos/SP-Brasil). Método: É um estudo descritivo transversal de caráter retrospectivo e foram incluídos 65 pacientes diagnosticados com IRASs por MDRs. Resultados: Klebsiella pneumoniae foi o microrganismo mais isolado na totalidade dos casos (41,42%). A infecção de corrente sanguínea relacionada a cateter central (ICS) foi a infecção mais comum (47,14%), sendo que as ICSs causadas por K. pneumoniae foram iguais a 24,24%. Conclusão: Conhecer o perfil dos pacientes com IRA de cada instituição hospitalar permite avaliar possíveis fontes ambientais das bactérias MDRs e instituir medidas de prevenção adequadas.