bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Morphosynthesis of Event Portfolios: Connecting Networks and the Community
Authors: Ziakas Vassilios
Published: January 2022

Despite the increasing employment of event portfolios by cities and regions to obtain a number of gains, there is a rather slow response from the academic community to fully understand this complex phenomenon and its potential social value. To address this asymmetry furthering the gap between scholarship and practice, the purpose of this article is to theorize the generative mechanisms that shape portfolios as social systems. Based on up-to-date theoretical development, I attempt in this paper to formulate a comprehensive theory of the integrative portfolio nature that interconnects its contextual, policy, operational, and sociocultural dimensions. I do so, by delineating the connective properties of portfolios to assemble different events and enable stakeholders to work toward the accomplishment of common portfolio goals, and by elaborating on the exigencies of portfolios for contributing to the strengthening of the host community's social fabric. This relational analysis operationalizes latest event portfolio elaborations integrated with the perspectives of community capacity-building and quality of life in order to underpin the formulation of a broader framework accounting for the intersection between strategic portfolio planning and the dynamics of stakeholder attitudes, participation in, and community engagement with portfolios. On these grounds, I suggest a new conceptual lens named “morphosynthesis” to explain the multilevel integration processes that shape event portfolios and enable the interlinking of social networks and the community through the array of events. Morphosynthesis constitutes a transdisciplinary perspective that situates the study of event portfolios as a new autotelic subdiscipline across event management, leisure, sport, culture, and tourism. It provides solid but flexible theoretical logics and heuristic means to navigate in the over-fragmented landscape of events and allied industries with the purpose to enhance their compound social value.
Cultivating Community Resilience With Agency and Sociality in Gardens for Health and Healing
Authors: Budowle Rachael , Porter Christine M.
Published: January 2022

Communities must develop ever greater resilience as they face the climate emergency and concomitant health and food system challenges. Sustainable food systems research tends to adopt broad and often theoretical social-ecological systems perspectives on resilience. Models theorize that community self-organization for mobilizing change andagencyin taking planned action are key processes for community resilience. Empirically, however, how individuals come together to engage in collective action for community resilience remains little explored. In this research, we examine strategies for resilience employed by 19 participants with multiple chronic health conditions in Gardens for Health and Healing, a community-based participatory research project conducted in southeast Wyoming. Through random assignment, participants either received a home garden or designed their own 16-week wellbeing program from a menu of community health and food systems services (e.g., cooking classes, farmers' market gift certificates, home garden). Using a pre-post wellbeing survey, interviews, and 14 months of ethnographic research, we explored the role of choice—or agency—for participants' wellbeing. Survey results suggest that receiving a garden more greatly benefitted participants' physical health while designing and implementing a wellbeing plan more greatly benefitted mental health. Qualitative results find that participants in both the garden and menu conditions identified their intervention as empowering them to take action to improve their own health and wellbeing. Participants attributed their wellbeing less to what condition they were in (garden or menu), and more to the relational processes they engaged in through the project. These processes included bringing the family together; associating with friends, neighbors, and colleagues; caring for garden environments; and engaging with the community-based organization that supported both the gardens and the wellbeing plans. We find that thissocialitycan help promote and explain a move from individual wellbeing and agency to the collective forms of agency and self-organization necessary to cultivate community resilience for sustainable food systems.
SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak on a Spanish Mink Farm: Epidemiological, Molecular, and Pathological Studies
Authors: Badiola Juan José , Otero Alicia , Sevilla Eloisa , Marín Belén , García Martínez Mirta , Betancor Marina , Sola Diego , Pérez Lázaro Sonia , Lozada Jenny , Velez Carolina , Chiner-Oms Álvaro , Comas Iñaki , Cancino-Muñoz Irving , Monleón Eva , Monzón Marta , Acín Cristina , Bolea Rosa , Moreno Bernardino
Published: January 2022

Farmed minks have been reported to be highly susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and may represent a risk to humans. In this study, we describe the first outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 occurred on a mink farm in Spain, between June and July 2020, involving 92,700 animals. The outbreak started shortly after some farm workers became seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Minks showed no clinical signs compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout the outbreak. Samples from 98 minks were collected for histopathological, serological, and molecular studies. Twenty out of 98 (20.4%) minks were positive by RT-qPCR and 82 out 92 (89%) seroconverted. This finding may reflect a rapid spread of the virus at the farm with most of the animals overcoming the infection. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 was detected by RT-qPCR in 30% of brain samples from positive minks. Sequencing analysis showed that the mink sequences were not closely related with the other mink SARS-CoV-2 sequences available, and that this mink outbreak has its probable origin in one of the genetic variants that were prevalent in Spain during the first COVID-19 epidemic wave. Histological studies revealed bronchointerstitial pneumonia in some animals. Immunostaining of viral nucleocapsid was also observed in nasal turbinate tissue. Farmed minks could therefore constitute an important SARS-CoV-2 reservoir, contributing to virus spread among minks and humans. Consequently, continuous surveillance of mink farms is needed.
Bio-Engineering of Pre-Vascularized Islet Organoids for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Wassmer Charles-Henri , Lebreton Fanny , Bellofatto Kevin , Perez Lisa , Cottet-Dumoulin David , Andres Axel , Bosco Domenico , Berney Thierry , Othenin-Girard Véronique , Martinez De Tejada Begoña , Cohen Marie , Olgasi Christina , Follenzi Antonia , Berishvili Ekaterine ,   and the VANGUARD Consortium
Published: January 2022

Lack of rapid revascularization and inflammatory attacks at the site of transplantation contribute to impaired islet engraftment and suboptimal metabolic control after clinical islet transplantation. In order to overcome these limitations and enhance engraftment and revascularization, we have generated and transplanted pre-vascularized insulin-secreting organoids composed of rat islet cells, human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our study demonstrates that pre-vascularized islet organoids exhibit enhanced in vitro function compared to native islets, and, most importantly, better engraftment and improved vascularization in vivo in a murine model. This is mainly due to cross-talk between hAECs, HUVECs and islet cells, mediated by the upregulation of genes promoting angiogenesis (vegf-a) and β cell function (glp-1r, pdx1). The possibility of adding a selected source of endothelial cells for the neo-vascularization of insulin-scereting grafts may also allow implementation of β cell replacement therapies in more favourable transplantation sites than the liver.
How the 2008–2009 Financial Crisis Shaped Fair Value Accounting Literature: A Bibliometric Approach
Authors: Sampaio Carlos , Farinha Luís , Sebastião João Renato , Régio Mónica
Published: January 2022

This study aims to fulfil a gap in the literature, delivering a road map to understand the course and nature of the fair value accounting literature, further showing how the 2008–2009 financial crisis affected it. Bibliometric methods analyze 377 documents retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Results show a heavy increase in fair value accounting literature starting due to the 2008–2009 financial crisis, further showing a shift from fair value accounting regulations to topics such as fair value measurement, earnings management, value relevance, and banks. Results provide further evidence about relevant themes, showing that topics related to financial crises stay relevant, even during times of growth.
Fractional-Order Sliding Mode Guidance Law for Intercepting Hypersonic Vehicles
Authors: Liu Shuangxi , Yan Binbin , Zhang Xu , Liu Wei , Yan Jie
Published: January 2022

This paper addresses the problem of a low-speed missile intercepting a hypersonic vehicle in the longitudinal plane. Firstly, based on the concept of the zero of the angular rate of the line-of-sight (LOS) angle, the guidance system is established by defining the LOS angular rate as the state variable. Secondly, in view of the difficulty of precisely measuring the external disturbance caused by the hypersonic vehicle’s maneuver in the guidance system, a non-homogeneous disturbance observer is designed to precisely estimate the disturbance information. Then, by introducing the fractional-order operator into the sliding surface, a fractional-order fast power reaching (FOFPR) guidance law is proposed based on the fast power reaching law. Simulation examples are carried out in two different maneuver modes of the hypersonic vehicle: the bang-bang maneuver mode and sinusoidal maneuver mode. Besides, comparative experiments are conducted with the proportional navigation (PN) and the integer-order fast power reaching (IOFPR) guidance laws. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the effectiveness of the proposed guidance law.
Effects of Adjuvants on Spraying Characteristics and Control Efficacy in Unmanned Aerial Application
Authors: Wang Shilin , Li Xue , Zeng Aijun , Song Jianli , Xu Tao , Lv Xiaolan , He Xiongkui
Published: January 2022

Pesticide application by unmanned agricultural aerial vehicles (UAVs) has rapidly developed in China and other Asian counties. Currently, tank-mix spray adjuvants are usually added into pesticide solutions to reduce spray drift and facilitate droplet deposition and control efficacy. The currently used tank-mix adjuvants are all derived from conventional ground sprays, and their mechanisms of action in aerial applications are still unclear. In order to clarify the spraying characteristics and control efficacy of those adjuvants in aerial sprays, the performances of various types of tank-mix adjuvants were compared by analyzing droplet spectrum, drift potential index (DIX) in a wind tunnel, field deposition and control efficacy on wheat rust and aphids. The atomization results showed that the addition of adjuvants could change the droplet spectrum of liquid, and the results suggest that droplet size is an effective indicator of spray drift potential. In the field application, the meteorological conditions are complex and uncontrollable, and the effects of adjuvants on droplet deposition and distribution were not significant. Compared with the control solution, there was no significant difference in the deposition amount of each adjuvant solution, and the CVs of deposition were higher than 30%. Adding adjuvants to the spray solution can significantly improve the control efficacy of pesticides on wheat aphids and rust and also prolong the duration of the pesticide. Our results suggest that tank-mix adjuvants should be added when UAVs are used for aerial application. This study can be used as a reference to the research and development or selection of adjuvants in aerial sprays of UAVs.
Border Effect on Ratoon Crop Yield in a Mechanized Rice Ratooning System
Authors: Zhou Yongjin , Zheng Chang , Chen Gang , Hu Run , Ji Yalan , Xu Youzun , Wu Wenge
Published: January 2022

Yield loss of ratoon crops caused by the rolling damage to the left stubble from mechanically harvesting main crops has been reported in previous studies. However, limited attention has been paid to identify the effect of the mechanical harvesting of the main crop on the yield of a non-rolled zone (NRZ) of a ratoon crop. A two-year field experiment on ratoon rice with two harvest methods (mechanical harvesting: MEH; manual harvesting: MAH) of a main crop was conducted to identify whether there is a border effect on the yield of the NRZ, and to evaluate whether the border effect will compensate for the yield loss of the ratoon crop. On average, MEH reduced the grain yield of the ratoon crop by 17.6% compared with MAH. The yield of the rolled zone (RZ) in MEH was 66.1–70.3% lower than that of MAH, which was attributed to the lower panicle m−2, grain filling percentage, total dry weight, and harvest index. In contrast, the yield of the NRZ in MEH was 2.7–10.8% higher than that of MAH. The yield differences of the non-rolled single row (R1), side row (R2), and middle row (R3) in the NRZ compared with MAH were 22.9%, 8.5%, and −10.1%, respectively, which were mainly explained by the panicle m−2, spikelets m−2, total dry weight, and regeneration rate. These results suggest that rolling during the mechanical harvesting of the main crop induced a border effect on the yield of the NRZ, which reduced the yield loss of the ratoon crop. The yield gain of the NRZ was attributed to the increased yield of R1 and R2 rather than R3.
Beyond the Gender of the Livestock Holder: Learnings from Intersectional Analyses of PPR Vaccine Value Chains in Nepal, Senegal, and Uganda
Authors: Serra Renata , Ludgate Nargiza , Fiorillo Dowhaniuk Katherine , McKune Sarah L. , Russo Sandra
Published: January 2022

The peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a deadly viral disease of small ruminants, which are an important source of livelihood for hundreds of millions of poor smallholders throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. PPR vaccination efforts often focus on overcoming financial, technological, and logistical constraints that limit their reach and effectiveness. This study posits that it is equally important to pay attention to the role of gender and other intersecting social and cultural factors in determining individual and groups’ ability to access PPR vaccines or successfully operate within the vaccine distribution system. We compare three study contexts in Nepal, Senegal, and Uganda. Qualitative data were collected through a total of 99 focus group discussions with men and women livestock keepers and animal health workers, 83 individual interviews, and 74 key informant interviews. Our findings show that there are not only important gender differences, but also interrelated structures of inequalities, which create additional sites of exclusion. However, these intersections are not generalizable across contexts—except for the intersection of gender and geographic remoteness, which is salient across vaccine distribution systems in the three countries—and social markers such as caste, ethnicity, and livelihood are associated with vulnerability only in specific settings. In order to address the distinct needs of livestock keepers in given settings, we argue that an intersectional analysis combined with context-dependent vaccination approaches are critical to achieving higher vaccination rates and, ultimately, PPR disease eradication by 2030.
Dietary Supplementation with γ-Aminobutyric Acid Improves Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Non-Specific Immunity and Disease Resistance against Streptococcus iniae in Juvenile Olive Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Farris Nathaniel W. , Hamidoghli Ali , Bae Jinho , Won Seonghun , Choi Wonsuk , Biró Janka , Lee Seunghyung , Bai Sungchul C.
Published: January 2022

Recent research is increasingly shedding light on the important role that microbial metabolites such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) play in the context of nutrition, cognition, immune function, and the modulation of the gut microbiome. Yet, very few trials were conducted to assess the effects of its supplementation on biomarkers of fish health. Therefore, an eight-week feeding trial was devised to evaluate GABA supplementation in juvenile olive flounder, (Paralichthys olivaceus). A total of 630 fish with an average weight of 4.90 ± 0.10 g (±SD) were randomly assigned to one of seven triplicate groups and fed a non-GABA supplemented diet (CON, with 92 mg/kg GABA content), a positive control with 4 g/kg oxytetracycline (OTC), and five other diets supplemented with 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg GABA (corresponding to a total GABA content of 154, 229, 282, 327 and 352 mg/kg, respectively). Growth, blood chemistry, nonspecific immunity, digestive enzyme activity and disease resistance were assessed. The results showed that 100 and 150 mg/kg GABA supplementation consistently yielded significant improvements (p < 0.05) in growth, intestinal amylase, serum lysozyme, and survival against infection with Streptococcus iniae. Based on polynomial analysis, the optimal supplementation level was determined to be 237 mg/kg. These results support GABA as an important functional feed additive in juvenile olive flounder.
Sunflower Meal Inclusion Rate and the Effect of Exogenous Enzymes on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Mbukwane Mbuso Jethro , Nkukwana Thobela T. , Plumstead Peter W. , Snyman Natasha
Published: January 2022

The study examined the effect of de-hulled sunflower meal (SFM) inclusion rate and exogenous enzymes (EE) on broilers production performance. A four-feeding phase of pre-starter (1–9 d), grower (10–20 d), finisher (21–28 d) and post-finisher (29–35 d) was used with SFM included as low (BSL) and high (BSH) in all phases. BLS inclusion was 3% throughout phases and BSH inclusion was 7.5%, 10%, 13% and 13.5% for the 4-phases. Each SFM had a negative control (NC) (BSL− and BSH−) and positive (PC) (BSL+ and BSH+) control with additional 80 kcal Apparent Metabolizable Energy. Enzymes: xylanase (X), xylanase + beta-glucanase (XB), xylanase + beta-glucanase + protease (XBP) and xylanase + amylase + protease (XAP) were added to the NC and PC to give 6 treatments. Pen body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were determined at 9, 20, 28 and 35 d and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated accordingly. Diets were fed ad libitum to 1920 male Ross 308 broilers. Diet type, enzyme and diet by enzyme interactions were not significantly different amongst treatment diets. During the pre-starter and the grower phase, all studied parameters did not significantly differ from each other. All studied parameters were significantly influenced by enzyme addition and diet-type and enzyme interaction at 35 d except for diet type on FCR. Broilers fed BSH supplemented with XAP recorded the highest BWG (2.69 kg), whereas broiler chickens on BSL and supplemented with XBP recorded the lowest BWG (2.60 kg). SFM can be increased to 13% and 13.5% finisher and post-finisher diets without negatively affecting performance, and X and XAP enzymes can improve BWG of broilers grown to 35 d.
NRF2 Protects against Altered Pulmonary T Cell Differentiation in Neonates Following In Utero Ultrafine Particulate Matter Exposure
Authors: Lau Carmen H. , Pendleton Drew , Drury Nicholas L. , Zhao Jiayun , Li Yixin , Zhang Renyi , Wright Gus A. , Hoffmann Aline Rodrigues , Johnson Natalie M.
Published: January 2022

Early life exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution negatively impacts neonatal health. The underlying mechanisms following prenatal exposure, particularly to ultrafine particles (UFP, diameter ≤ 0.1 μm), are not fully understood; To evaluate the role of Nrf2 in response to in utero UFP exposure, we exposed time-mated Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2−/−) or wildtype (WT) mice to filtered air (FA) or 100 μg/m3 ultrafine PM daily throughout pregnancy. Offspring were evaluated for pulmonary immunophenotypes and pulmonary/systemic oxidative stress on postnatal day 5, a timepoint at which we previously demonstrated viral respiratory infection susceptibility; Nrf2−/− offspring exposed to FA had significantly lower average body weights compared to FA-exposed WT pups. Moreover, PM-exposed Nrf2−/− offspring weighed significantly less than PM-exposed WT pups. Notably, PM-exposed Nrf2−/− offspring showed a decreased pulmonary Th1/Th2 ratio, indicating a Th2 bias. Th17 cells were increased in FA-exposed Nrf2−/− neonates yet decreased in PM-exposed Nrf2−/− neonates. Analysis of oxidative stress-related genes in lung and oxidative stress biomarkers in liver tissues did not vary significantly across exposure groups or genotypes. Collectively, these findings indicate that the lack of Nrf2 causes growth inhibitory effects in general and in response to gestational UFP exposure. Prenatal UFP exposure skews CD4+ T lymphocyte differentiation toward Th2 in neonates lacking Nrf2, signifying its importance in maternal exposure and infant immune responses.
Powder Explosion Inhibitor Prepared from Waste Incinerator Slag: Applied to Explosion Suppression of Oil Shale Dust Explosion
Authors: Liu Bo , Xu Kaili , Zhang Yuyuan , Ge Ji
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a method for waste incineration slag is proposed. An incineration acidification alkalization modification was carried out based on the characteristics of the oxides (SiO2, CaO, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and MgO) of waste incineration slag. With modified slag as the carrier and NaHCO3 as the supporter, a slag-based composite powder explosion inhibitor was prepared with the solvent-crystallization wet coating (WCSC), ball milling dry coating (DCBM), and air impact dry coating (DCAI) methods. The advantages and disadvantages of the three methods were compared and analyzed. Explosion suppression experiments on oil shale dust were carried out, and the explosion suppression mechanism was described. The explosion suppression process of the modified slag–NaHCO3 composite powder explosion inhibitor for oil shale dust was found to involve a synergy of physical and chemical inhibition. This explosion suppression mechanism indicates three requirements for the preparation and application of industrial solid waste-based composite powder explosion inhibitors. The feasibility of preparing composite powder explosion inhibitors from waste incinerator slag was discussed from the experimental point of view and its explosion suppression performance on oil shale dust was studied with the intention of providing a new form of resource utilization for waste incinerator slag.
Finding the Perfect Membrane: Current Knowledge on Barrier Membranes in Regenerative Procedures: A Descriptive Review
Authors: Solomon Sorina-Mihaela , Sufaru Irina-Georgeta , Teslaru Silvia , Ghiciuc Cristina Mihaela , Stafie Celina Silvia
Published: January 2022

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR) became common procedures in the corrective phase of periodontal treatment. In order to obtain good quality tissue neo-formation, most techniques require the use of a membrane that will act as a barrier, having as a main purpose the blocking of cell invasion from the gingival epithelium and connective tissue into the newly formed bone structure. Different techniques and materials have been developed, aiming to obtain the perfect barrier membrane. The membranes can be divided according to the biodegradability of the base material into absorbable membranes and non-absorbable membranes. The use of absorbable membranes is extremely widespread due to their advantages, but in clinical situations of significant tissue loss, the use of non-absorbable membranes is often still preferred. This descriptive review presents a synthesis of the types of barrier membranes available and their characteristics, as well as future trends in the development of barrier membranes along with some allergological aspects of membrane use.
Correction: Fradkin et al. Towards Explainable Augmented Intelligence (AI) for Crack Characterization. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 10867
Authors: Fradkin Larissa , Uskuplu Altinbasak Sevda , Darmon Michel
Published: January 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [...]
Optical Investigation of the Limits of Modeling the Nonlinear Elastic Behavior of PA6 Using Linear Elastic Material Models
Authors: File Máté , Mankovits Tamás , Huri Dávid
Published: January 2022

One of the most critical issues during polymer finite element simulations is the selection of the proper material models. The widely used and accepted multilinear material models require load case-specific material tests, which are time and cost demanding. Data for these characteristics must be acquired by standardized measurements. On the other hand, the parameters required to create a linear elastic material model in most cases are easy to obtain, and the establishment of the model is a shorter process. This research is aimed to provide information to engineers about the possibility of modeling the nonlinear elastic materials by using linear elastic material models and about the limits of such models. To create the most accurate material models, laboratory measurements were performed on polyamide (PA6) material, which is a widely used raw material in the industry. Test specimens were manufactured to obtain material constants according to the ISO 527-2 standard, and for validating the effectiveness of the applied material models, three different tensile specimens were created, which were tested under quasi-static loading in the elastic region. A comprehensive finite element investigation was performed, and the numerical results were then compared to laboratory measurements using the GOM Aramis digital image correlation (DIC) system. By comparing the optically measured strain data to the numerical results, it was determined that the nonlinear elastic materials can be modeled using linear elastic models in a well identifiable strain range with sufficient accuracy.
Study on Dominant Frequency Attenuation of Blasting Vibration for Ultra-Small-Spacing Tunnel
Authors: Zhou Xianshun , Zhang Xuemin , Feng Han , Zhang Shenglin , Yang Junsheng , Mu Jinwei , Hu Tao
Published: January 2022

The middle rock pillar in ultra-small-spacing tunnels is significantly narrow, and the stability of the primary support and lining are easily influenced by the blasting vibration wave from an adjacent tunnel. Therefore, understanding the vibration frequency characteristics is essential for the blasting vibration control. Based on the blasting works on a double-track roadway tunnel (Jiuwuji tunnel in Guizhou, China), this study investigates the dominant frequency attenuation in the preceding tunnel with the middle rock pillar spacing ranging from 4.0 m to 9.4 m. The results show that the ranges of the dominant frequency distributions on the primary support and lining are widely within 200 Hz, but there are varieties in their propagation laws. The distribution of the dominant frequencies on the primary support is broader than that on the lining; and the dominant frequencies are concentrated on a specific range when the lining is far from the blast face beside a particular value, which is not present on the primary support. As the presence of cavity and changing medium between the lining and the primary support, it made a significant contribution to the filtering the vibration waves. Furthermore, on the primary support, the high-frequency part of the vibration waves attenuates rapidly with distance, and then, the practical prediction equations describing dominant frequency attenuation were proposed. The comparison on frequency characteristics per delay for the millisecond delay blasting shows that multiple delay sequences blast contributes to a multi-structured amplitude spectrum of blast vibration waves; and the varies of the equivalent explosion sources dimensions and numbers of free surfaces in each blast delay resulting in diverse vibration waveforms. Finally, the dominant frequencies determined by different methods were compared, and the results show a nonlinear relationship between the ZCFs and DFs. The above research conclusion expands the understanding of blasting vibration in tunnel engineering, particularly in the frequency distribution.
The Role of IoT Devices in Sustainable Car Expenses in the Context of the Intelligent Mobility: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Goikoetxea-Gonzalez Javier , Casado-Mansilla Diego , López-de-Ipiña Diego
Published: January 2022

Connected cars have often been defined as vehicles that can provide some services and information without human intervention. Several scholars have examined the factors that promote the purchase or adoption of such augmented vehicles. However, little emphasis has been placed on the determinants for reducing car expenditures when a driver owns a car with an Internet of Things (IoT) device or a smart assistant in the context of smart mobility. Therefore, this article analyzes whether emerging technology such as IoT plays a key factor for a driver concerning the expenses related to the car (e.g., insurance, maintenance, and repairs). To this extent, a methodology based on exploratory (i) and confirmatory analysis (ii) was carried out. The authors initially conducted an exploratory phase by means of a Delphi method in which a group of vehicle experts (n = 25) were recruited to give their opinions and reach an agreement defining the determinants that they believed affected vehicle expenditures the most. Secondly, and taking into consideration that the salient determinant from the Delphi method was the use of technology and the warnings and alerts it triggers, a questionnaire was delivered to 556 drivers to analyze the everyday spending on their cars. Specifically, the survey aimed to compare the responses of people who own connected cars or have any kind of built-in IoT infrastructure (n = 302) with those of people with non-connected cars (n = 254). The main conclusion obtained for this latter approach was that drivers with a connected car have remarkably lower car expenses than those driving a conventional car.
Harris Hawks Sparse Auto-Encoder Networks for Automatic Speech Recognition System
Authors: Ali Mohammed Hasan , Jaber Mustafa Musa , Abd Sura Khalil , Rehman Amjad , Awan Mazhar Javed , Vitkutė-Adžgauskienė Daiva , Damaševičius Robertas , Bahaj Saeed Ali
Published: January 2022

Automatic speech recognition (ASR) is an effective technique that can convert human speech into text format or computer actions. ASR systems are widely used in smart appliances, smart homes, and biometric systems. Signal processing and machine learning techniques are incorporated to recognize speech. However, traditional systems have low performance due to a noisy environment. In addition to this, accents and local differences negatively affect the ASR system’s performance while analyzing speech signals. A precise speech recognition system was developed to improve the system performance to overcome these issues. This paper uses speech information from jim-schwoebel voice datasets processed by Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs). The MFCC algorithm extracts the valuable features that are used to recognize speech. Here, a sparse auto-encoder (SAE) neural network is used to classify the model, and the hidden Markov model (HMM) is used to decide on the speech recognition. The network performance is optimized by applying the Harris Hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm to fine-tune the network parameter. The fine-tuned network can effectively recognize speech in a noisy environment.
Regular Physical Activity and Dental Erosion: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nijakowski Kacper , Zdrojewski Jakub , Nowak Monika , Podgórski Filip , Surdacka Anna
Published: January 2022

Dental erosion is the irreversible pathological loss of hard tissues, which are chemically dissolved by acids, especially through external means, such as diet (e.g., fruit juices, isotonic or energy drinks). This systematic review was designed to answer the question “Is there a relationship between dental erosion and regular physical activity with or without sports drink consumption?” Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, sixteen studies were included in this systematic review (according to PRISMA statement guidelines). Based on the meta-analysis, physically active individuals who declared regular consumption of sports drinks had a more than 2.5-fold increase in the odds of erosive lesions. In general, nearly half of the people who practiced sports experienced tooth erosion, and more than half frequently consumed sports beverages. Despite the heterogeneity of the included studies (different age groups, various sports disciplines), regular physical activity was associated with an increased risk of dental erosion, especially under the influence of frequent consumption of sports drinks.
Tillage Strategy and Nitrogen Fertilization Methods Influences on Selected Soil Quality Indicators and Spring Wheat Yield under Semi-Arid Environmental Conditions of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Yuan Jianyu , Sadiq Mahran , Rahim Nasir , Li Guang , Yan Lijuan , Wu Jiangqi , Xu Guorong
Published: January 2022

The influence of tillage and nitrogen fertilization methods on soil quality attributes and crop agronomic characteristics has been studied broadly under different agroclimatic conditions. Nevertheless, the interactive effect of tillage and fertilization approaches on soil properties on different soil depths and yield is rarely addressed, particularly on the Loess Plateau belt, and requires more exploration. Thus, this research was conducted in order to evaluate the interactive impact of tillage and nitrogen fertilization methods on soil properties and wheat productivity. The treatments included conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) with different fertilization approaches (no fertilization: CK, chemical nitrogen fertilizer: N, organic fertilizer: M, combined application of nitrogen fertilizer and organic fertilizer: NM) and were explored in a split plot arrangement under a randomized complete block design replicated thrice on soil properties (SWC, SOC, TN, TP, NO3−-N, NH4+-N, and stoichiometric ratio) and wheat yield. The results showed that sole no-tillage and NT in association with nitrogen fertilization (inorganic and organic) significantly increased the soil water content, SOC, TN, NH4+-N, C/P, and N/P ratios and wheat productivity but did not significantly yield TP, whilst it reduced the NO3−-N and C/N ratio compared with sole CT and CT together with nitrogen fertilization (organic and inorganic). Overall, NT in association with the joint application of inorganic and organic N fertilization are the best techniques to improve soil water status and nutrient status under the wheat mono-cropping system conditions and yield.
Effect of PODE on Emission Characteristics of a China VI Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine
Authors: Wei Yanju , Zhang Yajie , Zhu Zengqiang , Zhu Xiaodong , Gu Haoming , Liu Shenghua
Published: January 2022

With its high cetane number and oxygen content, polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (PODE) can promote engine combustion and reduce particulate emissions, which has become a key research object of diesel surrogate fuel. This study further explores the effects of blending PODE on emission characteristics of a China VI diesel engine. Diesel/PODE blends with the PODE volume blending ratios of 10%, 20% and 30% have been experimentally investigated in a China VI heavy-duty diesel engine at 1900 rpm and four different loads. Furthermore, the effects of EGR rates (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) rates (0–20%) on combustion and emission characteristics have been also discussed at 1700 r/min engine speed and 50% engine load condition. An exhaust gas analyzer and a particle counter were used to collect NOx, CO and THC emissions and particulate number (PN) emissions. The results show that the CO and THC emissions can be significantly reduced with the increase in the mixing ratio of PODE. Additionally, the particle number concentration can be also reduced, especially at low and high loads. The NOx emissions can be improved by increasing EGR rates. Interestingly, there is a trade-off relationship between PN and NOx emissions. In general, blending PODE can effectively reduce NOx and PN emissions simultaneously.
Reconstruction of Epidemiological Data in Hungary Using Stochastic Model Predictive Control
Authors: Polcz Péter , Csutak Balázs , Szederkényi Gábor
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we propose a model-based method for the reconstruction of not directly measured epidemiological data. To solve this task, we developed a generic optimization-based approach to compute unknown time-dependent quantities (such as states, inputs, and parameters) of discrete-time stochastic nonlinear models using a sequence of output measurements. The problem was reformulated as a stochastic nonlinear model predictive control computation, where the unknown inputs and parameters were searched as functions of the uncertain states, such that the model output followed the observations. The unknown data were approximated by Gaussian distributions. The predictive control problem was solved over a relatively long time window in three steps. First, we approximated the expected trajectories of the unknown quantities through a nonlinear deterministic problem. In the next step, we fixed the expected trajectories and computed the corresponding variances using closed-form expressions. Finally, the obtained mean and variance values were used as an initial guess to solve the stochastic problem. To reduce the estimated uncertainty of the computed states, a closed-loop input policy was considered during the optimization, where the state-dependent gain values were determined heuristically. The applicability of the approach is illustrated through the estimation of the epidemiological data of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary. To describe the epidemic spread, we used a slightly modified version of a previously published and validated compartmental model, in which the vaccination process was taken into account. The mean and the variance of the unknown data (e.g., the number of susceptible, infected, or recovered people) were estimated using only the daily number of hospitalized patients. The problem was reformulated as a finite-horizon predictive control problem, where the unknown time-dependent parameter, the daily transmission rate of the disease, was computed such that the expected value of the computed number of hospitalized patients fit the truly observed data as much as possible.
Recent Developments on the Thermal Properties, Stability and Applications of Nanofluids in Machining, Solar Energy and Biomedicine
Authors: Nobrega Glauco , de Souza Reinaldo Rodrigues , Gonçalves Inês M. , Moita Ana S. , Ribeiro João E. , Lima Rui A.
Published: January 2022

In this review work, the recent progress made in the use of nanofluids (NFs) applied in three specific areas will be presented: machining, solar energy, and biomedical engineering. Within this context, the discussions will be guided by emphasizing the thermal and stability properties of these fluids. In machining, NFs play a prominent role in the processes of turning, milling, drilling, and grinding, being responsible for their optimization as well as improving the useful life of the tools and reducing costs. In the solar energy field, NFs have been used in the thermal management of the panels, controlling and homogenizing the operating temperature of these systems. In the biomedical area, the advantages of using NFs come from the treatment of cancer cells, the development of vaccines before the improvement of diagnostic imaging, and many others. In all lines of research mentioned in this study, the main parameters that have limited or encouraged the use of these fluids are also identified and debated. Finally, the discussions presented in this review will inspire and guide researchers in developing new techniques to improve the applications of NFs in several fields.
Parametric Architecture beyond Form—Klein and Price: Pioneers in Computing the Quality of Life in Housing
Authors: Hernández Falagán David , Ziaiebigdeli Mohammadamin
Published: January 2022

This article proposes the investigation of two case studies of 20th century residential architecture that can be considered paradigmatic due to the pioneering use of parametric thinking in architecture. It deals with Alexander Klein’s plan analysis model and Cedric Price’s research on housing through his concept of 24-hour economic living toy. Both cases are analyzed using contemporary parametric tools to digitally reproduce the results of the analog diagrams developed by both architects. The reproduction of the diagrams makes it possible to recognize and make visible the specific parameters that are used in each case, demonstrating an evolution of housing research throughout the two periods. While Klein shows an observation focused on the efficiency of form, Price pursues a recognition of the uses to facilitate the adaptability of the architecture according to optimal usability.
Interpolation-Based Fusion of Sentinel-5P, SRTM, and Regulatory-Grade Ground Stations Data for Producing Spatially Continuous Maps of PM2.5 Concentrations Nationwide over Thailand
Authors: Han Shinhye , Kundhikanjana Worasom , Towashiraporn Peeranan , Stratoulias Dimitris
Published: January 2022

Atmospheric pollution has recently drawn significant attention due to its proven adverse effects on public health and the environment. This concern has been aggravated specifically in Southeast Asia due to increasing vehicular use, industrial activity, and agricultural burning practices. Consequently, elevated PM2.5 concentrations have become a matter of intervention for national authorities who have addressed the needs of monitoring air pollution by operating ground stations. However, their spatial coverage is limited and the installation and maintenance are costly. Therefore, alternative approaches are necessary at national and regional scales. In the current paper, we investigated interpolation models to fuse PM2.5 measurements from ground stations and satellite data in an attempt to produce spatially continuous maps of PM2.5 nationwide over Thailand. Four approaches are compared, namely the inverse distance weighted (IDW), ordinary kriging (OK), random forest (RF), and random forest combined with OK (RFK) leveraging on the NO2, SO2, CO, HCHO, AI, and O3 products from the Sentinel-5P satellite, regulatory-grade ground PM2.5 measurements, and topographic parameters. The results suggest that RFK is the most robust, especially when the pollution levels are moderate or extreme, achieving an RMSE value of 7.11 μg/m3 and an R2 value of 0.77 during a 10-day long period in February, and an RMSE of 10.77 μg/m3 and R2 and 0.91 during the entire month of March. The proposed approach can be adopted operationally and expanded by leveraging regulatory-grade stations, low-cost sensors, as well as upcoming satellite missions such as the GEMS and the Sentinel-5.
Air Quality outside Schools in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: An Investigation into NO2 and PM Concentrations and PM Respiratory Deposition
Authors: Keast Laura , Bramwell Lindsay , Maji Kamal Jyoti , Rankin Judith , Namdeo Anil
Published: January 2022

Air pollution is the principal environmental threat to public health in the UK. Ever-increasing evidence links ambient air pollutants, preventable diseases, and health inequalities. Children are particularly vulnerable to harmful effects due to their short height, developing lungs, and higher rate of respiration. Using data from air quality monitors around schools, we investigated 2018–2019 ambient NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 concentrations at 12 schools in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. We compared findings with EU/UK air quality regulations and guidelines, identified patterns, and calculated PM respiratory deposition doses (RDDs). The range of annual average (AA) concentrations across the schools for the two-year period was 23.7–39.2 µg/m3 for NO2, 7.4–22.2 µg/m3 for PM10, 3.5–11.6 µg/m3 for PM2.5, and 1.7–9.0 µg/m3 for PM1. The highest PM RDD children were exposed to at school was 30 µg/h. One school’s AA NO2, two schools’ hourly PM2.5 averages, and one school’s 24-h PM10 averages exceeded EU/UK regulations. All schools exceeded WHO2005 24-h PM10 and PM2.5 guidelines in 2018, less in 2019. All 12 schools would have exceeded WHO2021 NO2 AA guidelines (10 µg/m3), 2 the WHO2021 PM10 AA (15 µg/m3), and 10 the WHO2021 PM2.5 AA (5 µg/m3). Evidence-based policy is required to improve school ambient air quality and reduce children’s exposure.
Algebraic Basis of the Algebra of All Symmetric Continuous Polynomials on the Cartesian Product of ℓp-Spaces
Authors: Bandura Andriy , Kravtsiv Viktoriia , Vasylyshyn Taras
Published: January 2022

We construct a countable algebraic basis of the algebra of all symmetric continuous polynomials on the Cartesian product ℓp1×…×ℓpn, where p1,…,pn∈[1,+∞), and ℓp is the complex Banach space of all p-power summable sequences of complex numbers for p∈[1,+∞).
SAIPO-TAIPO and Genetic Algorithms for Investment Portfolios
Authors: Frausto Solis Juan , Purata Aldaz José L. , González del Angel Manuel , González Barbosa Javier , Castilla Valdez Guadalupe
Published: January 2022

The classic model of Markowitz for designing investment portfolios is an optimization problem with two objectives: maximize returns and minimize risk. Various alternatives and improvements have been proposed by different authors, who have contributed to the theory of portfolio selection. One of the most important contributions is the Sharpe Ratio, which allows comparison of the expected return of portfolios. Another important concept for investors is diversification, measured through the average correlation. In this measure, a high correlation indicates a low level of diversification, while a low correlation represents a high degree of diversification. In this work, three algorithms developed to solve the portfolio problem are presented. These algorithms used the Sharpe Ratio as the main metric to solve the problem of the aforementioned two objectives into only one objective: maximization of the Sharpe Ratio. The first, GENPO, used a Genetic Algorithm (GA). In contrast, the second and third algorithms, SAIPO and TAIPO used Simulated Annealing and Threshold Accepting algorithms, respectively. We tested these algorithms using datasets taken from the Mexican Stock Exchange. The findings were compared with other mathematical models of related works, and obtained the best results with the proposed algorithms.
Multiple Scenario Analysis of Battery Energy Storage System Investment: Measuring Economic and Circular Viability
Authors: Wrålsen Benedikte , Faessler Bernhard
Published: January 2022

Circular business models for batteries have been revealed in earlier research to achieve economic viability while reducing total resource consumption of raw materials. The objective of this study is to measure the economic performance of the preferred business model by creating different scenarios comparing second life (spent) and new battery investment for seven different European regions and four energy management strategies. Findings reveal levels of economic ability for a total of 34 scenarios simulated, including direct savings per kWh, a total change in energy costs per year, battery charge/discharge cycles, and comparative breakeven analyses. Regional effects are also measured based on day-ahead electricity prices and solar irradiation. The minimum payback time is 7 years before battery system investment costs are covered. The most viable energy management strategies also had the highest number of charge/discharge cycles, which decreases battery lifetime. Investment in a second life battery compared to a new battery reduced the payback time by 0.5 to 2 years due to lower investment costs. However, the estimated lifetime range (3 to 10 years) is lower compared to a new battery (5 to 15 years), which questions the circular business model viability for the scenarios studied. Energy management strategies should be combined and customized to increase economic benefits.