bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Property Valuation in Latvia and Brazil: A Multifaceted Approach Integrating Algorithm, Geographic Information System, Fuzzy Logic, and Civil Engineering Insights
Authors: Surgelas Vladimir , Puķīte Vivita , Arhipova Irina
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to predict residential apartment prices in Latvia and Brazil using algorithms from machine learning, fuzzy logic, and civil engineering principles, with a focus on overcoming multicollinearity challenges. To explore the market dynamics, we conducted four initial experiments in the central regions of Riga and Jelgava (Latvia), as well as São Paulo and Niterói (Brazil). Data were collected from real estate advertisements, supplemented by civil engineering inspections, and analyzed following international valuation standards. The research integrated human decision-making behavior with machine learning and the Apriori algorithm. Our methodology followed five key stages: data collection, data preparation for association rule mining, the generation of association rules, fuzzy logic analysis, and the interpretation of model accuracy. The proposed method achieved a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) that ranged from 5% to 7%, indicating strong alignment with market trends. These findings offer valuable insights for decision making in urban development, particularly in optimizing renovation priorities and promoting sustainable growth.
Interplay Between Atmospheric Correction and Fusion Techniques Enhances the Quality of Remote Sensing Image Fusion
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Feinan , Sui Tangyu , Ti Rufang , Cheng Weihua , Hong Jin , Qiu Zhenwei
Published: October 2024

Remote sensing image fusion technology integrates observational data from multiple satellite platforms to leverage the complementary advantages of the different types of remote sensing images. High-quality fused remote sensing images provide detailed information on surface radiation, climate, and environmental conditions, thereby supporting governmental policies on environmental changes. Improving the quality and quantitative accuracy of fused images is a crucial trend in remote sensing image fusion research. This study investigates the impact of atmospheric correction and five widely applied fusion techniques on remote sensing image fusion. By constructing four fusion frameworks, it evaluates how the choice of fusion method, the implementation of atmospheric correction, the synchronization of atmospheric parameters, and the timing of atmospheric correction influence the outcomes of remote sensing image fusion. Aerial flights using remote sensors were conducted to acquire atmospheric parameter distribution images that are strictly synchronous with the remote sensing images. Comprehensive and systematic evaluations of the fused remote sensing images were performed. Experiments show that for the remote sensing images used, selecting the appropriate fusion method can improve the spatial detail evaluation metrics of the fused images by up to 2.739 times, with the smallest deviation from true reflectance reaching 35.02%. Incorporating synchronous atmospheric parameter distribution images can enhance the spatial detail evaluation metrics by up to 2.03 times, with the smallest deviation from true reflectance reaching 5.4%. This indicates that choosing an appropriate fusion method and performing imaging-based synchronous atmospheric correction before fusion can maximize the enhancement of spatial details and spectral quantification in fused images.
Impact of Directly Assimilating Radar Reflectivity Using a Reflectivity Operator Based on a Double-Moment Microphysics Scheme on the Analysis and Forecast of Typhoon Lekima (1909)
Authors: Luo Jingyao , Li Hong , Zhu Yijie , Zhu Lijian
Published: October 2024

In previous studies, radar reflectivity is often directly assimilated using reflectivity operators based on a single-moment (SM) microphysics scheme, though the forecast model uses a double-moment (DM) microphysics scheme. With the fixed number concentrations, only the mixing ratios of hydrometeors are directly updated during the assimilation, which leads to a mismatch between the analyzed microphysical state variables and the microphysics scheme of the forecast model. In this study, the radar reflectivity is directly assimilated through an observation operator consistent with the DM Thompson microphysics scheme used in numerical integrations, and the impact of reflectivity operators based on SM and DM schemes on the analysis performance of the ensemble Kalman filter for typhoon Lekima on 9 August 2019 is evaluated. Reflectivity observations from a single operational weather radar in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province of China are assimilated. In addition, the dual-polarization observations from the same radar are used to evaluate the quality of the analysis. The analyzed reflectivity and dual-polarization characteristics obtained by different reflectivity operators are examined in detail. Compared with the experiments applying the reflectivity operator based on the SM Lin scheme, the use of a reflectivity operator consistent with the DM Thompson scheme adopted in the forecast model results in analyzed reflectivity and polarization characteristics that are more consistent with the observed characteristics in terms of general structure, location, and intensity. Forecasted reflectivity, 3 h accumulated precipitation, and typhoon intensity and track are also evaluated. The application of the reflectivity operator based on the DM scheme makes better forecasts of typhoon intensity, precipitation, and reflectivity, which also improves the forecast skills on typhoon tracks to a certain extent.
Enhancing Transpiration Estimates: A Novel Approach Using SIF Partitioning and the TL-LUE Model
Authors: Gemechu Tewekel Melese , Chen Baozhang , Zhang Huifang , Fang Junjun , Dilawar Adil
Published: October 2024

Accurate evapotranspiration (ET) estimation is crucial for understanding ecosystem dynamics and managing water resources. Existing methodologies, including traditional techniques like the Penman–Monteith model, remote sensing approaches utilizing Solar-Induced Fluorescence (SIF), and machine learning algorithms, have demonstrated varying levels of effectiveness in ET estimation. However, these methods often face significant challenges, such as reliance on empirical coefficients, inadequate representation of canopy dynamics, and limitations due to cloud cover and sensor constraints. These issues can lead to inaccuracies in capturing ET’s spatial and temporal variability, highlighting the need for improved estimation techniques. This study introduces a novel approach to enhance ET estimation by integrating SIF partitioning with Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) and leaf area index (LAI) data, utilizing the TL-LUE model (Two-Leaf Light Use Efficiency). Partitioning SIF data into sunlit and shaded components allows for a more detailed representation of the canopy’s functional dynamics, significantly improving ET modelling. Our analysis reveals significant advancements in ET modelling through SIF partitioning. At Xiaotangshan Station, the correlation between modelled ET and SIFsu is 0.71, while the correlation between modelled ET and SIFsh is 0.65. The overall correlation (R2) between the modelled ET and the combined SIF partitioning (SIF(P)) is 0.69, indicating a strong positive relationship at Xiaotangshan Station. The correlations between SIFsh and SIFsu with modelled ET show notable patterns, with R2 values of 0.89 and 0.88 at Heihe Daman, respectively. These findings highlight the effectiveness of SIF partitioning in capturing canopy dynamics and its impact on ET estimation. Comparing modelled ET with observed ET and the Penman–Monteith model (PM model) demonstrates substantial improvements. R2 values for modelled ET against observed ET were 0.68, 0.76, and 0.88 across HuaiLai, Shangqiu, and Yunxiao Stations. Modelled ET correlations to the PM model were 0.75, 0.73, and 0.90, respectively, at three stations. These results underscore the model’s capability to enhance ET estimations by integrating physiological and remote sensing data. This innovative SIF-partitioning approach offers a more nuanced perspective on canopy photosynthesis, providing a more accurate and comprehensive method for understanding and managing ecosystem water dynamics across diverse environments.
An RD-Domain Virtual Aperture Extension Method for Shipborne HFSWR
Authors: Qu Youmin , Mao Xingpeng , Hou Yuguan , Li Xue
Published: October 2024

High-frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) is widely used for detecting sea surface or low-altitude targets due to its all-weather operation and over-the-horizon detection capability. To further enhance the maneuverability and detection range of HFSWR, shipborne HFSWR has been developed. However, compared to shore-based platforms, shipborne platforms face challenges such as a small array aperture and reduced Direction of Arrival (DOA) estimation performance due to their limited size. The traditional time–domain virtual aperture extension method, based on the principle of space-time equivalence, aims to improve the array aperture but has limitations when used for HFSWR background or multiple targets with different speeds. To address these issues, this paper proposes a range-Doppler domain (RD-domain) virtual aperture extension method for the uniform linear array, based on the uniform motion model. The contributions of this work include (1) a continuous motion model for shipborne HFSWR, (2) a virtual aperture processing flowchart for shipborne HFSWR, and (3) an RD-domain aperture extension method suitable for HFSWR background or multiple targets with varying speeds. Through simulation and experimental data, we validate the proposed method and analyze its performance.
High-Precision Disparity Estimation for Lunar Scene Using Optimized Census Transform and Superpixel Refinement
Authors: Liang Zhen , Long Hongfeng , Zhu Zijian , Cao Zifei , Yi Jinhui , Ma Yuebo , Liu Enhai , Zhao Rujin
Published: October 2024

High-precision lunar scene 3D data are essential for lunar exploration and the construction of scientific research stations. Currently, most existing data from orbital imagery offers resolutions up to 0.5–2 m, which is inadequate for tasks requiring centimeter-level precision. To overcome this, our research focuses on using in situ stereo vision systems for finer 3D reconstructions directly from the lunar surface. However, the scarcity and homogeneity of available lunar surface stereo datasets, combined with the Moon’s unique conditions—such as variable lighting from low albedo, sparse surface textures, and extensive shadow occlusions—pose significant challenges to the effectiveness of traditional stereo matching techniques. To address the dataset gap, we propose a method using Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) for high-fidelity physical simulation of lunar surface scenes, generating high-resolution images under realistic and challenging conditions. Additionally, we propose an optimized cost calculation method based on Census transform and color intensity fusion, along with a multi-level super-pixel disparity optimization, to improve matching accuracy under harsh lunar conditions. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits exceptional robustness and accuracy in our soon-to-be-released multi-scene lunar dataset, effectively addressing issues related to special lighting conditions, weak textures, and shadow occlusion, ultimately enhancing disparity estimation accuracy.
Experimental Analysis of the Supercritical CO2-Based Circulation Type for the Remediation of Kilogram-Scale Soil Samples from Metal Ions
Authors: Wu Wentao , Chen Lin , Mei Deqing , Kanda Yuki , Komiya Atsuki
Published: October 2024

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) has been proposed as one new alternative separation medium for soil remediation due to its preferrable dissolution properties and environmentally friendly nature. This study is focused on the effects of operation parameters, such as separation pressure, temperature and processing time, on the extraction efficiency of inorganic contaminants (chromium; arsenic) from soil samples by using the newly established kilogram-scale prototype. The prototype system was operated with Cyanex 302 as a chelating agent and methanol as a co-solvent. The extraction efficiency (EE) of chromium (Cr) is experimentally identified to be 97.98% at 35 MPa and 75 °C (with 60 min processing time), while it is found to drop quickly at low temperature and pressure (only 40% under 20 MPa and 35 °C). The EE of arsenic (As) has been identified generally with high efficiency, over 95% for most cases. For chromium (Cr), 30 MPa and 55 °C or higher parameter ranges are recommended to maintain an efficiency over 90%.
Upcycling of Food By-Products and Waste: Nonthermal Green Extractions and Life Cycle Assessment Approach
Authors: Nutrizio Marinela , Dukić Josipa , Sabljak Iva , Samardžija Aleksandra , Fučkar Vedran Biondić , Djekić Ilija , Jambrak Anet Režek
Published: October 2024

Food loss and waste constitute a substantial threat to global food system sustainability, representing 38% of energy consumption in the supply chain. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights a vision integrating social, economic, and environmental pillars. Addressing environmental impact requires recycling (destruction for new creations) and upcycling (converting waste into valuable products). This review highlights nonthermal green extractions and sustainable techniques in upcycling raw materials such as olives, red beetroot, sugar beet, and coffee, which are widely used in the food industry. Nonthermal processing efficiently extracts bioactive compounds and utilizes waste. Key approaches for its valorization include life cycle assessment, environmental footprint analysis, energy efficiency strategies, digitalization, and sustainability considerations. However, challenges remain in calculating their environmental impact. Waste and by-product valorization from raw materials address disposal issues, offering economic and environmental benefits. Nonthermal techniques show optimistic opportunities in green extraction and sustainable upcycling. The focus is on raw materials including olives, red beetroot, sugar beet, and coffee byproducts, and possible product development. There are powerful connections offering industry tools for impactful sustainability management and guiding decisions on waste-to-value or ‘upcycling’ products. The review contributes to filling the gap in usage of nonthermal processing in upcycling of waste and by-products.
Using Spatial Literacy for Disaster Management in Coastal Communities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS): A Case Study from Lavongai, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Nirwansyah Anang Widhi , Mandili Abdel , Inez-Pedro Bianca , Aini John , Sriyanto Sriyanto , Sadeli Elly Hasan
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the use of participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) for hazard assessment in small island developing states (SIDS), with a focus on spatial literacy and community-based disaster management. By partnering with the Lavongai community on Papua New Guinea, this research aimed to empower community members through skill development in geodata processing. The program leveraged local knowledge and the global positioning system to create participatory maps, enhancing both community capacity and researcher data quality. Workshops and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to assess the community’s understanding of spatial concepts related to disaster risks. The core objective was a preliminary assessment of the community’s social and economic vulnerability to coastal disasters, using household data and GIS analysis. The results showed varied vulnerability levels within the community, highlighting the need for targeted disaster mitigation training and nature-based solutions. High-resolution satellite imagery and a simple bathtub model simulated sea level rise, identifying land-uses at risk. The program concluded with a community presentation of thematic maps, fostering collaboration and transparency. Future projects will address environmental challenges identified by local leaders and prioritize skill development, social data collection, and water resource mapping.
Preface to This Special Issue: The Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain
Authors: Sys Christa , Tei Alessio
Published: October 2024

Background and Motivation [...]
Understanding the Influence of Built Environment Indicators on Transit-Oriented Development Performance According to the Literature from 2000 to 2023
Authors: Xia Zhengwei , Feng Weiyao , Cao Hongshi , Zhang Ye
Published: October 2024

The transit-oriented development (TOD) model provides benefits to urban areas in terms of transportation, the economy, society, and the environment. Given the complexity and limitations arising from the various backgrounds, objectives, and other aspects of previous studies, empirical research on specific cases has often failed to fully analyze the influence of built environment indicators on TOD performance. This paper systematically reviews and analyzes related empirical studies conducted worldwide up until June 2023. The correlations between built environment indicators and their impacts on TOD performance indicators are visualized and measured. General patterns of the influences of built environment indicators on TOD performance are summarized using social network analysis (SNA), and the key indicators are identified via cluster analysis. Finally, by analyzing the key indicators such as diversity, density, design, and distance to transit stations, as well as their associated built environment indicators, the built environment characteristics that ensure TOD performance are thoroughly examined. These insights provide a better understanding of the influences of the built environment on TOD performance, thus offering guidance for the development and application of the TOD model.
Agent-Based Trust and Reputation Model in Smart IoT Environments
Authors: Al-Shamaileh Mohammad , Anthony Patricia , Charters Stuart
Published: October 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) enables smart devices to connect, share and exchange data with each other through the internet. Since an IoT environment is open and dynamic, IoT participants may need to collaborate with unknown entities with no proven track record. To ensure successful collaboration among these entities, it is important to establish a mechanism that ensures all entities operate in a trustworthy manner. We present a trust and reputation model that can be used to select the best service provider in an IoT environment. Our proposed model, IoT-CADM (Comprehensive Agent-based Decision-making Model for IoT) is an agent-based decentralised trust and reputation model that can be used to select the best service provider for a particular service based on multi-context quality of service. IoT-CADM is developed using a smart multi-agent IoT environment where information about entities is collected and evaluated using a trust and reputation algorithm. We evaluated the performance of the proposed model against some other well-known models in a simulated smart factory supply chain system. Our experimental results showed that the proposed IoT-CADM achieved the best performance.
Therapeutic Potential of Bee and Wasp Venom in Anti-Arthritic Treatment: A Review
Authors: Sun Hongmei , Qu Yunxia , Lei Xiaojing , Xu Qingzhu , Li Siming , Shi Zhengmei , Xiao Huai , Zhang Chenggui , Yang Zhibin
Published: October 2024

Arthritis has a high global prevalence. During the early ancient human era, bee (Apis) venom therapy was employed in Egypt, Greece, and China to alleviate ailments such as arthritis and neuralgia. In addition, bee venom has long been used as a traditional medicine for immune-related diseases in Korea. Wasp (Vespa) venom is a folk medicine of the Jingpo people in Yunnan, China, and has been widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In spite of this, the underlying mechanisms of bee and wasp venoms for the treatment of arthritis are yet to be fully understood. In recent years, researchers have investigated the potential anti-arthritic properties of bee and wasp venoms. Studies have shown that both bee and wasp venom can improve swelling, pain, and inflammation caused by arthritis. The difference is that bee venom reduces arthritis damage to bone and cartilage by inhibiting the IRAK2/TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway, as well as decreasing osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the RANKL/RANK signaling pathway. Wasp venom, on the other hand, regulates synovial cell apoptosis via the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, inhibits the JAK/STAT signaling pathway to reduce inflammation production, and also ameliorates joint inflammation by regulating redox balance and iron death in synovial cells. This review provides a detailed overview of the various types of arthritis and their current therapeutic approaches; additionally, it comprehensively analyzes the therapeutic properties of bee venom, wasp venom, or venom components used as anti-arthritic drugs and explores their mechanisms of action in anti-arthritic therapy.
Design of a Green Corridor and the Revitalization of the Huatanay River, City of Cuzco, Peru—2024
Authors: Larrea Válery , Pelaez Fabricio , Esenarro Doris
Published: October 2024

Population growth in the last 30 years has generated an energy shortage and excessive consumption of products, generating a large percentage of solid waste. Urban expansion has led to a significant impact on the biodiversity of both flora and fauna. In this context, the objective of this research is to develop a design for a green corridor that optimizes ecological energy efficiency and contributes to the revaluation of the Huatanay River in Cuzco. The methodology used in this study is articulated in four stages: literature analysis; analysis of the environment through supporting data such as Climate consultant, SIGRID, and GEO Peru; results where the proposed project is carried out; and finally, the conclusions and discussions where they are contrasted with a similar bibliography. The design of the green corridor efficiently takes advantage of the natural resources available in the area, which has 70% green areas and 30% public spaces, where 13 kWh/day of energy is generated, according to the calculations made in sector 2 of the botanical garden that will later be replicated in the other sectors, derived from biodigesters for the lighting of spaces of the botanical garden. The corridor, in turn, aims to recover the ecological function of the river through the restoration of its course, the reforestation of its banks, and the creation of recreational areas. In conclusion, the green corridor aims to revitalize the Huatanay River through different elements, among which the botanical garden stands out.
Climate Change and Cities of Lithuania: Threats, Problems and Prerequisites for Solution
Authors: Ramanauskas Evaldas , Bukantis Arūnas , Dringelis Liucijus , Kaveckis Giedrius , Jonkutė-Vilkė Gintė
Published: October 2024

The emerging threats of climate change and their impacts on cities and residents are increasingly highlighting the need to assess whether countries are adequately prepared for the potential consequences of this process. While many international agreements on climate change, sustainable development and environmental protection have been adopted, countries often face various local obstacles that hinder their implementation. To address these issues, this paper reviews the climate change projections, emerging threats and hazards in Lithuania and their potential impacts on the country’s cities and highlights the main challenges in preparing for these growing threats. This article presents an evaluation of the climate change forecasts and past climate events in three selected Lithuanian cities—Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda. The study includes a diagnostic assessment of the climate changes since 1961 and climate change forecasts up to 2100, based on the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, using regional and global climate models. It identifies the impacts of potential climate change consequences on cities, forming the basis for the evaluation of the urban situation in the country. The urban situation is assessed in terms of legislation, urban development, environmental requirements and the development of safety infrastructure. Based on the evaluation of urban development, preliminary proposals are provided for the creation of a resilient living environment. One of the key proposals in shaping the living environment—which could be particularly significant in adapting to emerging threats—is the complex formation of new, sustainable urban structures that take into account the social, ecological and economic factors of climate change and other rising threats.
SARS-CoV-2 Assembly: Gaining Infectivity and Beyond
Authors: Katiyar Harshita , Arduini Ariana , Li Yichen , Liang Chen
Published: October 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was responsible for causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Intensive research has illuminated the complex biology of SARS-CoV-2 and its continuous evolution during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. While much attention has been paid to the structure and functions of the viral spike protein and the entry step of viral infection, partly because these are targets for neutralizing antibodies and COVID-19 vaccines, the later stages of SARS-CoV-2 replication, including the assembly and egress of viral progenies, remain poorly characterized. This includes insight into how the activities of the viral structural proteins are orchestrated spatially and temporally, which cellular proteins are assimilated by the virus to assist viral assembly, and how SARS-CoV-2 counters and evades the cellular mechanisms antagonizing virus assembly. In addition to becoming infectious, SARS-CoV-2 progenies also need to survive the hostile innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, such as recognition by neutralizing antibodies. This review offers an updated summary of the roles of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins in viral assembly, the regulation of assembly by viral and cellular factors, and the cellular mechanisms that restrict this process. Knowledge of these key events often reveals the vulnerabilities of SARS-CoV-2 and aids in the development of effective antiviral therapeutics.
Short Term Treatment Monitoring of Renal and Inflammatory Biomarkers with Naturally Occurring Leishmaniosis: A Cohort Study of 30 Dogs
Authors: Pantaleo Valeria , Furlanello Tommaso , Campigli Michela , Ventura Laura , Solano-Gallego Laia
Published: October 2024

Various inflammatory and renal biomarkers have already been assessed for monitoring the response to anti-leishmanial therapy in canine leishmaniosis. This study assessed the parasite load, various inflammatory and renal biomarkers pre- and post-treatment, and any association between the studied variables and the degree of disease severity at diagnosis. This is a prospective cohort study of 30 client-owned dogs with leishmaniosis, classified according to LeishVet’s guidelines as stage I (n = 2), stage IIa (n = 7), stage IIb (n = 6), stage III (n = 8), and stage IV (n = 7). In addition to Leishmania real-time PCR in the bone marrow, blood and urine, previously studied biomarkers, and several inflammatory and renal markers never investigated in canine leishmaniosis, such as fibrinogen, antithrombin, urinary fractional excretion of sodium, and urinary amylase-to-creatinine ratio were measured pre- and post-treatment (meglumine antimoniate or miltefosine + allopurinol). A positive Leishmania real-time PCR in the blood at diagnosis predicted a positive Leishmania real-time PCR in the bone marrow post-treatment (p = 0.003). Following treatment, antithrombin and urinary amylase-to-creatinine ratio were significantly changed (p < 0.001, respectively). Urinary amylase-to-creatinine ratio, total iron-binding capacity, and antithrombin were the variables most strongly associated with disease severity (p < 0.005, respectively). Urinary amylase-to-creatinine ratio can be a useful marker to monitor treatment response and to classify the degree of disease severity.
Integrated Modeling Approach to Assess Freshwater Inflow Impact on Coastal Water Quality
Authors: Bhattarai Shreeya , Parajuli Prem , Linhoss Anna
Published: October 2024

The quality of freshwater input from tributaries of the Western Mississippi Sound (WMSS) impacts the quality of coastal water. Hydrological and hydrodynamic models can be coupled to assess the impact of freshwater inflow from coastal watersheds. This study aims to compare the performance of a hydrodynamic model and a hydrological–hydrodynamic coupled model in detecting the effect of freshwater inflow from the coastal watersheds of the state of Mississippi into the WMSS. A hydrological model, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and a hydrodynamic model, the visual Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (vEFDC), were coupled to evaluate the difference between the hydrodynamical modelling approach, which employs an area-weighted approach to define flow and nutrient concentrations, and the more recent coupling model approach, which uses a hydrological model to determine the flow and nutrient load of the model. Furthermore, a nutrient load sensitivity analysis of the effect of freshwater inflow on water quality in the WMSS was conducted in addition to assessing the repercussions of tropical depressions. Hydrological assessments of the major tributaries watersheds of Saint Louis Bay (SLB) at the WMSS were performed using the SWAT model. After calibration/validation of the SWAT model, the streamflow output from the SWAT was incorporated into the vEFDC model. Finally, hydrodynamic simulation of the SWAT-vEFDC model was conducted, and water quality output was compared at different SLB locations. The salinity, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) were assessed by comparing the vEFDC and SWAT-vEFDC outputs. The results indicated that hydrological input from the SWAT alters the flow and nutrient concentration results as compared to an area-weighted approach. In addition, a major impact on the concentration of TN and TP occurred at the location where the freshwater flows into SLB. This impact diminishes further away from the point of freshwater inflow. Moreover, a 25% nutrient load variation did not demonstrate a difference in water quality at the WMSS besides TN and TP in a post-tropical depression scenario. Therefore, the SWAT-vEFDC coupled approach provided insights into evaluation of the area-weighted method, and of hydrological model output to the hydrodynamical model, the effect of freshwater inflow into coastal waters, and nutrient sensitivity analysis, which are important for integrated coastal ecosystems management.
Ecological Environment Assessment System in River–Riparian Areas Based on a Protocol for Hydromorphological Quality Evaluation
Authors: Duo Lan , Sánchez-Juny Martí , Bladé i Castellet Ernest
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to propose a method for the evaluation of the hydromorphological quality of a river and its riparian areas using three essential components: morphological characterization, river connectivity, and vegetation coverage. The method has been applied to the Tordera river in Catalonia, Spain. The general goal is to establish a riparian environment assessment tool by proposing parameters for each of the three mentioned aspects. This approach relies on data collection and evaluation with a simple computational procedure for eliminating subjectivity in the weighting and classification of evaluation levels. In the proposed methodology, the weights of the indicators are determined by the Distance Correlation-Based CRITIC (D-CRITIC) method, and the results are integrated using the Coupling Coordination Degree Model (CCDM). The proposed methodology quantifies assessment parameters and analyzes the environmental problems faced by riparian zones and rivers through the parameters and the results of the CCDM and thus can be used as a basis for proposing methods to improve the ecological situation. The results can be used for the enhancement of the coordination between the development of riparian resources and the requirements of ecosystem protection and utilization, and they can be used to promote the healthy development of ecological environments and the effective use of riparian resources.
Combining SWAT with Machine Learning to Identify Primary Controlling Factors and Their Impacts on Non-Point Source Pollution
Authors: Yin Maowu , Wu Zaijun , Zhang Qian , Su Yangyang , Hong Qiao , Jia Qiongqiong , Wang Xiao , Wang Kan , Cheng Junrui
Published: October 2024

Non-point source (NPS) pollution has a complex formation mechanism, and identifying its primary controlling factors is crucial for effective pollution treatment. In this study, the Baixi Reservoir Watershed, characterized by low-intensity development, was selected as the study area. A new methodology combining the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) with the Random Forest (RF) algorithm was proposed to comprehensively identify the primary controlling factors of NPS pollution and analyze the interaction between factors. The results of the validated SWAT model showed that the annual intensity of total nitrogen (TN) load range was 0.677–11.014 kg ha−1 yr−1, and the total phosphorus (TP) load per unit area range was 0.020–0.110 kg ha−1 yr−1. Loads of sediment, TP, and TN exhibited significant seasonal variations, particularly in the Baixi basin, where sediment yield had the highest absolute change rate, with a value of up to 232.26. Random Forest models for TN and TP displayed high accuracy (R2 > 0.99) and robust generalization ability. Fertilization, sediment yield, and terrain slope were identified through RF models as the primary factors affecting TN and TP. By graphing partial dependency plots (PDPs) based on the results of the RF models to analyze the interaction between factors, the findings suggest a strong synergistic effect of two combined factors: fertilization and sediment yield. When fertilizer application exceeds 15 kg ha−1 yr−1 and sediment yield exceeds 3 kg ha−1 yr−1, there is a sharp increase in nitrogen and phosphorus load. Through the identification and analysis of the primary controlling factors of NPS pollution, this study provides a solid scientific foundation for developing effective watershed management strategies.
Preventive efficacy of hydrocortisone enema for radiation proctitis in rectal cancer patients undergoing short-course radiotherapy: a phase II randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mohammadianpanah Mohammad , Tazang Maryam , Nguyen Nam Phong , Ahmadloo Niloofar , Omidvari Shapour , Mosalaei Ahmad , Ansari Mansour , Nasrollahi Hamid , Kadkhodaei Behnam , Khanjani Nezhat , Hosseini Seyed Vahid
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of hydrocortisone enema in preventing radiation proctitis in patients with rectal cancer undergoing short-course radiotherapy (SCRT).Methods: This phase II randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced rectal cancer (clinically staged T3–4 and/or N1–2M0). Participants received a median of 4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) followed by 3-dimensional conformal SCRT (25 Gy in 5 fractions). Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a hydrocortisone enema (n=50) or a placebo (n=51) once daily for 5 consecutive days during SCRT. The primary endpoint was the incidence and severity of acute proctitis.Results: Of the 111 eligible patients, 101 were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, including sex, age, performance status, and tumor location, were comparable across the treatment arms. None of the patients experienced grade 4 acute gastrointestinal toxicity or had to discontinue treatment due to treatment-related adverse effects. Patients in the hydrocortisone arm experienced significantly less severe proctitis (P<0.001), diarrhea (P=0.023), and rectal pain (P<0.001) than those in the placebo arm. Additionally, the duration of acute gastrointestinal toxicity following SCRT was significantly shorter in patients receiving hydrocortisone (P<0.001).Conclusion: Hydrocortisone enema was associated with a significant reduction in the severity of proctitis, diarrhea, and rectal pain compared to placebo. Additionally, patients treated with hydrocortisone experienced shorter durations of gastrointestinal toxicity following SCRT. This study highlights the potential benefits of hydrocortisone enema in managing radiation-induced toxicity in rectal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Investigación descriptiva para la determinación de línea base de la Comuna de Engabao, Ecuador.
Authors: Izaguirre Jorge , Jordán Correa Dennys Patricia , López Brunett Ana Luisa
Published: October 2024

El turismo desempeña un papel importante en la economía de la provincia de Guayas y ha contribuido al desarrollo local en diversos aspectos. Engabao es una comuna a una distancia de 17 kilómetros del cantón Villamil Playas, conocida por su playa y puerto pesquero. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar las necesidades de los hogares de la Comuna de Engabao con el fin de describir una línea base que permita a las instituciones de educación superior diseñar planes de intervención que puedan contribuir al desarrollo social y turístico de la comuna. La metodología del estudio fue mixta y se desarrolló a través de 20 entrevistas a profundidad que incluyeron variables cuantitativas. El alcance del estudio fue descriptivo/exploratorio. Los resultados mostraron necesidades de la zona al respecto de alfabetización, seguridad, generación de fuentes de ingreso y alcantarillado. Los autores concluyeron en la oportunidad de generar planes de intervención a través de prácticas comunitarias universitarias que permitan a los habitantes de la zona desarrollar competencias que puedan representar mejores oportunidades de empleo y fuentes alternas de generación de ingreso.
Revisão da dor em pacientes com Distúrbio do Espectro da Neuromielite Óptica
Authors: Lima Claudio Renato Silva , Lima Júnior Danielde Vicente Siqueira Lima Júnior , Nóbrega Patrícia Vidal de Negreiros , Allende Mirella Rabello Almeida Farias Allende , Moreira Lucas Vasconcelos Leitão , Oliveira Bianca Etelvina Santos de
Published: October 2024

Introdução. O Distúrbio do Espectro da Neuromielite Óptica (DENMO) é uma doença autoimune rara que afeta o Sistema Nervoso Central, causando desmielinização. Pacientes com DENMO soropositivos frequentemente sofrem de dor e apresentam altas taxas de depressão e suicídio. Objetivo. revisar sistematicamente, na literatura, artigos científicos que abordem as características da dor e o uso de medicamentos com ação analgésica em pessoas com DENMO. Método. A busca filtrou artigos dos últimos 5 anos nas bases de dados Embase, Scopus, PUBMED, Web of Science, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, SciElo e Cochrane Library utilizando os descritores e operadores booleanos “Neuromielite Óptica” AND “Dor” AND “Analgésicos” em português, inglês e espanhol conforme critérios de elegibilidade e exclusão preestabelecidos. Resultados. A dor emergiu como um sintoma prevalente, afetando entre 66,4% e 75,3% dos pacientes. A dor do tipo neuropática foi a mais comum, seguida pela ocular e pelo espasmo tônico doloroso. De forma geral, a dor estava localizada em membros inferiores, costas, membros superiores, tórax e cintura. As medicações utilizadas no tratamento álgico incluíram gabapentina, pregabalina, tramadol, clofenadina, carbamazepina, oxcarbazepina, baclofeno, tizanidina, amitriptilina e duloxetina. O uso de carbamazepina, oxcarbazepina ou fenitoína sódica no tratamento da dor relacionada aos espasmos tônicos dolorosos teve uma taxa de eficácia de 85%. A gabapentina e/ou pregabalina em pacientes com cefaleia teve uma taxa de eficácia de 83,3%. Conclusões. Este estudo fornece insights sobre as características da dor em pacientes com DENMO e sobre as medicações mais utilizadas no tratamento desse sintoma.
الشركات العائلية المصرية (II): دراسة ميدانية للقضايا الرئيسة في حياة الشركات العائلية وعائلات الأعمال المصرية
Authors: زيدان عمرو علاء الدين
Published: October 2024

سعت هذه الدراسة إلى استكشاف القضايا الرئيسة في حياة الشركات العائلية وعائلات الأعمال المصرية، والتعرف إلى أهم العوامل المؤثرة في أولوية هذه القضايا لدى إدارة هذه الشركات وعائلات الأعمال. واعتمدت الدراسة على القيام بصياغة واختبار لستة فروض رئيسة، كما استخدمت قائمة استقصاء لجمع البيانات الخاصة بمتغيرات الدراسة من عينة مكونة من ١٣٧ شركة عائلية مصرية، تنتمي لشركات القطاع الخاص المصري. وتم استخدام عدة أساليب تحليل إحصائية متعددة المتغيرات في اختبار فروض الدراسة. وقد أوضحت نتائج الدراسة اهتمام المسؤولين عن الشركات العائلة المصرية بأربع قضايا رئيسة هي: قضية مدى السيطرة العائلية على إدارة الشركة، وقضية ولاء ودور المديرين الذين لا ينتمون للعائلة، وقضية إعادة توزيع الملكية والسلطة بين أفراد العائلة، وقضية الخلافة والتوجه نحو الاحتراف الإداري. وأوضحت الدراسة أيضا اختلاف أهمية هذه القضايا باختلاف أحجام شركات الدراسة، واختلاف القطاع الذي تنتمي إليه شركات الدراسة، واختلاف الشكل القانوني الذي تتخذه شركات الدراسة، واختلاف الأجيال المالكة لهذه الشركات. أما متغيرا العمر التنظيمي لشركات الدراسة والأجيال المديرة لهذه الشركات فلم يكن لهما تأثير جوهري على أهمية هذه القضايا لدى المسؤولين عن الشركات العائلية المصرية. واختتمت الدراسة بمناقشة النتائج ودلالاتها، كما اقترح الباحث المجالات البحثية التي تتطلب مزيدا من الدراسة في هذا المجال.
العلاقة بين إمكانية تطبيق أسلوب التسويق الدماغي والقدرة التنافسية للبنوك التجارية: دراسة تطبيقية على عينة من البنوك التجارية بمصر
Authors: محمد عماد صقر
Published: October 2024

هدفت الدراسة إلى بحث العلاقة بين إمكانية استخدام أسلوب التسويق الدماغي والقدرة التنافسية للبنوك التجارية، حيث تم توزيع (١٦٩) استبانه على مديري ومسؤولي التسويق في عينة من البنوك التجارية بمصر، وتم التركيز في متغيرات الدراسة فيما يخص التسويق الدماغي على متغيري أنشطة التسويق الدماغي والعوامل التقنية كمتغيرات منبثقة من متغير التسويق الدماغي، وتدل النتائج على وجود علاقة معنوية بين أسلوب التسويق الدماغي والقدرة التنافسية للبنوك التجارية.
MEMBANGUN DIALOG INTERRELIGIUS ANTARUMAT BERAGAMA DI KOTA MALANG
Authors: Kristianto Daniel , Aliano Yohanes Alfrid
Published: October 2024

The aim of this research is to identify and analyze further the importance of dialogue and tolerance among religious communities, particularly in the city of Malang. For the author, the topic addressed in this writing is highly contextual, especially in fostering dialogue amidst religious pluralism. The lack of understanding of the values of tolerance and interreligious dialogue often provokes the emergence of intolerant attitudes among religious communities. In the writing entitled “Building Interreligious Dialogue Among Religious Communities in the City of Malang”. The author is interested in pointing this topic because the community in the city of Malang highly upholds the value of tolerance, which is evident in their perspective of accepting and respecting others of different religions. In this regard, tolerance can be achieved through dialogue. One of the methodologies used in this research is through interfaith dialogue from the perspective of Armada Riyanto, supported by the documents of the Church Nostra Aetate regarding interfaith dialogue. This paper is expected to explode the enthusiasm of all sectors in building dialogue among religious communities. This study ultimately concludes that interfaith dialogue will encourage a sense of brotherhood among religious communities and ultimately lead to an encounter with Almighty God.
PAROKI RAMAH ANAK SEBAGAI WUJUD DIAKONIA GEREJA TERHADAP PERSOALAN HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Authors: Seran Florensia Imelda , Denar Benediktus , Jewadut Jean Loustar
Published: October 2024

The Catholic Church pays full attention to efforts to eradicate human trafficking that affects children Catholic Church pays full attention to efforts to eradicate human trafficking that affects children and women. The Church realizes that human trafficking is a humanitarian issue that must be handled seriously. Humans, including children and women, are the image of God and have the same dignity as all people. This concern is a form of Church diakonia, namely serving and protecting the small and weak. One of the Church's efforts is realized through a child-friendly parish program. A child-friendly parish is a pastoral program that prioritizes children to grow integrally as members of the Church. The approach used to obtain information about child-friendly parish programs is qualitative, using interview and observation methods. From this research it is concluded that the child-friendly parish program as a form of Church diakonia has not been fully understood and realized in parish life. So at the end of this article the author states several responsibilities of the Church as a form of Church diakonia in relation to human trafficking cases and offers several practical efforts that can be made by the Church to improve the quality of Church services to children through child-friendly parish programs.
MENINGKATNYA RISIKO CYBERBULLYING PADA ANAK-ANAK AKIBAT RELASI KELUARGA YANG KURANG BAIK DALAM PERSPEKTIF ANALISIS KOLOSE 3:18-21
Authors: Muda Stefanus Dama , Muda Florianus Pruda
Published: October 2024

The family unit constitutes the smallest social structure, comprising of a father, mother, and their offspring. Within the family context, the cultivation of harmonious relationships between spouses and children is imperative. When these relationships falter, it can significantly impact the developmental trajectory and character formation of children. Consequently, children may exhibit undesirable behaviors within their family and the broader societal framework. One prevalent consequence is their susceptibility to cyberbullying, either as perpetrators or victims, resulting in various adverse effects on their academic, social, physical, and emotional well-being. These consequences are particularly pronounced in children who are vulnerable and lack the capacity to effectively address such issues. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an analysis aimed at addressing the escalating risk of cyberbullying among children stemming from suboptimal family relationships. This analysis adopts the perspective of Colossians 3:18-21, which addresses marital and familial relationships within the context of Christian life.
KRISIS PADA TAHAP AWAL PASCA-PERKAWINAN KATOLIK DAN UPAYA MENGATASI KRISIS BERDASARKAN SURAT APOSTOLIK AMORIS LAETITIA
Authors: Monteiro Yohanes Hans , Kleden Fransiskus Bala , Ture Gergorius , Pasaribu Astina Vebriani , Situmorang Vinsensius M. Junior
Published: October 2024

In the Catholic Church, the reality of married life shows that various kinds of crises come and disrupt the lives of married couples during the early stages of catholic post-marriage. The focus of this article is to elaborate crisis during the early stages of Catholic post-marriage and attempts to address the crisis. Therefore, this article reviews the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia from Pope Francis which speaks about Catholic marriage as the guidance for dealing with the crisis. The authors use the method of interview and literature study. In the interview method, the authors interview key informants who talk about problems during the early stages of catholic post-marriage. This study found that crisis during the early stages of catholic post-marriage is characterized by four main reasons, namely the necessity to leave parents, adjustment to one’s partner, the presence and care of children, and the presence of elderly parents. Dealing with these problems, the Church through its family pastoral inspired by the Amoris Laetitia comes to provide spiritual, moral and practical supports to the families in order to face the crises. The Church must be alert in designing programs and activities such as recollections, retreats, group discussions, family visits, and so on which are useful for strengthening family resilience and strengthening their family building and integrity.