bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Product Development Using FMEA ECQFD TRIZ and Fuzzy TOPSIS
Authors: Hameed Abdul Zubar , Kandasamy Jayakrishna , Aravind Raj Sakthivel , Baghdadi Majed Abubakr , Shahzad Muhammad Atif
Published: November 2022

Increasing demand for simplification of frequently used products promotes innovation with simple mechanisms. In this study, an attempt is made by amalgamating FMEA, QFD, TRIZ, LCA, and fuzzy TOPSIS for the development of sustainable products. The methodology is executed to redesign a simple pressure relief valve (PRV) in an economic, sustainable, and innovative manner. The failure modes of PRV are considered in FMEA and ranked by their RPN. The environmental voice of the customer is imbibed in ECQFD to correlate with the engineering specifications and obtain the critical zones of improvement. Possible innovations of the existing design based on the design option selected from ECQFD are considered by analyzing the design feature contradictions, and solutions are addressed using the TRIZ matrix. Four CAD models of improved designs were created and subjected to sustainability analysis and fatigue life analysis. The redesigns were evaluated using fuzzy TOPSIS, an MCDM approach, to obtain an unbiased ranking based on multiple criteria supported by the result analysis and expert opinions. The final design was selected for prototyping. This approach provides a holistic approach for innovative product design and development and a simplified approach for an innovative redesign of an existing product.
Study on the Factors Affecting Consumers’ Participation in Regulated Recycling of Waste Lead-Acid Batteries: Practice Research from China
Authors: Zhang Deyuan , Cui Xuan , Fan Xinyu , Wu Yufeng
Published: November 2022

In China, the world’s largest producer and consumer of lead-acid batteries (LABs), more than 3.6 million tons of waste lead-acid batteries (WLABs) are generated every year, yet only 30% of them can be recycled in a well-regulated manner, while the remaining 70% are recycled through informal channels, resulting in serious waste of resources and environmental pollution. More than half of the country’s LAB consumers are e-car and e-bike owners. Based on the theoretical model of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this study examines and investigates the factors that affect consumers’ participation in the regulated recycling of WLABs and finds that consumers’ performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions can significantly increase their willingness to participate in regulated recycling, while effort expectancy can reduce such willingness. In addition, this paper also includes an analysis of moderating variables such as age and education. Finally, the paper points out the current lack of consumer-oriented recycling management measures in China and proposes policy recommendations in three aspects: system, channel, and incentive ones, to provide references for promoting the regulated recycling and sustainable use of WLABs.
Study on the Effect of Pile Foundation Reinforcement of Embankment on Slope of Soft Soil
Authors: Wang Feifei , Shao Jinggan , Li Wenkai , Wang Yafei , Wang Longfei , Liu Honglin
Published: November 2022

In order to study the working mechanisms of pile foundations applied to embankment engineering on weak slope foundations, a finite element model of embankment on weak slope foundation reinforced by a pile foundation is established. The influence of the position and the length of the pile foundation on the stability of the embankment is studied, and the mechanical response of the pile foundations are also studied. The results show that the different positions of the pile foundation have great influence on the safety factor and deformation of the embankment. The safety factor varies greatly from one reinforcement location to another. The maximum vertical deformation of the embankment reinforced by the 3 m pile is 27 times that of the 7 m. With different pile lengths, the horizontal displacement of the pile foundation can be significantly reduced by approximately 83.3% at most. The research results may provide more scientific help for the design of embankments on soft soil slopes reinforced by pile foundations.
Optimized Alternating Current Electric Field and Light Irradiance for Caulerpa lentillifera Biomass Sustainability—An Innovative Approach for Potential Postharvest Applications
Authors: Sulaimana Andi Syahrullah , Yudhistira Bara , Chang Chao-Kai , Gavahian Mohsen , Yu Cheng-Chia , Hou Chih-Yao , Hsieh Chang-Wei
Published: November 2022

Recently published preliminary data proposed alternating current electric field (ACEF) as a promising technique for the postharvest storage of seagrape (Caulerpa lentillifera). The current study suggested a combination of storage light irradiance (SLI) and ACEF (intensity and time) to enhance seagrape physicochemical quality (PQ). It utilized Taguchi orthogonal array design (OAD) to optimize the processing conditions. Results showed all the processing parameters had significant (p < 0.05) effects on seagrape PQ. This study found that 50 kV/m for 60 min (ACEF) and 9 mol photons m−2 s−1 performed the best inhibition on seagrape PQ deterioration. It revealed that adjusting the processing parameters in the range explored in this study (50, 125, 200 kV/m of ACEF intensity; 30, 60, 90 min of ACEF treatment time; 2, 9, 16 mol photons m−2 s−1 of SLI) can reduce up to 60% of total voltage usage compared to the previous study. With a sufficient SLI and an intermediate treatment time, the finest seagrape PQ can be sustained with a lower electric strength. Therefore, this method can benefit seagrape industries and contribute to realizing sustainable development goals by strengthening resource efficiency and lowering energy consumption.
A Scoping Review of the Relationship of Big Data Analytics with Context-Based Fake News Detection on Digital Media in Data Age
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Ahmad Shakil , Iqbal Abid
Published: November 2022

The objectives of the study were to identify the relationship between big data analytics with context-based news detection on digital media in the data age, to find out the trending approaches to detect fake news on digital media, and to explore the challenges for constructing quality big data to detect misinformation on social media. Scoping review methodology was applied to carry out a content analysis of 42 peer-reviewed research papers published in 10 world-leading digital databases. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between quality big data analytics and fake news detection on digital media. Additionally, it was found that artificial intelligence, fact-checking sites, neural networks, and new media literacy are trending techniques to identify correct information in the age of misinformation. Moreover, results manifested that hidden agenda, the volume of fake information on digital media, massive unstructured data, the fast spread of fake news on digital media, and fake user accounts are prevalent challenges to construct authentic big data for detecting false online information on digital media platforms. Theoretically, the study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the relationship between big data analytics and context-based fake news on digital media in the data age. This intellectual piece also contributes socially by offering practical recommendations to control the cancer of fake news in society for stopping horrific perils; hence, it has a societal impact. Current research has practical applications for generators of digital media applications, policy-makers, decision-takers, government representatives, civil societies, higher education bodies, media workforce, educationists, and all other stakeholders. Recommendations offered in the paper are a roadmap for framing impactful policies to stay away from the harms of fake digital news.
Provable Secure Authentication Protocol in Fog-Enabled Smart Home Environment
Authors: Xie Qi , Han Jinming , Ding Zixuan
Published: November 2022

People can access and obtain services from smart home devices conveniently through fog-enabled smart home environments. The security and privacy-preserving authentication protocol play an important role. However, many proposed protocols have one or more security flaws. In particular, almost all the existing protocols for the smart home cannot resist gateway compromised attacks. The adversary can not only know the user’s identity but also launch impersonation attacks. Designing a provable secure authentication protocol that avoids all known attacks on smart homes is challenging. Recently Guo et al. proposed an authentication scheme based on symmetric polynomials in the fog-enabled smart home environment. However, we found that their scheme suffers from gateway compromised attack, desynchronization attack, mobile device loss/stolen and attack, and has no untraceability and perfect forward secrecy. Therefore, we adopt a Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) to resist gateway compromised attack, adopt Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH) key exchange protocol to achieve perfect forward secrecy, and propose a secure and privacy-preserving authentication protocol, which is provably secure under the random oracle model. According to the comparisons with some related protocols, the proposed protocol has better security and transmission efficiency with the same computation cost level.
An Investigation into the Adoption Behavior of mHealth Users: From the Perspective of the Push-Pull-Mooring Framework
Authors: Liu Yizhi , Liang Zihan , Li Chengjiang , Guo Jiezhou , Zhao Gang
Published: November 2022

As an important branch of the modern electronic health care services, mobile health applications (mHealth APP) have been widely accepted as a novel health care-providing platform. Based on mobile communications, mHealth is operated on smart terminals such as smart phones, tablet computers, wireless devices or wearable devices, providing multi-channel, multi-terminal and multi-network services. Because mHealth is not restricted by time and space, it serves as a more effective disease management tool for communications between patients and medical workers. In the background of “Internet+”, this study aims to explore the internal adoption behavior of mHealth users to improve the efficiency of medical services, reduce medical costs, and enrich the “Internet + medical health” research. Guided by the push-pull-mooring framework (PPM), this study proposes a conceptual model of mHealth users’ adoption behavior. A specially designed survey was used to collect data on users’ adoption behavior (n = 183). SPSS 25.0 (Guiyang, China) and AMOS 21.0 are used for data analysis. The results show that users’ adoption attitude partially mediates the relationship between the adoption intentions and three key factors (inconvenience, APP attractiveness, and high risk). The adoption intention also partially mediates the relationship between adoption attitude and adoption behavior. Peer influence does not have a direct effect on adoption intention, but it shows a statistically significant indirect effect on adoption intention and adoption behavior through adoption attitude. The negative effect of high switching cost is not significant for both adoption attitude and adoption intention. This study elucidates the internal mechanisms underlying mHealth users’ adoption behavior. The findings can help mHealth providers to arouse more users’ adoption behavior, improve the quality of medical services, and reduce medical costs.
The Impact of Environmental Protection Requirements on the Development of Green Animal Husbandry: An Evolutionary Game between Local Governments and Breeding Companies
Authors: Xiong Xuezhen
Published: November 2022

The enhancement of green animal husbandry has a significant effect on carbon emissions, carbon neutrality, and ecological development. Promoting the production transformation of polluting enterprises has caught the attention of local governments, and breeding companies are faced with either maintaining current practices or green development. This study investigated the evolution of decision-making processes between local governments and breeding companies from the perspective of evolutionary game theory, offering an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) for both parties, based on replicator dynamics. Within the model, the static rewards and punishments were framed by conventional environmental protection requirements, and the dynamic rewards and punishments were based on stricter environmental standards. Numerical simulation and sensitivity analyses were then performed. We found that when environmental protection policy was not considered, no ESS emerged in the replicator dynamic system. When tightening of environmental protection policy was considered, the system spirally converged to a stable equilibrium point. Hence, more demanding environmental protection requirements facilitated the development of green animal husbandry. Reasonable reward and punishment mechanisms can achieve the goal of the green development of enterprises under the premise of reducing regulatory costs. This study provides guidance for optimizing government decision-making and promoting the green development of animal husbandry.
How Do Fresh Live Broadcast Impact Consumers’ Purchase Intention? Based on the SOR Theory
Authors: Song Zhijie , Liu Chang , Shi Rui
Published: November 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fresh live broadcasting has been widely present in consumers’ daily lives but has been scarcely examined in academic research. The major purpose of the current study is to examine how fresh live broadcast features (visibility, interactivity, and authenticity) impact consumers’ willingness to buy through consumers’ perceived value and perceived trust based on the stimulus–organism-response theory. A total of 307 Chinese webcast users participated in this study. The data were collected through an online questionnaire survey and analyzed by SPSS and Amos software. The findings discovered that the fresh live broadcast features positively impact consumers’ perceived utility value and trust, and the visibility and interactivity enhance the perceived hedonistic value of consumers. Moreover, perceived value and perceived trust mediate between fresh live broadcast features and consumers’ willingness to buy. This study emphasizes the important role of fresh live features and provides insight for fresh sellers to increase consumer willingness to buy based on the perspective of consumers’ perceived value and trust.
The Relationship between Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy, Career Preparation Behaviour and Career Decision Difficulties among South Korean College Students
Authors: Lee Sanghee , Jung Jaeeun , Baek Sungeun , Lee Songyi
Published: November 2022

Few studies have continuously examined the relationship between career decision-making self-efficacy variables and career-related variables in South Korea’s specific cultural context. Accordingly, this study aims to analyse (using Pearson’s correlations and structural equation modelling) the relationships between South Korean college students’ career decision-making self-efficacy, career preparation behaviour, and career decision difficulties. There were positive and negative relationships between career decision-making self-efficacy and career preparation behaviour career decision difficulties, respectively. In addition, we found a positive effect between career preparation behaviour and career decision-making self-efficacy, while career decision difficulties negatively affected career decision-making self-efficacy. Considering the standardised coefficient of the specific direct effect, the effect on career decision-making self-efficacy of career preparation behaviour was larger than that of career decision difficulties. It is recommended that career programmes are developed that help college students to independently set their career goals, actively search for career information, and promote career preparation behaviour while considering their majors. It is also recommended career counselling programmes be designed that can help them establish their self-concept and identity. These findings could provide the necessary basic data for the construction of an effective college career guidance system and inform strategies for improving college students’ career decision-making self-efficacy.
Too Much of a Good Thing? The Impact of Government Subsidies on Incubator Services: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Li Jing , Liang Bingqing , Yan Zhenjun
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we investigate the impact of government subsidies on incubation services in incubators. Based on the use of the Generalized Propensity Score Matching (GPSM) method to effectively overcome the endogeneity problem, we find that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between government subsidies and incubation services, and thus there is an optimal intensity of government subsidies. The inflection point of the inverted U shape for basic services is much smaller than that for value-added services and investment services. With a wider range of government subsidies, incubators will tend to provide better value-added and investment services rather than basic services. The inverted U-shaped relationship remains robust over time, and the range of appropriate subsidies to promote incubation services is tightening. The conclusions of this paper provide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of government subsidies in incubators, which is conducive to developing more effective industrial policies for future governments.
Research on the Volatility of the Cotton Market under Different Term Structures: Perspective from Investor Attention
Authors: Zhou Qingjie , Zhu Panpan , Wu You , Zhang Yinpeng
Published: November 2022

This study performed comprehensive investigations of the complex interconnections between investor attention and cotton futures price volatility under different term structures. In this paper, in-sample analysis, out-of-sample forecast, influencing mechanisms, as well as nonlinear connections are fully explored using several linear model specifications. The results can be summarized as follows: first, investor attention is the Granger causality of the cotton futures volatility and shows significant linear impacts on cotton volatility; second, models incorporated with investor attention significantly improve the prediction accuracy of cotton volatility in the long term compared with the commonly used AR benchmark model; third, the influence of investor attention on cotton volatility may occur through open interest; and fourth, investor attention presents nonlinear impacts on cotton volatility as well. Overall, the results of this article can provide strong supporting evidence for the important roles of investor attention in asset pricing applications.
A New Method for Quantifying the Asymmetry of Biological Elements by Means of a Photogrammetric Technique Using a Parametric Computer-Aided Design System
Authors: Montalvo-Gil Juan Manuel , Azorit Concepción , Valderrama-Zafra José Manuel , Rubio-Paramio Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2022

In the area of zoology, it is of great interest to determine the degree of asymmetry existing in the different animal structures in order to establish it as a variable (biomarker). In this study, a new methodology is proposed for obtaining this variable ‘Asymmetry Index’. Forty-eight Iberian red deer antlers (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) from hunting reserves in the province of Jaen (Spain) have been used. The degree of asymmetry of their antlers between homologous points considered in the two right and left sides of each antler was obtained. The methodology is applied within a parametric Computer-Aided Design system from the photogrammetric restitution of the antler from two photographs. The procedure compares the degree of asymmetry in which the points of each of the right and left sides of the antler are found by means of lengths and angles with respect to an established reference plane based on the geometry of the specimen’s skull. As a result of the study, it has been observed that the Asymmetry Index obtained is lower in those specimens that have a high score in their hunting valuation, so it is considered that this factor can be taken into account as an objective and quantifiable indicator (biomarker).
On Solvable Lie Algebras of White Noise Operators
Authors: Bock Wolfgang , Canama Janeth , Petalcorin Gaudencio
Published: November 2022

We characterize the dimension of Lie algebras of white noise operators containing the quantum white noise derivatives of the conservation operator. We establish isomorphisms to filiform Lie algebras, Engel-type algebras, and solvable Lie algebras with Heisenberg nilradical and Abelian nilradical. A new class of solvable Lie algebras is proposed, those having an Engel-type algebra as nilradical. This arises in white noise analysis as a 2n+3-dimensional Lie algebra containing the identity operator, annihilation operators, creation operators (Heisenberg algebra), number operator, and Gross Laplacian.
Mapping Properties of Associate Laguerre Polynomials in Leminiscate, Exponential and Nephroid Domain
Authors: Mondal Saiful R.
Published: November 2022

The function PL(z)=1+z maps the unit disc D={z∈C:|z|<1} to a leminscate which is symmetric about the x-axis. The conditions on the parameters α and n, for which the associated Laguerre polynomial (ALP) Lnα maps unit disc into the leminscate domain, are deduced in this article. We also establish the condition under which a function involving Lnα maps D to a domain subordinated by ϕNe(z)=1−z+z3/3, ϕe(z)=ez, and ϕA(z)=1+Az, A∈(0,1]. We provide several graphical presentations for a clear view of some of the obtained results. The possibilities for the improvements of the results are also highlighted.
A Low-Cost Algorithm for Uncertainty Quantification Simulations of Steady-State Flows: Application to Ocular Hemodynamics
Authors: Ninos Georgios , Sofiadis George , Skouroliakou Aikaterini , Sarris Ioannis E.
Published: November 2022

An algorithm for the calculation of steady-state flowing under uncertain conditions is introduced in this work in order to obtain a probabilistic distribution of uncertain problem parameters. This is particularly important for problems with increased uncertainty, as typical deterministic methods are not able to fully describe all possible flow states of the problem. Standard methods, such as polynomial expansions and Monte Carlo simulations, are used for the formation of the generalized problem described by the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Since every realization of the uncertainty parameter space is coupled with non-linear terms, an incremental iterative procedure was adopted for the calculation. This algorithm adopts a Jacobi-like iteration methodology to decouple the equations and solve them one by one until there is overall convergence. The algorithm was tested in a typical artery geometry, including a bifurcation with an aneurysm, which consists of a well-documented biological flow test case. Additionally, its dependence on the uncertainty parameter space, i.e., the inlet velocity distribution, the Reynolds number variation, and parameters of the procedure, i.e., the number of polynomial expansions, was studied. Symmetry exists in probabilistic theories, similar to the one adopted by the present work. The results of the simulations conducted with the present algorithm are compared against the same but unsteady flow with a time-dependent inlet velocity profile, which represents a typical cardiac cycle. It was found that the present algorithm is able to correctly describe the flow field, as well as capture the upper and lower limits of the velocity field, which was made periodic. The comparison between the present algorithm and the typical unsteady one presented a maximum error of ≈2% in the common carotid area, while the error increased significantly inside the bifurcation area. Moreover, “sensitive” areas of the geometry with increased parameter uncertainty were identified, a result that is not possible to be obtained while using deterministic algorithms. Finally, the ability of the algorithm to tune the parameter limits was successfully tested.
Inverse Optimal Impulsive Neural Control for Complex Networks Applied to Epidemic Diseases
Authors: Ramirez Nancy F. , Ríos-Rivera Daniel , Hernandez-Vargas Esteban A. , Alanis Alma Y.
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes an impulsive control scheme for a complex network that helps reduce the spread of two epidemic diseases: influenza type A and COVID-19. Both are respiratory infections; thus, they have a similar form of transmission, and it is possible to use the same control scheme in both study cases. The objective of this work is to use neural impulsive inverse optimal pinning control for complex networks to reduce the effects of propagation. The dynamic model is considered unknown, for which we design a neural identifier that, through training using the extended Kalman filter algorithm, provides the appropriate nonlinear model for this complex network. The dynamics of the network nodes are represented by the Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) compartmental model in their discrete form. The results of the simulations are presented and addressed, applying the same control scheme but with different parameter values for each case study.
Interaction of Clostridium perfringens Epsilon Toxin with the Plasma Membrane: The Role of Amino Acids Y42, Y43 and H162
Authors: Marshall Skye , McGill Beth , Morcrette Helen , Winlove C. Peter , Chimerel Catalin , Petrov Peter G. , Bokori-Brown Monika
Published: November 2022

Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (Etx) is a pore forming toxin that causes enterotoxaemia in ruminants and may be a cause of multiple sclerosis in humans. To date, most in vitro studies of Etx have used the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. However, studies using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells engineered to express the putative Etx receptor, myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL), suggest that amino acids important for Etx activity differ between species. In this study, we investigated the role of amino acids Y42, Y43 and H162, previously identified as important in Etx activity towards MDCK cells, in Etx activity towards CHO-human MAL (CHO-hMAL) cells, human red blood cells (hRBCs) and synthetic bilayers using site-directed mutants of Etx. We show that in CHO-hMAL cells Y42 is critical for Etx binding and not Y43 as in MDCK cells, indicating that surface exposed tyrosine residues in the receptor binding domain of Etx impact efficiency of cell binding to MAL-expressing cells in a species-specific manner. We also show that Etx mutant H162A was unable to lyse CHO-hMAL cells, lysed hRBCs, whilst it was able to form pores in synthetic bilayers, providing evidence of the complexity of Etx pore formation in different lipid environments.
Does Lorentz Relativistic Mass Make Dark Energy Superfluous?
Authors: Haug Espen Gaarder
Published: November 2022

This paper shows that a simple and relativistic extension of Newtonian gravity that takes into account Lorentz relativistic mass leads to predictions that fit supernova observations of magnitude versus redshift without the need to introduce dark energy. To test the concept, we look at 580 supernova data points from the Union2 database. Some relativistic extensions of Newtonian gravity have been investigated in the past, but we have reason to believe the efforts were rejected prematurely before their full potential was investigated. Our model suggests that mass, as related to gravity, is also affected by Lorentz relativistic effects, something that is not the case in standard gravity theory, and this adjustment gives supernova predictions that fit the observations. Our model seems very robust with respect to supernova data, as no arbitrary parameters are introduced. Since recent investigations of Lorentz’s relativistic mass also seem to solve other challenges in physics, we think it is worthwhile for the physics community to look into this more carefully, at least before rejecting it based on prejudice. After all, no one has been able to detect dark energy despite massive efforts to do so. Until dark energy is really confirmed, other alternative models should be worth investigating further.
Searches for Ultra-High-Energy Photons at the Pierre Auger Observatory
Authors:   The Pierre Auger Collaboration
Published: November 2022

The Pierre Auger Observatory, which is the largest air-shower experiment in the world, offers unprecedented exposure to neutral particles at the highest energies. Since the start of data collection more than 18 years ago, various searches for ultra-high-energy (UHE, E≳1017eV) photons have been performed, either for a diffuse flux of UHE photons, for point sources of UHE photons or for UHE photons associated with transient events such as gravitational wave events. In the present paper, we summarize these searches and review the current results obtained using the wealth of data collected by the Pierre Auger Observatory.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus: An Updated Overview of Virus Epidemiology, Virulence Variation Patterns and Virus–Host Interactions
Authors: Zhang Yuanzhu , Chen Yiwu , Zhou Jian , Wang Xi , Ma Lerong , Li Jianing , Yang Lin , Yuan Hongming , Pang Daxin , Ouyang Hongsheng
Published: November 2022

The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a member of the coronavirus family, causing deadly watery diarrhea in newborn piglets. The global pandemic of PEDV, with significant morbidity and mortality, poses a huge threat to the swine industry. The currently developed vaccines and drugs are only effective against the classic GI strains that were prevalent before 2010, while there is no effective control against the GII variant strains that are currently a global pandemic. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in the biology of PEDV, including its transmission and origin, structure and function, evolution, and virus–host interaction, in an attempt to find the potential virulence factors influencing PEDV pathogenesis. We conclude with the mechanism by which PEDV components antagonize the immune responses of the virus, and the role of host factors in virus infection. Essentially, this review serves as a valuable reference for the development of attenuated virus vaccines and the potential of host factors as antiviral targets for the prevention and control of PEDV infection.
Life after Cleavage: The Story of a β-Retroviral (MMTV) Signal Peptide—From Murine Lymphoma to Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Hochman Jacob , Braitbard Ori
Published: November 2022

An increasing body of evidence in recent years supports an association of the betaretrovirus mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) with human breast cancer. This is an issue that still raises heated controversy. We have come to address this association using the signal peptide p14 of the MMTV envelope precursor protein as a key element of our strategy. In addition to its signal peptide function, p14 has some significant post endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeting characteristics: (1) it localizes to nucleoli where it binds key proteins (RPL5 and B23) involved (among other activities) in the regulation of nucleolar stress response, ribosome biogenesis and p53 stabilization; (2) p14 is a nuclear export factor; (3) it is expressed on the cell surface of infected cells, and as such, is amenable to, and successfully used, in preventive vaccination against experimental tumors that harbor MMTV; (4) the growth of such tumors is impaired in vivo using a combination of monoclonal anti-p14 antibodies or adoptive T-cell transfer treatments; (5) p14 is a phospho-protein endogenously phosphorylated by two different serine kinases. The phosphorylation status of the two sites determines whether p14 will function in an oncogenic or tumor-suppressing capacity; (6) transcriptional activation of genes (RPL5, ErbB4) correlates with the oncogenic potential of MMTV; (7) finally, polyclonal anti-p14 antibodies have been applied in immune histochemistry analyses of breast cancer cases using formalin fixed paraffin-embedded sections, supporting the associations of MMTV with the disease. Taken together, the above findings constitute a road map towards the diagnosis and possible prevention and treatment of MMTV-associated breast cancer.
Nucleic Acid Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Liu Ying , Ye Qing
Published: November 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide and imposed a substantial burden on human health, the environment, and socioeconomic development, which has also accelerated the process of nucleic acid vaccine development and licensure. Nucleic acid vaccines are viral genetic sequence-based vaccines and third-generation vaccines after whole virus vaccines and recombinant subunit vaccines, including DNA vaccines and RNA vaccines. They have many unique advantages, but there are many aspects that require optimization. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to discuss the research and development processes of nucleic acid vaccines, summarize the advantages and shortcomings, and propose further optimization strategies by taking COVID-19 vaccines as an example. Hopefully, this work can make a modest contribution in promoting the construction of emergency nucleic acid vaccine platforms and in avoiding the reemergence of similar public health emergencies.
Sub-Regional Variations in Sexually Transmitted Infections Manifesting as Vaginitis among Reproductive-Aged Women in Sub-Saharan Countries
Authors: Ekholuenetale Michael , Nzoputam Chimezie Igwegbe , Okonji Osaretin Christabel
Published: November 2022

Sexually transmitted infection refers to a group of clinical syndromes that can be acquired and transmitted through sexual activity and are caused by a variety of pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Methods: Demographic and Health Survey data involving women aged 15–49 years were analyzed for this study. The surveys were conducted between 2006–2021. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results: From the results, Liberia (33.0%), Mali (14.0%), Guinea (13%), Uganda, and Sierra Leone (12.0% each) had the highest STI prevalence. Prominently from Western sub-Saharan Africa sub-region, Liberia (40.0%), Guinea (31.0%), Mali (28.0%), Cote d’Ivoire (24.0%), Ghana (23.0%) and Mauritania (22.0%) have the highest prevalence of reporting a bad smelling or abnormal genital discharge. In addition, Liberia (30.0%), Uganda (13.0%) and Malawi (10.0%) have the highest prevalence of reporting genital sores or ulcers. Liberia (48.0%), Guinea (34.0%), Mali (32.0%), Ghana and Mauritania (25.0% each) and Uganda (24.0%) reported the leading prevalence of STI, genital discharge, or a sore or ulcer. Conclusion: The prevalence of vaginitis varied according to women’s characteristics. In many countries, younger women, urban dwellers, educated women, rich and unmarried women reported a higher prevalence of STI, genital discharge, or a sore or ulcer. Women should be educated on the advantages of proper hygiene, and prevention and control of STIs. Program planners and policymakers should assess and improve the collaboration and coordination of nutritional and family health programs aimed at addressing women’s health issues.
Use of Transversus Abdominis Plane and Intercostal Blocks in Bitches Undergoing Laparoscopic Ovariectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Paolini Andrea , Santoro Francesco , Bianchi Amanda , Collivignarelli Francesco , Vignoli Massimo , Scialanca Silvia , Parrillo Salvatore , Falerno Ilaria , De Bonis Andrea , Rosto Martina , Tamburro Roberto
Published: November 2022

In humans and dogs, loco-regional anesthesia is associated with lower peri-operative opioid consumption and less related side effects. The combination of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) and intercostal blocks can be used to desensitize the entire abdominal wall in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of TAP and intercostal blocks in bitches undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy. Twenty client-owned bitches were enrolled in this double-blinded randomized controlled trial. After premedication with dexmedetomidine, methadone and ketamine, the animals were randomized into two groups. Dogs in the TAP group received intercostal blocks from T8 to T10 and a TAP block with ropivacaine. Dogs in the FEN group received a fentanyl bolus and a constant rate infusion for the entire duration of the procedure. Intra-operative cardiovascular stability, post-operative pain scores, rescue opioid requirement, dysphoria during recovery, time to attain sternal recumbency and interest in food at 6 h post-extubation were compared. Bitches in the TAP group received a statistically significant lower amount of rescue fentanyl intra-operatively and methadone post-operatively. Pain scores were lower in the TAP group until 6 h post-extubation. No difference was found for dysphoric recoveries, time to attain sternal recumbency and appetite at 6 h post-extubation. No adverse event was recorded for any of the dogs. The combination of TAP and intercostal blocks can be part of an effective multi-modal analgesic strategy in bitches undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy.
Immune and Genomic Analysis of Boxer Dog Breed and Its Relationship with Leishmania infantum Infection
Authors: Álvarez Luis , Marín-García Pablo-Jesús , Rentero-Garrido Pilar , Llobat Lola
Published: November 2022

Leishmaniosis, one of the most important zoonoses in Europe, is caused by Leishmania infantum, an intracellular protozoan parasite. This disease is endemic in the Mediterranean area, where the main reservoir is the dog. Several studies indicate a possible susceptibility to L. infantum infection with clinical signs in some canine breeds. One of them is the boxer breed, which shows a high prevalence of disease. In this study, immunological and genomic characterization of serum samples from boxer dogs living in the Mediterranean area were evaluated to analyze the immune response and the possible genetic explanation for this susceptibility. Serum levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 were determined by ELISA commercial tests, while the genotyping study was performed using the CanineHD DNA Analysis BeadChip. The results show relevant differences in the serum levels of cytokines compared to published data on other canine breeds, as well as sequence changes that could explain the high susceptibility of the boxer breed to the disease. Concretely, polymorphic variants in the CIITA, HSF2BP, LTBP1, MITF, NOXA1, PKIB, RAB38, RASEF, TLE1, and TLR4 genes were found, which could explain the susceptibility of this breed to L. infantum infection.
Assessing the Suitability of Boosting Machine-Learning Algorithms for Classifying Arsenic-Contaminated Waters: A Novel Model-Explainable Approach Using SHapley Additive exPlanations
Authors: Ibrahim Bemah , Ewusi Anthony , Ahenkorah Isaac
Published: November 2022

There is growing tension between high-performance machine-learning (ML) models and explainability within the scientific community. In arsenic modelling, understanding why ML models make certain predictions, for instance, “high arsenic” instead of “low arsenic”, is as important as the prediction accuracy. In response, this study aims to explain model predictions by assessing the relationship between influencing input variables, i.e., pH, turbidity (Turb), total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (Cond), on arsenic mobility. The two main objectives of this study are to: (i) classify arsenic concentrations in multiple water sources using novel boosting algorithms such as natural gradient boosting (NGB), categorical boosting (CATB), and adaptive boosting (ADAB) and compare them with other existing representative boosting algorithms, and (ii) introduce a novel SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) approach for interpreting the performance of ML models. The outcome of this study indicates that the newly introduced boosting algorithms produced efficient performances, which are comparable to the state-of-the-art boosting algorithms and a benchmark random forest model. Interestingly, the extreme gradient boosting (XGB) proved superior over the remaining models in terms of overall and single-class performance metrics measures. Global and local interpretation (using SHAP with XGB) revealed that high pH water is highly correlated with high arsenic water and vice versa. In general, high pH, high Cond, and high TDS were found to be the potential indicators of high arsenic water sources. Conversely, low pH, low Cond, and low TDS were the main indicators of low arsenic water sources. This study provides new insights into the use of ML and explainable methods for arsenic modelling.
The Diurnal Variation Characteristics of Latent Heat Flux under Different Underlying Surfaces and Analysis of Its Drivers in The Middle Reaches of the Heihe River
Authors: He Ji , Li Qing-Min , Wang Wen-Chuan , Xu Dong-Mei , Wan Yu-Rong
Published: November 2022

The Latent Heat Flux (LE) is an important component of surface water heat transfer and hydrological cycle, and monitoring it is of great value for water resource management and crop water demand estimation. The Heihe River Basin has complex topography, which ensures better variable control in LE analysis. In this paper, the time series analysis and statistics of LE under different underlying surface conditions in summer were carried out by using the eddy correlation observation data in the Heihe River Basin, and the regression factors were analyzed. The results show that when the underlying surface types are greatly different, there are obvious differences in the daily distribution of LE, the daily variation trend of LE and the influencing factors. The range of diurnal distribution of LE in dune, Gobi and desert from −50 W/m2 to 100 W/m2. The diurnal LE distribution of vegetable fields, cornfields and wetlands were about 55% concentrated between −50 W/m2 and 100 W/m2. Temperature and carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) are the dominant factors affecting latent heat flux. Further analysis of temperature and CO2 is carried out by stepwise regression analysis, and multiple regression models are established. In terms of correlation and confidence, the results are better than the single factor fitting, which can better reflect the synergistic effect of temperature and CO2 on LE.
Evaluation of Debris-Flow Vibration Signals Recorded at the Aiyuzi Stream in Shenmu Taiwan Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Huang Yi-Min , Chen Chien-Chih
Published: November 2022

In recent years, due to the frequent occurrence of extreme weather due to climate change, the Taiwan region has often suffered from landslides and debris flows in the past 20 years. This study used the ground surface vibration signals collected by the geophone from seven debris flow events in the Shenmu area. Data were processed to represent the time series of velocity and accumulated energy per second. Datasets were established for model training and validation. In this study, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms were used for comparison. After analyzing the data through balance processing (Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique, SMOTE), a signal model of debris flow was established. The research results showed that the models using SVM and RF training had good accuracy, recall, and AUC values when choosing input data average of every 6 s and the 10-s time interval within which the data were marked as the occurrence of debris flow. The performance of SVM was better than that of RF after validation. Through the aforementioned research, the vibration signals of debris flow can be regarded as a reference factor, and the model established by the SVM method had acceptable performance and can be used for early-warning of debris flow.
Optimal Conditions to Quantify the Relationship between eDNA Concentration and Biomass in Acanthopagrus latus
Authors: Xin Yi , Guo Yu , Sun Meijing , Yu Gang , Ma Zhenhua , Pei Kun , Qin Chuanxin
Published: November 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a useful tool for monitoring the distributions of aquatic species. eDNA can produce quantitative estimates of fish abundance, but its accuracy depends on the species and system. Therefore, its performance must be evaluated and an investigation of how fish biomass affects eDNA dynamics must be conducted on a case-by-case basis. This study evaluates how the biomass of an ecologically and socioeconomically important fish, Acanthopagrus latus, relates to the eDNA concentration in aquariums. We conducted experiments using juvenile individuals and evaluated eDNA and biomass relationships at seven different time points using a previously developed TaqMan assay targeting the cytochrome oxidase I gene to understand the effect of environmental factors on eDNA concentrations. The results from A. latus showed a strong positive linear correlation between eDNA concentration and A. latus biomass (R2 = 0.72–0.93). The eDNA concentration was negatively correlated with time 20 d after removing A. latus. Salinity significantly affected the eDNA concentration of A. latus at 3 h, and temperature significantly affected the eDNA concentration from 3 to 14 d. The combinations of factors with the greatest effect on the yellowfin seabream eDNA concentration were 35‰/30 °C/8.5, 35‰/30 °C/8.0, and 35‰/25 °C/8.5 (salinity/temperature/pH). This study identified the conditions for detecting A. latus eDNA and provided environmental data to monitor and survey yellowfin seabream biomass resources.
Increasing Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Yields in Brackishwater Ponds through Increased Stocking Rates and Supplementary Feeding
Authors: SUMAGAYSAY N.S.
Published: November 2022

Brackishwater milkfish culture in the Philippines is normally practiced at fish stocking rates of 2,000-3,000 ha·1 with fertilizers as the sole nutrient input. Supplementary feeding is not common. We stocked two 1-ha ponds with 6,000 fish and another two 1-ha ponds with 9,000 fish with an average weight of 2 g. The fish at each stocking rate were given diets with two different energy levels (2,950 and 3,265 kcal·kg-1) at 3% body weight, on the second and third month of culture. An average of 0.69 and 1.04 t were produced at 6,000 and 9,000 ha·1, respectively. Low temperature and dissolved oxygen levels appeared to limit the growth of milkfish masking the effect of dietary energy. The results suggest that supplementan feeding can have a marked effect on milkfish yield when stocking rates are 6,000 ha·1 or above.
FINANCIAL WELL-BEING: A WAY TO MAINTAIN LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SECURITY
Authors: Apriansah Andri , Mulyatini Nurdiana , Prabowo* Faizal Haris Eko
Published: November 2022

Financial literacy has an important role in encouraging improving financial well-being. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Financial Attitude and Financial Knowledge on Financial Well Being. The research method uses quantitative and data analysis techniques used is multiple linear regression analysis. With a population of 105 employees of Badan Pengelolaan Keuangan Daerah Kabupaten Ciamis and sampling using a saturated sampling technique, the entire population was sampled with as many as 105 respondents. The research results conclude that financial attitude and financial knowledge affect financial well-being with a magnitude of 65.6%. Therefore, it is expected that the financial sector employees of BPKD Kabupaten Ciamis can maintain and improve their financial attitude and knowledge by implementing financial planning, management, and control to improve their financial well-being. The study has an impact on increasing knowledge about financial behavior in government employees.

Keywords: Financial management, financial behavior, financial attitude, financial knowledge, and financial wellbeing