bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MU-Net: Embedding MixFormer into Unet to Extract Water Bodies from Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Zhang Yonghong , Lu Huanyu , Ma Guangyi , Zhao Huajun , Xie Donglin , Geng Sutong , Tian Wei , Sian Kenny Thiam Choy Lim Kam
Published: July 2023

Water bodies extraction is important in water resource utilization and flood prevention and mitigation. Remote sensing images contain rich information, but due to the complex spatial background features and noise interference, problems such as inaccurate tributary extraction and inaccurate segmentation occur when extracting water bodies. Recently, using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract water bodies is gradually becoming popular. However, the local property of CNN limits the extraction of global information, while Transformer, using a self-attention mechanism, has great potential in modeling global information. This paper proposes the MU-Net, a hybrid MixFormer architecture, as a novel method for automatically extracting water bodies. First, the MixFormer block is embedded into Unet. The combination of CNN and MixFormer is used to model the local spatial detail information and global contextual information of the image to improve the ability of the network to capture semantic features of the water body. Then, the features generated by the encoder are refined by the attention mechanism module to suppress the interference of image background noise and non-water body features, which further improves the accuracy of water body extraction. The experiments show that our method has higher segmentation accuracy and robust performance compared with the mainstream CNN- and Transformer-based semantic segmentation networks. The proposed MU-Net achieves 90.25% and 76.52% IoU on the GID and LoveDA datasets, respectively. The experimental results also validate the potential of MixFormer in water extraction studies.
UAV-Based Terrain Modeling in Low-Vegetation Areas: A Framework Based on Multiscale Elevation Variation Coefficients
Authors: Fan Jiaxin , Dai Wen , Wang Bo , Li Jingliang , Yao Jiahui , Chen Kai
Published: July 2023

The removal of low vegetation is still challenging in UAV photogrammetry. According to the different topographic features expressed by point-cloud data at different scales, a vegetation-filtering method based on multiscale elevation-variation coefficients is proposed for terrain modeling. First, virtual grids are constructed at different scales, and the average elevation values of the corresponding point clouds are obtained. Second, the amount of elevation change at any two scales in each virtual grid is calculated to obtain the difference in surface characteristics (degree of elevation change) at the corresponding two scales. Third, the elevation variation coefficient of the virtual grid that corresponds to the largest elevation variation degree is calculated, and threshold segmentation is performed based on the relation that the elevation variation coefficients of vegetated regions are much larger than those of terrain regions. Finally, the optimal calculation neighborhood radius of the elevation variation coefficients is analyzed, and the optimal segmentation threshold is discussed. The experimental results show that the multiscale coefficients of elevation variation method can accurately remove vegetation points and reserve ground points in low- and densely vegetated areas. The type I error, type II error, and total error in the study areas range from 1.93 to 9.20%, 5.83 to 5.84%, and 2.28 to 7.68%, respectively. The total error of the proposed method is 2.43–2.54% lower than that of the CSF, TIN, and PMF algorithms in the study areas. This study provides a foundation for the rapid establishment of high-precision DEMs based on UAV photogrammetry.
Review of Photochemical Activity of Dissolved Black Carbon in Aquatic Environments: Primary Influencing Factors and Mechanisms
Authors: Liu Huaying , Tu Yina , Tang Wei , Wu Weilin , Li Yingjie
Published: July 2023

Dissolved black carbon (DBC), the particular component of black carbon that can be dissolved in the water, which accounts for ~10% of the organic carbon cycle in the earth’s water body, is an essential member of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) pool. In contrast to DOM, DBC has a higher proportion of conjugated benzene rings, which can more efficiently encourage the degradation of organic micropollutants in the aquatic environment or more rapidly generate reactive oxygen species to photodegrade the organic micropollutants. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the changes and mechanisms of DBC photochemical activity affected by different factors in the water environment. Our work reviewed the main influencing factors and mechanisms of the photochemical activity of DBC. It focuses on the methodologies for the quantitative and qualitative investigation of the photochemical activity of DBC, the impact of the biomass source, the pyrolysis temperature of biochar, and the primary water environmental parameters on the photochemical activity of DBC and the indirect photodegradation of pollutants. Based on this, a potential future study of DBC photochemical activity has been prospected.
Maximizing Annual Energy Yield in a Grid-Connected PV Solar Power Plant: Analysis of Seasonal Tilt Angle and Solar Tracking Strategies
Authors: Zaheb Hameedullah , Amiry Habibullah , Ahmadi Mikaeel , Fedayi Habibullah , Amiry Sajida , Yona Atsushi
Published: July 2023

Harnessing the abundant solar resources holds great potential for sustainable energy generation. This research paper delves into a comprehensive analysis of seasonal tilt and solar tracking strategy scenarios for a 15 MW grid-connected PV solar power plant situated in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The study investigates the impact of fixed tilt, seasonal tilt, SAHST (single-axis horizontal solar tracking), and SAVST (single-axis vertical solar tracking) on energy yield, considering technical, economic, and environmental aspects. In the first scenario, a fixed tilt angle of 31 degrees was employed. The second scenario explored the use of seasonal tilt angles, with a summer tilt angle of 15 degrees and a winter tilt angle of 30 degrees. The third scenario analyzed SAHST. Finally, the fourth scenario focused on implementing SAVST. SAVST proved to be an exceptional solution, showcasing a remarkable increase in annual energy yield, and generating an additional 6680 MWh/year, 6336 MWh/year, and 5084 MWh/year compared to fixed, seasonal, and SAHST scenarios, respectively. As a result, surplus energy yielded an income of USD 554,440.00 per year compared to fixed tilt. However, the investment cost for the solar tracking system amounted to USD 1,451,932, accompanied by an annual operation and maintenance cost of 0.007 USD/W/year. The analysis revealed a promising payback period of 3 years, confirming the economic feasibility of this investment. The findings underscore the effectiveness of different strategies for optimizing solar power generation in the Kandahar region. Notably, the installation of SAVST emerged as an influential solution, significantly increasing power production. These research outcomes bear practical implications for solar tracking strategies for addressing the load challenges faced by Kandahar province and offer valuable insights for the operators and operation of solar power plants in similar regions.
Modeling and Analysis of the Impact of Risk Culture on Human Behavior during a Catastrophic Event
Authors: Lanza Valentina , Provitolo Damienne , Verdière Nathalie , Bertelle Cyrille , Dubos-Paillard Edwige , Navarro Oscar , Charrier Rodolphe , Mikiela Irmand , Aziz-Alaoui Moulay , Boudoukha Abdel Halim , Tricot Anne , Schleyer-Lindenmann Alexandra , Berred Alexandre , Haule Sébastien , Tric Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

In a world more and more affected by natural and/or industrial disasters, it is essential to understand, analyze and control human behavior during such events. The work presented in this article is one of the results of a transdisciplinary collaboration between geographers, psychologists, mathematicians, computer scientists, operational staff and stakeholders in risk management. This collaboration made it possible to identify the diverse behavioral reactions that can occur during a disaster and to propose a categorization of these behavioral states and their transitions. These behavioral dynamics are described by the APC (Alert–Panic–Control) mathematical model, which integrates two key elements (among others) during disasters: cognition and social contagion. Several scenarios are developed, and a qualitative analysis of the model is conducted to better understand the role of crowd density and risk culture on behavioral dynamics.
Enhancement of CO2 Absorption Process Using High-Frequency Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Tamidi Athirah Mohd , Lau Kok Keong , Yusof Siti Munirah Mhd , Azmi Nurulhuda , Zakariya Shahidah , Patthi Umar
Published: July 2023

The advancement of efficient carbon capture technology is vital for the transition to a net-zero carbon future. Critical developments in ultrasonic irradiation can be used to enhance the conventional CO2 absorption process. For example, sonophysical effects such as acoustic streaming, acoustic cavitation, acoustic fountain and atomization induced by the propagation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves in a liquid medium can enhance the mixing and create a larger interfacial area for gas–liquid mass transfer. In this study, the performance of a continuous ultrasonic-assisted CO2 absorption process using MDEA was investigated. The design of experiment (DOE) was used to study the effect of the gas flowrate, liquid flowrate and ultrasonic power on CO2 absorption performance. Based on the findings, ultrasonic power was the most significant parameter affecting the CO2 outlet concentration, liquid-to-gas ratio (L/G) and mass transfer coefficient (KGa), which confirmed that ultrasonic irradiation has a significant impact on the intensification of the CO2 absorption process. The optimum condition to achieve the target CO2 absorption performance was numerically determined and validated with experimental tests. The results from the verification runs were in good agreement with the predicted values, and the average error was less than 10%.
The Use of Zinc Oxide in Asphalts: Review
Authors: Rondón-Quintana Hugo Alexander , Ruge-Cárdenas Juan Carlos , Zafra-Mejía Carlos Alfonso
Published: July 2023

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide-gap semiconducting material which is chemically stable at high temperatures and has been shown to be compatible with asphalt binders. Additionally, semiconducting nanoparticles such as ZnO could help to improve urban air quality. This has encouraged the use of this material as a binder and asphalt mix modifier. A review on the use of ZnO as an asphalt binder modifier was conducted in this study. Based on the review which we carried out, the following were mainly synthesized and described: the content of ZnO as a modifier, the mixing processes of the binder and the ZnO, the manufacturing process of the modified mix, the type of asphalt binder and/or modified mix, the tests carried out, general conclusions, and environmental effects. ZnO micro-particles increase the aging resistance of the asphalt binder (mainly to ultraviolet radiation (UV)). ZnO tends to increase rutting resistance and adhesion with aggregates, improving resistance to moisture damage. It also tends to improve binder fatigue resistance. At low service temperatures, the performance of ZnO as a modifier is unclear, and further studies should be performed. Few studies have evaluated the effect of ZnO on the environment when it is used as an asphalt binder modifier. Future studies should evaluate the effect of this technology on the environment, perform economic analyses, evaluate the physical–chemical interaction of the modified binder with the aggregate, and measure the long-term properties of asphalt mixtures. ZnO is viewed as an environmentally friendly material and as a promising modifier of asphalt binders for pavement construction.
Redefining Food Sources: Exploring the Disconnect between Goat Farming and Its Perceived Sustainability—A Case Study in Chitima, Mozambique
Authors: del Valle M Martín , Hernández Roberto , Boden Lisa , Riveros José Luis
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to analyze the disconnect between goat farming and its perception as a food source and determine if this is related to the way farmers value goats. We conducted a questionnaire of 1 open and 15 closed questions among (n = 23) goat producers in Bairro Boroma, Province of Tete, Mozambique, and six in-depth interviews with stakeholders of the local goat meat trading chain. The results show that goats have an economic value more than a nutritional value, meaning they preferred trading them instead of allocating them for their own consumption. Conformation and size characteristics were more relevant when buying/selling an animal. All goat producers sold live animals in their household’s backyard, at an average price of USD 19.3 ± 4.6/per animal with an average weight of 20.23 ± 3.41 kg. Finally, goat producers preferred to increase their number of goats rather than cattle due to the ease of husbandry, amount of meat obtained from the carcass and reduced risk of meat spoilage post-slaughter because of their smaller size. The latter is essential within an environment lacking access to drinkable water and electric energy to support cold chain management in meat storage.
Climate-Resilient Rice Establishment Practices: Findings and Lessons from Two Villages in Bihar, India
Authors: Praharaj Subhashisa , Jha Ratnesh Kumar , Singh Anil Kumar , Gangwar Shishir Kumar , Singh Rajendra Pratap , Kundu Madhu Sudan , Sattar Abdus , Ramulu Chelpuri , Singh Abhinav Kumar , Jatav Surendra Singh , Patra Abhik
Published: July 2023

A growing population, changing climate, scarcity of resources, and the urgent need to achieve sustainable development goals makes it imperative to reimagine agriculture in a way that makes it economically profitable, climate-resilient, resource-efficient. Traditional rice production technology involving puddling and transplanting has often been criticized for its inefficient resource utilization, high cost of production, and emission of greenhouse gases such as methane. Direct-seeded rice (DSR), promoted for its climate-resilient nature, is often utilized by farmers in three different ways: broadcasting, line sowing, and zero tillage. However, these establishment methods have certain advantages and limitations, as perceived by farmers. The present study attempts to closely study the crop performance of rice under the abovementioned crop establishment methods. The study was conducted in farmers’ fields in a way where both the farmers’ freedom and research conditions were equally taken care of. The study aims to analyze crop performance while emphasizing farmers’ field-based knowledge to ensure a lab-land-lab loop for understanding the scope of refinement in agronomic as well extension strategies. The results of this study reveal the superiority of zero tillage over broadcasting and line sowing in terms of crop performance and economic performance in the northwest alluvial plain zone of Bihar. The study has also identified the constraints associated with adoption of line sowing and zero tillage.
Traffic Flow Prediction Based on Hybrid Deep Learning Models Considering Missing Data and Multiple Factors
Authors: Zeng Wenbao , Wang Ketong , Zhou Jianghua , Cheng Rongjun
Published: July 2023

In the case of missing data, traffic forecasting becomes challenging. Many existing studies on traffic flow forecasting with missing data often overlook the relationship between data imputation and external factors. To address this gap, this study proposes two hybrid models that incorporate multiple factors for predicting traffic flow in scenarios involving data loss. Temperature, rainfall intensity and whether it is a weekday will be introduced as multiple factors for data imputation and forecasting. Predictive mean matching (PMM) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) can find the data that are most similar to the missing values as the interpolation value. In the forecasting module, bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network can extract bidirectional time series features, which can improve forecasting accuracy. Therefore, PMM and KNN were combined with BiLSTM as P-BiLSTM and K-BiLSTM to forecast traffic flow, respectively. Experiments were conducted using a traffic flow dataset from the expressway S6 in Poland, considering various missing scenarios and missing rates. The experimental results showed that the proposed models outperform other traditional models in terms of prediction accuracy. Furthermore, the consideration of whether it is a working day further improves the predictive performance of the models.
Navigating the Complexity of Entrepreneurial Ethics: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Daradkeh Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Entrepreneurship is a multifaceted and constantly evolving process that is often marked by various challenges, such as environmental uncertainty, resource constraints, intense competition, and ambiguous roles. These complexities can give rise to ethical dilemmas, including conflicts of interest and unethical behavior, which can further be compounded by the incorporation of digital technology in entrepreneurship. Despite the growing recognition of the significance of entrepreneurial ethics, research in this area remains limited and fragmented. Therefore, this study aims to navigate the complexity of entrepreneurial ethics and address knowledge gaps by conducting a systematic review of the extant literature in the field of entrepreneurship, ethics, and management between 2003 and 2023 using the PRISMA protocol. The review focuses on three key aspects: (1) factors that shape entrepreneurial ethical perception and climate, (2) factors that influence entrepreneurial ethical decision making and behavior, and (3) the consequences of entrepreneurial ethical decisions and behavior. This study proposes future research avenues that can deepen our understanding of the interplay between digital technology and entrepreneurial ethics, stakeholder influence on ethical decision making, and the relationship between ethical leadership and entrepreneurial performance. Ultimately, the findings from this study provide a comprehensive framework for examining and comprehending the critical domain of entrepreneurial ethics, which can effectively address ethical dilemmas and establish socially conscious ventures that positively impact both the economy and society.
Recent Advances in Copper-Based Materials for Sustainable Environmental Applications
Authors: Bonthula Sumalatha , Bonthula Srinivasa Rao , Pothu Ramyakrishna , Srivastava Rajesh K. , Boddula Rajender , Radwan Ahmed Bahgat , Al-Qahtani Noora
Published: July 2023

In recent years, copper-based nanomaterials have gained significant attention for their practical applications due to their cost-effectiveness, thermal stability, selectivity, high activity, and wide availability. This review focuses on the synthesis and extensive applications of copper nanomaterials in environmental catalysis, addressing knowledge gaps in pollution management. It highlights recent advancements in using copper-based nanomaterials for the remediation of heavy metals, organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants. Also, it will be helpful to young researchers in improving the suitability of implementing copper-based nanomaterials correctly to establish and achieve sustainable goals for environmental remediation.
Spherical, Axial, and Triaxial Symmetries in the Study of Halo Nuclei with Covariant Density Functional Theory
Authors: Xiang Yifeng , Luo Qingjin , Yang Siqi , Zhang Kaiyuan
Published: July 2023

The halo phenomenon in exotic nuclei has long been an important frontier in nuclear physics research since its discovery in 1985. In parallel with the experimental progress in exploring halo nuclei, the covariant density functional theory has become one of the most successful tools for the microscopic study of halo nuclei. Based on spherical symmetry, the relativistic continuum Hartree–Bogoliubov theory describes the first halo nucleus 11Li self-consistently and predicts the giant halo phenomenon. Based on axial symmetry, the deformed relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov theory in continuum has predicted axially deformed halo nuclei 42,44Mg and the shape decoupling effects therein. Based on triaxial symmetry, recently the triaxial relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov theory in continuum has been developed and applied to explore halos in triaxially deformed nuclei. The theoretical frameworks of these models are presented, with the efficacy of exploiting symmetries highlighted. Selected applications to spherical, axially deformed, and triaxially deformed halo nuclei are introduced.
Numerical Calculation of Thermal Radiative Boundary Layer Nanofluid Flow across an Extending Inclined Cylinder
Authors: Yasmin Humaira , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Anwar Sadia , Shahab Sana , Saeed Anwar
Published: July 2023

This research presents the numerical analysis of the fluid flow containing the micro gyrotactic organism with heat and mass transfer. The flow is allowed to pass through an inclined stretching cylinder with the effects of heat generation/a heat source and activation energy subject to the symmetric boundary conditions at the cylinder walls. Similarity transformation is employed in the system of PDEs (partial differential equations) to transform them into non-dimensional ODEs (ordinary differential equations). The solution to the proposed problem is obtained by using the bvp4c (numerical scheme). The graphical results are plotted for various flow parameters in order to show their impact on the flow, mass, energy, and motile microorganism profiles. Moreover, the angle of inclination disturbs the flow within an inclined cylinder and slows down the fluid motion, while it elevates the energy of the fluid inside an inclined cylinder. Similarly, the curvature effect is also highlighted in the dynamics of fluid velocity, temperature, and the motile microorganism profile. From the obtained results, it is elucidated that growing values of the curvature factor accelerate the temperature, velocity, and motile microbes’ profiles. Finally, some engineering quantities are calculated in terms of skin friction, the Nusselt and Sherwood number, and the density of motile microbes. The acquired results are also displayed in tabular form.
Post-COVID-19 Recovery: An Integrated Framework of Construction Project Performance Evaluation in China
Authors: Guo Han-Sen , Liu Ming-Xin , Xue Jin , Jian Izzy Yi , Xu Qian , Wang Qian-Cheng
Published: July 2023

With the lifting of the COVID-19 lockdown, the construction industry is gradually moving towards a new normality. This study aims to evaluate the construction project performance in the post-COVID-19 pandemic context and proposes a roadmap framework to achieve project recovery in China. This paper follows a sequential mixed methodology with three core steps. First, the critical success factors (CSFs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) are derived from literature reviews and expert interviews. Second, the study conducts a questionnaire survey with 150 experts. Third, the research implements factor analysis and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis for CSFs and characteristics and comparative analysis for KPIs. Based on the results, the study employs structural equational modelling (SEM) to connect the CSFs and KPIs and develop a roadmap towards the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery of the construction projects. The study identifies 32 CSFs and 25 KPIs and categorises them into five clusters, respectively. The SEM analysis suggests that management and technological innovation significantly contribute to achieving enterprise strategic goals and advancing industrial development. The consistency of project goals and external expectations also positively affect the satisfaction level of stakeholders and social impact. In addition, the AHP clarifies that the stability of the external environment, the internal support, and the adequacy of resources are critical drivers to the post-COVID-19 recovery of construction projects. This research proffers a roadmap towards the project recovery of the construction industry in the post-COVID-19 era by connecting the performance indicators and their critical success drivers. The findings would guide comprehensive design and construction, project life cycle management, and assist in dealing with public health emergencies in construction project management to maximise the organisation’s profits and positive social impact.
Impact of Post-Process Heat Treatments Performed on Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy Specimens Obtained Using LPBF Technology
Authors: Gaiani Silvia , Ferrari Elisa , Gozzi Marica , Di Giovanni Maria Teresa , Lassinantti Gualtieri Magdalena , Colombini Elena , Veronesi Paolo
Published: July 2023

Additive manufacturing technology has emerged over the past decade as one of the best solutions for building prototypes and components with complex geometries and reduced thicknesses. Its application has rapidly spread to various industries, such as motorsport, automotive, aerospace, and biomedical. In particular, titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V, due to its exceptional mechanical properties, low density, and excellent corrosion resistance, turns out to be one of the most popular for the production of parts with additive manufacturing technology across all the market segments listed above. However, when producing components using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology, it is always necessary to perform appropriate heat treatments whose main purpose is to reduce the residual stresses typically generated during the manufacturing process. Post-process heat treatments on Ti6Al4V components obtained by way of additive technology have been extensively studied in the literature, with the aim of identifying optimal thermal cycles, which may allow for the effective reduction of residual stresses combined with proper microstructural conditions. However, despite the usual target of maximizing relevant mechanical properties, it is mandatory for industrial production to achieve a robust process, i.e., minimizing the sensitivity to noise-induced variation. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to compare several post-process heat treatment strategies by performing different thermal cycles in the temperature range of 750–955 °C and investigating how these affect the average mechanical properties and their variance. The treated samples are then analyzed running a complete mechanical and microstructural characterization, and the latter particularly focused on the determination of the typical microstructure present in the treated samples by using the XRD technique.
Evaluation of the Morphological, Physiological and Biochemical Effects Induced by Coragen 20 SC in Some Non-Target Species
Authors: Ponepal Cristina Maria , Soare Liliana Cristina , Drăghiceanu Oana-Alexandra , Mihăescu Cristina Florina , Șuțan Nicoleta Anca , Țânțu Monica Marilena , Păunescu Alina
Published: July 2023

Coragen 20 SC is an insecticide based on chlorantraniliprole that is applied on many crops. Considered an effective product with an incremental cost-benefit ratio, it has been widely used globally. Residual pesticides affect non-target organisms, so it is necessary to explore the possible effects induced by these xenobiotics on different species. This work aimed to assess some morphological, physiological and biochemical effects induced by Coragen 20 SC on two non-target species: Perca fluviatilis (Linné, 1758) and Triticum aestivum L. The concentrations used were the same for all tested species (0.0125, 0.025 and 0.05 mL L−1), and the experiments were of the acute, subchronic and chronic type. The toxicological effects of Coragen 20 SC on perch recorded behavioral changes, a decrease in respiratory rate and oxygen consumption, an increase in blood glucose levels and a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. The results obtained from the evaluation of Coragen 20 SC toxicity using the Triticum test indicate a weak to moderate phytotoxicity for the considered parameters at the applied doses. Only the assimilatory pigments were significantly modified at the concentration of 0.025 mL L−1 for the growth of the axial organs and the wet and dry weight, with the changes obtained not being statistically significant.
Special Issue “Advances in Rabies Research”
Authors: Nadin-Davis Susan A.
Published: July 2023

Rabies kills approximately 60,000 humans each year, with deaths mostly occurring in developing countries, where rabies lyssavirus (RABV) variants are maintained in dog populations [...]
Influenza Vaccination Coverage Rates and Determinants in Greek Children until the Age of Ten (2008–2019), the Rhea Mother–Child Cohort
Authors: Karachaliou Marianna , Damianaki Irene , Moudatsaki Maria , Margetaki Katerina , Roumeliotaki Theano , Bempi Vicky , Moudatsaki Marina , Chatzi Lida Vaia , Vafeiadi Marina , Kogevinas Manolis
Published: July 2023

Background: In Greece, influenza vaccination is currently recommended for children with high-risk conditions. There are limited data on influenza vaccination uptake among Greek children with and without high-risk conditions. We aim to describe the annual influenza vaccination uptake until the age of ten in a population-based mother–child cohort and identify the factors influencing vaccination rates. Methods: Immunization data from the child’s health cards at 4 and 10 years were available for 830 and 298 children participating in the Rhea cohort (2008–2019). We calculated vaccination coverage by age, winter season and among children with asthma and obesity for whom the vaccine is indicated. Univariable and multivariable stepwise logistic regression models were utilized to identify the association between several sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related variables and vaccine uptake by age four. Results: By the ages of four and ten, 37% and 40% of the children, respectively, had received at least one influenza vaccination. Only 2% of the children were vaccinated for all winter seasons during their first four years of life. The vaccination rate was highest at the age of two and during the 2009–2010 season. Vaccination rates for children with asthma and obesity were 18.2% and 13.3% at age four and 8.3% and 2.9% at age ten. About 10% of all vaccines were administered after December and 24% of the children received only one dose upon initial vaccination. Children with younger siblings and those who had experienced more respiratory infections were more likely to be vaccinated by the age of four, while children exposed to smoking were less likely to be vaccinated. Conclusions: Children in our study were more likely to be vaccinated against influenza at an early age with the peak occurring at the age of two. Nonetheless, annual vaccination uptake was uncommon. Vaccination rates of children with asthma and obesity were well below the national target of 75% for individuals with chronic conditions. Certain groups may merit increased attention in future vaccination campaigns such as children raised in families with unfavourable health behaviours.
Impact of Obesity and Diabetes in Pregnant Women on Their Immunity and Vaccination
Authors: Wierzchowska-Opoka Magdalena , Grunwald Arkadiusz , Rekowska Anna K. , Łomża Aleksandra , Mekler Julia , Santiago Miracle , Kabała Zuzanna , Kimber-Trojnar Żaneta , Leszczyńska-Gorzelak Bożena
Published: July 2023

Pregnant women with obesity and diabetes are at increased risk of developing infections and other complications during pregnancy. Several mechanisms are involved in the immunological mechanisms that contribute to reduced immunity in these populations. Both obesity and diabetes are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation that can lead to an overactive immune response. Pregnant women with obesity and diabetes often have an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, leptin, and resistin, which are involved in the inflammatory response. Insulin resistance can also affect the functioning of immune cells. Furthermore, both conditions alter the composition of the gut microbiome, which produces a variety of biomolecules, including short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, and other metabolites. These substances may contribute to immune dysfunction. In addition to increasing the risk of infections, obesity and diabetes can also affect the efficacy of vaccinations in pregnant women. Pregnant women with obesity and diabetes are at increased risk of developing severe illness and complications from COVID-19, but COVID-19 vaccination may help protect them and their fetuses from infection and its associated risks. Since both obesity and diabetes classify a pregnancy as high risk, it is important to elucidate the impact of these diseases on immunity and vaccination during pregnancy. Research examining the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in a high-risk pregnant population should be of particular value to obstetricians whose patients are hesitant to vaccinate during pregnancy. Further research is needed to better understand these mechanisms and to develop effective interventions to improve immune function in these populations.
Effect of Soil Texture on Water and Salt Transport in Freeze—Thaw Soil in the Shallow Groundwater Area
Authors: Wang Erqing , Chen Junfeng , Liu Lei , Cui Lihong , Xue Jing , Ren Jiameng , Du Qi
Published: July 2023

Research on the variation in soil water, heat, and salt in unsaturated zones during the freeze–thaw process has great significance in efficiently utilizing water resources and preventing soil salinization. The freeze–thaw field experiment was carried out with the lysimeter as the test equipment to analyze characteristics of the soil freeze–thaw process, profile water content, main ion content, and salt content of three textured soils with the groundwater table depth of 0.5 m. The results showed that the soil temperature gradient and freezing depth were greater as the average soil particle size increased. The increment of water content at the depth of 0 to 30 cm in sandy loam and loamy sand decreased by 40.20~93.10% and 28.14~65.52% compared with that in sandy soil, and the average increment of salt content at the depth of 0 to 30 cm decreased as the average soil particle size increased during the freeze–thaw period. The average content of Ca2+, Na+, Cl−, and SO42− in loamy sand and sandy soil decreased by 4.37~45.50% and 22.60~70.42% compared with that in sandy loam at the end of the freeze–thaw period, and the correlation between soil salt content and water content decreased with the increase in the average soil particle size. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for soil salinization prevention and crop production in shallow groundwater areas.
Exceeding Turbidity versus Karst Spring Discharge during Single Rainfall Events: The Case of the Jadro Spring
Authors: Kadić Ana , Denić-Jukić Vesna , Jukić Damir
Published: July 2023

The relationship between karst spring discharge and turbidity during periods where the turbidity exceeds the permitted value of 4 NTU is analyzed by means of classical hydrological methods including hysteresis loops. The Williams method (1989) is adjusted by replacing river discharge with karst spring discharge, and sediment concentration with exceeding turbidity. The study’s first part focuses on the general hydrological characteristics of cumulative rainfall, turbidity, and discharge during each period. In the second part, four major types of hysteresis loops are identified, classified, and hydrologically explained. The study area is the karst catchment of the Jadro Spring in Croatia. The obtained results show that hysteresis loops can be very useful in analyses of water turbidity from karst springs. A relationship between the type of loop, intensity of discharge, and size of the secondary peak in turbidity is identified. The major types of hysteresis loops were clockwise, counterclockwise, figure-eight and complex loops, and their main characteristics were summarized. The results gave a new insight into the behavior of the turbidity of the Jadro Spring.
Optimal Scheduling of Cascade Reservoirs Based on an Integrated Multistrategy Particle Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Mo Li , Yang Yuqi , Tao Yitao
Published: July 2023

The optimal scheduling of cascade reservoirs is an important water resource management and regulation method. In the actual operation process, its nonlinear, high-dimensional, and coupled characteristics become increasingly apparent under the influence of multiple constraints. In this study, an integrated multistrategy particle swarm optimization (IMPSO) algorithm is proposed to realize the optimal operation of mid- and long-term power generation in cascade reservoirs according to the solution problem in the scheduling process of cascade reservoirs. In IMPSO, a variety of effective improvement strategies are used, which are combined with the standard PSO algorithm in different steps, among which beta distribution initialization improves population diversity, parameter adaptive adjustment accelerates convergence speed, and the Lévy flight mechanism and adaptive variable spiral search strategy balance the global and local search capabilities of the algorithm. To handle complex constraints effectively, an explicit–implicit coupled constraint handling technique based on constraint normalization is designed to guide the update process into the feasible domain of the search space. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified in the mid- and long-term power generation optimization scheduling of the lower reaches of the Jinsha River–Three Gorges cascade hydropower reservoirs. The results show that the proposed method outperforms the other methods in terms of search accuracy and has the potential to improve hydropower resource utilization and power generation efficiency significantly.
Impacto de las redes sociales en la gestión de proyectos sociales
Authors: Hernandez Hector Andres , Mercado-Mulcue Gerson Rubén , Gil-Niño John Alejandro , Salas-Tosne Deyby Sebastián
Published: July 2023

El mundo actualmente valora la importancia de la adaptación de las herramientas tecnológicas y portales web (web 2.0) con la gestión de proyectos, sobre todo enfocados en la sociedad. La comunicación tiene un rol fundamental en la sociedad. Las redes sociales han marcado un alto impacto en las empresas, en sus diferentes departamentos, entre ellos la oficina de gestión de proyectos (PMO), un área que constantemente debe comunicar e informar de lo que ocurre con su portafolio de proyectos, implementar estas nuevas estrategias de comunicación generan un gran beneficio hacia la comunidad interesada (Stakeholders) de un determinado proyecto. Generando valor durante toda la gestión y ejecución de este por lo que el objetivo de este artículo es analizar el impacto de las redes sociales en la gestión de proyectos sociales.
Implementación del Project Management Office (PMO) en las empresas del sector financiero
Authors: Hernandez Hector Andres , Luna-Gómez Andrés Felipe , Martínez-Martínez Genny Nohemí , Salas-Tosne Deyby Sebastián
Published: July 2023

El sector financiero es el eje central de la economía mundial, a través de los años esta se ha visto enfrentado a muchas crisis que han sido catastróficas para todos los países y sectores económicos mundiales en términos de pérdidas de capitales y recursos, lo cual han obligado a ejecutar cambios en sus modelos económicos y financieros; es así como en la actualidad existen cambios globales y los conflictos que se viven en las diferentes naciones que son potencias mundiales, o incluso en nuestro país con los diferentes cambios políticos y legislaciones, lo cual incide mucho en la economía. Es por esta razón que el sector financiero se ve en la necesidad de realizar cambios estructurales o de sus servicios los cuales son proyectos de alto impacto para sus clientes.

A través de los años la gerencia de proyectos ha tomado mucha más fuerza debido a su impacto positivo en todos los sectores económicos, lo cual les ha dado un valor agregado a las organizaciones y un desarrollo eficiente en sus proyectos en términos de alcance, costo y tiempo, es por esta razón que surge la oficina de gestión proyectos o Project Management Office (PMO), siendo una unidad central en la cual los proyectos que se ejecuten pueden solventarse en términos de conocimiento, lecciones aprendidas por medio de base, metodologías y herramientas para la correcta ejecución de los proyectos; por tal motivo el sector financiero no es ajeno a la implementación de una PMO dentro de sus estructura organizacional.

Este articulo presenta un grupo de conceptos teóricos y técnicos de todo lo relacionado con la PMO, que se abordan desde lo individual a lo colectivo con el propósito de resaltar los fundamentos principales a tener en cuenta en la implementación de una PMO con el fin de realizar una propuesta de valor para sus clientes. El objetivo de este artículo se encamina analizar los fundamentos académicos de un gerente de proyecto, con el fin de desarrollar las capacidades y habilidades en la gestión de proyectos en aras de tener un criterio centrado en la implementación del Project Management Office - PMO que beneficie los procesos de una organización con miras al mejoramiento continuo y entrega de un buen servicio al cliente.
Porcentaje de aplicación primeras y únicas dosis por grupo etario contra SARS-CoV-2 en Colombia
Authors: Díaz-Pinzón Jorge Enrique
Published: July 2023

Introducción: El retorno del COVID-19 en países de altos ingresos con programas desarrollados de vacunas, ha elevado las inquietudes sobre la durabilidad de eficacia de la vacuna, principalmente contra la más transmisible variante delta y ómicron. Objetivo: mostrar el avance de la aplicación de primera y únicas dosis por grupo etario para la vacunación contra SARS-COV-2 en Colombia, entre el periodo comprendido entre el 17 de febrero al 30 de noviembre de 2021. Metodología: La presente investigación se realizó bajo un estudio transversal, como fuente de información se obtuvo del plan nacional de vacunación contra el COVID-19 de la página web del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social. Resultados: Se dedujo que los grupos etarios con mayores porcentajes de aplicación de primeras y únicas dosis estuvieron: de 75-79 años con el 100,1%, 80-100 años con 99,3%, y 45-49 años con 97,3%. Y los grupos etarios con menores porcentajes de aplicación de primeras y únicas dosis tenemos: 3-4 años con 22,7%, 5-9 años con 32 %, y 10-11 años con 41,0 %. Conclusión: Las expectativas poblacionales en la aceptación   de los inmunobiológicos contra COVID-19 son provechosas y manifiestan un nivel alto de confianza hacia las autoridades gubernamentales.  Además, existe una buena tendencia de los participantes para cumplir con el esquema de inmunización.
Cultura organizativa y la ambidestreza
Authors: Burbano Leidy Viviana , Begoña-Lloria M , Andres-Hernández Héctor
Published: July 2023

Este artículo recoge los principales fundamentos teóricos sobre la cultura de las organizaciones y la ambidestreza. Comenzaremos acotando el término cultura desarrollando también sus niveles y sus principales elementos, así como el concepto de ambidestreza, abordaremos una revisión de las aportaciones de diferentes autores para, posteriormente, estudiar las distintas perspectivas, sus formas, y la relación entre ambos conceptos.
Aprendizaje organizativo de la exploración y la explotación
Authors: Burbano-Florez Leidy Viviana , Begoña-Lloria M , Hernández Héctor Andres
Published: July 2023

Este artículo aborda los aspectos inherentes a las características del aprendizaje organizativo y explotación y la exploración, a saber, sus antecedentes del aprendizaje organizativo, fases tipos aprendizaje. Así mismo relacionaremos de acuerdo con los estudios de la literatura como las organizaciones tienen la capacidad de desarrollar al mismo tiempo innovaciones que exploten sus aprendizajes actuales y al mismo tiempo que exploran nuevas oportunidades que van más allá del aprendizaje presente, donde lo determínanos como ambidestreza organizativa. De manera que se concluye como el aprendizaje organizativo relaciona el aprendizaje de explotación y exploración.
KONVERGENSI RADIO KARTINI FM JEPARA DALAM MENGHADAPI TRANSFORMASI MEDIA BARU
Authors: Suhariyanto Suhariyanto , Fanani Fajriannoor , Ristia Djaya Tika
Published: July 2023

AbstrakSalah satu dampak perkembangan tehnologi adalah bisa mengubah perilaku orang yang mulai meninggalkan radio analog dan beralih kepada radio digital. Perkembangan tehnologi di tandai dengan banyaknya media baru bermunculan seperti halnya cyber disitu ada internet, facebook, IG dan masih banyak lagi. Perkembangan tehnologi ini semakin maju pesat dari hari ke hari sehingga memaksa media lain harus berani bersaing dan mengikuti perkembangan tehnologi itu sendiri demi untuk eksistensi media dan menambah penghasilan media secara ekonomi. Radio Kartini Jepara (94,2 FM) adalah salah satu radio yang menerapkan konvergensi media dalam menghadapi transformasi media baru dengan memanfaatkan perkembngan media baru. Metode penelitian yang didunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan menggunakan teori konvergensi media. Dimana teori konvergensi media berfokus pada lima proses yang mengubah media diproduksikan dan dikonsumsi. Lima proses konvergensi meliputi ekonomi, sosial, teknologi, budaya dan global. Penelitian dilakukan dengan cara melakukan wawancara secara mendalam dengan beberapa Crew Radio Kartini FM Jepara, diantaranya adalah Dewan Pengawas Radio Kartini FM Jepara dan Direktur Umum Radio Kartini FM Jepara.
Building the Brand Image of Demak as a Center for Religious Tourism Destinations through Brand Development and e-WOM
Authors: Rosana Anita Septiani , Saifudin Saifudin
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to investigate the factors that influence the brand image of a destination. This research examines the impact of destination brand awareness, brand quality, and e-WOM on destination brand image. The sample data used in this study were 112 respondents from 7 provinces in Indonesia. Multiple linear regression was used to test the significance of the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. The results of the IBM SPSS 25 test show that the destination and the quality of the destination brand can affect the destination's brand image; on the other hand, e-WOM cannot. Tour service providers can predict tourist behaviour through this paper. As for academics, this paper can be used for further research by integrating branding strategies as predictors of the destination image. Empirically this research helps improve understanding of how to communicate a brand in a destination.
PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN, CITRA MEREK TERHADAP LOYALITAS PELANGGAN KARTUHALO MELALUI KEPUASAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL MEDIASI (STUDI DI KOTA SEMARANG)
Authors: Aini Fitria Nur
Published: July 2023

PT Telkomsel merupakan operator telekomunikasi seluler terbesar di Indonesia dimana telah mengeluarkan banyak produk salah satunya adalah kartuHalo. Pada penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti kualitas pelayanan, citra merek terhadap loyalitas pelanggan kartuHalo di Kota Semarang melalui kepuasan. Pada pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik random sampling, diambil 100 responden dan penelitian dilakukan di Grapari Telkomsel Pahlawan Semarang. Untuk menguji hipotesis menggunakan regresi linier sederhana dan uji sobel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan (1) kualitas pelayanan berpengaruh positif terhadap kepuasan. (2) citra merek berpengaruh positif terhadap kepuasan. (3) kepuasan berpengaruh positif terhadap loyalitas. (4) kepuasan memediasi antara kualitas pelayanan terhadap loyalitas. (5) kepuasan memediasi antara citra merek terhadap loyalitas.