bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Efficiency and Socioeconomic Efficiency in Urban Land Policy and Value Capturing: Two Sides of the Same Coin?
Authors: Halleux Jean-Marie , Nordahl Berit Irene , Havel Małgorzata Barbara
Published: October 2022

Land policies are commonly used to contribute to the implementation of the public policy of land-use planning (or spatial planning). In this sense, a spatially efficient land policy must allow the planning systems to achieve the land uses promoted by strategic planning. In addition to their role in land-use planning, land policies also contribute to public finance policies. From this perspective, a socioeconomically efficient land policy must allow public authorities to capture land value. The research presented in this article aimed to contribute to planning theory by initiating a reflection on the interactions between spatial and socioeconomic efficiency in land policy. In our view, to consider those two dimensions in a more integrated way can help in the development of the growing research field on land value capture. Our research is based on the general assumption that there are processes of mutual strengthening and blockages between spatial efficiency and socioeconomic efficiency in land policy. In order to test this assumption, an international comparison methodology was developed. In order to develop a robust methodological approach, our exploratory comparative approach is based on a theoretical framework that depicts an ideal planning system. This ideal planning system serves as a benchmark for two empirical case studies on Norway and Belgium. Through our research, we find evidence of the interdependency of spatial efficiency and socioeconomic efficiency. The results of the two case studies therefore indicate that our initial assumption is generally confirmed. However further investigations are needed to deepen our exploratory discussion of the topic.
Deficit Irrigation for Efficiency and Water Saving in Poplar Plantations
Authors: Sperandio Giulio , Pagano Mauro , Acampora Andrea , Civitarese Vincenzo , Cedrola Carla , Mattei Paolo , Tomasone Roberto
Published: October 2022

Water resources are increasingly limited and less available, so improving water use efficiency is particularly pressing in the agricultural sector, where inefficient irrigation systems are often in operation. Drip irrigation is one of the most water-saving systems that can optimize distribution according to the actual needs of the crop. In the present study, an engineered drip irrigation system was applied to a poplar crop dedicated to the production of biomass for energy use. The aim was to evaluate the influence of the supply of different volumes of irrigation water on crop growth. Four levels of water supply were tested (theses T1, T2, T3, and T4), each determined by different intervention thresholds established by using four soil moisture sensors, one for each thesis (PLOT) (20, 30, 40, and 50 percent, respectively). In the third growing season, the effect of the different amounts of irrigation water supplied on plant growth was particularly evident between control T1 (104 m3 ha−1) compared with T2 (540 m3 ha−1), T3 (1924 m3 ha−1) and T4 (4549 m3 ha−1). Regarding biomass production, no statistical differences were found between T2 (8.97 Mg DM ha−1 year−1), T3 (9.99 Mg DM ha−1 year−1) and T4 (10.02 Mg DM ha−1 year−1), but they were all different from T1 (7.09 Mg DM ha−1 year−1. This leads to the conclusion, at least up to the third growing season, that with equal satisfactory levels of biomass production, water and energy savings can be achieved by choosing intermediate levels of water supply (e.g., with the sensor at 30%) as compared to the maximum value tested.
The Working-from-Home Natural Experiment in Sydney, Australia: A Theory of Planned Behaviour Perspective
Authors: Moglia Magnus , Glackin Stephen , Hopkins John
Published: October 2022

The rapid rise of working-from-home practices has led to a paradigm shift in the way many workers interact with cities, with major potential impacts on sustainability, health, and quality of life. Whilst the technology responsible for this shift is not new, the disruptive way that it is now interfacing with workplaces, homes, cities, and society is both novel and profound. To inform an understanding of the implications of this change, this article provides survey data from Sydney, Australia, on drivers, and patterns of behaviour linked with the change. Furthermore, we use of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to successfully interrogate what drives intentions, attitudes, norms, and competencies. We also provide data on the influence of job type and emerging employer attitudes. These data and analyses provide a unique contribution to the growing body of knowledge about working from home and builds potential for prediction of its prevalence across cities. This can inform updates of urban planning, infrastructure investment decisions, and to identify how this practice can be best supported, in a way that promotes sustainability outcomes.
The Adaptation Behaviour of Marine Fishermen towards Climate Change and Food Security: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Health Belief Model
Authors: Begum Mahfuza , Masud Muhammad Mehedi , Alam Lubna , Mokhtar Mazlin Bin , Amir Ahmad Aldrie
Published: October 2022

Key food production sectors, such as fisheries, are predicted to be severely impacted by climate change, which threatens food security. Owing to the direct influence of climate change on the lives and means of livelihood of marine fishing communities, effective adaptation methods are required to ensure the well-being of coastal communities. Thus, the goal of this study is to examine the various factors that impact the adaptation behaviour of marine fishermen towards climate change. To this end, data were collected from 312 Bangladeshi fishermen using survey questionnaires and subsequently analysed by employing partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Our findings reveal a significant and positive association between all components (perceived severity, perceived benefit and perceived barrier) of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and marine fishermen’s adaptation behaviour. However, the perceived susceptibility component of the HBM had no effect on the climate change adaption behaviour of marine fishermen. Likewise, the findings indicate that awareness influences attitude, which in turn impacts the adaption behaviour of marine fishermen. Furthermore, the study results establish the indirect mediating role of awareness and attitude with respect to the adaptation behaviour of marine fishers. The findings of this study can be adopted by policymakers to develop adaptation strategies to aid marine fishermen in adapting to climatic effects. Furthermore, the various responses of marine fishermen to climate change will also serve as a useful source of information for the government. In summary, the information generated from this research can serve as a practical basis to foster adaptation behaviour among marine fishers and advance adaptation policies at the national level, not only in Bangladesh but also for other coastal communities that are at risk as a result of climate change.
Exploring Useful Teacher Roles for Sustainable Online Teaching in Higher Education Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Shi Yanni , Guo Fucheng
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 emergency necessitated a rapid transition to online teaching by university lecturers. Hence, lecturers need to develop and reorganize their instructions and adjust their teaching roles and activities to the technological demands so as to further facilitate their continuous usage of technological systems after the crisis. Based on the behaviors of lecturers who utilized a particular teaching system—Rain Classroom—during school closure, this study aimed to predict their retention of online teaching beyond lockdown. Classical machine-learning classifiers were adopted to make predictions, most of which had an accuracy greater than 73%. Moreover, through a byproduct of these algorithms—feature scoring—we also aimed to determine the prime activities and roles that have strong relationships with lecturers’ retention dispositions. The domain meaning of feature scoring was revealed based on a specific conceptualization of perceived usefulness and the TAM model, which further enlightened system devisers about strategies to improve technological quality. A coevolution mechanism was thus formed, both providing guidance for lecturers in changing their overt behaviors with respect to online teaching and supporting the customization of system functionalities, so as to foster the mutual adaption of teachers’ pedagogies and artifact affordances. The findings, concerning useful teaching roles (namely, learning assessment, guiding technology usage, and learning support) and activities (such as in-class exercises, monitoring of students’ attendance, formal testing, etc.), are corroborated by evidence from other reports in the literature.
Environmental and Human Health Risks of Pesticide Presence in the Lake Tana Basin (Ethiopia)
Authors: Abera Bayeh , Van Echelpoel Wout , De Cock Andrée , Tytgat Bjorn , Kibret Mulugeta , Spanoghe Pieter , Mengistu Daniel , Adgo Enyew , Nyssen Jan , Goethals Peter L. M. , Verleyen Elie
Published: October 2022

Pesticides are widely used for safeguarding agricultural yields and controlling malaria vectors, yet are simultaneously unintentionally introduced in aquatic environments. To assess the severity of this pressure in the Lake Tana Basin (Ethiopia), we evaluated the occurrence of 17 pesticide residues in the lake, tributary rivers, and associated wetlands during the wet and dry season, followed by a questionnaire. These questionnaires indicated that 35 different compounds were available in the districts surrounding the lake, including pesticides that are banned in Europe, i.e., endosulfan, dicofol, and malathion. Nevertheless, only 7 pesticide residues were detected in the assessed aquatic habitats. Of these, DDE and bifenthrin occurred most often (97.7% and 62.3%, respectively), while alachlor displayed the highest mean concentration (594 ± 468 ng/L). No significant differences were observed in residue concentrations between seasons nor between habitats. Based on an ecotoxicological risk assessment, the observed concentrations of DDE and cypermethrin pose a high risk to aquatic life, while alachlor and DDT-op residues were below the threshold values. Furthermore, a human risk assessment indicated a low risk for the population that directly consumes water from the Tana basin, while acknowledging the potential of indirect exposure through the consumption of fish and locally grown crops.
A Systematic Review on the Application of the Living Lab Concept and Role of Stakeholders in the Energy Sector
Authors: Mbatha Sphokazi Phelokazi , Musango Josephine Kaviti
Published: October 2022

The living lab concept is identified as having the potential to provide a platform to test technologies and support energy transition. However, the application of the concept to the energy sector is limited, though emerging. This study undertook a systematic literature review to understand the extent of the application of the living lab concept, with the particular aim of informing the processes to establish such a platform in urban Africa. Using a sample of 35 papers, only 17 papers were related to energy-living labs, while 18 papers were outside the energy field. The scale and contexts of the application of living labs were diverse. However, not all initiatives that defined themselves as living labs were characterised by elements typical of the concept of a living lab. Further, how the stakeholders were identified, and the stakeholder recruitment process in energy living labs was unclear in the sampled studies. A recommendation is to improve transparency in the stakeholder identification, engagement, and recruitment process in energy living labs and to incorporate gendered issues into the setup and management of urban energy living labs.
Exploring Spatiotemporal Dynamics of PM2.5 Emission Based on Nighttime Light in China from 2012 to 2018
Authors: Li Deguang , Ding Zhicheng , Liu Jianghuan , He Qiurui , Naeem Hamad
Published: October 2022

China’s coal-based energy structure and rapid economic expansion have resulted in significant air pollution, notably PM2.5 pollution, which has harmed the environment, citizens’ health, and sustainable and cleaner development of China in recent years. Traditional ground monitoring stations have certain drawbacks, such as spatial distribution that is unequal. To better understand the spatial and temporal dynamic characteristics of PM2.5 emissions, this article studied the temporal and spatial changes of night light data along PM2.5 emission at the national, regional, and provincial scales. The Chinese Academy of Science’s Earth Luminous Data Set, Dalhousie University’s PM2.5 emission dataset, and the basic national geographical dataset from National Geographic were used for analysis. We found a significant positive correlation between nightlight data and PM2.5 emission data, which resulted in an accurate fitting of PM2.5 emissions using the proposed linear regression model, and the results showed that the spatiotemporal dynamics of PM2.5 emission and night light were different in various regions. In terms of spatial distribution, PM2.5 emission over the intermediate level (44% of China’s total area) was concentrated in the Sichuan Basin, North China Plain, and Northwest China, whereas PM2.5 emission below the middle level (55% of China’s total area) was concentrated in northeast China, Xizang, and West Sichuan. In terms of geographical and temporal dynamics, more than 65% of China’s total, area mainly located in the south of the Hu line, showed negative growth from 2012 to 2018, especially the North China Plain, the Sichuan Basin, and the Yangtze River’s Plains showed a lot of negative growth. The evolution of PM2.5 emission in China from 2012 to 2018 was visually exhibited by examining spatiotemporal dynamics and the interaction linkages between PM2.5 emission and nighttime light, which was useful for China’s air pollution control and sustainable development.
The Key Strategies for Measuring Employee Performance in Companies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vuong Thu Doan Ngoc , Nguyen Loi Tan
Published: October 2022

Businesses must maintain their ability to adapt in order to remain competitive in today’s ever-evolving industry. They must collect and evaluate data continuously to make educated decisions and take appropriate measures. As a result, since the turn of the 20th century, managers’ preferred areas of interest have been connected to the achievement of their companies. This systematic review aimed to assess the most important methodologies for measuring employee performance in organizations. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique, the researchers carried out a systematic review on a specific topic. A thorough review of the literature was carried out, with a particular emphasis on articles, research papers, and other materials deemed relevant to the primary approaches for staff performance measurement and their associated factors and other relevant resources. The systematic review findings revealed that collaboration initiatives had positive and statistically significant standard-size effects on employee performance. The use of performance measurement attempts to identify the strengths and weaknesses of employees and to motivate them to improve their performance. Employee performance measurement demonstrates a favorable relationship between performance evaluation and employee inspiration. Performance evaluation schemes should be designed to provide a good treatment perspective of other teammates and the worker’s own aims.
MHD Pulsatile Flow of Blood-Based Silver and Gold Nanoparticles between Two Concentric Cylinders
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , Jamshed Wasim , Aslam Farheen , Bashir Rasheeda , Tag El Din El Sayed M. , Khalifa Hamiden Abd El-Wahed , Alanzi Agaeb Mahal
Published: October 2022

Pulsatory movements appear in a variety of fascinating applications involving periodic flow propagation and control. Pulsing encourages mixing and, as a result, mass and heat exchange with the boundaries. Pulsing also helps to decrease surface fouling by allowing solid particles to migrate. An exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equations for the transport of an incompressible viscous fluid in a channel with arbitrary pressure distribution is described in this study. The flow is defined by two primary parameters: the pulsation parameter, which is determined by the periodic pressure gradient, and the kinetic Reynolds number, which is determined by the pulsation frequency. The purpose of employing hybrid nanofluid (HNF) is to increase the base fluid’s thermal conductivity. We regard Ag and Au as nanoparticles (NPs) and blood as a base fluid for this phenomenon. Broadening this reveals that the consideration of nanoparticles has impressively extended the warm movement at the parcels of both turbulent and laminar frameworks. Attention is paid to the slope of speed, temperature, and voltage. The geometric model is therefore described using a symmetry technique. We developed the governing equation for this problem’s analytical solutions. The velocity and temperature fields solution is given in the form of the Bessel and modified Bessel functions. Graph results show the mathematical benefits of the current limits: for instance, Hartmann number M, solid volume part of nanoparticles ϕ, Reynolds number Reβ, Prandtl number Pr, intermittent slob limit, etc. The strain angles introduced in the stress contrast, frictional force, velocity profile, and temperature profile were obtained, and the characteristics of the vortex were investigated. Resources at various boundaries of the perceptual flow are examined. As with the final essence, the smoothest results are analyzed and recorded. It has also been discovered that the velocity may be regulated by the external magnetic field, which affects the temperature profiles and hence the heat transfer, which can be enhanced or lowered by mastering the magnetic field.
Application of Hydrogel Spacer SpaceOAR Vue for Prostate Radiotherapy
Authors: Hadigal Satvik R. , Gupta Atul K.
Published: October 2022

Damage in the surrounding structures, including the rectum, due to unintended exposure to radiation is a large burden to bear for patients who undergo radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The use of injectable rectal spacers to distance the anterior rectum from the prostate is a potential strategy to reduce the dose of unintended radiation to the rectum. Hydrogel spacers are gaining increasing popularity in the treatment regimen for prostate cancer. After FDA approval of SpaceOAR, specialists are receiving an increasing number of referrals for hydrogel placements. In this paper, we review hydrogel spacers, the supporting clinical data, the best practices for hydrogel placement, and the risk of adverse events.
Relationship between Baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT Semiquantitative Parameters and BRCA Mutational Status and Their Prognostic Role in Patients with Invasive Ductal Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Dondi Francesco , Albano Domenico , Bellini Pietro , Camoni Luca , Treglia Giorgio , Bertagna Francesco
Published: October 2022

Aim: To assess the relationship between [18F]FDG PET/CT, breast cancer gene (BRCA) status, and their prognostic role in patients with ductal breast cancer (DBC). Methods: Forty-one women were included. PET/CT semiquantitative parameters such as standardized uptake value (SUV) body weight max (SUVmax), SUV body weight mean (SUVmean), SUV lean body mass (SUVlbm), SUV body surface area (SUVbsa), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), ratio SUVmax/blood-pool (S-BP), and ratio SUVmax/liver (S-L) were also extracted. The relationship between these parameters, BRCA, and other clinicopathological features were evaluated. Kaplan–Meier, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to find independent prognosticators for progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Significant positive correlations between BRCA status and SUVmax (p-value 0.025), SUVlbm (p-value 0.016), and SUVbsa (p-value 0.018) were reported. Mean PFS was 53.90 months with relapse/progression of disease occurring in nine (22.0%) patients; mean OS was 57.48 months with death occurring in two (4.9%) patients. Survival curves revealed TLG, MTV, and BRCA status as prognosticator for PFS; BRCA was also a prognosticator for OS. Univariate and multivariate analyses did not confirm such insights. Conclusion: We reported a correlation between some PET/CT parameters and BRCA status; some insights on their prognostic role have been underlined.
AhR Mediated Activation of Pro-Inflammatory Response of RAW 264.7 Cells Modulate the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Selvam Padhmavathi , Cheng Chih-Mei , Dahms Hans-Uwe , Ponnusamy Vinoth Kumar , Sun Yu-Yo
Published: October 2022

Pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease caused by progressive deterioration of lung tissue, is generated by several factors including genetic and environmental ones. In response to long-term exposure to environmental stimuli, aberrant tissue repair and epithelial cell-to- mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) trigger the subsequent progression of pulmonary fibrotic diseases. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that is activated by ligands providing lung dysfunction when activated by environmental toxins, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Our previous study demonstrated that AhR mediates α-SMA expression by directly binding to the α-SMA (fibroblast differentiation marker) promoter, suggesting the role of AhR in mediating fibrogenic progression. Here we follow the hypothesis that macrophage infiltrated microenvironments may trigger inflammation and subsequent fibrosis. We studied the expression of cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells by AhR activation through an ELISA assay. To investigate molecular events, migration, western blotting and zymography assays were carried out. We found that AhR agonists such as TCDD, IP and FICZ, promote the migration and induce inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and G-CSF, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and MIP-2. These cytokines arbitrate EMT marker expression such as E-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin in pulmonary epithelial cells. Expression of proteins of MMPs in mouse macrophages was determined by zymography, showing the caseinolytic activity of MMP-1 and the gelatinolytic action of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Taken together, the present study showed that AhR activated macrophages create an inflammatory microenvironment which favours the fibrotic progression of pulmonary epithelial cells. Such production of inflammatory factors was accomplished by affecting the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, thereby creating a microenvironment which enhances the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, leading to fibrosis of the lung.
How EBV Infects: The Tropism and Underlying Molecular Mechanism for Viral Infection
Authors: Bu Guo-Long , Xie Chu , Kang Yin-Feng , Zeng Mu-Sheng , Sun Cong
Published: October 2022

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a variety of human malignancies, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric cancers. EBV infection is crucial for the oncogenesis of its host cells. The prerequisite for the establishment of infection is the virus entry. Interactions of viral membrane glycoproteins and host membrane receptors play important roles in the process of virus entry into host cells. Current studies have shown that the main tropism for EBV are B cells and epithelial cells and that EBV is also found in the tumor cells derived from NK/T cells and leiomyosarcoma. However, the process of EBV infecting B cells and epithelial cells significantly differs, relying on heterogenous glycoprotein–receptor interactions. This review focuses on the tropism and molecular mechanism of EBV infection. We systematically summarize the key molecular events that mediate EBV cell tropism and its entry into target cells and provide a comprehensive overview.
Immunoinformatics-Aided Design of a Peptide Based Multiepitope Vaccine Targeting Glycoproteins and Membrane Proteins against Monkeypox Virus
Authors: Akhtar Nahid , Kaushik Vikas , Grewal Ravneet Kaur , Wani Atif Khurshid , Suwattanasophon Chonticha , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Oliva Romina , Shaikh Abdul Rajjak , Cavallo Luigi , Chawla Mohit
Published: October 2022

Monkeypox is a self-limiting zoonotic viral disease and causes smallpox-like symptoms. The disease has a case fatality ratio of 3–6% and, recently, a multi-country outbreak of the disease has occurred. The currently available vaccines that have provided immunization against monkeypox are classified as live attenuated vaccinia virus-based vaccines, which pose challenges of safety and efficacy in chronic infections. In this study, we have used an immunoinformatics-aided design of a multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) candidate by targeting monkeypox virus (MPXV) glycoproteins and membrane proteins. From these proteins, seven epitopes (two T-helper cell epitopes, four T-cytotoxic cell epitopes and one linear B cell epitopes) were finally selected and predicted as antigenic, non-allergic, interferon-γ activating and non-toxic. These epitopes were linked to adjuvants to design a non-allergic and antigenic candidate MPXV-MEV. Further, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations predicted stable interactions between predicted MEV and human receptor TLR5. Finally, the immune-simulation analysis showed that the candidate MPXV-MEV could elicit a human immune response. The results obtained from these in silico experiments are promising but require further validation through additional in vivo experiments.
Isolation and Genetic Characterization of a Bovine Coronavirus KBR-1 Strain from Calf Feces in South Korea
Authors: Shin Jihye , Choe SeEun , Park Gyu-Nam , Song Sok , Kim Ki-Sun , An Byung-Hyun , Hyun Bang-Hun , An Dong-Jun
Published: October 2022

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) causes severe diarrhea in neonatal calves, winter dysentery in adult cattle, and respiratory disease in feedlot cattle, resulting in economic losses. A total of 16/140 calf diarrheic feces samples collected in South Korea between 2017 and 2018 were positive for BCoV. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete spike and hemagglutinin/esterase genes revealed that the 16 Korean BCoV strains belonged to group GIIa along with Korean strains isolated after 2000, whereas Korean BCoV strains isolated before 2000 belonged to group GI. Mice and goats inoculated with an inactivated KBR-1 strain (isolated from this study) generated higher antibody titers (96 ± 13.49 and 73 ± 13.49, respectively) when mixed with the Montanide01 adjuvant than when mixed with the Carbopol or IMS1313 adjuvants. Viral antigens were detected in the large intestine, jejunum, and ileum of calves inoculated with inactivated KBR-1 vaccine (104.0 TCID50/mL) at 14 days of post-challenge (DPC). However, no viral antigens were detected in calves vaccinated with a higher dose of inactivated KBR-1 strain (106.0 TCID50/mL) at 14 DPC, and they had high antibody titers and stable diarrhea scores. Currently, the group GIIa is prevalent in cows in South Korea, and although further research is needed in the future, the recently isolated KBR-1 strain has potential value as a new vaccine candidate.
New Insights into the Mechanism of Immune-Mediated Tissue Injury in Yellow Fever: The Role of Immunopathological and Endothelial Alterations in the Human Lung Parenchyma
Authors: Vasconcelos Danielle Barbosa , Falcão Luiz Fabio Magno , da Ponte Lucas Coutinho Tuma , Silva Camilla Costa , Martins Livia Caricio , Nunes Bruno Tardelli Diniz , Martins Filho Arnaldo Jorge , Franco Edna Cristina Santos , Duarte Maria Irma Seixas , Sousa Jorge Rodrigues de , Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando da Costa , Quaresma Juarez Antônio Simões
Published: October 2022

Yellow fever (YF) may cause lesions in different organs. There are no studies regarding the in situ immune response in the human lung and investigating immunopathological aspects in fatal cases can help to better understand the evolution of the infection. Lung tissue samples were collected from 10 fatal cases of human yellow fever and three flavivirus-negative controls who died of other causes and whose lung parenchymal architecture was preserved. In YFV-positive fatal cases, the main histopathological changes included the massive presence of diffuse alveolar inflammatory infiltrate, in addition to congestion and severe hemorrhage. The immunohistochemical analysis of tissues in the lung parenchyma showed significantly higher expression of E-selectin, P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 in addition to cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, TNF- α, IFN-γ and TGF-β compared to the negative control. The increase in immunoglobulins ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 results in strengthening of tissue transmigration signaling. E-selectin and P-selectin actively participate in this process of cell migration and formation of the inflammatory infiltrate. IFN-γ and TNF-α participate in the process of cell injury and viral clearance. The cytokines IL-4 and TGF-β, acting in synergism, participate in the process of tissue regeneration and breakdown. The anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 also act in the reduction of inflammation and tissue repair. Our study indicates that the activation of the endothelium aggravates the inflammatory response by inducing the expression of adhesion molecules and cytokines that contribute to the rolling, recruitment, migration and eliciting of the inflammatory process in the lung parenchyma, contributing to the fatal outcome of the disease.
Risk Assessment for Critical Flood Height of Pedestrian Escape in Subway Station
Authors: Tang Yi , Zhou Tianzhong , Zhong Youxin , Hu Shengbin , Lin Jing , Lin Zhiyu , Liu Hongwei , Liu Baohua , Zhao Yanlin , Wang Yixian , Lin Hang
Published: October 2022

The escape of pedestrians in the subway station is hampered by floods created by heavy rain. In order to explore the critical flood level in a subway station so that pedestrians can escape safely, the case study of the Mingxiu Road subway station in Nanning, China, was conducted using numerical simulation techniques. In total, 30 groups of sample pedestrians with different walking speeds and numbers were randomly generated by the Monte Carlo method, and 3D simulation software was used for escape simulation. The simulated escape data were put into the SVM model, and the maximum pedestrian capacity and minimum speed of pedestrians were solved successfully with different conditions of the Mingxiu Road subway station. Then, a 1:1 contour model of the pedestrian was constructed to simulate the flood resistance of the pedestrian escaping at the minimum speed. The flood resistance and the friction force between the pedestrian and the ground were compared to calculate the critical escape flood level height, and the critical escape flood level height of an adult, child, and elder was 87.4 cm,75.5 cm, and 83.0 cm, respectively.
Chitosan/Graphite/Polyvinyl Alcohol Magnetic Hydrogel Microspheres for Decontamination of Reactive Orange 16 Dye
Authors: Doondani Priyanka , Jugade Ravin , Gomase Vaishnavi , Shekhawat Anita , Bambal Apurva , Pandey Sadanand
Published: October 2022

A rapid gelation method was used to fabricate magnetic chitosan/graphite/polyvinyl alcohol (m-CGPA) hydrogel beads crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. A thorough characterization was carried out by FTIR, SEM-EDX, XRD, VSM, and TGA. Studies with batch experiments indicated that m-CGPA removes more than 95% of reactive orange 16 (RO 16) dye with a Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity of 196.3 mg/g at pH 4.0 in just 90 min of contact time. Langmuir isotherm model fitted well with the experimental data. Pseudo-second order kinetics was proposed for the adsorption process. Adsorption thermodynamics evidenced the fact that the process was spontaneous, exothermic, and enthalpy-driven in nature. The saturation magnetization of the material as obtained from VSM analysis was found to be 7.2 emu/g in comparison with that of pure Fe3O4 at 66.4 emu/g. In light of its excellent decontamination efficiency, low cost, and rapid adsorption, this material was found to be an excellent decontaminant for RO16. In addition to enhanced adsorption capacity, the magnetic behavior was an added advantage as it could be easily separated with the help of an external magnet. Fixed bed column studies revealed that the column method can be applied to large-volume treatment. Also, it was possible to regenerate m-CGPA using a 5% NaOH solution and reuse it in multiple cycles.
Driving Mechanisms of the Evolution and Ecological Water Demand of Hulun Lake in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Guo Jiao , Zhang Yilong , Shi Xiaohong , Sun Biao , Wu Lijie , Wang Wei
Published: October 2022

Hulun Lake is located in the Hulun Buir Grassland in Inner Mongolia and is an important component of the northern ecological barrier of China. Fluctuations in its area directly affect the stability of the surrounding ecological environments. In this study, Hulun Lake was taken as the study object, and meteorological data, water body area, water level, reservoir capacity, runoff volume, and social statistical data were used to study the dynamic changes in Hulun Lake and the critical driving forces. We constructed a balance analysis equation, determined the role of groundwater in the water cycle, and examined the minimum ecological water demand of Hulun Lake. The results of the analyses revealed that during the last 55 years, the variation trends of the water level, area, and reservoir capacity were generally consistent and could be divided into six stages. The increased temperature decreased precipitation, and increased evaporation resulted in decreased water flow from the major rivers supplying the lake, which was the main cause of the decrease in the water level and area of Hulun Lake. Groundwater was involved in the water cycle of Hulun Lake. After deducting the seepage and surface drainage, we found that the groundwater recharge volume was around 792 million m3 yearly. Based on the environmental, ecological, and production functions of Hulun Lake, the minimum ecological water demand is 11.272 billion m3.
Options and Strategies for Planning Water and Climate Security in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Authors: Sarsour Amal , Nagabhatla Nidhi
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Water security is at the front and center of climate change, human security, and sustainable development in regions and communities with competing water usage contexts, climate change effects, and cross-border water-sharing agreements, resulting in conflicts arising. Shared water agreements are affected by geopolitics, segregation, water availability, and access rights. Climate change can worsen water problems by changing precipitation trends or causing droughts. (2) Methods: Document and content analysis and primary and secondary data assessment were used to develop spatio-temporal patterns. In establishing a water security narrative for the region, the selection of SDG 6 (water) and SDG 13 (climate action) targets and indicators was also evaluated. UN-Water’s 2013 water security conceptual framework was used to examine water and climate security concerns and give a set of principles to assess gaps and fulfill needs toward a ‘water security future’ for communities and states in the region. Also, hydro-political perspectives in the region or state were evaluated using discourse analysis and guiding notes from emerging scholarship to support suggestions and prospective solutions toward mitigating water insecurity and risks from climate change and disasters, including resource (water) related conflicts. (3) Results: Hydro-hegemony keeps the water sector in one state under massive stress, and the lack of consensus-building for the regional water agenda continues to breed conflicts between communities and states. (4) Conclusions: We reiterate that the escalating water and climate crises will deepen, and at the national and local scale for OPT, the restrictions and geopolitical tensions about shared waters can render coping and adaptation mechanisms for people and stakeholders challenging.
Morphological Evolution Characteristics of River Cross-Sections in the Lower Weihe River and Their Response to Streamflow and Sediment Changes
Authors: Ma Chaohui , Qiu Dexun , Mu Xingmin , Gao Peng
Published: October 2022

River cross-section morphology and water and sediment conditions are deeply connected. In recent years, the lower Wei River has experienced regular flooding and drastic changes in river channel shape, causing significant harm to the economy and development of the lower reaches. This research investigated the morphological evolution features based on annual extensive cross-section data and water and sediment data from the hydrological stations of Xianyang, Lintong, and Huaxian in the lower Weihe River from 2006 to 2018 of river cross-sections and the reaction to water and sediment variations. The findings indicated that the lower Wei River’s cross-sectional alterations between 2006 and 2018 exhibited a trend of “flushing at both ends and siltation in the middle” while continuing to exhibit “non-flood flushing and flood siltation” features. The incoming sediment coefficient in the lower Weihe River declined dramatically, whereas the median diameter of suspended sediment particles grew significantly at the Lintong station. The average elevation of the river channel was highly synchronized with the change in the coming sediment coefficient, and the impact of big floods dramatically influenced the shape of the river cross-section. Human activities such as river management have directly affected the morphology of the river cross-section at Lintong station and caused a significant increase in the median diameter of suspended sediment particles, resulting in siltation in the Lintong river. The study’s findings can serve as a theoretical foundation for water and sediment regulation and river training in the lower Weihe River, reducing flooding damage.
Removal of Sulphate Ions from Borehole Water Using Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis
Authors: Sawadogo Boukary , Konaté Yacouba , Sossou Seyram Kossi , Ado Saidou Nana Fassouma , Nouhou Moussa Abdoul Wahab , Karambiri Harouna
Published: October 2022

Consumption of contaminated water poses health hazards to humanity and hence increases the need for treatment. An excessive level of sulphate in borehole water was detected in the drinking water supply of Garpéné village in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis for the removal of sulphate ions from borehole water. A combined nanofiltration and reverse osmosis pilot was used for the treatment of the raw borehole water and some prepared synthetic solutions. Different experimental conditions were used to evaluate the effects of the pressure, the nature of the solution to be filtered, and the ions accompanying the sulphate. The filtration tests were conducted at transmembrane pressures of 1, 2.5 and 4 bar with a nanofiltration NF270 membrane and at transmembrane pressures of 4, 6 and 8 bar with a reverse osmosis TW30 membrane. The membrane used were a thin-film composite (TFC) membrane from Filmtec. The pilot was fed with real water from the Garpéné borehole and synthetic solutions of calcium sulphate and sodium sulphate at three different concentrations (250, 500 and 1400 mg/L). The results demonstrated that the nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes achieved retention rates of sulphate ions ranging from 97.0% to 98.7% and 98.4% to 99.0%, respectively. The results also showed that the operating conditions had a significant effect on the retention of sulphate by reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes. With regard to the effect of the counter ion, it was observed that during nanofiltration, the retention rate of sulphate ions in the water to be treated was lower in the presence of calcium ions than that of sodium ions, whereas in reverse osmosis little influence of the counter ion was observed.
Research into the Regenerative Braking of an Electric Car in Urban Driving
Authors: Berjoza Dainis , Pirs Vilnis , Jurgena Inara
Published: October 2022

As the use of fossil energy sources in transport declines, new technologies, e.g., electric vehicles, are being introduced. One of the advantages of electric vehicles in urban driving is the possibility to charge their batteries with regenerative energy during braking. For this reason, electric cars usually have a longer range per charge in urban driving than in non-urban driving. This research experimentally examined the regenerative braking of a converted Renault Clio electric car at different regenerative braking settings in the range of 0–100%. An original research methodology was developed for road tests in urban driving. The driving cycle included aggressive driving with rapid acceleration and braking. The road test was conducted in second and third gears, which are the usual gears for driving an electric car in a city. The highest regenerative braking efficiencies were achieved at a 100% setting, which in some replications reached 24% of the total electrical energy consumed; however, the 100% setting was too high from the perspective of comfortable driving of the electric car and contributed to a too significant increase in the braking force at the initial stages of braking.
Wind Resource Assessment in Building Environment: Benchmarking of Numerical Approaches and Validation with Wind Tunnel Data
Authors: Paula Costa , José Cataldo , Leorlen Mazaira , Daniel González , Alexandre Costa , Teresa Simões
Published: October 2022

In the framework of the wind energy network for distributed generation in urban environments for most South American countries, wind resource assessment studies have been carried out in activities to establish a suitable methodology to assess the wind potential in urban environments. Some methodologies are already published in research studies, and the wind tunnel is the most accurate solution to obtain insight into the wind resource when measurements are unavailable, which is the most frequent case. Nevertheless, besides its validity, one cannot disregard the high cost of producing a scaled urban model and access to a wind tunnel. In this sense, this paper compares results from a wind tunnel experiment and different numerical modeling approaches. Two commercial models (WindSim and Wasp Engineering) and one open-source CFD code (OpenFOAM) are used. The results from the modeling simulation concluded that CFD models could achieve lower deviations for the mean wind speed and turbulence intensity when compared with non-CFD models. With such results, CFD modeling is a promising tool for reliably evaluating wind potential in urban environments.
New OIML D1 implementation into Ukrainian metrology system — current stay and new challenges
Authors: Kuzmenko Yurii , Pronenko Serhii , Pototskyi Ihor
Published: October 2022

Ukrainian Parliament had adopted the Law on joining the Convention establishing International Organization of Legal Metrology on the 5-th of November 2020, 998-IX [1]. The Convention came into force in Ukraine on April the 3-rd 2021 and for Ukraine it means the transition from Corresponding State status to joining OIML as the Member State.

The adoption of the new edition of the OIML D1 National metrology systems — Developing the institutional and legislative framework [2] became the important event of international level. It may be considered as the result of this new document that the Ukrainian Metrological system complies the modern requirements but it is necessary to estimate how reasonable would be some changes to corresponding legislation.
Near-infrared light transillumination for occlusal caries detection in dog teeth: A comparative study
Authors: KOLSUZ Mehmet Eray , EKİM Okan , IRMAK Özgür , EVLİ Cengiz , BAKICI Caner , DEMİREL Gülbike
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of visual, radiologic, and near-infrared light transillumination caries detection methods on caries of dog teeth in-vitro. A total of 237 dog molar teeth were evaluated with three different methods; visio-tactile examination with a probe, radiographic assessment, and NIR-LT. Each tooth was evaluated with all of the methods; the absence or presence of occlusal caries was scored as either 0, caries not present, or 1, caries present. All caries detection methods yielded the same outcomes for each tooth. Among all caries detection methods positive Spearman’s rho value (ϱ=1) indicated that there was a strong positive correlation between the caries detection methods. Since NIR-LT is such a comfortable and easy caries diagnosis method, it can be used without sedation, especially in calm dogs.
Baroreceptor Sensitivity in Individuals with CKD and Heart Failure
Authors: Charytan David M. , Soomro Qandeel H. , Caporotondi Angelo , Guazzotti Giampaolo , Maestri Roberto , Pinna Gian Domenico , La Rovere Maria Teresa
Published: October 2022

Key Points

We found that cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS), which reflects the integrity of autonomic responses to changes in BP, was depressed in individuals with both CKD and heart failure compared with those with heart failure and preserved kidney function.

Depressed BRS was associated with the risk of cardiovascular death, whereas CKD in the absence of depressed BRS was not associated with the risk of cardiovascular death.

Our findings suggest that depressed BRS may be a critical contributor to the increased risk of cardiovascular death in individuals with CKD and heart failure.

Background

Heart failure is the most common cardiovascular complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and foreshadows a high morbidity and mortality rate. Baroreflex impairment likely contributes to cardiovascular mortality. We aimed to study the associations between CKD, heart failure, and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and their association with cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from a cohort of 247 individuals with moderate to severe HF. All subjects underwent BRS measurements after intravenous phenylephrine along with electrocardiography, echocardiography, and laboratory measurements. We used logistic regression models to assess the association of CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) with BRS using iterative models. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess associations of binary BRS and subgroups according to categorizations of CKD and BRS with cardiovascular mortality.

Results

Median eGFR among individuals with CKD was 52 (IQR 44–56) ml/min per 1.73 m2. eGFR was lower in those with depressed BRS (65 [IQR 54–76] ml/min per 1.73 m2) compared with those with preserved BRS (73 [IQR 64–87] ml/min per 1.73 m2; P≤0.001). The majority of individuals with CKD had depressed BRS compared with those without CKD (60% versus 29%; P=0.05). In regression models, CKD and BRS were independently associated. Cardiovascular mortality was significantly increased in individuals with or without CKD and depressed BRS compared with those with preserved BRS and CKD.

Conclusions

Cardiac BRS is depressed in patients with mild to moderate CKD and HF and associated with cardiovascular mortality. Additional study to confirm its contribution to cardiovascular mortality, particularly in advanced CKD, is warranted.