bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Polyphenol Profile from Citrus Peel Obtained by Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent/Ultrasound Extraction
Authors: Ramírez-Sucre Manuel Octavio , Avilés-Betanzos Kevin Alejandro , López-Martínez Anahí , Rodríguez-Buenfil Ingrid Mayanin
Published: September 2024

Citrus fruits are widely consumed worldwide; however, one of their primary uses is juice production, resulting in over 40 million tons of agro-industrial waste. Citrus peel is the main agro-industrial by-product in citrus production. In recent years, secondary metabolites of interest, mainly polyphenols such as hesperidin, have been identified in citrus peels. Currently, green alternatives like natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) based on choline chloride and glucose (Glu), combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction, are studied to obtain polyphenol-rich extracts with potential health applications. This study aims to evaluate the effect of: (1) molar ratios (MR) of 1:0.5, 1:1 or 1:2 mol/mol of choline chloride (ChCl):glucose (Glu); (2) the percentage of added water (WA: 50, 60 or 70%) to NADES; and (3) different citrus peels of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange), Citrus sinensis (sweet orange), and Citrus limon (lemon) used for extraction, on polyphenol profiles, total polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (Ax) of the extracts. The extracts were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu method for TPC and DPPH assay for quantifying AC. A factorial experimental design 33 was implemented. The extract obtained with an MR of 1:1 (ChCl:Glu) from Citrus aurantium peel exhibited the highest concentration of hesperidin (2003.37 ± 10.91 mg/100 g dry mass), whereas an MR of 1:2 (ChCl:Glu) exhibited the highest concentration of neohesperidin (1045.94 ± 1.27 mg/100 g dry mass), both using 60% WA. This extract also showed the highest antioxidant capacity, achieving 100% inhibition. On the other hand, the highest concentration of total phenolic content (TPC) (96.23 ± 0.83 mg GAE/100 g dry mass) was obtained using C. aurantium peel with an MR of 1:0.5 (ChCl:Glu) and 60% WA. The extracts also presented high concentrations of rutin and catechin. These findings highlight the potential of revalorizing citrus peels, particularly Citrus aurantium, and their extracts obtained with NADES for possible health applications.
Development Law of Water-Conducting Fracture Zones in Overburden above Fully Mechanized Top-Coal Caving Face: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Hu Tao , Han Kaiqiang , Song Chunhua , Che Jiancheng , Li Bo , Huo Taihu , Hu Tongxu
Published: September 2024

Although it is of great significance to master the height of the water-conducting fracture zone (WCFZ) to prevent coal mine disasters and ensure safe production, the most important thing is to predict the height and range of the WCFZ ahead of the working face design before coal mining. Therefore, the 150313 fully mechanized top-coal caving working face of the Yinying coal mine was taken as the engineering background. The development laws of WCFZ were studied using comprehensive research methods, including similar simulation experiments, key strata theory, the experience formula, the numerical simulation, etc. The results show that the WCFZ evolution stage is “goaf–caving zone–fracture zone” and the developing pattern is in a non-isosceles trapezoid gradually developing upward and forward. The height of the WCFZ in the 150313 working face is 89.36 m, and the fracture/mining ratio is 12.46, which is consistent with the actual production. Apparently, the set of indoor research methods in this paper is feasible to predict the height and scope of the WCFZ. The research results can provide a scientific reference for safe mining of the 15# coal seam in Shanxi Province and the prevention and control of roof water hazards.
Multi-Type Energy Storage Collaborative Planning in Power System Based on Stochastic Optimization Method
Authors: Yang Yinguo , Lu Qiuyu , Yu Zhenfan , Wang Weihua , Hu Qianwen
Published: September 2024

As the proportion of renewable energy in power system continues to increase, that power system will face the risk of a multi-time-scale supply and demand imbalance. The rational planning of energy storage facilities can achieve a dynamic time–delay balance between power system supply and demand. Based on this, and in order to realize the location and capacity optimization determination of multiple types of energy storage in power system, this paper proposes a collaborative optimization planning framework for multiple types of energy storage. The proposed planning framework is modelled as a two-stage MILP model based on scenarios via the stochastic optimization method. In the first stage, investment decisions are made for two types of energy storage: battery energy storage (short term) and hydrogen energy storage (long term). In the second stage, power system operation simulation is conducted based on typical scenarios. Finally, the progressive hedging (PH) algorithm is applied to realize the efficient solving of the proposed model. A modified IEEE 39-bus test system is used to verify the validity of the proposed multiple types of energy storage collaborative optimization planning model and PH algorithm.
Research on the Stability of Salt Cavern Hydrogen Storage and Natural Gas Storage under Long-Term Storage Conditions
Authors: Liu Zhongzhong , Liu Yuxuan
Published: September 2024

The stability of salt cavern storage during prolonged operation is a crucial indicator of its safety. This study focuses on an operational underground gas storage facility, conducting comparative numerical simulations for the storage of natural gas and hydrogen. We investigated the evolution of stability for natural gas and hydrogen storage under long-term storage conditions. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) A new equation for stress equilibrium and constitutive relations are derived. (2) At the same storage pressure, the effective stress at the same position in the interlayer is greater for hydrogen storage compared to natural gas storage, signifying a higher level of danger. (3) At the same storage pressure, the displacement at the cavity top for hydrogen storage is greater than that for natural gas storage. The displacement difference between the two is greatest at 9 MPa, amounting to 0.026 m. (4) Due to hydrogen’s lower dynamic viscosity and higher permeability, the depth and extent of the plastic zones within the interlayers are greater compared to natural gas. When the storage pressure is 15 MPa, the depth of the plastic zone within the interlayer can be up to 2.1 m greater than when storing natural gas, occurring in the third interlayer from the top. These research findings may serve as a valuable reference for determining the operational parameters of on-site salt cavern hydrogen storage facilities.
The Integral Management of the Wastewater Treatment Sector in Mexico Using a Circular Economy Approach
Authors: Ochoa Garza Jesús Adrián , Gómez Urquijo Miranda , Paredes Figueroa María Guadalupe
Published: September 2024

Wastewater treatment must be proactive and sustainable to facilitate an increase in the circularity of water. Therefore, the current approach, based on a linear cycle, must be replaced with a circular economy concept that implements strategies to address the different byproducts in the wastewater treatment sector. In recent years, Nuevo León, Mexico, has encountered high water stress levels, with its main water bodies presenting their lowest levels ever recorded. This study was focused on the wastewater treatment plant Monterrey, which treats the largest volume at the state level. Throughout its operation process, it generates different potential byproducts that are yet to be harnessed to fully. This study developed three proposals using a circular economy approach: the treatment of water for the industrial sector, the use of residual sludge as an organic fertilizer, and the cogeneration of energy from biogas. These proposals can potentially generate benefits regarding the three pillars of sustainability, yielding a closed cycle in the wastewater treatment sector at the national level.
Sustainability of Asphalt Mixtures Containing 50% RAP and Recycling Agents
Authors: Elnaml Ibrahim , Mohammad Louay N. , Baumgardner Gaylon , Cooper Samuel , Cooper Samuel
Published: September 2024

The substitution of virgin asphalt binder with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has environmental and economic merits, however, cracking susceptibility arises due to the aged asphalt binder within RAP. The objectives of this study are to (1) enhance the cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures containing 50% RAP utilizing recycling agents (RAs) derived from six petroleum-based and bio-based materials, (2) conduct an environmental impact assessment (represented by global warming potential “GWP”) for high-RAP mixtures including RAs, and (3) estimate the cost effectiveness of including high-RAP content in asphalt mixtures. Based on the RAP asphalt binder performance grade (PG), base asphalt binder PG, and RAP content, the RA contents were determined to achieve a target asphalt binder of PG 76-22. A control mixture was benchmarked for comparison, specified for high-traffic volume roads, and contained PG 76-22 polymer-modified asphalt binder. The engineering performance of studied asphalt mixtures was evaluated using the Hamburg wheel-tracking (HWT), semi-circular bend, Illinois flexibility index, Ideal cracking tolerance, and thermal stress-restrained specimen tensile strength tests. It was found that petroleum-derived aromatic oil, soy-based oil, and tall oil fatty acid-based RAs demonstrated a successful restoration of aged RAP asphalt binder without compromising the permanent deformation resistance. The 50% RAP mixtures emitted less GWP by 41% and 42.9% using petroleum- and bio-oil RAs, respectively, and achieved a 31% cost reduction compared to the control mixtures.
Because of Who We Are: A Fresh Perspective on Calvin’s Doctrine of the Image of God and Human Dignity
Authors: Ha Sam Neulsaem
Published: September 2024

Scholars have connected Calvin’s idea of the imago Dei with the modern concept of inherent human dignity. Others have emphasized how Calvin tried to use the image of God to promote the significance of human dignity without connecting it with political theories. These arguments may be justifiable to some extent. However, my concern is that these scholars focus on the image of God in others rather than on how it transforms individuals who live out its renewal. For Calvin, the restoration of the image of God by the Holy Spirit aimed at enabling a holy and righteous life. In his thought, this life was marked by visible excellence, reflected in social virtues expressed toward others. Based on these insights, I show that, according to Calvin, treating others with dignity, honor, and love is not only made possible by recognizing them as bearers of God’s image but is primarily driven by the renewal of God’s image within those who display these actions and attitudes through the work of the Spirit. This fresh perspective on Calvin’s doctrine of the image of God and human dignity can be presented by analyzing Calvin’s pneumatological account of the imago Dei.
Bridging Ecologies through Contemplative Technologies: Existential Relevance of Huatou 話頭 and the Huayan sanmei men 華嚴三昧門 for Oxytocin and Environmentally Sustainable Behavior
Authors: Morseth Brianna K.
Published: September 2024

Contemplative technologies in the form of Buddhist practices that challenge the sense of self and thereby enhance the experience of interrelationality are viable strategies for addressing existential concerns such as the environmental crisis. Much of the existing research on Buddhism and ecology neglects to measure environmentally sustainable behavior or engage with empirical research. Likewise, experiments measuring the effects of contemplative practice on oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone often implicated in interrelational contexts, are scarce. This study explores the existential relevance of Chan and Huayan practices for oxytocin and environmentally sustainable behavior. Using empirical methods, it reports on an experimental fieldwork study among international participants in a one-month retreat at a Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. Salivary oxytocin, recycling, and food waste were measured, while phenomenological reports of experiences during contemplative practice were also obtained. Results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicate a marginal increase in oxytocin following Chan practice of the huatou “Who recites the Buddha’s name?” which targets the sense of self, consistent with phenomenological reports reflecting an interrelational, ecological sense of self through huatou. Results also indicate increased recycling and decreased food waste by mass as a function of time on retreat. While the precise mechanisms explaining why participants exhibited more environmentally sustainable behaviors are currently unclear, the discussion proposes an empirically testable framework for bridging ecologies that links emotion, sense of self, and behavior. Contemplative practices may contribute to changes in oxytocin and environmentally sustainable behavior through activation of existential, aesthetic emotions such as doubt and awe, thereby inducing changes in the practitioner’s sense of self, which they may then experience as interrelated with broader ecologies, a possibility awaiting further research. The huatou fieldwork and proposed follow-up study on the Huayan sanmei men thus shed light on the relevance of contemplative technologies from Chinese Buddhism for bridging ecologies in the existentially relational sense.
Love’s Limits in Paul of Tarsus and Seneca the Younger
Authors: Case Brendan
Published: September 2024

This paper argues that we can get a better grip on the divergences and convergences between Paul and Seneca on the ethics of love than those on offer in the large and growing literature comparing the two by distinguishing their attitudes to two broad and conceptually distinct families of love, which Tyler VanderWeele has described as “contributory love” (which desires that the good of the beloved be promoted for its own sake) and “unitive love” (which regards the beloved as a good to be enjoyed in one’s own life). I argue that debates over whether Seneca and Paul had the more universal ethic of neighbor love are largely a distraction; the two are fundamentally in agreement about the scope of love, although Paul’s thinking in this area is shaped in fundamental ways by his conviction that the whole cosmos is defined to be eventually and finally united and so conformed to the resurrected and glorified Christ. Rather, Paul’s true difference from Seneca on the ethics of love lies instead in the importance he affords to unitive love; for Paul, the flourishing life does not consist simply in virtuous activity but also requires appropriate union with one’s beloveds, paradigmatically with God in Christ and with Christ’s body, the church. Seneca and Paul would each have accepted Sigmund Freud’s observation that “we are never so defenseless against suffering as when we love”. Seneca, however, would have taken it as a caution against attachments to anything whose loss might cause us to suffer, while Paul, by contrast, would have taken it as a statement of our condemnation to suffering “in this present evil age” (Gal. 1:4), in which we must love what we will inevitably lose.
Socioecological Resilience: Quantitative Assessment of the Impact of an Invasive Species Assemblage on a Lake Ecosystem
Authors: Pedroza-Martínez David Ricardo , Beltrán-Vargas Julio Eduardo , Zafra-Mejía Carlos Alfonso
Published: September 2024

An invasive assemblage refers to a group of invasive species that coexist and interact within an ecosystem, significantly altering its dynamics, biodiversity, functions, and ecosystem services. Their presence in lakes can severely affect these ecosystems. The objective of this article is to present an assessment using indexes of socioecological resilience to the impact of an assemblage of two invasive species (P. clarkii and E. crassipes) in a lake ecosystem, the Fúquene Lagoon in Colombia. Socioecological resilience indexes (rating scale: 0.0–100%) are developed based on community perception within the area of influence of the lake ecosystem under study. Indexes are developed for each dimension of analysis (ecological, social, and economic) and include a global resilience index. Community perception is obtained through a survey according to the dimensions of analysis. The results of the comprehensive assessment using the developed indexes suggest significant vulnerability of the ecological (index = 37.7%) and social (index = 40.9%) resilience of the lake ecosystem to the invasive species assemblage. The low-risk perception and limited implementation of preventive measures accentuate this fragility. Although the economic dimension shows greater robustness (index = 56.9%), it is imperative to strengthen the adaptive capacity of the socioecological system to mitigate the adverse impacts of biological invasions and ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem (global resilience index = 45%). Assessing lake ecosystems’ recovery from invasive species requires a multidimensional approach, focusing on ecological, economic, and social factors to develop integrated management strategies for resilience and sustainability.
Spring Water Quality in a Flood-Prone Area of Kampala City, Uganda: Insights Furnished by Sanitary and Limnochemical Data
Authors: Tenywa Ronald , Omara Timothy , Kwikiriza Gerald , Angiro Christopher , Ntambi Emmanuel
Published: September 2024

For millennia, springs have provided water for drinking, domestic use, balneological treatment, liminality rites as well as tourist attractions. Amidst these uses, anthropogenic activities, especially urbanization and agriculture, continue to impair the functionality of springs. With the looming decadal climate change, freshwater springs could be a sustainable source of clean water for the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 6. This paper presents the results of the sanitary inspection and assessment of limnochemical characteristics and quality of water samples (n = 64) from four freshwater springs (coded SPR1, SPR2, SPR3, and SPR4) in Kansanga, a flash flood-prone area in the African Great Lakes region of Uganda. Each sample was analysed for 17 parameters (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, fluorides, sulphates, chlorides, nitrates, orthophosphates, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, potassium, sodium, total, magnesium and calcium hardness) following the standard methods. Water quality index (WQI) was calculated to establish the quality of the water samples based on the physicochemical parameters measured. Based on the sanitary risk assessment results, the springs had medium- to high-risk scores, but most water parameters were within the WHO guidelines for potable water, except for nitrates (in SPR1 and SPR2), hardness levels (in SPR2), and dissolved oxygen (in all the samples). Sampling season and location had significant effects on the limnochemistry of the freshwater springs (p < 0.05). The water quality indices calculated indicated that the water from the springs was of good quality (WQI = 50–57), but there was a reduction in water quality during the wet season. The best water quality was recorded in samples from SPR4, followed by those for SPR3, SPR1, and SPR2. These results provide insights into the contribution of floods and poor sanitation facilities to the deterioration of spring water quality in Kansanga, and the need to leverage additional conservation strategies to support vulnerable communities in the area. Further studies are required to establish the risk posed by trace metals and microbes that may contaminate freshwater in the studied springs, especially following flood events.
The Impact of Value-Added Intellectual Capital on Corporate Performance: Cross-Sector Evidence
Authors: Dancaková Darya , Glova Jozef
Published: September 2024

This study explores the relationship between intellectual capital (IC) and the financial performance of 250 publicly traded companies in France, Germany, and Switzerland from 2009 to 2018, addressing the gaps in prior research regarding the differential impacts of IC components across countries and industries in Western and Central Europe. Using the Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC™) approach, this study evaluates human capital efficiency (HCE), structural capital efficiency (SCE), and capital employed efficiency (CEE). Panel regression analyses at the country and industry levels were conducted to assess their effects on financial metrics, such as return on equity (ROE), return on assets (ROA), and asset turnover ratio (ATO). The findings reveal a significant positive association between SCE, CEE, and firm performance, with CEE showing the most substantial effect, while HCE had a relatively weaker impact. Additionally, the study uncovers a trade-off between the accumulation of patents and trademarks and short-term financial performance, raising new considerations for intellectual property management. This research contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced understanding of how IC components influence financial outcomes across different contexts and offers practical insights for firms aiming to optimize structural capital and capital-employed strategies for improved financial performance while acknowledging the limitations regarding the sample of publicly traded firms.
Hybrid Sparse Transformer and Wavelet Fusion-Based Deep Unfolding Network for Hyperspectral Snapshot Compressive Imaging
Authors: Ying Yangke , Wang Jin , Shi Yunhui , Ling Nam
Published: September 2024

Recently, deep unfolding network methods have significantly progressed in hyperspectral snapshot compressive imaging. Many approaches directly employ Transformer models to boost the feature representation capabilities of algorithms. However, they often fall short of leveraging the full potential of self-attention mechanisms. Additionally, current methods lack adequate consideration of both intra-stage and inter-stage feature fusion, which hampers their overall performance. To tackle these challenges, we introduce a novel approach that hybridizes the sparse Transformer and wavelet fusion-based deep unfolding network for hyperspectral image (HSI) reconstruction. Our method includes the development of a spatial sparse Transformer and a spectral sparse Transformer, designed to capture spatial and spectral attention of HSI data, respectively, thus enhancing the Transformer’s feature representation capabilities. Furthermore, we incorporate wavelet-based methods for both intra-stage and inter-stage feature fusion, which significantly boosts the algorithm’s reconstruction performance. Extensive experiments across various datasets confirm the superiority of our proposed approach.
The Effects of Mechanical Loading on Resonant Response of a Conformal Load-Bearing Antenna System
Authors: Lu Shouxun , Nicholson Kelvin J. , Patniotis Joel , Wang John , Chiu Wing Kong
Published: September 2024

Glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) is a suitable substrate material for constructing a Conformal Load-Bearing Antenna Structure (CLAS). The relative permittivity of the CLAS substrate, which determines its resonant frequency, is affected by damage sustained by GFRP. This paper investigates the effects of damage (induced by mechanically loading the substrate) on the resonant response of the CLAS. Decoupling the antenna from the substrate was essential to evaluate the CLAS’s true response to the induced damage. This paper details a systematic investigation examining how the frequency response of a “pristine” antenna and a surface-mounted antenna respond to a substrate subjected to quasi-statically induced mechanical damage and cyclic fatigue loading. The results demonstrate that the resonant frequency of the CLAS varies as a function of the substrate’s mechanical damage. The prepared CLAS is tolerant to a certain degree of mechanical loading and related damage with its resonant frequency remaining within an acceptable bandwidth.
Sensitivity and Performance of Uncooled Avalanche Photodiode for Thermoluminescent Dosimetry Applications
Authors: Sobotka Piotr , Bolek Karol , Pawłowska Zuzanna , Kliś Bartłomiej , Przychodzki Maciej , Fornalski Krzysztof W. , Rutkowska Katarzyna A.
Published: September 2024

Detecting extremely low light signals is the basis of many scientific experiments and measurement techniques. For many years, a high-voltage photomultiplier has been the only practical device used in the visible and infrared spectral range. However, such a solution is subject to several inconveniences, including high production costs, the requirements of a supply voltage of several hundred volts, and a high susceptibility to mechanical damage. This paper presents two detection systems based on avalanche photodiodes, one cooled and the second operating at room temperature, in terms of their potential application in thermoluminescent dosimeter units. The results show that the detection system with an uncooled photodiode may successfully replace the photomultiplier tube commonly used in practice.
Community Governance Performance of Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Urban Stormwater Management in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Muwafu Simon Peter , Celliers Louis , Scheffran Jürgen , Máñez Costa María
Published: September 2024

The expansion of cities in Sub-Saharan Africa has led to an increase in impervious surfaces, intensifying stormwater management challenges, especially in informal settlements situated in ecologically sensitive areas like wetlands. This urban growth has heightened flood risks and negatively impacted biodiversity, water quality, and socio-economic conditions, particularly during extreme weather events intensified by climate change. Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs), including Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDSs), offer sustainable strategies for managing stormwater and mitigating these adverse effects. However, the success of such solutions relies not only on their technical implementation but also on the social and institutional contexts within urban communities. Community-level governance is crucial in integrating NbSs into urban stormwater management frameworks. This research evaluates how community governance of NbSs, specifically SUDSs, can enhance stormwater management and flood resilience in Kampala, Uganda. Using an assessment framework grounded in the Policy Arrangement Approach (PAA)—which considers discourses, actors, resources, and rules of engagement—this study incorporates structural, social, and political factors that influence SUDS community governance performance. Concentrating on the Sembule zones within the Nalukolongo catchment area, this research investigates the impact of community governance dynamics on SUDS implementation. This study examines key aspects such as community engagement, resource management, and regulatory frameworks to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives, providing valuable insights for advancing nature-based urban stormwater management.
Performance-Oriented Parametric Optimization Design for Energy Efficiency of Rural Residential Buildings: A Case Study from China’s Hot Summer and Cold Winter Zone
Authors: Wang Meiyan , Xu Ying , Shen Runtian , Wu Yun
Published: September 2024

With the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, rural residences have become an essential component of China’s building energy conservation efforts. However, most existing research has focused more on urban buildings, with less attention given to rural residences. This study, taking rural residential buildings (RRBs) in the hot summer and cold winter zones in China as an example, proposes a more precise, two-stage optimization design framework using Rhino-Grasshopper for the overall optimization of RRBs. First, field surveys and numerical analysis of collected rural residential design drawings were conducted to clarify spatial characteristics and air conditioning usage. The parametric optimization design of RRBs was then conducted in two steps. The first step involves room function positioning, where spatial geometric models are established. Annual dynamic simulation analyses of AC (air conditioning) and AL (artificial lighting) energy consumption are performed to obtain energy intensity distribution maps. Based on the principle that “space with higher energy consumption is set in the location with lower energy consumption intensity” and the habit of functional space distribution, room function positioning, and adjustments are made. In the second step, the SPEA-2 genetic algorithm was applied for multi-objective optimization of room width, depth, WWR (window-to-wall ratio), SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient), and VLT (visible light transmittance), all based on the logical relationships of the building structure. The final Pareto front solution sets were obtained by multi-objective optimization simulation (MOO). A typical three-bay RRB was selected for application in this study, and the optimized design led to a total energy savings rate of 11% in annual AC and AL energy consumption.
Predictors of Sustainable Tourism Development during the Post-Pandemic Period in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Md Yusuf Hossein , Hossain Afzal , Sarker Mohammad Amzad Hossain
Published: September 2024

The goal of this study was to examine the predictors of sustainable tourism development during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in the context of Bangladesh. Quantitative-type research was applied, and this study used a descriptive research design. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect 302 data points from actual indigenous tourists using an online purposive sampling method. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to evaluate the data and test the hypotheses. The results of the PLS-SEM analysis method demonstrate that environmental integrity, social equity, economic prosperity, and technological adaption had a positive relationship with sustainable tourism development during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in Bangladesh. This research article provides practical guidelines for tourism authorities (BTB, BPC, and so on) and stakeholders on how to effectively impact environmental integrity, social equity, economic prosperity, and technological adaption on sustainable tourism development during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in the context of Bangladesh. This study recommends that influential strategic factors be utilized to develop a sustainable tourism business in Bangladesh, positioning it as an emerging tourism destination.
Green Trade and Cultural Innovation: Examining the Impact on GTFP and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in OECD Countries
Authors: Park N. R. , Yun H. S. , Choi C. H.
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the impact of green trade exports (GTE) on green total factor productivity (GTFP) and environmental sustainability in OECD countries using panel data from 2003 to 2016. We employ linear regression models, polynomial models, and threshold regression techniques to analyze this relationship. Our findings reveal an inverted N-shaped curve between GTE and GTFP, with two turning points. The threshold regression results indicate that when clean energy is below 8.660%, a 1 unit increase in GTE decreases GTFP by 1.518 units. However, when clean energy exceeds this threshold, a 1 unit increase in GTE increases GTFP by 1.056 units. For R&D, the effect of GTE on GTFP changes from −3.165 to 1.193 as R&D exceeds the threshold of 0.664%. Additionally, we find that GTE has a lagged effect on increasing CO2 emissions, with coefficients of 0.0234 and 0.0278 for 1-year and 2-year lags, respectively. The interaction between clean energy and GTE reduces CO2 emissions by 0.00234 units and PM2.5 by 0.0145 units. These results provide important insights for policymakers in developing countries seeking to participate effectively in the global industrial chain while promoting sustainable development.
An Approach for Multi-Item Product Sales Forecasting Based on Advancing the BCG Matrix with Matrix-Clustering and Time Modeling Techniques
Authors: Hung Che-Yu , Wang Chien-Chih
Published: September 2024

Customized production has greatly diversified product categories, which has altered product life cycles and added complexity to business management. This paper introduces a matrix-clustering technique that integrates k-means clustering with the BCG Matrix, enhanced by time modeling, to offer a comprehensive framework for multi-item product sales forecasting. The approach builds upon existing BCG Matrix outcomes, re-clustering high-selling products more precisely and redefining their relationship with other product lines more objectively. This method addresses the challenge of forecasting situations with limited historical data, providing more accurate sales predictions. Using Taiwan’s sales data, an empirical study on integrated circuit tray products demonstrated the effectiveness of the matrix clustering technique. The results showed improved data utilization, increasing from 35.93% with the original BCG analysis to 52.43% with the combined matrix-clustering and time modeling methods. This study contributes to academic research by presenting a portfolio analysis approach rooted in matrix clustering, which systematically enhances traditional BCG Matrix methods. The proposed framework is adaptable to the unique traits of different portfolios, offering businesses workflows that are efficient, reliable, sustainable, and scalable.
Generative AI Assertions in UVM-Based System Verilog Functional Verification
Authors: Radu Valentin , Dranga Diana , Dumitrescu Catalin , Tabirca Alina Iuliana , Stefan Maria Cristina
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the potential of leveraging artificial intelligence to automate and optimize the verification process, particularly in generating System Verilog assertions for an Advance Peripheral Bus verification environment using Universal Verification Methodology. Generative artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, demonstrated its ability to produce accurate and valuable assertions by employing text-based prompts and image-fed inputs, significantly reducing the required manual effort. This research presents a way of generating System Verilog assertions using the ChatGPT prompt, presenting an image to the Large Language Models, and requesting the assertions needed for the respective protocol. This approach shows the potential for artificial intelligence to revolutionize functional verification by automating complex tasks, ultimately ensuring faster and more reliable System-on-Chip development. The assertions generated by the Large Language Models are integrated into an existing Advance Peripheral Bus verification environment. This process involves running the assertions on a free EDA Playground platform with all three simulators (Cadence Incisive, Mentor Questa, and Synopsys Verilog Compiler Simulator). The main conclusions are that using ChatGPT-4.0 for generating System Verilog assertions significantly reduces the time and effort required for functional verification, demonstrating its potential to enhance efficiency and accuracy in verifying complex System-on-Chip designs.
Electrospinning Technologies for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Skorik Yury A.
Published: September 2024

Electrospinning is a highly versatile and powerful technique that has transformed the field of nanotechnology [...]
Prothioconazole Stress Reduces Bacterial Richness and Alters Enzyme Activity in Soybean Rhizosphere
Authors: Zhai Ronggang , Shi Mengchen , Chen Panpan , Wang Yi
Published: September 2024

Prothioconazole (PTC) is currently a popular triazole fungicide. In recent years, as the use of PTC has increased, there has been growing concern about its environmental and toxicological effects. Here, we studied the effect of PTC on the growth of soybean plants and further analyzed the enzyme activity and microbial community of rhizosphere soil after PTC treatment through 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing and fungal ITS. Changes in structural diversity and species richness were measured using Simpson’s diversity index, Shannon’s diversity index and the Chao1 and ACE algorithms. The statistical t-test was applied to test whether the index values were significantly different between the two groups. The results showed that the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 increased after the recommended dose of PTC, indicating that PTC has a strong toxic effect on plant growth, thus affecting the healthy growth of plants. In the presence of PTC, the species richness of fungi and bacteria decreased in all three soil types (black soil, yellow earth and red earth), and the community structure also changed significantly (the p-values were all less than 0.05). Proteobacteria, Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota and Acidobacteriota were the main bacteria, and the abundance of Acidobacteriota and Chloroflexi increased. The dominant fungal communities were Ascomycota and Mortierellomycota. The increased abundance of potentially beneficial microorganisms, such as Sphingomonadaceae, suggested that plants may be resistant to PTC stress by recruiting beneficial microorganisms. PICRUSt analysis showed that the metabolism-related functions and membrane transport pathway of rhizosphere bacterial community were inhibited after PTC stress. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a weak correlation between key fungal taxa and rhizosphere variables in the presence of PTC. Therefore, compared with those in the fungal community, the bacterial community was more likely to help plants resist PTC stress, indicating that these key fungal groups may indirectly help soybean growth under PTC stress by affecting the bacterial community.
Characterization of Nasal Mucosal T Cells in Horses and Their Response to Equine Herpesvirus Type 1
Authors: Holmes Camille M. , Wagner Bettina
Published: September 2024

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) enters through the upper respiratory tract (URT). Mucosal immunity at the URT is crucial in limiting viral infection and morbidity. Here, intranasal immune cells were collected from horses (n = 15) during an experimental EHV-1 infection. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were the major intranasal cell populations before infection and increased significantly by day six and fourteen post-infection, respectively. Nasal mucosal T cells were further characterized in healthy horses. Compared to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), mucosal CD8+ T-cell percentages were elevated, while CD4+ T-cell percentages were similar. A small population of CD4+CD8+ T cells was also recovered from mucosal samples. Within the URT tissue, CD4+ cells predominantly accumulated in the epithelial layer, while most CD8+ cells resided deeper in the mucosa or the submucosa below the basement membrane. In vitro stimulation of mucosal cells from healthy horses with (n = 5) or without (n = 5) peripheral T-cell immunity against EHV-1 induced IFN-γ production in nasal T cells upon polyclonal stimulation. However, after EHV-1 re-stimulation, mucosal T cells failed to respond with IFN-γ. This work provided the first characterization of mucosal T-cell phenotypes and functions in the URT of healthy horses and during EHV-1 infection.
Evolutionary Insights from Association Rule Mining of Co-Occurring Mutations in Influenza Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase
Authors: Galeone Valentina , Lee Carol , Monaghan Michael T. , Bauer Denis C. , Wilson Laurence O. W.
Published: September 2024

Seasonal influenza viruses continuously evolve via antigenic drift. This leads to recurring epidemics, globally significant mortality rates, and the need for annually updated vaccines. Co-occurring mutations in hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) are suggested to have synergistic interactions where mutations can increase the chances of immune escape and viral fitness. Association rule mining was used to identify temporal relationships of co-occurring HA–NA mutations of influenza virus A/H3N2 and its role in antigenic evolution. A total of 64 clusters were found. These included well-known mutations responsible for antigenic drift, as well as previously undiscovered groups. A majority (41/64) were associated with known antigenic sites, and 38/64 involved mutations across both HA and NA. The emergence and disappearance of N-glycosylation sites in the pattern of N-X-[S/T] were also identified, which are crucial post-translational processes to maintain protein stability and functional balance (e.g., emergence of NA:339ASP and disappearance of HA:187ASP). Our study offers an alternative approach to the existing mutual-information and phylogenetic methods used to identify co-occurring mutations, enabling faster processing of large amounts of data. Our approach can facilitate the prediction of critical mutations given their occurrence in a previous season, facilitating vaccine development for the next flu season and leading to better preparation for future pandemics.
A Scoping Review of Factors Affecting COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake and Deployment in Global Healthcare Systems
Authors: Kandulu Chikondi C. , Sahm Laura J. , Saab Mohamad M. , O’Driscoll Michelle , McCarthy Megan , Shorter Gillian W , Berry Emma , Moore Anne C. , Fleming Aoife
Published: September 2024

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccines were rapidly developed and deployed on a large scale during a global crisis. A range of deployment strategies were used globally to maximize vaccine uptake. In this scoping review, we identify and analyze the main healthcare system and policy factors that guided and influenced COVID-19 vaccination deployment and uptake globally. Materials and Methods: JBI guidelines, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), and the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework were applied. Studies on individual COVID-19 vaccination factors, such as vaccine hesitancy, were excluded. The search was last conducted in May 2024 yielding 26,686 articles from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and COVID-19 websites. A total of 47 articles and 3 guidance documents were included. The results of the thematic analysis were mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results: The results found the following healthcare system and policy factors as integral to COVID-19 vaccination: types of vaccine products, healthcare workforce capacity, procurement strategies, distribution and cold-chain capacity, partnership, coordination, and leadership, information, communication, and registration strategies, delivery models, organizations, the existing health systems and policies on prioritization of at-risk groups and deployment plans. Discussion: Globally, COVID-19 vaccination programs responded to the pandemic by leveraging and reforming the existing healthcare systems, relying on strong leadership and global cooperation (such as the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Initiative). Deployment was enabled by effective communication and adoption of innovative technologies using data-driven policies to create high vaccine demand while overcoming limited vaccine supply and rapidly adapting to uncertainties.
Genetic and Phylogenetic Analysis of Feline Coronavirus in Guangxi Province of China from 2021 to 2024
Authors: Shi Kaichuang , He Mengyi , Shi Yuwen , Long Feng , Shi Yandi , Yin Yanwen , Pan Yi , Li Zongqiang , Feng Shuping
Published: September 2024

Feline coronavirus (FCoV), as one of the important pathogens of feline viral gastroenteritis, has been attracting great attention. A total of 1869 rectal and nasal swabs, feces, and ascites samples were collected from eight regions in Guangxi province during 2021–2024. The multiplex RT-qPCR established in our laboratory was used to test these samples for FCoV, and 17.66% (330/1869) of the samples were positive for FCoV. The S, M, and N genes of 63 FCoV-positive samples were amplified and sequenced, and the genetic and evolutionary characteristics were analyzed. Similarity analysis showed that the nucleotide and amino acid homologies of S, M, and N genes were 81.2–99.6% and 70.2–99.5%, 89.9–100% and 91.6–100%, and 90.1–100% and 91.5–100%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 63 FCoV strains, based on S gene sequences, belonged to type I FCoV (FCoV-I), and were clustered with Chinese strains and the Netherlands UU strains. Recombinant signals were detected in the S gene of strains GXLZ03-2022, GXLZ08-2022, and CCoV GD/2020/X9. The results suggest that FCoV is still prevalent in the Guangxi province of southern China, and the prevalent FCoV strains show high genetic diversity and novel epidemic characteristics.
Innovative Treatment of Urban Wastewater by Flocculation Combined with Ozone Pre-Oxidation and Denitrification
Authors: Zhou Weiqi , Fang Ning , Guo Yali , Yang Fan , Liu Xinyue , Luo Zhujun
Published: September 2024

In this study, urban wastewater was treated by flocculation, ozone pre-oxidation and denitrification for efficient purification. Polymeric aluminum chloride (PAC) and polymeric aluminum ferric sulfate (PAFS) were added to the wastewater at different levels to remove the COD, turbidity, TP and TN of the wastewater. A better flocculant was selected and its optimum ozone pre-oxidation concentration was determined by changing the ozone concentration and measuring the effluent quality. Denitrification was further enhanced by varying the C/N ratio of the wastewater. The results show that, with the increase in flocculant dosage, the removal rates of COD, turbidity, TP and TN by PAC and PAFS were improved. The purification effect of PAC was better than that of PAFS and the optimum removal of COD, turbidity, TP and TN was obtained at a dosage of 80 mg L−1 by PAC, at 55.9%, 55.6%, 90.0% and 13.3%, respectively. Ozone pre-oxidation enhanced the removal of COD, turbidity and TN by PAC, and the optimal ozone dosage was 1.2 mg L−1, which resulted in 64.8%, 57.1% and 24.8% removal of COD, turbidity and TN, respectively. With the increase in the C/N ratio from 2.0 to 4.0, the NO3−-N concentration of PAC-treated water gradually decreased, but when the C/N ratio was 4.0, the COD concentration increased, so the optimal C/N ratio should be 3.5. Overall, the combination of ozone pre-oxidation, denitrification and flocculation was an effective method to treat urban wastewater, which has a strong application prospect.