bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc-Based Biodegradable Materials for Orthopaedic Internal Fixation
Authors: Liu Yang , Du Tianming , Qiao Aike , Mu Yongliang , Yang Haisheng
Published: September 2022

Traditional inert materials used in internal fixation have caused many complications and generally require removal with secondary surgeries. Biodegradable materials, such as magnesium (Mg)-, iron (Fe)- and zinc (Zn)-based alloys, open up a new pathway to address those issues. During the last decades, Mg-based alloys have attracted much attention by researchers. However, the issues with an over-fast degradation rate and release of hydrogen still need to be overcome. Zn alloys have comparable mechanical properties with traditional metal materials, e.g., titanium (Ti), and have a moderate degradation rate, potentially serving as a good candidate for internal fixation materials, especially at load-bearing sites of the skeleton. Emerging Zn-based alloys and composites have been developed in recent years and in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed to explore their biodegradability, mechanical property, and biocompatibility in order to move towards the ultimate goal of clinical application in fracture fixation. This article seeks to offer a review of related research progress on Zn-based biodegradable materials, which may provide a useful reference for future studies on Zn-based biodegradable materials targeting applications in orthopedic internal fixation.
Emerging Nuclear Medicine Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation
Authors: Kondakov Anton , Berdalin Alexander , Beregov Mikhail , Lelyuk Vladimir
Published: September 2022

Atherosclerosis is a chronic widespread cardiovascular disease and a major predisposing factor for cardiovascular events, among which there are myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Atherosclerotic plaque formation is a process that involves different mechanisms, of which inflammation is the most common. Plenty of radiopharmaceuticals were developed to elucidate the process of plaque formation at different stages, some of which were highly specific for atherosclerotic plaque. This review summarizes the current nuclear medicine imaging landscape of preclinical and small-scale clinical studies of these specific RPs, which are not as widespread as labeled FDG, sodium fluoride, and choline. These include oxidation-specific epitope imaging, macrophage, and other cell receptors visualization, neoangiogenesis, and macrophage death imaging. It is shown that specific radiopharmaceuticals have strength in pathophysiologically sound imaging of the atherosclerotic plaques at different stages, but this also may induce problems with the signal registration for low-volume plaques in the vascular wall.
The Effects of the Creator’s Situation on Creativity Evaluation: The Rater’s Cognitive Empathy and Affective Empathy Matter in Rating Creative Works
Authors: Pei Yilai , Han Jiantao , Zhao Jingwen , Liu Mengrong , Pang Weiguo
Published: September 2022

Successful intelligence theory suggests that creativity is necessary for personal achievement outside of intelligence. Unlike intelligence, creativity can develop in a supportive environment. People should consider the situation of disadvantaged groups, which are characterized by low personal achievement and a bad growth environment in creativity evaluation from a caring perspective. This study focuses on the effect of the creator’s situation on creative evaluation and the role of the rater’s empathy (i.e., cognitive empathy and affective empathy) and sympathy in creative evaluation. Four pairs of creator’s situations (by age, physical state, family situation, and economic state) were designed to represent people with disadvantages or advantages. A between-subject design was used with 590 undergraduate students randomly assigned to eight sub-conditions. The participants were asked to assess three products in eight situations. The rater’s empathy and sympathy in creativity evaluation were explored in the overall disadvantage (N = 300) and advantage (N = 290) conditions. The results showed that the participants only provided significantly higher ratings to the creative product made by a child. Cognitive empathy only predicted a creative rating under disadvantaged conditions, and affective empathy negatively moderated this effect. Affective empathy only predicted a creative rating under advantage conditions, and cognitive empathy positively moderated this effect. Affective empathy only predicted a creative rating under advantage conditions, and cognitive empathy positively moderated this effect. The possible mechanisms of the effect and implications for the establishment of a supportive environment for creativity and creativity teaching practice were discussed.
FAC-V: An FPGA-Based AES Coprocessor for RISC-V
Authors: Gomes Tiago , Sousa Pedro , Silva Miguel , Ekpanyapong Mongkol , Pinto Sandro
Published: September 2022

In the new Internet of Things (IoT) era, embedded Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology is enabling the deployment of custom-tailored embedded IoT solutions for handling different application requirements and workloads. Combined with the open RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), the FPGA technology provides endless opportunities to create reconfigurable IoT devices with different accelerators and coprocessors tightly and loosely coupled with the processor. When connecting IoT devices to the Internet, secure communications and data exchange are major concerns. However, adding security features requires extra capabilities from the already resource-constrained IoT devices. This article presents the FAC-V coprocessor, which is an FPGA-based solution for an RISC-V processor that can be deployed following two different coupling styles. FAC-V implements in hardware the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), one of the most widely used cryptographic algorithms in IoT low-end devices, at the cost of few FPGA resources. The conducted experiments demonstrate that FAC-V can achieve performance improvements of several orders of magnitude when compared to the software-only AES implementation; e.g., encrypting a message of 16 bytes with AES-256 can reach a performance gain of around 8000× with an energy consumption of 0.1 μJ.
Ensuring Reliable and Safe Operation of Trunk Diesel Engines of Marine Transport Vessels
Authors: Sagin Sergii , Madey Volodymyr , Sagin Arsenii , Stoliaryk Tymur , Fomin Oleksij , Kučera Pavel
Published: September 2022

In this study, a method for ensuring reliable and safe operation of marine trunk diesel engines is considered. The research was carried out on 5L23/30 MAN-B&W diesel engines of a Bulk Carrier class vessel. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of the structural characteristics of the oil layer (wetting angle and thickness) on the operational parameters of a marine diesel engine (compression pressure, concentration of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases and temperature of exhaust gases after the cylinder) and performance characteristics of the oil (base number, wear and contaminant elements). It has been established that an increase in the degree of the contact angles of wetting and in the thickness of the oil layer improves the heat and power and environmental performance of a diesel engine. At the same time, the decrease in compression pressure in the cylinder slows down, the temperature of gases after the cylinder decreases, and the emission of nitrogen oxides with exhaust gases decreases. Also, it was found that wear of diesel parts and oil oxidation are reduced. The study confirms the possibility of improving the reliable and safe operation of trunk-type diesel engines of maritime vessels by effective control of variables relating to the characteristics of engine oil.
URANS Calculation of Ship Heave and Pitch Motions in Marine Simulator Based on Overset Mesh
Authors: Wang Ziping , Li Tingqiu , Ren Junsheng , Jin Qiu , Zhou Wenjun
Published: September 2022

So as to improve the reliability and accuracy of marine simulators, it is essential to predict ship heave and pitch motions in regular waves. The motions of two ships, the international standard model KVLCC2 and the first training ship, “Yukun”, of Dalian Maritime University, are simulated using a three-dimensional (3D) numerical wave tank based on the Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations. The free surface is captured by the volume of fluid (VOF) method, and an SST k-ω turbulence model is used to describe the turbulence flow. The numerical model is first validated for the standard KVLCC2 at three different speeds through a comparison with the published experimental data and the potential flow results. Then, numerical simulation is performed for the motion of the ship Yukun with different speeds under various sea conditions. The heave amplitude of the hull changes with the increase in the wavelength when the maximum value is reached. Upon comparing the RAOs of ship motions under different wave steepness conditions, it is apparent that the heave and pitch motions of ships nonlinearly decrease with an increase in wave steepness. The results were added to the database of the marine simulator to further improve the accuracy and realism of the simulator.
CFD-CNN Modeling of the Concentration Field of Multiport Buoyant Jets
Authors: Yan Xiaohui , Wang Yan , Mohammadian Abdolmajid , Liu Jianwei , Chen Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2022

At present, there are increasing applications for rosette diffusers for buoyant jets with a lower density than the ambient water, mainly in the discharge of wastewater from municipal administrations and sea water desalination. It is important to study the mixing effects of wastewater discharge for the benefit of environmental protection, but because the multiport discharge of the wastewater concentration field is greatly affected by the mixing and interacting functions of wastewater, the traditional research methods on single-port discharge are invalid. This study takes the rosette multiport jet as a research subject to develop a new technology of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and carry out convolutional neural network (CNN) simulation of the concentration field of a multiport buoyant jet. This study takes advantage of CFD technology to simulate the mixing process of a rosette multiport buoyant jet, uses CNNs to construct the machine learning model, and applies RSME, R2 to conduct evaluations of the models. This work also makes comparisons with the machine learning approach based on multi-gene genetic programming, to assess the performance of the proposed approach. The experimental results show that the models constructed based on the proposed approach meet the accuracy requirement and possess better performance compared with the traditional machine learning method, and they can provide reasonable predictions.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Backfill Conditions on Soil Responses around a Pipeline under Wave–Current Load
Authors: Chen Hao , Guo Yakun , Yu Shiqi , Zhang Jisheng , Liu Sheng
Published: September 2022

Waves and currents coexist widely in the ocean, and the interaction of waves and currents plays an important role in the instability of submarine pipelines. So far, most studies have concentrated on discussing the dynamic reaction within the seabed around a pipeline under pure wave action, monotypic sediment, and an exposed or fully buried condition. In this study, the effect of current characteristics (e.g., current velocity and propagation direction) and backfilling conditions (e.g., backfill depth and sand property) on the dynamic response around the submarine pipeline is investigated by conducting laboratory experiments. Pipeline was buried in the excavated trench using three types of sand with the median size of 0.150 mm, 0.300 mm and 0.045 mm, respectively. Five relative backfilled depths, with the ratios of backfill depth over the pipeline diameter being 0, 1/2, 1, 3/2 and 2, were tested. The excess pore pressure was measured simultaneously by using the pore pressure sensors installed around the pipeline surface and beneath the pipeline. Results show that both the pore pressure amplitude and its descent rate gradually decrease with an increasing backfill depth, which decreases the soil liquefaction potential. Under the co-current actions, the decrease rate of the pore pressure along the vertical direction increases with an increasing current velocity. However, the increased current velocity leads to a decrease of the attenuation rate under the counter-current actions compared with the pure wave actions, and the counter-current effect on the pore pressure within the seabed is greater than the co-current. The results indicate that the dynamic response around the pipeline in coarse sand is close to that without the backfill scenario, even if the backfill depth reaches up to two times that of the pipeline diameter. It is found that the larger the median particle size of backfill sand, the smaller the impact on pore pressure within the seabed beneath the pipeline.
Design of an Innovative Hybrid Sandwich Protective Device for Offshore Structures
Authors: Mozafari Hozhabr , Distefano Fabio , Epasto Gabriella , Gu Linxia , Linul Emanoil , Crupi Vincenzo
Published: September 2022

Lightweight foam sandwich structures have excellent energy absorption capacity, combined with good mechanical properties and low density. The main goal of this study is to test the application of an innovative hybrid sandwich protective device in an offshore wind turbine (OWT). The results are useful for offshore structure applications. Different lightweight materials (aluminum foam, agglomerated cork, and polyurethane foam) were investigated using experimental tests and numerical simulations. Closed-cell aluminum foam showed the best performance in terms of the energy absorption capacity during an impact. As such, a Metallic Foam Shell (MFS) device was proposed for the fender of offshore wind turbines. A finite element model of a ship-OWT collision scenario was developed to analyze the response of a fender with the MFS device under repeated impacts. The proposed MFS fender can be used efficiently in a wide temperature range, allowing it to be used in harsh climatic conditions.
2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol Modulates Candida albicans Virulence
Authors: Stepanov Artyom A. , Poshvina Darya V. , Vasilchenko Alexey S.
Published: September 2022

The dimorphic fungus Candida albicans is one of the most important opportunistic pathogens for humankind. The use of fungicides against Candida could be associated with sub-inhibitory effects, which are referred to as fungal stress responses and are undesirable for the host. In this work, we investigated the antifungal action of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG) against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 with a focus on their biofilm-forming ability. We found that 2,4-DAPG was able to reduce the ability of Candida cells to form biofilms, but complete inhibition and eradication effects were not achieved. Furthermore, C. albicans cells in the adherent state were characterized by reduced susceptibility to 2,4-DAPG compared to planktonic cells. The investigation of the mechanisms that could explain the antibiofilm action of 2,4-DAPG revealed a reduction in the cell`s surface hydrophobicity and the inhibition of the yeast-to-hyphae transition. The inhibition of the Candida cells filamentation was accompanied by an increase in the expression of the NRG1 gene, which is a negative regulator of hyphal development. In addition, we microscopically visualized the treated biofilms and revealed numerous channels that were decorated with particles and localized on the hyphae. We assumed that these hyphal structures could be associated with the secretion of aspartyl proteases (Sap). The performed assessments revealed an increase in the activity of Sap, which was accompanied by an increase in the expression of the sap2 and sap4 genes. The antifungal action of 2,4-DAPG is known to be associated with affecting the permeability of cellular structures, which leads to H+ATPase malfunction and the disruption of mitochondrial respiration. The subsequent cytosol acidification and generation of ROS trigger the inhibition of Candida filamentation and activation of Sap production. The introduction of antioxidant Trolox simultaneously with 2,4-DAPG leads to a reduction in Sap production. Collectively, the obtained data indicate new aspects of the interaction of fungal cells with 2,4-DAPG, an antimicrobial metabolite of Pseudomonas spp.
Effects of Implementing Personalized Health Education in Ambulatory Care on Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Compliance and Satisfaction with Treatment
Authors: Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata , Lewek Joanna , Sakowicz Agata , Paduszyńska Aleksandra , Dąbrowa Marek , Orszulak-Michalak Daria , Banach Maciej ,   CARDIOPLUS Investigators
Published: September 2022

Aim and Methods: Data from the CARDIOPLUS study (a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study, which was conducted among patients and physicians from ambulatory patient care in Poland) were used to assess whether primary care behavioral counseling interventions to improve diet, increase physical activity, stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption improve outcomes associated with cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors, metabolic parameters, compliance and satisfaction with treatment in adults. The study was carried out throughout Poland in the period from July to December 2019. Results: The study included 8667 patients—49% women and 51% men aged (63 ± 11 years)—and 862 physician-researchers. At the 3-month follow-up, there was a significant reduction in body weight (p = 0.008); reduction of peripheral arterial pressure, both systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic (p < 0.001); reduction in total cholesterol levels (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p < 0.001), and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.001). The percentage of respondents who fully complied with the doctor’s recommendations increased significantly. The respondents assessed their own satisfaction with the implemented treatment as higher (by about 20%). Conclusions: As a result of pro-health education in the field of lifestyle modifications, a significant reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, as well as improved compliance and satisfaction with pharmacological treatment, was observed. Thus, appropriate personalized advice on lifestyle habits should be given to each examinee in a positive, systematic way following the periodic health check-ups in order to reduce the person’s risk and improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
Comparative Analysis between Individual, Centralized, and Federated Learning for Smartwatch Based Stress Detection
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Ali , Yang Bian , Blobel Bernd
Published: September 2022

Machine learning has been proven to provide good performances on stress detection tasks using multi-modal sensor data from a smartwatch. Generally, machine learning techniques need a sufficient amount of data to train a robust model. Thus, we need to collect data from several users and send them to a central server to feed the algorithm. However, the uploaded data may contain sensitive information that can jeopardize the user’s privacy. Federated learning can tackle this challenge by enabling the model to be trained using data from all users without the user’s data leaving the user’s device. In this study, we implement federated learning-based stress detection and provide a comparative analysis between individual, centralized, and federated learning. The experiment was conducted on WESAD dataset by using Logistic Regression as the classifier. The experiment results show that in terms of accuracy, federated learning cannot reach the performance level of both individual and centralized learning. The individual learning strategy performs best with an average accuracy of 0.9998 and an average F1-measure of 0.9996.
Reliability of a Multidisciplinary Multiparametric Approach in the Surgical Planning of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Rizzo Davide , Crescio Claudia , Tramaloni Pierangela , De Luca Laura M. , Turra Nicola , Manca Alessandra , Crivelli Paola , Tiana Chiara R. , Fara Alberto , Cossu Antonio , Profili Stefano , Scaglione Mariano , Bussu Francesco
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Endoscopy and morphological imaging are the mainstay of the diagnostic work up of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs), which can be integrated in a multidisciplinary discussion to obtain a shared pretreatment staging. (2) Methods: A retrospective evaluation of patients, managed at a tertiary university hospital in Italy and submitted to major laryngeal surgery, has been performed. Four different stagings have been defined and compared: epTN (based on endoscopy and physical ENT examination); radTN (based on CT scan); cTN (based on multidisciplinary integration of the two above); pTN based on pathology on surgical samples. Oncological outcomes have been assessed. (3) Results: Three-year relapse free and disease specific survival were 88% and 92.5%, respectively, without significant differences between partial surgeries (n = 13) and total laryngectomies (n = 32). As for the pretreatment staging, and in particular the T classification, the cTN has been revealed as more reliable than epTN and radTN alone in predicting the final pT (Cohen kappa coefficient: 0.7 for cT, 0.44 for radT, 0.32 for epT). In the partial surgery group, we did not record any positive margin nor local recurrence, with a 100% overall and disease-specific survival. (4) Conclusions: The multidisciplinary approach is fundamental in the definition of the primary lesion in LSCC, in particular in order to safely perform surgical preservation of laryngeal function, which is associated with a higher laryngectomy-free survival than irradiation but to a lower salvageability in case of recurrence.
Autologous Breast Reconstruction with Free Nipple–Areola Graft after Circumareolar (Skin Reducing) Mastectomy
Authors: Fansa Hisham , Linder Sora
Published: September 2022

Introduction of skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) led to a paradigm shift in breast reconstruction. Primary reconstructions have become the therapy of choice. At the same time, immediate autologous reconstructions are oncologically safe and aesthetically pleasing. Our preferred SSM incision is the circumareolar with removal of nipple and areola (NAC). Adjustment of the skin envelope is well accomplished in mild-to-moderate ptotic breasts. We describe our technique consisting of circumareolar incision in SSM, keeping the NAC as a free graft, and immediate autologous reconstruction and immediate free NAC grafting on the flap. Aesthetic indications are slight asymmetries, ptotic breasts, large breasts where the reconstructed breast will be smaller than the original breast and where a Wise pattern is not indicated. Oncologic indications are risk-reducing mastectomies and tumors close to the NAC where resection would compromise the vitality of the NAC. We evaluated the healing of the NAC and the NAC position with regard to the breast shape. From 2019–2022, 296 autologous flaps were used for breast reconstruction. In 36 flaps, this technique was applied. Eighteen flaps were bilateral (nine patients). In total, we performed 15 inner thigh flaps and 21 DIEP flaps. No flap or NAC loss occurred. There was no wound healing complication at the breast, and no adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy needed to be postponed. The advantages of this technique are (1) scar reduction with only one periareolar scar on the breast, which is also well concealed; (2) oncological safety in relation to the nipple and optimal visibility of the mastectomy cavity, which allows a meticulous mastectomy, especially important in risk-reducing mastectomies; (3) generally, fewer wound healing problems, especially fewer than with Wise pattern incision; (4) primary adjustment of the skin envelope and positioning of the NAC are easier to perform than in a secondary procedure; and (5) that the NAC is spared, and no secondary reconstruction is necessary. Disadvantages are that (1) the NAC must heal as a free graft and (2) that the sensitivity of the NAC is lower than in pedicled NAC transposition.
Relationships between Physical Activity Level and Pain in the Spanish Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Franco-García Juan Manuel , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Salas-Gómez Diana , Collado-Mateo Daniel , Olivares Pedro Rufino , Adsuar José Carmelo
Published: September 2022

Introduction. One third of the world’s population suffers from some form of pain. Physical inactivity is one of the causes that reduces physical fitness and may lead to an increase in the prevalence of pain in the population. Aims. To analyse the relationships between the level of physical activity (PAL) and the prevalence and degree of pain, the limitations and impact of pain on daily activities and the use of pain medication in the Spanish population. Hypothesis. PAL is related to pain among Spaniards. Methodology. A cross-sectional study design was used, based on data obtained from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 with 17,777 participants. A descriptive analysis was performed. Nonparametric statistical tests were used: chi-square statistic to analyse intergroup differences in ordinal variables; Mann–Whitney U test to analyse intergroup differences in continuous variables. A correlation study was also performed between the variables of interest, using Spearman’s rho. Results. Relationships were found between PAL and: prevalence of pain, degree of pain, limitations due to pain in usual activities, level of impact in daily activities and use of pain medication in the Spanish population (p < 0.001). Performing moderate and intense PA was related to lower prevalence and degree of pain in the population that performed it, compared to those who only walked or were inactive. Weak correlations were found between the level of PA and the study variables (p < 0.001). Conclusions. High PALs in the population are related to better indicators of pain among Spaniards, appearing to reduce the prevalence and degree of pain, as well as the limitations and impact caused by pain in the daily activities of citizens, and could reduce the use of pain medication in the adult Spanish population.
Impact of Previous Occupational Exposure on Outcomes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Kim Youlim , Park Tai Sun , Kim Tae-Hyung , Rhee Chin Kook , Kim Changhwan , Lee Jae Seung , Kim Woo Jin , Lim Seong Yong , Park Yong Bum , Yoo Kwang Ha , Lee Sang-Do , Oh Yeon-Mok , Moon Ji-Yong
Published: September 2022

Occupational exposures have been regarded as a risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, there is little knowledge regarding the effect of occupational exposure on the treatment outcomes of COPD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the question of whether occupational exposure can have a potential impact on COPD outcomes. Methods: Information regarding self-reported occupational exposure for 312 patients with COPD from the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease (KOLD) Cohort were included. A comparison of the rate of acute exacerbation, annual lung function change, and quality of life according to the presence or absence of occupational exposure was performed. Results: Seventy-six patients (24.4%) had experienced occupational exposure; chemical materials were most common. At enrollment, a higher COPD-specific version of the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire total score (39.7 ± 18.8 vs. 33.1 ± 17.6, p = 0.005) and a higher exacerbation history in the past year (30.3% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.017) were observed for patients with occupational exposure compared to those without occupational exposure. Furthermore, in the follow-up period, after adjusting for potential confounders, a higher frequency of acute exacerbation (odd ratio, 1.418; 95% confidence interval, 1.027–1.956; p = 0.033) and a more rapid decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (p = 0.009) was observed for COPD patients with occupational exposure compared to those without occupational exposure. Conclusions: In the KOLD cohort, worse outcomes in terms of exacerbation rate and change in lung function were observed for COPD patients with occupational exposure compared to those without occupational exposure. These findings suggest that occupational exposure not only is a risk factor for COPD but also might have a prognostic impact on COPD.
Standing Steadiness and Asymmetry after High Tibial Osteotomy Surgery: A 2 Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Kurz Eduard , Brehme Kay , Bartels Thomas , Pyschik Martin , Jenz Manuel , Kadler Wiebke , Delank Karl-Stefan , Schwesig René
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious orthopedic problem. In this context, the high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an established surgical procedure to reduce the load and degeneration of the affected compartment. The aim of this investigation was to judge standing steadiness and asymmetry, pain intensity and quality of life among patients who underwent HTO surgery. (2) Methods: Twenty-five male patients with medial tibiofemoral OA finished this 2 year follow-up study. Standing balance was captured using force plates with four uniaxial sensors before, 6 weeks after, 1 year after, and 2 years after HTO surgery. The percentage weight (PW) under the foot at one side, the stability (ST) index and the weight distribution (WD) index were the main outcomes. Comparisons were conducted using repeated measures analyses of variance. (3) Results: Over time, the PW under the foot at the HTO side increased on average (p < 0.001). In terms of standing steadiness, the average ST remained similar over the time points (p = 0.71). The WD index was affected by time (p = 0.003). (4) Conclusions: In order to judge short-term effects, the PW is recommended, whereas long-term effects can be identified either through the PW or the WD index.
Attaining Standardization in Islamic Banking Institutions in Pakistan: Analysis on Ijarah Financing
Authors: Saleem Shujaat , Baig Umair , Meidute Kavaliauskiene Ieva , Ul Hassan Mehboob , Mansor Fadillah
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to explore the practices of Ijarah financing by Islamic banks in Pakistan pertaining to compliance with the AAOIFI Shariah Standard (9) on Ijarah financing. Primary data were gathered from the respondents of the five (5) full-fledged Islamic banks in Pakistan by administering semi-structured face-to-face interviews along with secondary data obtained from the contractual agreements on Ijarah financing. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken by employing NVivo software. The findings reveal discrepancies in the practices of Ijarah financing pertaining to two clauses of the AAOIFI Shariah Standard and emerging major challenges and/or problems facing the Islamic banking industry, including (1) a lack of standardization, (2) an insufficient regulatory and supervisory framework, and (3) a dearth of awareness of the Islamic banking products and/or takaful operations (especially among corporate customers). The study accrues both academic and practical implications. It not only adds value to the existing literature on Islamic finance but also serves as a guide for the Islamic banking industry in Pakistan. The study is useful to harmonize and standardize the practices of Ijarah financing by the contemporary Islamic banks in Pakistan as the Islamic Banking Division (IBD) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) made it compulsory for Islamic banks to adopt AAOIFI Shariah Standard No. (9) on Ijarah financing.
Review of the Literature on Merger Waves
Authors: Cho Sangjun , Chung Chune
Published: September 2022

Over the past few decades, the rapid growth of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) has received interest from academics and practitioners. While M&As continue to be the subject of thorough investigation from a corporate governance standpoint, comparatively less effort has been made to organize and link empirical findings with neoclassical economic theories. Herein, we explore monumental studies from several strands of M&A literature, emphasizing the motives and outcomes of horizontal M&As in the US market.
Insight into Predicted Shocks in Tourism: Review of an Ex-Ante Forecasting
Authors: Gricar Sergej , Bojnec Stefan , Baldigara Tea
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the modelling and forecasting of unknown events or shocks that can affect international tourist arrivals. Time-dependence is vital for summarising scattered findings. The usefulness of econometric forecasting has been recently confirmed by the pandemic and other events that have affected the world economy and, consequently, the tourism sector. In the study, a single Slovenian dataset is input for the analysis of tourist arrivals. Vector autoregressive modelling is used in the modelling process. The data vector from the premium research is extended up to 2022. The latter is an ex-post empirical study to show the validity of the ex-ante predictions. This paper analyses the synthesis of ex-ante predictions which fill the gap in the ex-ante forecasting literature. The study of previous events is relevant for research, policy and practice, with various implications.
Cross-Border Acquisitions and Shareholders’ Wealth: The Case of the Indian Pharmaceutical Sector
Authors: Wajid Abdul , Sabiha Anjim , Akhtar Shakeb , Tabash Mosab I. , Daniel Linda Nalini
Published: September 2022

Cross-border acquisitions by Indian companies have increased tremendously, especially during the last two decades, and the pharmaceutical industry is one of the top acquiring industries. This study verifies the relationship between cross-border acquisitions and shareholders’ wealth in the Indian pharmaceutical sector. For this purpose, the data related to acquisitions were acquired from 2005 to 2019 and the event study methodology was applied along with two parametric tests. The findings of the current research prescribe that cross-border acquisitions have a positive and significant impact on shareholders’ wealth. Furthermore, the outcomes also indicate higher positive abnormal returns in the short run when the targets are based in the US and the UK as compared to the positive but insignificant abnormal returns when the targets are based in locations other than the US and the UK.
Improving the Performance of Opportunistic Networks in Real-World Applications Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Rashidibajgan Samaneh , Hupperich Thomas
Published: September 2022

In Opportunistic Networks, portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables carried by individuals, can communicate and save-carry-forward their messages. The message transmission is often in the short range supported by communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Zigbee. These devices carried by individuals along with a city’s taxis and buses represent network nodes. The mobility, buffer size, message interval, number of nodes, and number of messages copied in such a network influence the network’s performance. Extending these factors can improve the delivery of the messages and, consequently, network performance; however, due to the limited network resources, it increases the cost and appends the network overhead. The network delivers the maximized performance when supported by the optimal factors. In this paper, we measured, predicted, and analyzed the impact of these factors on network performance using the Opportunistic Network Environment simulator and machine learning techniques. We calculated the optimal factors depending on the network features. We have used three datasets, each with features and characteristics reflecting different network structures. We collected the real-time GPS coordinates of 500 taxis in San Francisco, 320 taxis in Rome, and 196 public transportation buses in Münster, Germany, within 48 h. We also compared the network performance without selfish nodes and with 5%, 10%, 20%, and 50% selfish nodes. We suggested the optimized configuration under real-world conditions when resources are limited. In addition, we compared the performance of Epidemic, Prophet, and PPHB++ routing algorithms fed with the optimized factors. The results show how to consider the best settings for the network according to the needs and how self-sustaining nodes will affect network performance.
Demography-Oriented Urban Spatial Matching of Service Facilities: Case Study of Changchun, China
Authors: Chen Yingzi , Hu Yaqi , Lai Lina
Published: September 2022

People-oriented urban planning requires that service facilities should efficiently meet individual and community activity needs across the demographic landscape that defines a city. To develop a conceptual basis for urban spatial infrastructure optimization, we empirically studied existing population activities and service facilities in Changchun, China, using kernel density estimation, bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis, and other models. The spatial relationships we derived from multiple sources of big data such as mobile phone signaling and POI data indicated that the intensity of population activity has obvious temporal regularity, and its spatial distribution is “center-periphery.” Service facilities display a “One main and two subs” distribution with no obvious spatial dependence between the core’s density and diversity. Population activities and service facility diversity show a high-high spatial correlation and multiple matching patterns. At the same time, a certain degree of spatial mismatch between different age groups and service facilities was also observed. Our research suggests several urban renewal actions to rectify this mismatch, such as: decentralizing the core area medical service facilities; reducing the attractiveness of the core area and its traffic pressure; and renewing and renovating old facilities to reduce construction costs. At a government planning level, construction along the periphery of the urban can enrich the diversity of its service facilities to improve the efficiency of spatial allocation.
Assessment of the Ecological and Health Risks of Potentially Toxic Metals in Agricultural Soils from the Drosh-Shishi Valley, Pakistan
Authors: Sarim Muhammad , Jan Tayyab , Khattak Seema Anjum , Mihoub Adil , Jamal Aftab , Saeed Muhammad Farhan , Soltani-Gerdefaramarzi Somayeh , Tariq Saadia Rashid , Fernández Manuel Pulido , Mancinelli Roberto , Radicetti Emanuele
Published: September 2022

Soil pollution is a highlighted concern of modern society, particularly in developing countries. The Drosh-Shishi valley, which is a hilly region near Afghanistan with a land area of around 15,000 km2, is situated in the south of Chitral District (Pakistan) and has a population of approximately 450,000. Nowadays, this region is being explored for soil pollution, specifically heavy metals which pose a potential risk to human health. Therefore, our main goal was to investigate possible sources of heavy metals’ spread and to assess the content levels in soil and the associated risks for human. We collected 34 representative samples from transported sediments and 31 from agricultural crops. We analyzed the soil samples for the contents of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn using ICP-OES analyzers. These values were used to obtain the contamination factor (CF) and to estimate the potential health risk caused by heavy metals according to the USEPA dose–response model. Our results suggest that the heavy metal pollution has a geogenic source, but it is also aggregated by chemical fertilizers used in farming. Regarding levels, most of the metals except Pb showed contents above the permissible level, with CF values from moderate to high. Overall, Cu and Ni showed a significant total cancer risk (TCR > 1 × 10−4) in children. Therefore, we conclude that heavy metal pollution is causing a serious threat to humans in this area, and we recommend that authorities should make more efforts in monitoring the heavy metals content in soils to reduce potential health risks.
Research on Behavioral Decision-Making of Subjects on Cultivated Land Conservation under the Goal of Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Teng Yun , Lin Peiwen
Published: September 2022

Protecting cultivated land is an urgent mitigation measure for China to reconcile the contradiction between food safety and carbon neutrality. In the context of carbon neutrality, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model among local governments, agricultural technology service organizations (ATSOs), and farmers based on China’s cultivated black land, and discusses the factors influencing the strategy choice of each stakeholder group and the final form of evolutionary stabilization strategies adopted by each stakeholder from the perspective of agricultural extension. Through numerical simulations, we reveal that two stable situations exist in the current state of protection of cultivated black land in China: full subject participation and government subject participation only. In order to achieve the optimal realization of the dynamic equilibrium of the three parties, we identify the key issues of cultivated land protection (CLP) and put forward reasonable suggestions, which are summarized as follows: (1) prohibit the excessive subsidies to farmers, and keep the appropriate subsidies at 100~140 CNY/mu to help the protection of cultivated land, if more than 140 CNY/mu is not conducive to the participation of local governments in CLP (mu, a Chinese unit of land measurement that equals to 1/15 a hectare); (2) an increase in the farmers’ fines has a dampening effect on farmers digging black soil, and the game model achieves the ideal equilibrium when it reaches 10 billion CNY, which can be implemented as a long-term cultivated land protection policy; (3) maintaining the incentive fund at 5 billion CNY provides the greatest incentive for ATSOs to promote low-carbon agricultural technologies (LCAT), while the production trusteeship subsidies has no beneficial impact on ATSOs; (4) reducing production trusteeship costs and not increasing service charges is the most effective way of incentivizing ATSOs to promote LCAT. This means the service fee is maintained at 400 CNY/mu and the service cost is reduced to 308 CNY/mu. This study reveals the inner mechanism of CLP, provides a theoretical basis for the promotion of CLP technology, and proposes effective cultivated land protection suggestions, aiming to improve the overall implementation effect of CLP in China and help carbon neutrality.
Different Jargon, Same Goals: Collaborations between Landscape Architects and Ecologists to Maximize Biodiversity in Urban Lawn Conversions
Authors: Kiers A. , Krimmel Billy , Larsen-Bircher Caroline , Hayes Kate , Zemenick Ash , Michaels Julia
Published: September 2022

Landscape architects and ecologists alike are embracing the opportunities urban areas present for restoring biodiversity. Despite sharing this goal, their efforts are rarely coordinated. For landscape architects, aesthetics and programming are at the forefront of design and must be given substantial attention, while ecologists look to scientific research to guide their decision-making. However, the lack of scientific research aimed at developing best ecological practices for native landscaping—particularly at small urban scales—make this difficult at a time when many residents are converting their lawns to more sustainable landscapes (“lawn conversions”). We survey literature from the fields of design and ecology to synthesize relevant information about small-scale urban landscaping projects and to identify instances in which practitioners from both fields are already “speaking the same language,” only with slightly different vocabulary. To further promote transdisciplinary collaborations, we present a new glossary tool to highlight these parallel concepts across fields. We discuss specific situations in which design priorities can be aligned with ecological function and propose that more attention should be placed on traditional principles of garden design, including perception, complexity and repetition, rhythm and order, proportion and scale, and form and structure. Finally, we argue that each new urban lawn conversion presents an opportunity to test ecological theory at the site-scale, conduct much-needed research on the impacts of design principles on habitat potential, and promote a collaborative urban ecological design aesthetic.
Digital Tools for Quantifying the Natural Capital Benefits of Agroforestry: A Review
Authors: Stewart Stephen , O’Grady Anthony , Mendham Daniel , Smith Greg , Smethurst Philip
Published: September 2022

Agroforestry is one nature-based solution that holds significant potential for improving the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems. Quantifying these benefits is challenging in agroforestry systems, largely due to landscape complexity and the diversity of management approaches. Digital tools designed for agroforestry typically focus on timber and crop production, and not the broader range of benefits usually considered in assessments of ecosystem services and natural capital. The objectives of this review were to identify and evaluate digital tools that quantify natural capital benefits across eight themes applicable to agroforestry systems: timber production and carbon sequestration, agricultural production, microclimate, air quality, water management, biodiversity, pollination, and amenity. We identified and evaluated 63 tools, 9 of which were assessed in further detail using Australia as a case study. No single tool was best suited to quantify benefits across each theme, suggesting that multiple tools or models could be combined to address capability gaps. We find that model complexity, incorporation of spatial processes, accessibility, regional applicability, development speed and interoperability present significant challenges for the tools that were evaluated. We recommend that these challenges be considered as opportunities to develop new, and build upon existing, tools to enhance decision support in agroforestry systems.
Central–Local Relations in Land Planning Governance in Contemporary China: A Review from the Structural, Process, and Cultural Perspectives
Authors: Zhou Tianxiao
Published: September 2022

Land planning plays an important role in the economic and social development of a developing country, such as China. Studies have started to focus on the topic of central and local relations in land planning systems; however, the picture of central–local relations presented by different studies has not been classified and distinguished. From the perspectives of structure, process, and culture, this paper reviews recent studies on the relationship between central and local governments in land planning governance and summarizes the existing research status and shortcomings, aiming to point out directions for future research. The results indicate that (1) existing studies provide a simple sketch of central–local relations, focusing on the structural and process perspectives and paying less attention to the cultural perspective; (2) the points of view among these studies conflict, leading to a lack of systematic theory and consensus regarding central–local relations in land planning; and (3) the process perspective is currently a hot topic that involves issues of central and local behavior, such as land planning execution, planning policy innovation, and public goods provision, but studies do not adopt an in-depth methodology. Therefore, we suggest that future research should be developed in four dimensions, namely the construction of a conceptual model, the expansion of existing theories, the application of new methods, and the integration of research perspectives.