bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The MAPS: Toward a Novel Mobility Assistance System for Visually Impaired People
Authors: Romeo Katerine , Pissaloux Edwige , Gay Simon L. , Truong Ngoc-Tan , Djoussouf Lilia
Published: April 2022

This paper introduces the design of a novel indoor and outdoor mobility assistance system for visually impaired people. This system is named the MAPS (Mobility Assistance Path Planning and orientation in Space), and it is based on the theoretical frameworks of mobility and spatial cognition. Its originality comes from the assistance of two main functions of navigation: locomotion and wayfinding. Locomotion involves the ability to avoid obstacles, while wayfinding involves the orientation in space and ad hoc path planning in an (unknown) environment. The MAPS architecture proposes a new low-cost system for indoor–outdoor cognitive mobility assistance, relying on two cooperating hardware feedbacks: the Force Feedback Tablet (F2T) and the TactiBelt. F2T is an electromechanical tablet using haptic effects that allow the exploration of images and maps. It is used to assist with maps’ learning, space awareness emergence, path planning, wayfinding and effective journey completion. It helps a VIP construct a mental map of their environment. TactiBelt is a vibrotactile belt providing active support for the path integration strategy while navigating; it assists the VIP localize the nearest obstacles in real-time and provides the ego-directions to reach the destination. Technology used for acquiring the information about the surrounding space is based on vision (cameras) and is defined with the localization on a map. The preliminary evaluations of the MAPS focused on the interaction with the environment and on feedback from the users (blindfolded participants) to confirm its effectiveness in a simulated environment (a labyrinth). Those lead-users easily interpreted the system’s provided data that they considered relevant for effective independent navigation.
Intra- and Inter-Subject Perspectives on the Detection of Focal Onset Motor Seizures in Epilepsy Patients
Authors: Böttcher Sebastian , Bruno Elisa , Epitashvili Nino , Dümpelmann Matthias , Zabler Nicolas , Glasstetter Martin , Ticcinelli Valentina , Thorpe Sarah , Lees Simon , Van Laerhoven Kristof , Richardson Mark P. , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas
Published: April 2022

Focal onset epileptic seizures are highly heterogeneous in their clinical manifestations, and a robust seizure detection across patient cohorts has to date not been achieved. Here, we assess and discuss the potential of supervised machine learning models for the detection of focal onset motor seizures by means of a wrist-worn wearable device, both in a personalized context as well as across patients. Wearable data were recorded in-hospital from patients with epilepsy at two epilepsy centers. Accelerometry, electrodermal activity, and blood volume pulse data were processed and features for each of the biosignal modalities were calculated. Following a leave-one-out approach, a gradient tree boosting machine learning model was optimized and tested in an intra-subject and inter-subject evaluation. In total, 20 seizures from 9 patients were included and we report sensitivities of 67% to 100% and false alarm rates of down to 0.85 per 24 h in the individualized assessment. Conversely, for an inter-subject seizure detection methodology tested on an out-of-sample data set, an optimized model could only achieve a sensitivity of 75% at a false alarm rate of 13.4 per 24 h. We demonstrate that robustly detecting focal onset motor seizures with tonic or clonic movements from wearable data may be possible for individuals, depending on specific seizure manifestations.
Extension of Duplexed Single-Ended Distributed Temperature Sensing Calibration Algorithms and Their Application in Geothermal Systems
Authors: Lillo Matías , Suárez Francisco , Hausner Mark B. , Yáñez Gonzalo , Veloso Eugenio A.
Published: April 2022

Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) has been widely used since the end of the 20th century, with various industrial, Earth sciences, and research applications. To obtain precise thermal measurements, it is important to extend the currently available DTS calibration methods, considering that environmental and deployment factors can strongly impact these measurements. In this work, a laboratory experiment was performed to assess a currently available duplexed single-ended DTS calibration algorithm and to extend it in case no temperature information is available at the end of the cables, which is extremely important in geothermal applications. The extended calibration algorithms were tested in different boreholes located in the Atacama Desert and in the Central Andes Mountains to estimate the geothermal gradient in these regions. The best algorithm found achieved a root mean square error of 0.31 ± 0.07 °C at the far end of a ~1.1-km cable, which is much smaller than that obtained using the manufacturer algorithm (2.17 ± 0.35 °C). Moreover, temperature differences between single- and double-ended measurements were less than 0.3 °C at the far end of the cable, which results in differences of ~0.5 °C km−1 when determining the geothermal gradient. This improvement in the geothermal gradient is relevant, as it can reduce the drilling depth by at least 700 m in the study area. Future work should investigate new extensions of the algorithms for other DTS configurations and determining the flow rate of the Central Andes Mountains artesian well using the geothermal profile provided by the DTS measurements and the available data of the borehole
Grade Prediction Modeling in Hybrid Learning Environments for Sustainable Engineering Education
Authors: Kanetaki Zoe , Stergiou Constantinos , Bekas Georgios , Jacques Sébastien , Troussas Christos , Sgouropoulou Cleo , Ouahabi Abdeldjalil
Published: April 2022

Since mid-March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education has been facing a very uncertain situation, despite the hasty implementation of information and communication technologies for distance and online learning. Hybrid learning, i.e., the mixing of distance and face-to-face learning, seems to be the rule in most universities today. In order to build a post-COVID-19 university education, i.e., one that is increasingly digital and sustainable, it is essential to learn from these years of health crisis. In this context, this paper aims to identify and quantify the main factors affecting mechanical engineering student performance in order to build a generalized linear autoregressive (GLAR) model. This model, which is distinguished by its simplicity and ease of implementation, is responsible for predicting student grades in online learning situations in hybrid environments. The thirty or so variables identified by a previously tested model in 2020–2021, in which distance learning was the exclusive mode of learning, were evaluated in blended learning spaces. Given the low predictive power of the original model, about ten new factors, specific to blended learning, were then identified and tested. The refined version of the GLAR model predicts student grades to within ±1 with a success rate of 63.70%, making it 28.08% more accurate than the model originally created in 2020–2021. Special attention was also given to students whose grade predictions were underestimated and who failed. The methodology presented is applicable to all aspects of the academic process, including students, instructors, and decisionmakers.
Design Product-Service Systems by Using a Hybrid Approach: The Fashion Renting Business Model
Authors: Fani Virginia , Pirola Fabiana , Bindi Bianca , Bandinelli Romeo , Pezzotta Giuditta
Published: April 2022

As is known, sustainability issues represent one of the main challenges companies have to face. Among all, the fashion industry is considered one of the most impactful, both in terms of resource utilization and pollution. Fashion renting is a recent business model for companies to reduce their environmental footprint, following a circular economy approach. The study aims to develop and discuss the proposed hybrid approach to effectively support fashion companies in designing new business models, taking into account both the customer and the company perspective. On the one hand, agent-based modeling (ABM) allow us to represent customers’ behaviour and interaction. On the other hand, discrete event simulation (DES) paradigm is used to model fashion renting processes. Because customers’ attitude to that service reflects its successful implementation, motivators and barriers have been investigated to be included in the model. The practical implication is defining a model to support fashion companies in designing rental business models before implementing them. From a theoretical point of view, it overcomes the literature gap about the definition of a unique model for fashion renting, including processes, customers and interactions between agents. Follow-up research will include the presentation of simulation results.
An Overview of Vehicular Cybersecurity for Intelligent Connected Vehicles
Authors: Guan Tian , Han Yi , Kang Nan , Tang Ningye , Chen Xu , Wang Shu
Published: April 2022

Cybersecurity is one of the most important challenges in the intelligent connected vehicle system. Interconnected vehicles are vulnerable to different network security attacks, which endanger the safety of passengers. This review paper firstly analyses the reasons why the current vehicle network is vulnerable to network attack and summarizes the three implementation methods of network security threats. The necessity of vehicle network security research and deployment is also analyzed. After giving a short introduction to the vehicular network security, this review paper identifies major security attacks on intelligent connected vehicles. Then the security enhancement technology of vehicle networks from three aspects are introduced, including vehicle network data encryption technology, vehicle network message authentication technology, and vehicle network anomaly intrusion detection technology. Then we analyze three common methods of abnormal intrusion detection in vehicle networks and explore the future research for preventing attacks on the network security of intelligent vehicle systems.
An Estimation of the Anthropogenic Heat Emissions in Darwin City Using Urban Microclimate Simulations
Authors: Rajapaksha Shehani , Nnachi Raphael Chukwuka , Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman , Ng Anne W. M. , Abid Malik Muneeb , Sidiqui Paras , Rais Muhammad Farooq , Aamir Erum , Herrera Diaz Luis , Kimiaei Saeed , Mehdizadeh-Rad Hooman
Published: April 2022

The energy consumption due to urbanization and man-made activities has resulted in production of waste, heat, and pollution in the urban environment. These have further resulted in undesirable environmental issues such as the production of excessive Anthropogenic Heat Emissions (AHE), thus leading to an increased Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The aim of this study was to estimate the total AHE based on the contribution of three major sources of waste heat generation in an urban environment, i.e., buildings, vehicular traffic, and human metabolism. Furthermore, a comparison of dominating anthropogenic heat factor of Darwin with that of other major international cities was carried out. Field measurements of microclimate (temperatures, humidity, solar radiation, and other factors of climate measures) were conducted along Smith Street, Darwin City. Then, surveys were conducted to collect information regarding the buildings, vehicle traffic and Human population (metabolism) in the study area. Each individual component of AHE was calculated based on a conceptual framework of the anthropogenic heat model developed within this study. The results showed that AHE from buildings is the most dominant factor influencing the total AHE in Darwin, contributing to about 87% to 95% of total AHE. This is followed by vehicular traffic (4–13%) and lastly, human metabolism (0.1–0.8%). The study also shows that Darwin gains an average of 990 Wm−2 solar power on a peak day. This study proves that building anthropogenic heat is the major dominating factor influencing the UHI in tropical urban climates.
Gender Disparities in the Access and Use of Urban Public Transport in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Abdullah Amatullah , Ababio-Donkor Augustus , Adams Charles Anum
Published: April 2022

In Nigerian cities, many different urban mass transit modes convey people from one point to another. However, each gender faces unique challenges and has different experiences of accessing and using public transport systems in metropolitan cities such as Abuja, especially with its growing increase in infrastructural development and its being the seat of government. Most studies of urban mobility have been undertaken in developed countries; there is little evidence on this subject in developing countries such as Nigeria. This paper aims to assess gender disparities in the access and use of urban public transport in Abuja, Nigeria. This research explored individual experiences and challenges in accessing and using public transport services and making recommendations for improvements. A mixed design approach was used to collect primary data comprising qualitative and quantitative data to achieve the research goal. Qualitative data were collected by conducting a focus group discussion which aided the researcher in gathering the overall perceptions of public transport commuters in terms of structure, experience, and challenges, and was subsequently used in designing a questionnaire for the quantitative data. This research sought to fill a gap in knowledge of gender disparities in public transport use in Abuja, Nigeria, by looking into the structure of the public transport system and how it affects men and women differently. The research findings revealed that females use more public transport services than males, that demographic characteristics affected respondents’ choices of public transport use, and that trip-related characteristics played a vital role in their use of public transport. It further revealed that men are generally more satisfied and face fewer challenges than women in accessing and using public transport services. There is, therefore, a need to improve the system to cater for the different mobility needs of women and to develop policies and frameworks to regulate the delivery of public transport services in Nigeria.
Calculation of the Height of the Water-Conducting Fracture Zone Based on the Analysis of Critical Fracturing of Overlying Strata
Authors: Tan Yi , Cheng Hao , Lv Wenyu , Yan Weitao , Guo Wenbing , Zhang Yujiang , Qi Tingye , Yin Dawei , Wei Sijiang , Ren Jianji , Xin Yajun
Published: April 2022

Accurate division of the water-conducting fracturing zone (WCFZ) in the mining overburden serves as an important basis to evaluate the stability of coal mining under water bodies. Research on the WCFZ is conducive to controlling surface subsidence and realizing safe coal mining under water. Traditionally, the WCFZ is generally determined by field observation (liquid leakage method, borehole television, etc.) or empirical formula. Although these methods boast high accuracy, they are time-consuming and laborious and have some problems such as weak pertinence and a large value range. In this study, a mechanical model under the critical breakage condition of hard and soft strata was established on the basis of the specific geological and mining information of a mine. Besides, the stability condition for the broken strata to form the “masonry beam” structure and the deflection-based bending deformation formula of hard and soft strata were deduced, and the method of calculating the height of WCFZ based on the analysis of critical fracturing of soft and hard strata (hereafter referred to as the CFSHS-based height calculation method) was proposed. Furthermore, with reference to the results of specific engineering tests, the height of the WCFZ in the working face 15,101 of coal mine XJ was analyzed by means of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and engineering verification, which verifies the rationality and practicability of the CFSHS-based height calculation method.
An Assessment Approaches and Learning Outcomes in Technical and Vocational Education: A Systematic Review Using PRISMA
Authors: Yusop Siti Raudhah M. , Rasul Mohammad Sattar , Mohamad Yasin Ruhizan , Hashim Haida Umiera , Jalaludin Nur Atiqah
Published: April 2022

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) assessments give precise feedback on whether students have successfully attained learning outcomes. It can improve teaching quality and empower students, educators, and stakeholders to take action. Only a few studies have attempted to review the literature on this topic systematically. The PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis) criteria are used to guide this systematic review, which uses the following three key databases: Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Google Scholar. A thorough search of the electronic database utilising keywords and search strings yielded 78 publications published between 2015 and 2021, with 29 studies related to the topic highlighted. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool is used to evaluate all of the chosen articles (MMAT). The findings reveal that students’ learning outcomes are frequently examined utilising a competency-based assessment technique in TVET. Competence is used to assess students’ learning results, and it is advised that student competency development be prioritised.
Train Operational Plan Optimization for Urban Rail Transit Lines Considering Circulation Balance
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Wu Jinfei , Li Zhenyi , Meng Ge
Published: April 2022

The passenger demand of urban rail transit (URT) lines often present asymmetric tidal time-varying characteristics. To match the demand fluctuation, the train operational plan (TOP) generally has asymmetric bi-directional frequency/headway setting and imbalanced circulation, leading to high operation cost. This paper incorporates circulation balance into TOP optimization to balance the bi-directional arrival, departure, circulation, and resource utilization, and reduce the overall operation cost. Based on time-varying section demand and predetermined service level, bi-directional stepped maximum headway functions are collaboratively constructed, and then the circulation process is described by the trip flow circulation network that is formulated as a cost-oriented integer linear programming model. Using the optimized frequency setting, the final TOP is obtained by a two-stage approach to successively solve the schedule and rolling stock circulations at terminals. The case study based on an URT line in Shenzhen indicates that the proposed approach can not only ensure the required service level for travel demand, but also improve the efficiency of circulation and utilization, and effectively reduce the overall operation cost. The proposed approach provides an effective technique to keep balanced, stable and sustainable operation for URT lines.
Assessing the Impact of the Farakka Barrage on Hydrological Alteration in the Padma River with Future Insight
Authors: Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Talukdar Swapan , Akhter Shumona , Eibek Kutub Uddin , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Pal Swades , Naikoo Mohd Waseem , Rahman Atiqur , Mosavi Amir
Published: April 2022

Climate change and human interventions (e.g., massive barrages, dams, sand mining, and sluice gates) in the Ganga–Padma River (India and Bangladesh) have escalated in recent decades, disrupting the natural flow regime and habitat. This study employed innovative trend analysis (ITA), range of variability approach (RVA), and continuous wavelet analysis (CWA) to quantify the past to future hydrological change in the river because of the building of the Farakka Barrage (FB). We also forecast flow regimes using unique hybrid machine learning techniques based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). The ITA findings revealed that the average discharge trended substantially negatively throughout the dry season (January–May). However, the RVA analysis showed that average discharge was lower than environmental flows. The CWA indicated that the FB has a significant influence on the periodicity of the streamflow regime. PSO-Reduced Error Pruning Tree (REPTree) was the best fit for average discharge prediction (RMSE = 0.14), PSO-random forest (RF) was the best match for maximum discharge (RMSE = 0.3), and PSO-M5P (RMSE = 0.18) was better for the lowest discharge prediction. Furthermore, the basin’s discharge has reduced over time, concerning the riparian environment. This research describes the measurement of hydrological change and forecasts the discharge for upcoming days, which might be valuable in developing sustainable water resource management plans in this location.
Toxic Study on the New Eco-Friendly Insulating Gas Trifluoromethanesulfonyl Fluoride: A Substitute for SF6
Authors: Zhang Lei , Peng Ruichao , Huang Yanjun , Song Guangsen , Wang Yi
Published: April 2022

It has been proven that the gas trifluoromethanesulfonyl fluoride (CF3SO2F) has good dielectric performance and the potential to replace the potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which is the most commonly used insulating gas in high-voltage electrical equipment. However, there are many key biochemical properties, such as toxicity, that the new eco-friendly insulating gas will need to obtain. It could protect the operator and equipment and help the chemical engineering development of this gas in the power grid industry. In this study, according to Horn’s method, an acute toxic gas inhalation test was carried out. The results showed that the lethal concentration of 50% (LC50) for female rats was 27.1 g/m3, and that for male rats was 23.3 g/m3. The behavioral and vital sign changes in the rats were recorded. Pathological sections of the main organs revealed that the heart, lungs, spleen, and eyes suffered the most damage from the gas. This research also provides scientific suggestions for the protection of electrical workers exposed to the insulating gas CF3SO2F.
Solid Waste Management Approach at the University through Living Labs and Communication Strategies: Case Studies in Italy and Portugal
Authors: Di Salvatore Silvia , Magatti Giacomo , Acciarri Maurizio , Rossetti Massimiliano , da Costa Leonor Pereira , Ribeiro Inês
Published: April 2022

Universities are today seen as living labs for the creation of knowledge with the aim of transferring it to society. The integration of sustainability is a critical point in this context, as solutions for problems experienced in society can be experimented with regarding physical aspects, such as Solid Waste Management (SWM), and efficiency in energy and water use, but also social aspects such as accessibility, equality, and inclusion. This paper explores the implementation of similar SWM projects in two European universities, Milan-Bicocca University and Instituto Superior Técnico from Lisbon University. Milan-Bicocca was the pioneer project that followed an ambitious model that demanded the removal of all isolated waste bins from inside the offices and rooms, replacing them with waste collection islands in the public spaces. This meant a very coordinated procedure and communication plan, and inspired the pilot project in Instituto Superior Técnico, currently in the expansion phase. This paper describes the implementation of each model and their specificities, and a roadmap is proposed that resulted from the interactions, meetings, and discussions between the two teams, Italian and Portuguese.
Spatial Differentiation and Dynamic Evolution of Environmental Efficiency in Wheat Planting in China
Authors: Yu Yaguai , Xu Zanzan , Li Yuting
Published: April 2022

Improving the environmental efficiency of planting is one of the emphases of current agricultural work. The environmental efficiency of wheat planting brings some challenges to the regional coordinated development of wheat planting. In this paper, an SBM-undesirable model was used to measure the environmental efficiency of wheat planting in 14 Provinces of China from 2014 to 2018, with Theil index and kernel density estimation methods used to analyze its spatial variation and dynamic evolution. The results show that the spatial distribution pattern of wheat planting environmental efficiency was higher in the north and lower in 2018; Theil index decomposition results show that the overall difference decreased first and then increased, and that regional difference was the main reason. After considering the spatial factors, the interaction effect of wheat planting environmental efficiency among some different regions is considered.
Spatial-Temporal Heterogeneity for Commercial Building Carbon Emissions in China: Based the Dagum Gini Coefficient
Authors: Ma Tian , Liu Yisheng , Yang Meng
Published: April 2022

There is great potential for carbon emission reduction in commercial buildings. Determining the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of CCBCE (China’s commercial building carbon emissions) is crucial for developing differentiated emissions mitigation policies. This paper estimated CCBCE and then adopted a method involving the visualization of spatial data, Dagum Gini coefficient, and kernel density estimation to analyze the spatial-temporal characteristics and regional differences in China’s eight economic regions in 2006–2019. The results indicate that: (1) The CCBCE displayed a general upward trend, increasing from 400.99 million t (tons) to 853.23 million t. The CCBCE from electricity accounted for the largest share (65.93% in 2009). Moreover, Guangdong was the only high-emission province in 2019 with 77.8 million t CCBCE. (2) The contribution rate of the different economic regions to incremental carbon emissions made a significant difference, and inter-regional differences (61.81%) were much higher than intra-regional differences (7.99%). (3) The greatest intra-regional differences were found in the Southern coastal economic region (average Gini coefficient up to 0.4782). For inter-regional differences, the disparity between the Northern coastal economic region and Northwest economic region was greatest. Further, the regional differences presented a trend of increase. The study concludes that effective measures should be taken to reduce the CCBCE in each region and narrow the regional gap of CCBCE.
Transit-Oriented Development: Towards Achieving Sustainable Transport and Urban Development in Jakarta Metropolitan, Indonesia
Authors: Hasibuan Hayati Sari , Mulyani Mari
Published: April 2022

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is advocated for achieving sustainable transportation through development around transit stations. TOD’s global implementation revealed varied outcomes, with many cities failing to achieve the intended objectives. TOD implementation in the Jakarta Metropolitan area still in its infancy. Through a geospatial information system and a survey of 400 commuters who live inside the 1 km radius of planned TOD, this longitudinal study aimed to examine an eight-year lapse between 2013 and 2020 of changes in two aspects, specifically land-use and spatial distribution as well as commuters’ travel behavior and preferences in TOD implementation and travel changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings are as follows: increased diversity in the residential function around planned TOD areas in the Jakarta capital and a decrease in the suburbs, reflecting the commuters’ improved readiness to reside in planned TOD areas. Furthermore, kinship relations were the commuters’ main reason when selecting house locations, with no capacity to change their workplaces. A significant increase in public facilities at the expense of green open space (GOS) indicates that TOD implementation was conducted by the government with the sole authority to manage GOS, lacking private sector involvement. The cost factor was the most dominant reason for the commuter’s use of public transportation, instead of new transport modes such as MRT and LRT. Moreover, the commuter’s travel behavior in all studied transit stations, whilst it showed evidence of changes in time and frequency, was not greatly influenced by the COVID-19 related restrictions.
Seeking Moral Legitimacy through Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Multinationals
Authors: Zhang Qiaowen , de Vries Annalien
Published: April 2022

Recently, concerns have been raised as to how Chinese multinational companies (MNCs) can achieve organizational legitimacy and sustainable development in host countries, especially given China’s weak institutional environment. One strategic approach to establish and maintain legitimacy is by promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study examined the relationship between Chinese manufacturing MNCs’ engagement in terms of CSR and gaining moral legitimacy in host countries, and whether the institutional distance between countries is an important moderating factor in this relationship. Using a hierarchical regression analysis and a bootstrapping method on data obtained from 303 questionnaires completed by a sample of Chinese manufacturing MNCs, this paper finds that CSR engagement at both aggregate and disaggregate levels (specifically, customer- and community-related CSR engagement) is likely to be an effective strategy for Chinese manufacturing MNCs’ subsidiaries to gain moral legitimacy in host countries. Furthermore, Chinese MNCs’ subsidiaries are more likely to gain moral legitimacy by means of engagement in customer- and government-related CSR when the institutional distance from China is greater. Overall, this paper contributes to our understanding of the gaining of moral legitimacy by Chinese manufacturing MNCs in host countries. The findings can support Chinese manufacturing MNCs in shaping the CSR strategy of their international businesses.
Crop-Suitability Analysis Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geospatial Techniques for Cereal Production in North India
Authors: Shaloo  , Singh Rishi Pal , Bisht Himani , Jain Rajni , Suna Truptimayee , Bana Ram Swaroop , Godara Samarth , Shivay Yashbir Singh , Singh Nirupma , Bedi Jatin , Begam Shbana , Tamta Manisha , Gautam Shweta
Published: April 2022

Identification of cropland suitability is obligatory to adapting to the increased food needs driven by population expansion, environmental contamination, and climate change. Given this, the present study was conducted to assess cereal crops’ suitability in India’s Haryana state by integrating Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and geographic information system (GIS) technique. Multiple factors were considered for this study, such as rainfall, temperature, soil texture, drainage density, pH, organic carbon, electrical conductivity, and slope. The AHP technique was utilized to decide the weights of each individual parameter using experts’ opinions. The crop-suitability model was developed using the model builder module in ArcGIS 10.8, and each input parameter was reclassified as per the optimum crop-growth requirement and overlaid utilizing the reclassify tool and weighted overlay analysis. The crop suitability classes were estimated as highly suitable, S1 (6%); moderately suitable, S2 (71%); and marginally suitable, S3 (23%) for the calculated arable land for the wheat crop. Similarly, the crop suitability class of rice S2 (28%); S3 (72%), for sorghum S1 (28%); S2 (71%); S3 (1%), for maize S2 (85%); S3 (15%) and for pearl millet S1 (60%); S2 (40%) were also estimated. The study has observed that, as per the soil physico-chemical characteristics and climate, the area is moderately fertile. Therefore, agricultural production can be improved by cultivating the crop in highly and moderately suitable zones. Diversification of marginally suitable regions for crops other than that for which it is not suitable can be taken up, which will also ensure the income security of marginal farmers.
Sui Generis Geographical Indications Fostering Localized Sustainable Fashion: A Cross-Industry Assessment
Authors: Cavagnero Sara , Giordano Simona
Published: April 2022

As interest in sustainable fashion and localism mounts, there is a compelling need to foster purchasers’ trust in claims made by fashion businesses. Geographical indications (GIs) have proven successful not only in reducing consumers’ search costs through reliable labels but also in safeguarding identity and heritage and delivering added value for agricultural products. Building on the EU Commission proposed Regulation to protect craft and industrial products that rely on the originality and authenticity of traditional practices from their regions and drawing on the “fiber follows food” adage, this paper puts forward policy recommendations related to the proposed expansion of GIs to the fashion industry. Through cross-sector and transdisciplinary explorative research, this article provides evidence on how the origin link could be framed to accommodate apparel and footwear items within the scope of protection of the EU sui generis GIs system despite their “non-terroir” character. Key drivers and barriers to harnessing GIs’ potential and enhancing the sustainability of localized fashion production are further explored based on the theoretical insights and comparative practical experience extrapolated from qualitative interviews with GI-protected winemakers in Apulia. Ultimately, the paper increases the understanding of the economic, ecological, social, and governance implications, which need to be addressed to improve the sustainability impact of sui generis GI systems before expanding them to the apparel and footwear domain.
The Blitz Canvas: A Business Model Innovation Framework for Software Startups
Authors: Shanbhag Narendranath , Pardede Eric
Published: April 2022

Software startups are temporary organizations created with the purpose of bringing a profitable business idea to life. In the initial stages, the commercial viability of any product concept is yet to be proven and until the startup can generate revenue, resources are always in short supply. To this end, this research proposes a process-oriented, competition-aware, metric-driven business model development and innovation framework. The proposed framework is designed to aid this process, by supporting the creation and validation of the business model. A web-based tool is created to demonstrate the working of the proposed model and validation is performed using survey data collected from the usage experience of participants. The data is used to evaluate the research questions and the ability of the proposed framework to overcome the shortcomings of the business model canvas. The results showed that the tool (and by extension, the framework) made the task of business model creation a quick and easy process, while at the same time covering all the required areas to create a holistic business model. The framework contributes to startup success by creating a structured approach to business development, helping to visualize the avenues for product differentiation and planning growth.
Is the Hubble Crisis Connected with the Extinction of Dinosaurs?
Authors: Perivolaropoulos Leandros
Published: April 2022

It has recently been suggested that a gravitational transition of the effective Newton’s constant Geff by about 10%, 50–150 Myrs ago could lead to the resolution of both the Hubble crisis and the growth tension of the standard ΛCDM model. Hints for such an abrupt transition with weaker gravity at times before the transition, have recently been identified in Tully–Fisher galactic mass-velocity data, and also in Cepheid SnIa calibrator data. Here we use Monte-Carlo simulations to show that such a transition could significantly increase (by a factor of 3 or more) the number of long period comets (LPCs) impacting the solar system from the Oort cloud (semi-major axis of orbits ≳104AU). This increase is consistent with observational evidence from the terrestrial and lunar cratering rates, indicating that the impact flux of kilometer sized objects increased by at least a factor of 2 over that last 100 Myrs compared to the long term average. This increase may also be connected with the Chicxulub impactor event that produced the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K-T) extinction of 75% of life on Earth (including dinosaurs) about 66 Myrs ago. We use Monte-Carlo simulations to show that for isotropic Oort cloud comet distribution with initially circular orbits, random velocity perturbations (induced e.g., by passing stars and/or galactic tidal effects), lead to a deformation of the orbits that increases significantly when Geff increases. A 10% increase in Geff leads to an increase in the probability of the comets to enter the loss cone and reach the planetary region (pericenter of less than 10 AU) by a factor that ranges from 5% (for velocity perturbation much smaller than the comet initial velocity) to more than 300% (for total velocity perturbations comparable with the initial comet velocity).
Effects of a Finite Volume in the Phase Structure of QCD
Authors: Mata Carrizal Nallaly Berenice , Valbuena Ordóñez Enrique , Garza Aguirre Adrián Jacob , Betancourt Sotomayor Francisco Javier , Morones Ibarra José Rubén
Published: April 2022

Working in the SU(2) flavor version of the NJL model, we study the effect of taking a finite system volume on a strongly interacting system of quarks, and, in particular, the location of the chiral phase transition and the CEP. We consider two shapes for the volume, spherical and cubic regions with different sizes and different boundary conditions. To analyze the QCD phase diagram, we use a novel criterion to study the crossover zone. A comparison between the results obtained from the two different shapes and several boundary conditions is carried out. We use the method of Multiple Reflection Expansion to determine the density of states and three kinds of boundary conditions over the cubic shape. These boundary conditions are: periodic, anti-periodic and stationary boundary conditions on the quark fields.
Characterization of Viral miRNAs during Adenovirus 14 Infection and Their Differential Expression in the Emergent Strain Adenovirus 14p1
Authors: McIndoo Eric R. , Burgoyne Hailey M. , Shin Hyung-Sup , Radke Jay R.
Published: April 2022

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) express either one or two virus-associated RNAs (VA RNAI or VA RNAII). The structure of VA RNA resembles human precursor microRNAs (pre-miRNA), and, like human pre-miRNA, VA RNA can be processed by DICER into small RNAs that resemble human miRNA. VA RNA-derived miRNA (mivaRNA) can mimic human miRNA post-transcriptional gene repression by binding to complementary sequences in the 3′ UTR of host mRNA. HAdV14 is a member of the B2 subspecies of species B adenovirus, and the emergent strain HAdV14p1 is associated with severe respiratory illness that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Utilizing small RNA sequencing, we identified four main mivaRNAs generated from the HAdV14/p1 VA RNA gene, two from each of the 5′ and 3′ regions of the terminal stem. There were temporal expression changes in the abundance of 5′ and 3′ mivaRNAs, with 3′ mivaRNAs more highly expressed early in infection and 5′ mivaRNAs more highly expressed later in infection. In addition, there are differences in expression between the emergent and reference strains, with HAdV14 expressing more mivaRNAs early during infection and HAdV14p1 having higher expression later during infection. HAdV14/p1 mivaRNAs were also shown to repress gene expression in a luciferase gene reporter system. Our results raise the question as to whether differential expression of mivaRNAs during HAdV14p1 infection could play a role in the increased pathogenesis associated with the emergent strain.
Early Treatment Consideration in Patients with Hepatitis B ‘e’ Antigen-Positive Chronic Infection: Is It Time for a Paradigm Shift?
Authors: Koffas Apostolos , Mak Lung-Yi , Gill Upkar S. , Kennedy Patrick T. F.
Published: April 2022

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, due to the adverse sequelae of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, antiviral therapy has been reserved for patients with ostensibly active liver disease, fibrosis or cirrhosis, and/or increased risk of HCC. Historically, patients with hepatitis B ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic infection, were not offered antiviral therapy. Nevertheless, there has been compelling evidence emerging in recent years, demonstrating that this disease phase is in fact not characterized by immunological tolerance. HBV integration into the human genome is a frequent event found in these patients. Additionally, it may well be associated with active inflammation and fibrosis, even in the presence of persistently normal liver enzymes. Likewise, it appears that the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis are already present during this early stage of the disease. This was reflected in the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines, where treating patients above the age of 30 years with HBeAg-positive chronic infection was proposed. Lowering the treatment threshold to broaden treatment eligibility is likely to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of developing HCC. The current review discusses the reasons to consider early antiviral therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic infection.
Transmission Dynamics of Punique Virus in Tunisia
Authors: Dachraoui Khalil , Chelbi Ifhem , Ben Said Mourad , Ben Osman Raja , Cherni Saifedine , Charrel Rémi , Zhioua Elyes
Published: April 2022

A novel phlebovirus, Punique virus (PUNV), was discovered and isolated in 2008 from sandflies from Northern Tunisia. PUNV is now classified as a unique member of the Punique phlebovirus species within the Phlebovirus genus in the Phenuiviridae family (order bunyavirales). In this study, we aimed to investigate the transmission dynamics of PUNV in Tunisia. Sandflies were collected during two consecutive years, 2009 and 2010, by CDC light traps. In 2009, a total of 873 sandflies were collected and identified to the species level. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species. One pool of P. perniciosus females collected in autumn contained PUNV RNA, yielding an infection rate of 0.11%. The population densities of circulating sandfly species were assessed during May–November 2010 in Northern Tunisia by using sticky traps. Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perniciosus (71.74%) was the most abundant species, followed by Phlebotumus (Larroussius) longicuspis (17.47%), and Phlebotumus (Larroussius) perfiliewi (8.82%). The densities of dominant sandfly species were found to peak in early spring and again in the autumn. In 2010, species identification was not performed, and sandflies were only discriminated on the basis of sex and collection date. Out of 249 pools, three contained PUNV RNA. Each positive pool allowed virus isolation. The three pools of female sandflies containing PUNV RNA were collected in autumn with an infection rate of 0.05%. These findings provide further evidence that P. perniciosus is the main vector of PUNV in Tunisia, and this phlebovirus is endemic in Tunisia. Our findings provided strong evidence of intensive circulation of PUNV in sandflies and hosts through a viral infection buildup process between sandfly vectors and hosts starting at the beginning of the activity of sandflies in spring to reach a maximum during the second main peak in autumn.
Generation of Tequila Vinasses, Characterization, Current Disposal Practices and Study Cases of Disposal Methods
Authors: Zurita Florentina , Tejeda Allan , Montoya Arturo , Carrillo Isaías , Sulbarán-Rangel Belkis , Carreón-Álvarez Alejandra
Published: April 2022

Tequila vinasse is a liquid waste generated during the production of tequila, an emblematic alcoholic beverage in Mexico. The objective of this study was to carry out an investigation on the tequila factories located in the state of Jalisco in order to know the location of the factories in the state, the characterization of the vinasses including factories of different sizes, the current treatment methods, and disposal practices as well as the impacts of common practices of vinasse disposal. Part of the information was collected by applying a questionnaire to the tequila factories previously contacted (and physically located). For the vinasse characterization, 24 tequila factories provided a composite sample of vinasse. To assess the impact of common vinasse disposal practices, a stream running through tequila factories, soil that has been used for vinasse discharge for 14 years, and a well located near the soil were evaluated. In two main regions (Valle and Altos Sur), 110 tequila factories distributed in 10 municipalities, were identified. Vinasse disposal and treatment problems are mainly related to micro-factories that do not treat their vinasse at all. The most common method of disposal is discharging on soils. Only in the Valle region is disposal in surface waters a common practice, as well as discharges into sewage systems. The monitored stream is totally degraded with low pH, high concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, etc. Soil fertility has not been affected due to a method of vinasse discharge-soil rest. The texture of the soils (high content of clay and silt) has been decisive in protecting groundwater from the infiltration of vinasse. The results obtained in this study could help the authorities to develop adequate strategies for the management of vinasses (treatment and disposal), mainly in micro and small tequila factories.
ANÁLISIS PSICOMÉTRICO DEL GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER-2 EN ADULTOS PERUANOS
Authors: Baños-Chaparro Jonatan
Published: April 2022

Introducción: los problemas de ansiedad es uno de los desórdenes emocionales más frecuentes en población general y mayormente se asocia a otros problemas de salud mental y físicos. La presencia de esta comorbilidad contribuye a una mayor sintomatología de ansiedad generalizada y complica el tratamiento médico o psicológico que pueda recibir el usuario, siendo necesario identificar los probables casos mediante instrumentos de cribado para una intervención temprana.

Objetivo: analizar las fuentes de evidencias de validez del Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) en adultos peruanos de población general.

Material y método: diseño de investigación instrumental y enfoque cuantitativo. Participaron 405 adultos peruanos residentes en Lima durante las dos primeras semanas de abril del 2021, seleccionados mediante muestreo por bola de nieve y criterios de inclusión. Se evaluó la consistencia interna y evidencia basada en relación a otras variables.

Resultados: la confiabilidad del instrumento mediante el coeficiente Angoff-Feldt (rAF = .82) y el coeficiente omega (ω = .81) fueron aceptables. Además, el GAD-2 presenta adecuada evidencia basada en relación a otras variables como la depresión (r = .66; p = .001) y la ideación suicida (r = .58; p = .001), ambas estadísticamente significativas y tamaños del efecto fuerte.

Conclusiones: los resultados del estudio proporcionan adecuadas fuentes de evidencias de validez del GAD-2 y fortalece su uso como instrumento de cribado confiable para evaluar la ansiedad en adultos peruanos de población general, respaldando las inferencias e interpretaciones hechas a partir de sus puntuaciones.
Grounding Practice in Theory: The Development of a Literature-based Performance Framework in New Zealand Local Government
Authors: Alach Zhivan
Published: April 2022

Performance measurement is a subject of some importance within the public sector. This study examines the design and development of a performance measurement framework within a local government department. It used a narrative case study approach to follow the process used by the design team involved. The design team began by examining the performance literature at a number of levels, and from this distilled eight design principles, from which they built a performance measurement framework. The design team encountered a number of challenges during this process; challenges they expected based on the literature. From the experiences of the design team, a number of hypotheses suitable for further testing have been derived. This study provides useful advice for performance measurement professionals within the public sector in developing frameworks grounded in theory, whether at the central or local government level.