bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Energy Consumption on China’s Regional Economic Growth from a Spatial Spillover Perspective
Authors: Yang Xia , Cui Meng
Published: August 2022

Under the downward pressure of the economy, China’s extensive economic growth relying on factor input is difficult to sustain, and adjusting the total amount and structure of energy consumption to promote high-quality economic development has become an urgent problem to be solved. Based on the exploratory spatial data analysis method (ESDA) and the partial differential method of the spatial regression model, the paper measures the spatial spillover effect of energy consumption on economic growth by taking 30 provincial units in China as the research object. The results are as follows: (1) There is a significant spatial agglomeration in the spatial distribution of regional economic growth and energy consumption, that a core-periphery model has been formed with the eastern region as the core. Therefore, in view of the imbalance in regional development, more attention should be paid to the rationality of industrial spatial distribution when formulating policies, so as to achieve the sustainable development of China’s economy. (2) Through further empirical testing of spatial metrology, it has been found that regional energy consumption has a significant spatial spillover effect on economic growth, and this effect varies according to region and type of energy consumption. Among them, although coal consumption accounts for the largest proportion of energy consumption structure, the economic effect is very limited, which provides a possibility for the government to optimize the allocation of energy resources and shift to a green economy. Therefore, more energy policies should be developed to encourage the development of clean energy.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Travel Pattern Using Smart Card Data
Authors: Lin Mu , Huang Zhengdong , Zhao Tianhong , Zhang Ying , Wei Heyi
Published: August 2022

Automated fare collection (AFC) systems can provide tap-in and tap-out records of passengers, allowing us to conduct a comprehensive analysis of spatiotemporal patterns for urban mobility. These temporal and spatial patterns, especially those observed over long periods, provide a better understanding of urban transportation planning and community historical development. In this paper, we explored spatiotemporal evolution of travel patterns using the smart card data of subway traveling from 2011 to 2017 in Shenzhen. To this end, a Gaussian mixture model with expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm clusters the travel patterns according to the frequency characteristics of passengers’ trips. In particular, we proposed the Pareto principle to negotiate diversified evaluation criteria on model parameters. Seven typical travel patterns are obtained using the proposed algorithm. Our findings highlighted that the proportion of each pattern remains relatively stable from 2011 to 2017, but the regular commuting passengers play an increasingly important position in the passenger flow. Additionally, focusing on the busiest commuting passengers, we depicted the spatial variations over years and identified the characters in different periods. Their cross-year usage of smart cards was finally examined to understand the migration of travel patterns over years. With reference to these methods and insights, transportation planners and policymakers can intuitively understand the historical variations of passengers’ travel patterns, which lays the foundation for improving the service of the subway system.
Exploring Sustainable Fashion Consumption Behavior in the Post-Pandemic Era: Changes in the Antecedents of Second-Hand Clothing-Sharing in China
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhou Yun , Jiang Lei , Shen Lei
Published: August 2022

Second-hand consumption of clothing plays a vital role in promoting the overall global trend of low-carbon transition; however, the COVID-19 outbreak put this consumption model into a development dilemma. Cultivating consumers’ sustainable behavior will be an effective way to promote the sustainable development of the apparel industry. Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this study starts with fashion-sharing behavior and investigates the antecedents that influence consumers’ use of second-hand clothing-sharing platforms in the post-pandemic era. The research background involves the Chinese clothing-sharing market in the growing period. The findings revealed that the pandemic raised people’s awareness of health and hygiene protection. In addition, the cleaning problem of platform clothing has become the primary reason for curbing consumers’ choice of sharing. High-cost performance, high efficiency, and convenience can stimulate consumers to use shared services. Considering that the pandemic has driven consumer economic fluctuations, perceived economic risks could widen the gap between willingness and behavior. In conclusion, platforms must fully realize the transparency of the clothing cleaning and maintenance process, improve their own construction level such as ease of use, convenience, and safety, and incorporate functional clothing-sharing to refine people’s sustainable consumption habits.
A Constructive Method of Solving Local Boundary Value Problems for Nonlinear Systems with Perturbations and Control Delays
Authors: Kvitko Alexander N. , Eremin Alexey S.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a class of controllable nonlinear stationary systems of ordinary differential equations with an account of external perturbations is studied. The control satisfies given restrictions, and there is a fixed delay in it. An algorithm to construct a control transferring a system from a certain initial state to an arbitrary neighborhood of the origin is proposed. The algorithm has both numerical and analytical stages and is easy to implement. A constructive sufficient Kalman-type condition of possibility of the transfer is derived. The algorithm efficiency is demonstrated by solving a robot manipulator controlling problem.
Fatal Suicidal Intoxication with Pentoxifylline Complicated by Cardiovascular Disorders
Authors: Sein Anand Jacek , Wiergowski Marek , Wiśniewski Marek Roman , Kosmowska Monika , Kata Marzena , Woźniak Mateusz Kacper
Published: August 2022

Pentoxifylline is a xanthine derivative used in vascular disorders that is recognized as a safe drug for patients. The paper describes a rare case of fatal and suicidal pentoxifylline poisoning in an 82-year-old man with multiple preexisting diseases (arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and intermittent claudication). The patient was admitted to the clinical toxicology unit approximately 2 h after the overdose and died 36 h after the admission despite intensive care. Multiple arterial blood gas analyses and other laboratory tests were performed during the hospitalization and are reported in the paper. Postmortem examination of the biological material was carried out with the use of histopathological techniques. The toxicological studies using chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry showed that postmortem blood levels of pentoxifylline have been found in the range which is described in the available literature to be toxic and lethal. The analysis of test results and clinical data showed that the patient died as a result of increasing circulatory and respiratory failure, complicated by disorders of the acid-base and electrolyte balance (respiratory alkalosis, concomitant lactic acidosis, and hypokalemia), hyperglycemia, and coagulation disorders.
Neurotoxicity Assessment of Four Different Pesticides Using In Vitro Enzymatic Inhibition Assays
Authors: Martins-Gomes Carlos , Coutinho Tiago E. , Silva Tânia L. , Andreani Tatiana , Silva Amélia M.
Published: August 2022

Pesticides affect different organs and tissues according to their bioavailability, chemical properties and further molecular interactions. In animal models exposed to several classes of pesticides, neurotoxic effects have been described, including the reduction of acetylcholinesterase activity in tissue homogenates. However, in homogenates, the reduction in enzymatic activity may also result from lower enzymatic expression and not only from enzymatic inhibition. Thus, in this work, we aimed to investigate the neurotoxic potential of four distinct pesticides: glyphosate (herbicide), imazalil (fungicide), imidacloprid (neonicotinoid insecticide) and lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroid insecticide), by assessing their inhibitory effect on the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and tyrosinase, by using direct in vitro enzymatic inhibition methods. All pesticides dose-dependently inhibited AChE activity, with an inhibition of 11 ± 2% for glyphosate, 48 ± 2% for imidacloprid, 49 ± 3% for imazalil and 50 ± 3% for lambda-cyhalothrin, at 1 mM. Only imazalil inhibited BChE. Imazalil induced dose-dependent inhibition of BChE with identical pattern as that observed for AChE; however, for lower concentrations (up to 500 μM), imazalil showed higher specificity for AChE, and for higher concentrations, the same specificity was found. Imazalil, at 1 mM, inhibited the activity of BChE by 49 ± 1%. None of the pesticides, up to 1 mM, inhibited tyrosinase activity. In conclusion, the herbicide glyphosate shows specificity for AChE but low inhibitory capacity, the insecticides imidacloprid and λ-cyhalothrin present selective AChE inhibition, while the fungicide IMZ is a broad-spectrum cholinesterase inhibitor capable of inhibiting AChE and BChE in an equal manner. Among these pesticides, the insecticides and the fungicide are the ones with higher neurotoxic potential.
Clinical Characteristics of Ciguatera Poisoning in Martinique, French West Indies—A Case Series
Authors: Résière Dabor , Florentin Jonathan , Mehdaoui Hossein , Mahi Zakaria , Gueye Papa , Hommel Didier , Pujo Jean , NKontcho Flaubert , Portecop Patrick , Nevière Rémi , Kallel Hatem , Mégarbane Bruno
Published: August 2022

Ciguatera poisoning (CP) is one of the most common causes worldwide of marine poisoning associated with fish consumption from tropical areas. Its incidence is underreported. CP cases seem to increase with grouped cases reported during summer. Exposure to ciguatoxins, toxins responsible for CP with sodium-channel agonistic, voltage-gated potassium channel blocking, cholinergic, and adrenergic activities, may result in a large spectrum of manifestations. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of CP in Martinique, French West Indies. We conducted an observational retrospective single-center study during six years (October 2012 to September 2018) including all CP patients managed by the prehospital medical services, admitted to the university hospital emergency department, or declared to the regional health agency. A total of 149 CP patients (81 females/63 males; median age, 46 years (interquartile range, 34–61)) were included. Acute features consisted in general (91%; mainly, myalgia pruritus, and asthenia), gastrointestinal (90%; mainly diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea), neurological (72%; mainly, paresthesia, dysgeusia, and impairment of hot/cold feeling), and cardiovascular manifestations (22%; bradycardia, hypotension, and heart conduction disorders). Management was supportive. No patient died but symptoms persisted in 40% of the 77 patients with follow-up at day 15. CP was mainly attributed to the ingestion of trevallies (59%), snappers (13%), and king mackerels (8%) with collective contaminations (71%). Unusual fish (tuna, salmon, and spider conchs) were suspected in rare cases. Ingestion of trevallies was associated with significantly higher persistent symptoms (odds ratio, 3.00; 95% confidence interval, (1.20–8.00); p = 0.03). CP incidence was 0.67 cases per 10,000 patient-years in Martinique over the study period. To conclude, CP represents an increasing public health issue in Martinique, as is the case in other Caribbean islands. Patients present usual but possibly life-threatening features. Outcome is excellent despite frequently prolonged manifestations.
Electromagnetic, Gravitational, and Plasma-Related Perturbations of Locally Rotationally Symmetric Class II Spacetimes
Authors: Semrén Philip
Published: August 2022

We investigate electromagnetic, gravitational, and plasma-related perturbations to the first order on homogeneous and hypersurface orthogonal locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) class II spacetimes. Due to the anisotropic nature of the studied backgrounds, we are able to include a non-zero magnetic field to the zeroth order. As a result of this inclusion, we find interesting interactions between the electromagnetic and gravitational variables already of the first order in the perturbations. The equations governing these perturbations are found by using the Ricci identities, the Bianchi identities, Einstein’s field equations, Maxwell’s equations, particle conservation, and a form of energy-momentum conservation for the plasma components. Using a 1+1+2 covariant split of spacetime, the studied quantities and equations are decomposed with respect to the preferred directions on the background spacetimes. After linearizing the decomposed equations around an LRS background, performing a harmonic decomposition, and imposing the cold magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) limit with a finite electrical resistivity, the system is then reduced to a set of ordinary differential equations in time and some constraints. On solving for some of the harmonic coefficients in terms of the others, the system is found to decouple into two closed and independent subsectors. Through numerical calculations, we then observe some mechanisms for generating magnetic field perturbations, showing some traits similar to previous works using Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) backgrounds. Furthermore, beat-like patterns are observed in the short wave length limit due to interference between gravitational waves and plasmonic modes.
Curvature Inheritance Symmetry in Ricci Flat Spacetimes
Authors: Salman Mohammad , Ali Musavvir , Bilal Mohd
Published: August 2022

In this article, we study curvature inheritance symmetry in Ricci flat spacetimes. We show that, if Ricci flat spacetimes are not of Petrov type N, and admit curvature inheritance symmetries, then the only existing symmetries are conformal motions. We also prove that the only Ricci flat spacetime that admits a proper curvature inheritance symmetry and is of Petrov type other than N is the flat spacetime. Next, we find that the vacuum pp-waves of Petrov type N if admit curvature inheritance symmetry, then conformal motion implies homothetic motion.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Neutralization after Third Dose Vaccination in PLWH
Authors: Vergori Alessandra , Cozzi-Lepri Alessandro , Matusali Giulia , Colavita Francesca , Cicalini Stefania , Gallì Paola , Garbuglia Anna Rosa , Fusto Marisa , Puro Vincenzo , Maggi Fabrizio , Girardi Enrico , Vaia Francesco , Antinori Andrea
Published: August 2022

The aim was to measure neutralizing antibody levels against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (BA.1) variant in serum samples obtained from vaccinated PLWH and healthcare workers (HCW) and compare them with those against the Wuhan-D614G (W-D614G) strain, before and after the third dose of a mRNA vaccine. We included 106 PLWH and 28 HCWs, for a total of 134 participants. Before the third dose, the proportion of participants with undetectable nAbsT against BA.1 was 88% in the PLWH low CD4 nadir group, 80% in the high nadir group and 100% in the HCW. Before the third dose, the proportion of participants with detectable nAbsT against BA.1 was 12% in the PLWH low nadir group, 20% in the high nadir group and 0% in HCW, respectively. After 2 weeks from the third dose, 89% of the PLWH in the low nadir group, 100% in the high nadir group and 96% of HCW elicited detectable nAbsT against BA.1. After the third dose, the mean log2 nAbsT against BA.1 in the HCW and PLWH with a high nadir group was lower than that seen against W-D614G (6.1 log2 (±1.8) vs. 7.9 (±1.1) and 6.4 (±1.3) vs. 8.6 (±0.8)), respectively. We found no evidence of a different level of nAbsT neutralization by BA.1 vs. W-D614G between PLWH with a high CD4 nadir and HCW (0.40 (−1.64, 2.43); p = 0.703). Interestingly, in PLWH with a low CD4 nadir, the mean log2 difference between nAbsT against BA.1 and W-D614G was smaller in those with current CD4 counts 201–500 vs. those with CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm3 (−0.80 (−1.52, −0.08); p = 0.029), suggesting that in this target population with a low CD4 nadir, current CD4 count might play a role in diversifying the level of SARS-CoV-2 neutralization.
Dengue Virus NS4b N-Terminus Disordered Region Interacts with NS3 Helicase C-Terminal Subdomain to Enhance Helicase Activity
Authors: Kundharapu Satyamurthy , Chowdary Tirumala Kumar
Published: August 2022

Dengue virus replicates its single-stranded RNA genome in membrane-bound complexes formed on the endoplasmic reticulum, where viral non-structural proteins (NS) and RNA co-localize. The NS proteins interact with one another and with the host proteins. The interaction of the viral helicase and protease, NS3, with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, NS5, and NS4b proteins is critical for replication. In vitro, NS3 helicase activity is enhanced by interaction with NS4b. We characterized the interaction between NS3 and NS4b and explained a possible mechanism for helicase activity modulation by NS4b. Our bacterial two-hybrid assay results showed that the N-terminal 57 residues region of NS4b is enough to interact with NS3. The molecular docking of the predicted NS4b structure onto the NS3 structure revealed that the N-terminal disordered region of NS4b wraps around the C-terminal subdomain (CTD) of the helicase. Further, NS3 helicase activity is enhanced upon interaction with NS4b. Molecular dynamics simulations on the NS4b-docked NS3 crystal structure and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence studies suggest that the interaction results in NS3 CTD domain motions. Based on the interpretation of our results in light of the mechanism explained for NS3 helicase, NS4b–NS3 interaction modulating CTD dynamics is a plausible explanation for the helicase activity enhancement.
The Effect of Supplementation with Weizmannia coagulans Strain SANK70258 to Coccidia-Infected Broilers Is Similar to That of a Coccidiostat Administration
Authors: Aida Masanori , Yamada Ryouichi , Nakamura Shin-ichi , Imaoka Taishi , Shimonishi Hikari , Matsuo Toshiki , Taniguchi Itaru , Tsukahara Takamitsu
Published: August 2022

To determine whether it could also improve the production performance of Eimeria-infected broilers, Weizmannia coagulans strain SANK70258 (WC) supplementation was compared with coccidiostat lasalocid-A sodium (AM) administration. First, to determine the optimum WC dose, newly hatched broiler chick groups (n = 10) were untreated or consecutively given WC (0.005%, 0.01%, 0.03%, and 0.1%) and AM until slaughter (31 days of age). At day 21, all chicks were infected with coccidia. From the economical and practical viewpoints, 0.03% WC supplementation was the best dose. Second, newly hatched broiler chick groups (n = 10) were untreated or given 0.03% WC and AM. Each group was run in triplicate. At day 21, two chicks/pen with the farthest body weights as per the group’s mean body weight were spared, and the remaining inoculated with coccidia. At days 42 and 49, the WC and AM groups had significantly greater body weights and daily weight gains. Intestinal lesion scores were lower in 29-day-old AM and WC. Oocyst numbers were lower in 29- and 49-day-old AM and WC, but only 29- and 49-day-old AM had higher Escherichia coli levels. To conclude, although WC and AM induced similar growth performance in coccidium-infected chicks, unlike AM, the E. coli levels did not increase with WC.
Development, Synthesis and Characterization of Tannin/Bentonite-Derived Biochar for Water and Wastewater Treatment from Methylene Blue
Authors: Galaburda Mariia , Bosacka Alicja , Sternik Dariusz , Bogatyrov Viktor , Oranska Olena , Gun’ko Volodymyr , Deryło-Marczewska Anna
Published: August 2022

Novel hybrid carbon–mineral materials were synthesized by the mechanochemical activation of a mixture of tannin and bentonite in a ball mill with further pyrolysis in an argon atmosphere at 800 °C. The influence of the initial mixture ingredients content on the structural, textural, and thermal characteristics of biochars has been described using X-ray diffraction, Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and scanning electron microscopy. The influence of bentonite clay on the carbon phase characteristics due to the formation of more heat-resistant and structured nanocarbon particles in biochars has been proven. The adsorption effectiveness of the materials towards methylene blue was studied. The adsorption data were analyzed applying Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms with high determination coefficients (R2) in the range of 0.983–0.999 (Langmuir) and 0.783–0.957 (Freundlich). The maximum adsorption amount of MB was 5.78 mg/g. The adsorption efficiency of biochars with respect to phenol was also examined. It was shown that the hybrid biochars show differentiated selectivity to the adsorption of organic compounds. It was concluded that the physicochemical properties of the surface of biochars play an important role in the adsorption effectiveness, making them a good candidate for water and wastewater remediation processes.
Exploring Ballast Water Management in Taiwan Using the PSR Conceptual Model Based on Stakeholders’ Perspectives
Authors: Cheng Muhan , Ye Jia-An , Liu Ta-Kang
Published: August 2022

Accidental introduction of nonindigenous aquatic species (NIAS) is usually mediated by shipping through ballast water. Ballast water management plans are being developed and implemented around the world to prevent the spread of NIAS. However, for marine environmental management, incorporating stakeholders’ perceptions into designing and formulating management plans is key to achieving successful implementation. This study used qualitative interviews and grounded theory to induce the influencing factors and conceptual model of stakeholders’ perceptions on ballast water management (BWM) issues. The interplay of the pressure–state–response conceptual model based on grounded theory was established to elaborate on stakeholders’ perceptions. The study results indicated that local ballast water management required comprehensive port state control (PSC) and technical competency development. Second, an international commercial port can be used as a demonstration area to demonstrate the effectiveness and the potential benefits of BWM implementation due to its potential to link with international networks. Moreover, legislation, surveying/monitoring, institutional capacity and outreach/education are the four fundamentals to marine bio-invasion management. Initiating ballast water management measures as part of port environmental management aims to enhance marine pollution management capacity, especially in the field of marine bio-invasion management.
Tomato Evapotranspiration, Crop Coefficient and Irrigation Water Use Efficiency in the Winter Period in a Sunken Chinese Solar Greenhouse
Authors: Yang Li , Liu Haijun , Tang Xiaopei , Li Lun
Published: August 2022

In the Northern China Plain (NCP), sunken solar greenhouses (SSG) are now increasingly being used for vegetable cultivation in winter due to low winter temperatures. Investigating plant transpiration and determining crop coefficients are helpful when developing irrigation scheduling and improving crop growth. In this study, a three-season experiment was conducted in a commercial tomato SSG to investigate changes in microclimate, sap flow (SF), photosynthesis traits and plant physiological parameters, and to calculate the crop coefficient and evaluate the irrigation efficiency using current irrigation management practices. Results show that the average transmissivity from top plastic covers was 0.69, and the inside temperature increased by approximately 10 °C in November and 15–18 °C in December, which guaranteed the growth of tomatoes in winter. The leaf photosynthesis rate (Pn) is linearly related to radiation, however, a concave quadratic function is a better fit for Pn and VPD, with the highest Pn at approximately 1.0 kPa VPD; leaf transpiration is positively and linearly related to both radiation and VPD. Therefore, increasing greenhouse transmissivity and maintaining an internal VPD of approximately 1 kPa could produce a high leaf Pn and low transpiration concurrently. Daily total SF was linearly correlated with solar radiation, VPD and temperature with determination coefficients of 0.87–0.96, 0.89–0.91 and 0.62–0.84, respectively. Correcting the slope of SF to radiation with VPD (SF = (0.12 + 0.14VPD)Rs), R2 increased by 0.08, and the root mean square error and relative error decreased by 0.047 mm day−1 and 6.53%, respectively. Therefore, this integrated equation is recommended to estimate daily tomato transpiration when plant height is approximately 1.5 m, and the leaf area index (LAI) is between 2 and 2.5. During the fruit expansion and ripening period, the average basal crop coefficients (Kcb) for greenhouse tomatoes in winter was between 0.99 and 1.11. The irrigation efficiency increased from 0.3 in the first season to 0.6–0.69 in the second and third seasons when the tensiometer method was used. Therefore, using the tensiometer method to guide tomato irrigation could markedly improve irrigation efficiency in greenhouses.
Sediment Budget Implications from Posidonia oceanica Banquette Removal in a Starved Beach System
Authors: Simeone Simone , Palombo Antonio Gian Luca , Antognarelli Fabio , Brambilla Walter , Conforti Alessandro , De Falco Giovanni
Published: August 2022

This study discusses the potential impact of removing Posidonia banquette on the sediment budget of a siliciclastic-sediment-starved beach-barrier system. The morphology as well as the sediment volumes of this system were estimated. The banquette’s composition and sediment content were determined with samples collected during five sampling campaigns conducted in one year. The carbonate content of the system was estimated by analyzing three 1 m long cores collected along the barrier. Five digital terrain models from DGPS surveys were used to compute the beach’s average morphology to estimate the sediment volumes. The carbonate and siliciclastic sediment content from the cores were used to calculate the overall beach’s sediment mass. Total sediment mass accounted for 126,000 m3, of which ca. 86% was siliciclastic quartz sand and approximately 14% was carbonate sediment. Total banquette deposition during the year accounted for 2300 m3, with a maximum and averaged sediment content of 339 kg m3 and 78 kg m−3. A permanent loss of ca. 1.31% of total mass will occur if 5000 m3 of banquette were to be removed. In such beach settings, banquette removal may limit sediment availability, reducing the overall sediment mass and decreasing beach resilience against climate change effects such as sea level rise.
CME-YOLOv5: An Efficient Object Detection Network for Densely Spaced Fish and Small Targets
Authors: Li Jianyuan , Liu Chunna , Lu Xiaochun , Wu Bilang
Published: August 2022

Fish are indicative species with a relatively balanced ecosystem. Underwater target fish detection is of great significance to fishery resource investigations. Traditional investigation methods cannot meet the increasing requirements of environmental protection and investigation, and the existing target detection technology has few studies on the dynamic identification of underwater fish and small targets. To reduce environmental disturbances and solve the problems of many fish, dense, mutual occlusion and difficult detection of small targets, an improved CME-YOLOv5 network is proposed to detect fish in dense groups and small targets. First, the coordinate attention (CA) mechanism and cross-stage partial networks with 3 convolutions (C3) structure are fused into the C3CA module to replace the C3 module of the backbone in you only look once (YOLOv5) to improve the extraction of target feature information and detection accuracy. Second, the three detection layers are expanded to four, which enhances the model’s ability to capture information in different dimensions and improves detection performance. Finally, the efficient intersection over union (EIOU) loss function is used instead of the generalized intersection over union (GIOU) loss function to optimize the convergence rate and location accuracy. Based on the actual image data and a small number of datasets obtained online, the experimental results showed that the mean average precision (mAP@0.50) of the proposed algorithm reached 94.9%, which is 4.4 percentage points higher than that of the YOLOv5 algorithm, and the number of fish and small target detection performances was 24.6% higher. The results show that our proposed algorithm exhibits good detection performance when applied to densely spaced fish and small targets and can be used as an alternative or supplemental method for fishery resource investigation.
Impact of Climate Change on the Energy Consumption of Passenger Car Vehicles
Authors: Hasselwander Samuel , Galich Anton , Nieland Simon
Published: August 2022

The energy consumption of passenger vehicles is affected by the physical properties of the environment. The ambient temperature in particular has a significant impact on the operating energy consumption. To quantify the impact of a changed climate on vehicles with different drivetrain systems, we set up a model that calculates the change in energy demand with respect to multiple global warming levels. In particular, the effect of rising temperatures on the energy consumption of battery electric vehicles and vehicles with internal combustion engines was investigated. Our results indicate that climate change will likely lead to a rise in energy consumption of vehicles with an internal combustion engine. This is mostly due to the increase in cabin climatization needs caused by the higher ambient temperatures. At a global warming level (GWL) of 4.0 °C, the calculated annual energy consumption on average is 2.1% higher than without taking the climate-change-related changes in temperature into account. Battery electric vehicles, on the other hand, are expected to have a lower overall energy consumption (up to −2.4% at 4 °C GWL) in cold and moderate climate zones. They benefit from the lower heating needs during winter caused by global warming.
Selection Method of Flow Modifier Polymers for Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Hartyányi Máté , Nagy Roland , Bartha László , Puskás Sándor
Published: August 2022

Chemically enhanced oil recovery methods can provide a solution to increase oil recovery. Of these, surfactant- polymer flooding is common. Efficient selection of polymers and surfactants is essential for a successful EOR project. Detailed selection of polymers is a lengthy task that involves a number of studies. Our goal is to create a fast polymer selection method based on which the most promising polymer can be selected.
Assessment of Frontal Sinus Morphology and Cervical Vertebral Maturation for Evaluation of Skeletal Maturity
Authors: Gupta Sanjay Prasad , Dahal Samarika , Rauniyar Shristi
Published: August 2022

Background: The growth prediction using reliable growth assessment methods is an invaluable tool during orthodontic treatment planning. This study aimed to examine the relationship between frontal sinus (FS) morphology and cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) to predict the skeletal maturity of an individual. Methods: The present study consisted of 252 lateral cephalograms of orthodontic patients. CVM stages and FS parameters such as FS height, FS width, and FS index were assessed using the same lateral cephalogram. Statistical methods including t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation (r) were used for the statistical analysis. Results: FS height and width were greater in males (24.33±4.21; 10.08±3.20) compared to females (21.43±5.34; 8.12±2.19), indicating a statistical difference (P<0.05). However, FS index did not show a statistically significant difference (P=0.32) between males (2.59±0.74) and females (2.69±0.44) (P=0.32). FS height and width increased significantly in a linear fashion from CVM stage 1 to stage 6. FS index, on the other hand, did not exhibit any statistically significant differences among CVM stages in both males and females. FS height and width showed a significant weak to moderate correlation with CVM stages in both males and females. However, FS index exhibited a mild and weak negative correlation with the CVM stages in both males and females. Conclusions: FS height and width had a significant weak to moderate correlation with CVM stages in both the males and females, while FS index had a weak negative correlation with CVM stages in both males and females. Unlike the CVM method, the FS morphology cannot be reliably utilized to assess the skeletal maturity.
Oral-Periodontal Health and Cytokine Storm: Correlation and Preventive Measures
Authors: Jain Vanshika , Mallick Rizwana
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has taken the world by storm, affecting all age groups alike and presenting a plethora of signs and symptoms. Showcasing a high mortality rate, cytokine storm is identified as one of the most common culprits for death in affected individuals. In patients undergoing severe complications in the form of intubations and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, increased cytokine levels have again been identified as a significant factor, indicating their substantial role in disease outcomes. Periodontitis, which is identified as a silent pandemic, is the most common oral disease that is found in individuals. The increased accumulations of plaques and calculus are the main causative agents, stimulating inflammatory cells in the periodontal tissue, leading to cytokine release. Individuals with the removable or fixed dental prosthesis are at increased risk of contracting fungal infections, which are also identified as increasing the cytokine levels and worsening an individual’s condition contracted with COVID-19. This review focuses on oral hygiene measures and scientifically proven aids that can be used by patients at home for reducing oral cytokine levels and the risk of COVID-19 related complications, thereby sensitizing them at a time when elective dental procedures are discouraged and patients are devoid of professional dental intervention. Mechanical removal of plaques and calculus cannot be substituted with auxiliary aids, but it is important that adjunct practices be adopted for efficient hygiene. Toothbrush hygiene should also be practiced to prevent disease progression and transmission. Adherence to these recommendations is not only required for healthy or infected individuals but also for viral infection recovered patients to avoid the possible risk of developing the black fungus infection.
Synthesis of Gadolinium Complexes Using Medicinal Plant Extracts
Authors: Ghavam Mansureh , Dastan Dara , Fadaei Elaheh , Chehardoli Gholamabbas
Published: August 2022

Background: Gadolinium compounds are used as contrast enhancers in MRI imaging. Generally, free metal ions are not used in MRI imaging due to their toxicity. To reduce the toxicity of the free form of the metal, complexing agents are employed for making nanoparticles. Due to their low toxicity and natural abundance, plant extracts having potential to function as chelating agents are good alternatives for the formation of gadolinium nanoparticles. Methods: Aqueous extracts of five plant species, including Thymus daenensis Celak, Nepeta sessilifolia Bung, Crocus sativus L., Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth, and Hymenocrater incanus Bunge were prepared. Five complexes were produced as the result of each extract’s reaction with gadolinium nitrate solution in the presence of 1 mM solution of NaOH. The obtained complexes were analyzed adopting the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) techniques. Results: EDAX analysis of the obtained complexes confirmed the presence of gadolinium in all complexes. Among the five complexes, the highest percentage of gadolinium (21.07) was recorded for the complex derived from the extract of H. incanus Bunge, while the lowest one (9.33) was detected for the complex derived from the T. daenensis Celak. Despite adopting various methods to disperse the complex particles in deionized water in order for determining the particle size, the high adhesion of the particles prevented the determination of the desired particle size in nanoscale. Conclusion: Although synthesizing the complexes was successful and EDAX confirmed the presence of gadolinium metal in them, SEM analysis failed to prove their nanoparticle structure. The high tendency of solid particles to adhere was found to prevent the formation of independent nanoparticles in solution.
Antimicrobial Effect of Ficus carica on Nosocomial Bacterial Infections
Authors: Jabbari Shayda , Mirbagheri Firoozabad Maryam Sadat
Published: August 2022

Background: The incidence of drug resistance against chemical antimicrobial drugs has directed the attention to the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Ficus carica extracts against pathogenic bacteria, especially nosocomial infections. Methods: In this experimental study, aqueous and alcoholic extracts of F. carica were extracted. This study investigated inhibitory effects of plant extracts against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Proteus mirabilis as well as pathogenic nosocomial including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through disk diffusion methods, well diffusion method, and microdilution. Serial dilutions of the extracts were prepared in the range of 50 to 1000 mg/mL to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. Results: The aqueous extract of the plant showed higher inhibitory effects against microbial strains compared to the alcoholic extract. The two strains of S. saprophyticus and S. aureus indicated greater susceptibility than extracts (e.g., aqueous, methanol, and ethanol). Statistically, there was a significant difference in the minimum inhibitory concentration of aqueous extract growth compared to alcoholic extracts. The aqueous extract had a minimum inhibitory concentration of 133 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 200 mg/mL on gram-positive bacteria of S. saprophyticus and S. aureus, respectively. Conclusion: The study found F. carica that extract had significant effects on microorganisms of two gram-positive bacteria including S. saprophyticus (62 mm in diameter) and S. aureus (60 mm in diameter), and the bacterium P. aeruginosa revealed the highest resistance against gram-negative bacteria. The extracts also indicated significant effects compared to the antibiotics as a control. Although further research is needed in this regard, F. carica extract can be suggested as a new antimicrobial agent in medical research.
The Role of Cytokines and Pattern Recognition Receptors in Inflammation Caused by Helicobacter pylori Infection in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ganjali Abbas , Fakheri Barat Ali , Bahari Abbas , Fahmideh Leila , Valadan Reza
Published: August 2022

One of the most common and most critical mortality causes in modern society is gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Helicobacter pylori is one of the most potent risk factors of gastric cancer. This bacterium can suppress the immune system by various pathogenic factors and mechanisms, lead to chronic inflammatory responses, and play a critical role in the induction of cancer. The first part of this article begins with a description of H. pylori carcinogenicity and in the next part, the roles of innate immunity pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokines, and inflammatory regulatory mechanisms in H. pylori infection are discussed. According to our current knowledge, screening and on-time diagnosis of the disease, timely treatment, and immediate eradication of H. pylori are the most critical ways to barricade gastric cancer progression. In the end, it is suggested that, considering the expensive costs of gastric cancer treatment, H. pylori diagnostic screening tests be done at least annually in middle-aged and at-risk people.
PENGARUH KOMPENSASI DAN PENGEMBANGAN KARIR TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PADA PT ERA MULIA ABADI SEJAHTERA DI MALANG
Authors: Kusuma Udi , Setiadi Pompong Budi , Rahayu Sri
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of compensation and career development on employee performance. This research was conducted on employees at PT Era Mulia Abadi Sejahtera in Malang, East Java. The research method used in this research is descriptive by using quantitative methods. This study uses primary data, namely the distribution of questionnaires by taking employee respondents at PT Era Mulia Abadi Sejahtera in Malang, East Java. This study uses a sample of the total population of the number of employees in the office. The analytical method used is multiple regression analysis which is processed using the SPSS application. The results of this study indicate that the variables of compensation and career development have a positive effect on employee performance. And the variables of compensation and career development simultaneously affect employee performance.
PARÁMETROS GENÉTICOS DE TOMATE DE CÁSCARA (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) VARIEDAD VERDE PUEBLA
Authors: Peña-Lomelí Aureliano , Mejía-Contreras Apolinar , Rodríguez-Pérez Mauricio Enrique , Carballo-Carballo Aquiles , Rodríguez-Pérez Juan Enrique , Moreno-Maldonado Mario
Published: August 2022

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estimar los parámetros genéticos de la variedad Verde Puebla de tomate de cáscara (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.). Se evaluaron 100 familias de medios hermanos maternos en Chapingo, Tecamac y Santa Lucía, Edo. de México, en el ciclo primavera-verano del 2000, en un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones y 11 plantas por unidad experimental. La heredabilidad de los siete caracteres estudiados fluctuó entre 31.9 y 68.7 %, y el coeficiente de variación genético aditivo entre 13.7 y 29.6 %, con 57.2 y 29.6 % para rendimiento total. Se encontraron correlaciones genéticas aditivas altas y positivas del rendimiento total con número de frutos amarrados (0.86), rendimiento en el primer corte (0.97), rendimiento en el segundo corte (0.98) y número de frutos cosechados por planta (0.88), por lo que éstos se consideran los componentes más importantes del rendimiento.
PRODUCCIÓN DE SEMILLA MEJORADA POR ORGANIZACIONES DE AGRICULTORES: CASO “PRODUCTORA DE MAÍZ TEOCINTLE”
Authors: Trejo-Hernández Lorenzo , Gil-Muñoz Abel , Sánchez-Hernández Miguel , Carballo-Carballo Aquiles , Antonio-López Pedro
Published: August 2022

Esta investigación abordó el tema de la producción de semilla por organizaciones de agricultores, al estudiar las actividades desarrolladas entre 1999 y 2001 por una organización ubicada en Tlachichuca, Pue., dedicada a la producción de semilla certificada de maíz: la “Productora de Maíz Teocintle”, Sociedad de Producción Rural de Responsabilidad Ilimitada. En el estudio se caracterizó el proceso de producción y comercialización de semilla de la variedad de maíz “Sintético Serdán”, y se estableció si diversos elementos de los factores tecnológico y económico afectan la participación de la organización en la producción y comercialización de semilla. Para ello se emplearon las técnicas de revisión documental, observación participante, guía de entrevista y el análisis financiero. Los resultados mostraron que los socios aplicaron en 90 % aspectos clave de la tecnología de producción de variedades de polinización libre, y en 70 % los de beneficio de semilla, y que se requiere capacitación adicional en este último aspecto. En lo económico, el análisis financiero indicó que la producción de semilla por parte de la sociedad fue una actividad rentable (relación beneficio:costo de 3.99), y que fue competitiva en el mercado. No obstante, se necesita proveer capacitación sobre comercialización de semillas. Se concluye que los elementos de los factores tecnológico y económico estudiados, favorecieron la participación de la organización en la producción y comercialización de semillas, y que es factible que organizaciones de agricultores produzcan y comercialicen semilla mejorada de maíz en ámbitos geográficos definidos, lo que estimula así el uso de variedades mejoradas por parte de los agricultores tradicionales y constituye una estrategia viable de abastecimiento de tal insumo.
Yoğun Bakımda Yatan Hastalarda Böbrek Taşı İnsidansı
Authors: ÖNCEL Halil Ferat , BOZKURT Firdevs Tugba
Published: August 2022

Amaç:Bu çalışmanın amacı; yoğun bakım ünitesinde yatan hastaların cinsiyetine ve yaşına göre böbrek taşı insidansı, mortalite durumları, yoğun bakım yatış süreleri ve hastane yatış sürelerini incelemektir.
Materyal ve Metod: Bu çalışma retrospektif kesitsel bir çalışma tasarımı olarak yapılmıştır. 2020-2021 tarihleri arasında Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Şanlıurfa Mehmet Akif İnan SUAM Cerrahi Yoğun Bakım Ünitesi ve Üroloji Kliniği tarafından 10-94 yaş arası yoğun bakım ünitesine yatan 376 hasta ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma kapsamına hastaların cinsiyet, yaş, görüntüleme sonuncunda böbrek taş veya kist durumu, mortalite durumu, yoğun bakım yatış süresi, hastane yatış süresi kayıt edilmiştir. Veriler Ki-kare, ANOVA ve bağımsız t-test kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir.
Bulgular: Elde edilen bulgulara göre bu çalışmaya katılan hastaların böbrek taşı genel insidansı %7,38 olarak bulunmuştur. Bu çalışma kapsamında kadın hastaların ve erkek hastaların böbrek taşı insidansı incelendiğinde kadın hastalarda %6,45 olarak bulunurken erkek hastalarda %7,60 olarak bulunmuştur. Ancak bu farklılık istatiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmamıştır. Ayrıca yaş ile birlikte böbrek taşı insidansının yükseldiği anlaşılmıştır. Böbrek taşı olanların ölüm oranı %1,9 olarak bulunmuştur.
Sonuçlar: Bu çalışma sonunda elde edilen bulgular literatür ile paralellikler göstermektedir. Çalışmanın uygulandığı coğrafyanın ve hasta profilinin farklı olmasından dolayı mevcut verilerin farklı demografik yapı verileri ile desteklenmesi sağlanmıştır.
Evolución de la pobreza monetaria en Colombia: Un análisis de descomposiciones
Authors:   , Menduiña Juan Ignacio
Published: August 2022

Este trabajo estudia la influencia que han tenido, por un lado, el crecimiento de los ingresos, los cambios distributivos y la variación de los precios locales y, por otro lado, las características económicas y sociodemográficas de los hogares sobre la evolución de la pobreza monetaria en Colombia durante el período 2002-2018, considerando la heterogeneidad a lo largo del país. Primero, se descompone el cambio en la pobreza entre los efectos crecimiento, redistribución y línea de pobreza. Luego, descomponemos los efectos crecimiento, redistribución y línea en efectos composición y estructura, para explorar el papel de los factores microeconómicos. Los resultados muestran que los efectos crecimiento y redistribución tendieron a reducir la pobreza, en tanto que el efecto línea tendió a incrementarla, patrón que se mantuvo a lo largo de las diferentes áreas geográficas. También, se obtuvo que el efecto crecimiento se explicó, principalmente, por el cambio en las características de los hogares (efecto composición) y el efecto redistribución por el cambio en los parámetros (efecto estructura), en tanto que el cambio total en la pobreza se debió, fundamentalmente, al efecto composición.