bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Small Object Detection Method for Drone-Captured Images Based on Improved YOLOv7
Authors: Zhao Dewei , Shao Faming , Liu Qiang , Yang Li , Zhang Heng , Zhang Zihan
Published: March 2024

Due to the broad usage and widespread popularity of drones, the demand for a more accurate object detection algorithm for images captured by drone platforms has become increasingly urgent. This article addresses this issue by first analyzing the unique characteristics of datasets related to drones. We then select the widely used YOLOv7 algorithm as the foundation and conduct a comprehensive analysis of its limitations, proposing a targeted solution. In order to enhance the network’s ability to extract features from small objects, we introduce non-strided convolution modules and integrate modules that utilize attention mechanism principles into the baseline network. Additionally, we improve the semantic information expression for small targets by optimizing the feature fusion process in the network. During training, we adopt the latest Lion optimizer and MPDIoU loss to further boost the overall performance of the network. The improved network achieves impressive results, with mAP50 scores of 56.8% and 94.6% on the VisDrone2019 and NWPU VHR-10 datasets, respectively, particularly in detecting small objects.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Providers’ and Demanders’ Low-Carbon Cooperation in Cloud Manufacturing Mode
Authors: Han Tiaojuan , Lu Jianfeng , Zhang Hao , Gao Wentao
Published: March 2024

The low-carbon cooperation between providers and demanders is one of the ways to achieve sustainable development in cloud manufacturing, which has become an important issue. However, the effective ways for the cloud platform to encourage such cooperation are unclear. Considering the low-carbon strategies of the supply and demand sides and the regulation of the cloud platform, an evolutionary game model involving service providers, service demanders, and the cloud platform is established, and the tripartite evolutionary stability is discussed. Further, the impacts of important factors, such as regulatory costs, on the tripartite strategies are analyzed through numerical simulation. The results illustrate that the cloud platform reasonably optimizes the rewards and penalties for low-carbon cooperation to promote the enthusiastic participation of service providers and demanders. The cloud platform can set penalties (rewards) for providers based on their low-carbon costs and rewards (penalties). Additionally, the low-carbon costs of service providers and the additional costs of demanders negatively affect the low-carbon cooperation between providers and demanders. Meanwhile, the low-carbon costs and additional costs for the providers and demanders to engage in low-carbon cooperation are affected by the rewards and penalties of the cloud platform. The results could provide insights into the game decisions of the supply and demand sides and the cloud platform, facilitating sustainable supply chain advancement.
Sustainable Innovation in the Biopharmaceutical Industry: An Analysis of the Impact of Policy Configuration
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Cheng Yue , Zhang Yuling
Published: March 2024

To achieve sustainable development, it is necessary to consider the business model adjustment of the industry in advance, from the development stage to the mature stage. In China, strategic emerging industries are industries that achieve technological breakthroughs, but such industries often have the characteristics of high investment, high technology, high risk, high returns, and long research and development times. This type of industry relies heavily on national resource support from the exploration period to the development period, but its high-profit characteristics also attract policy bias from the governments of other countries internationally. Therefore, understanding the resource requirements of such industries in different periods in advance will help the government to adjust resource allocation and strategic layout through policy means. This will facilitate the smooth transition of the entire industry from the development period to the mature period, and achieve its overall sustainable development. To assist the government in achieving reasonable predictions for policy adjustments, this study focuses on the biopharmaceutical industry, which is one of the representatives of the strategic emerging industries in China’s Yangtze River Delta. Considering that policies are not used in a single manner, and that the observation period needs to span the development and platform periods of the industry, the traditional Qualitative Comparative Analysis method (QCA) does not consider the analysis of data from multiple periods. Therefore, this study innovatively uses the Multi-Time Qualitative Comparative Analysis method (mtQCA), adding the dimension of time change and exploring the policy configuration logic behind the differences in local industrial innovation performance. Extracting general rules from specific policy configuration patterns is meaningful for a better analysis and resolution of complex, dynamic management issues, which will promote the sustainable development of strategic emerging industries.
Recycling of Retired Wind Turbine Blades into Modifiers for Composite-Modified Asphalt Pavements: Performance Evaluation
Authors: Li Peixin , Wang Xiaodan , Chen Weijie , Yang Tao , Bian Xiaoya , Xu Xiong
Published: March 2024

With the rapid development of wind energy, large-scale disposal of retired wind turbine blades (rWTBs) has become a hotspot issue worldwide, especially in China. Currently, some practices have reused them in producing artworks, bus stations, concrete structures, etc., but their consumption and value are considered to be very low. Therefore, the recycling of rWTBs into asphalt pavement may be a good way to achieve the goals of large consumption and added value. On this basis, this study first obtained rWTBs crushed and ground into fine powders and then mechanically mixed with styrene–butadiene rubber after silane treatment for the final preparation of the powder modifier (R-Si-rWTB). Afterward, these modifiers were used to prepare composite-modified asphalt mixtures in combination with SBS. Through a series of structure and performance characterizations, the following valuable findings were reached: after the silane and rubber treatments, the microstructure of rWTBs became tougher and almost all of the fibers were coated by the rubber; the R-Si-rWTB modifier had a significant effect on improving the resistances of the asphalt mixture to moisture-induced damage, reaching 95.6%; compared to that of the virgin asphalt mixture (83.67%), the immersed residual Marshall stability of the 30R-Si-rWTB/70SBS asphalt mixture was higher, being between 86% and 90%; the rut depth development of 30R-Si-rWTB/70SBS was very close to that of 0R-Si-rWTB/100SBS, and their dynamic stabilities were close to each other, namely, 5887 pass/mm and 5972 pass/mm; and after aging, the resistances of the 30R-Si-rWTB/70SBS asphalt mixture to moisture and freeze–thaw damage improved. Overall, the value-added recycling of rWTBs into a modifier can contribute to better and more durable asphalt pavement.
Advancing Sustainable Development: Broad Applications of Passive Radiative Cooling
Authors: Liang Lin , Bai Shengxi , Lin Kaixin , Kwok Chui Ting , Chen Siru , Zhu Yihao , Tso Chi Yan
Published: March 2024

With the increasing demand for energy worldwide, researchers from different fields have been striving to improve the sustainability and proper utilization of energy resources. Passive radiative cooling, as a natural energy transport method, can achieve cooling without additional external energy input. This review provides a comprehensive examination of passive radiative cooling, including its fundamental theories and latest development. A particular emphasis is placed on the diverse range of fields where passive radiative cooling has been applied, notably including but not limited to construction and architecture. The current state of applications, potential challenges that may arise with wider adaption and promising research directions for each field are thoroughly discussed. This review emphasizes the extensive potential and practical viability of passive radiative cooling in diverse applications and identifies pressing challenges and future research directions aimed at scaling up real-world implementation.
Introducing a Novel Framework for the Analysis and Assessment of Transport Projects in City Regions
Authors: Horlemann Jonas , Heidinger Mathias , Wenner Fabian , Thierstein Alain
Published: March 2024

A profound appraisal framework has been developed and refined in transport economics and planning literature for decades, mainly characterised by welfare economic theory, cost–benefit analysis, and transport demand modelling. In summary, the appraisal methodology and its applications have concentrated on single infrastructure measures, marginal impacts identified through ceteris paribus comparisons, forecasts based on trends from the past, and monetary assessments of all quantifiable impacts. However, this framework has been continuously contested in transport planning literature, for instance, for its focus on travel demand and short-term travel time savings. Therefore, we suggest a novel approach for planning and assessing transport schemes in city regions, combining accessibility analyses, quantitative target indicators, and cost-effectiveness analysis. We develop and test this approach by assessing a proposed underground rail project in the Munich city region, the U5 southeast extension. In this case, we define an accessibility target level and estimate the potential for push measures along with the U5 project. We find modest impacts on quantitative targets in the Munich city region: Even when the U5 southeast extension is bundled with push measures in selected transport cells, the contribution to passenger transport-related carbon dioxide emission targets and primary energy consumption targets is low. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that the proposed assessment framework can support strategic transport planning in city regions. We argue for a change in perspective towards supply-side-oriented urban transport planning. Our proposed methodology is a first step in a different direction towards a sustainable mobility planning paradigm.
Potential of Eco-Weeding with High-Power Laser Adoption from the Farmers’ Perspective
Authors: Michaliszyn-Gabryś Beata , Bronder Joachim , Jarosz Wanda , Krupanek Janusz
Published: March 2024

Agriculture and rural regions in Europe face a number of economic, social, and environmental challenges. Rural areas are active players in the EU’s green transition. Weeding is one of the most important factors in agricultural production. New weeding techniques are being developed to enhance sustainability. Among them, laser-based weeding seems to be a promising alternative to the use of chemicals. The WeLASER technique is a novel technique for weed control. Its successful implementation depends on many factors related to the innovation itself, policy context, farming conditions, and users’ attitudes. A survey was carried out to provide insight into the attitudes towards the innovative (laser) weed control tool (autonomous robot). The CATI method was selected for the surveying of farmers’ opinions and carried out in three countries: Denmark, Spain, and Poland. Statistical methods were applied to analyze the results. This study provided knowledge on how farmers see the barriers and opportunities related to implementing the device in practice. Positive attitudes of farmers were observed but with high expectations related to the quality of the technique and the systemic conditions of its implementation.
A Low-Carbon Optimal Operation Method for an Industrial Park Multi-Energy Coupling System Utilizing By-Product Hydrogen
Authors: Luo Yongjie , Meng Qinghao , Chi Yuan , Wang Qianggang , Zeng Yongshou , Deng Zaoming , Zou Yao
Published: March 2024

To enhance the utilization efficiency of by-product hydrogen and decrease the power supply expenses of industrial parks, local utilization of by-product hydrogen plays a crucial role. However, the methods of utilizing by-product hydrogen in industrial parks are relatively limited. In response to this issue, an optimization method for a multi-energy system with by-product hydrogen considering the production process of chlor-alkali plants was proposed in this paper. Firstly, on the source side, models were established for hydrogen production using the ion exchange membrane electrolyzer and for the energy consumption during the caustic soda solution evaporation process. Secondly, on the load side, this paper explored the potential for local utilization of by-product hydrogen, including its participation in the production of downstream chemical products, combustion when mixed with natural gas, and utilization in hydrogen fuel cells. Next, this paper considered the influence of correlations among various loads within the factory and wind power generation, proposing a method for generating scenarios that takes into account the spatiotemporal correlation of source-load variables. Then, aiming to minimize the system operation cost and carbon trading cost, an operation strategy for a multi-energy system in a low-carbon industrial park, considering local utilization of by-product hydrogen, was proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of the scenario generation method proposed in this paper, considering spatiotemporal correlation, and the economic and environmental benefits of the proposed operation model utilizing the by-product hydrogen are verified through arithmetic simulation, based on the operation data of a chlor-alkali chemical park.
On Solving the Set Orienteering Problem
Authors: Montemanni Roberto , Smith Derek H.
Published: March 2024

In the Set Orienteering Problem, a single vehicle, leaving from and returning to a depot, has to serve some customers, each one associated with a given spacial location. Customers are grouped in clusters and a given prize is collected once a customer in a cluster is visited. The prize associated with a cluster can be collected at most once. Travel times among locations are provided, together with a maximum available mission time, which normally makes it impossible to visit all the clusters. The target is to design a route for the vehicle that maximizes the total prize collected within the given time limit. In this study, building on the recent literature, we present new preprocessing rules and a new constraint programming model for the problem. Thanks to the symmetry exploitation carried out by the constraint programming solver, new state-of-the-art results are established.
The Post-Quasi-Static Approximation: An Analytical Approach to Gravitational Collapse
Authors: Herrera Luis , Di Prisco Alicia , Ospino Justo
Published: March 2024

A seminumerical approach proposed many years ago for describing gravitational collapse in the post-quasi-static approximation is modified in order to avoid the numerical integration of the basic differential equations the approach is based upon. For doing that we have to impose some restrictions on the fluid distribution. More specifically, we shall assume the vanishing complexity factor condition, which allows for analytical integration of the pertinent differential equations and leads to physically interesting models. Instead, we show that neither the homologous nor the quasi-homologous evolution are acceptable since they lead to geodesic fluids, which are unsuitable for being described in the post-quasi-static approximation. Also, we prove that, within this approximation, adiabatic evolution also leads to geodesic fluids, and therefore, we shall consider exclusively dissipative systems. Besides the vanishing complexity factor condition, additional information is required for a full description of models. We shall propose different strategies for obtaining such an information, which are based on observables quantities (e.g., luminosity and redshift), and/or heuristic mathematical ansatz. To illustrate the method, we present two models. One model is inspired in the well-known Schwarzschild interior solution, and another one is inspired in Tolman VI solution.
Stereoselective Syntheses of Organophosphorus Compounds
Authors: Kolodiazhnyi Oleg I. , Kolodiazhna Anastasy O.
Published: March 2024

The review is devoted to the theoretical and synthetic aspects of the stereochemistry of organophosphorus compounds. Organophosphorus compounds are not only widely exist in biologically active pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, but also have widespread applications in material science and organic synthesis as ligands for transition metal complexes. One of the mainstreams for the development in this field is the creation of biologically active organophosphorus compounds that are searched and used as drugs or plant-protecting agents, which leads to the elaboration of advanced methods and monitoring, yielding up-to-date approaches to perform synthesis in an environmentally friendly manner. The review consists of two parts. The first part presents methods for the asymmetric synthesis of organophosphorus compounds using asymmetric organocatalysis and metal complex catalysis. In the review is described the nature of the chirality generation in the prebiotic period, the mechanisms of asymmetric induction, and double stereodifferentiation are discussed. The use of these methods for the preparation of chiral phosphorus analogs of natural compounds (phosphono-isonorstatin, phosphono-GABOB, phosphacarnitine, bis-phosphonates, and others) is described. Some data concerning of λ5-phosphanediones as metaphosphate anion analogues are also reported. The second part of the presented review shows examples of the use of these methods for the synthesis of phosphorus analogues of natural compounds—chiral phosphonoamino acids and hydroxyphosphonates: phosphonoaspartic acid, phosphonoglutamic acid, phosphonohomoproline, chiral bis-phosphonates. The reaction of dehydration aromatization with the formation of pho sphono isoindolinones, including isoindolinone bis-phosphonates, has been studied. Some of the synthesized compounds showed biological activity as protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors. A phosphonic analogue of iso-norstatine was synthesized. A stereoselective method for the synthesis of tetradecapentaenoic acid derivatives was developed.
Exogenous Application of dsRNA for Protection against Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus
Authors: Frascati Fulco , Rotunno Silvia , Accotto Gian Paolo , Noris Emanuela , Vaira Anna Maria , Miozzi Laura
Published: March 2024

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) is an emerging plant pathogen, fast spreading in Asian and Mediterranean regions, and is considered the most harmful geminivirus of cucurbits in the Mediterranean. ToLCNDV infects several plant and crop species from a range of families, including Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Up to now, protection from ToLCNDV infection has been achieved mainly by RNAi-mediated transgenic resistance, and non-transgenic fast-developing approaches are an urgent need. Plant protection by the delivery of dsRNAs homologous to a pathogen target sequence is an RNA interference-based biotechnological approach that avoids cultivating transgenic plants and has been already shown effective against RNA viruses and viroids. However, the efficacy of this approach against DNA viruses, particularly Geminiviridae family, is still under study. Here, the protection induced by exogenous application of a chimeric dsRNA targeting all the coding regions of the ToLCNDV DNA-A was evaluated in zucchini, an important crop strongly affected by this virus. A reduction in the number of infected plants and a delay in symptoms appearance, associated with a tendency of reduction in the viral titer, was observed in the plants treated with the chimeric dsRNA, indicating that the treatment is effective against geminiviruses but requires further optimization. Limits of RNAi-based vaccinations against geminiviruses and possible causes are discussed.
Evaluation of Vaccine Immunogenicity—Correlates to Real-World Protection: Influenza
Authors: Laszlofy Csaba , Fazekas Gyorgy , Barath Zoltan , Vajo Zoltan
Published: March 2024

Recent events highlighted that, despite decades of studying vaccine immunogenicity and efforts toward finding correlates of protection, evaluating real-world vaccine efficacy as well as establishing meaningful licensing criteria still represents a significant challenge. In this paper, we review all aspects of influenza vaccine immunogenicity, including animal and human challenge studies, humoral and cellular immunity parameters, and their potential correlation with real-life protection from disease.
Factors Involved in the Immunological Protection against Rabies Virus in Dogs in Spain
Authors: Manzano María Dolores , Cereza Javier , García Jesús , Yus Luis Javier , Badiola Juan José , Echevarria Juan Emilio , Monzón Marta
Published: March 2024

Rabies, a viral disease spread by infected animal bites that causes encephalitis in humans and other mammals, is a neglected infectious disease present on all continents except Antarctica. Spain has been free of terrestrial rabies since 1978. However, due to its geographical situation, it represents a bridge for imported cases from an endemic continent such as Africa to Europe. Rabies vaccination in dogs is an essential preventive tool against this zoonosis. The aim of this study was to determine the state of the immune response against rabies virus in dogs in Spain and to demonstrate whether several factors that have been previously related to the influence of the seroprevalence of this species are involved here. The seroconversion level of this zoonotic virus was assessed in a total of 1060 animals. Indirect ELISA was used to obtain data for statistical analysis to evaluate the studied variables. Working under the concept of One Health, this study provides relevant information to be taken into consideration not only to prevent re-emergence in countries free of this disease but also for prevention and control in endemic countries.
Effect of Stocking Density, Multispecies Probiotics, and Biofloc on Metabolic and Physiological Responses of Puntius sophore in Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Debi Sutapa , Salam Mohammad Abdus , Das Simon Kumar , Alam Md. Shahanoor , Rahman Mohammad Lutfar , Hossain Md. Shakhawate , Mazumder Sabuj Kanti
Published: March 2024

A 60-day experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different stocking densities, probiotic supplementation, and a biofloc system on the growth and physiological responses of Puntius sophore in laboratory conditions. P. sophore (8.64 ± 1.24 g) was obtained from the Brahmaputra River, Mymensingh, and immediately transferred to a flow-through water system. In experiment 1, fish were subjected to three treatments (20 fish per 400 L as LD, 25 fish per 400 L as MD, and 30 fish per 400 L as HD), and similarly, in experiment 2, three different types of diets were provided (control diet (D1), biofloc (D2), and a probiotic-containing diet (D3)). Three replications were used in the completely randomized experimental design. Growth parameters, viz. TLG, BWG, FCR, FCE, SGR, RGR, and DGR, were significantly influenced by stocking density and probiotics (p < 0.05). The highest growth rate was observed in LD and in D3. The lowest FCR was also observed in LD and in D3, while highest was in HD (30 fish per 400 L) and in D2. Though stocking density does not impact the blood profile, with the exception of WBC, in the case of feeding regime, WBC, RBC, MCV, MCH, and PLT levels differed significantly (p < 0.05); however, all haematological measures were within the normal range in both experiments, and the fish’s physiological conditions were better in LD and feeding with probiotic supplementation (D3). The results obtained from this study suggested that the welfare of P. sophore is adversely affected by high stocking density and increased growth and physiological conditions when cultured with LD and supplemented with probiotics.
Alkaline Chemical Neutralization to Treat Acid Mine Drainage with High Concentrations of Iron and Manganese
Authors: Zhao Pingping , Zhang Ruiming , Hu Mengdi
Published: March 2024

Due to its high acidity and toxic metal content, acid mine drainage (AMD) needs to be properly treated before being discharged into the environment. This study took the AMD collected from one specific mine in China as a sample and investigated the treatment methodology for AMD. The water quality of the AMD was measured, and the sample was treated with caustic soda (NaOH) and shell powder (one kind of conventional neutralizer, mainly composed of CaCO3) by the neutralization method. The results show that the AMD has a relatively low pH (2.16) and contains high concentrations of Fe (77.54 g/L), Mn (621.29 mg/L), Cu (6.54 mg/L), Ca (12.39 mg/L), and Mg (55.04 mg/L). NaOH was an effective neutralizer to treat the AMD and performed much better than shell powder. Various metals were precipitated, in the order of Fe(III), Cu, Fe(II), Mn, Ca, and Mg. The metal removal mechanisms included precipitation, adsorption, and co-precipitation. The optimal reaction conditions were the reaction duration was selected as 5 min and the mass ratio of NaOH to AMD was 0.16:1 (w:v). By this stage, the pH rapidly increased from 2.16 to 8.53 during AMD-NaOH interactions and various metals were efficiently removed (from 86.71% to 99.99%) by NaOH. The residual mass concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Ca, and Mg after the treatment were 1.52, 1.77, 0.10, 1.65, and 2.17 mg/L, respectively. These data revealed that NaOH was a good treatment regent for this kind of AMD, based on the discharge criteria of China (GB28661 2012). Also, the shell powder was a helpful neutralizer for pH adjustment and copper removal. This neutralization method has the advantages of convenient operation, high speed, good effect, simple equipment, and low infrastructure cost. In addition, the resulting neutralized residue is a valuable and high-quality raw material, which can be used in metal smelting and separation.
Flood Modeling in a Composite System Consisting of River Channels, Flood Storage Areas, Floodplain Areas, Polder Areas, and Flood-Control-Protected Areas
Authors: Hu Yong , Qin Tianling , Dong Guoqiang , Chen Xiaofeng , Ruan Hongwei , Zhang Qibing , Wang Lei , Wang Minjie
Published: March 2024

The Linhuaigang flood control project (LFCP), situated on the Huaihe River, China, uses the river channels upstream of the LFCP, together with the hinterland areas outside the channels, to retain and store fluvial floodwaters that exceed the downstream channel’s discharge capacity. The hinterland areas are split into seven flood storage areas, three floodplain areas, eight polder areas, and three flood-control-protected areas, and they are connected to the river in various ways. A coupled hydrodynamic model was established to simulate the hydrodynamic and water volume exchange between the river channels and the hinterland areas. The flood storage area, under the control of a flood diversion sluice, was simulated with a 2D hydrodynamic model, and the inflow process initiated by the flood diversion sluice was simulated as a control structure. The polder area was generalized as a reservoir that would be filled in several hours once put into use because of its small size. The uncontrolled inflow process between the flood-control-protected areas and the channel was simulated by means of a dam break model, which could simulate levee breaching. The flooding within the flood-control-protected area, which represents a vast space, was simulated with a 2D hydrodynamic model. The floodplain area was laterally connected to the river channel along the river levee. The difference between the simulated and the measured flood peak water stage did not exceed 0.2 m in 2003 and 2007, indicating that the accuracy of the model was relatively high. In the scenario of a design flood with a return period of 100 years, the flood storage areas and the LFCP were used in the following order: Mengwa, Qiujiahu, Nanrunduan, Shouxihu, Jiangtanghu, Chengxihu, Chengdonghu, and the LFCP. When the Huaihe River encounters a flood with a return period of 1000 years that exceeds the design standard, the highest water stage upstream of the LFCP and Zhengyangguan shall not exceed 29.30 m and 27.96 m after the use of all the flood storage areas, floodplain areas, and flood-control-protected areas. The results of this research can provide technical support for the flood risk management of the LFCP.
Spatiotemporal Absorption Features of Yellow Willow Water Usage on the Southern Edge of the Semi-Arid Hunshandak Sandland in China
Authors: Ji Mingyu , Jia Debin , Miao Qingfeng , Hao Yusheng , Chen Shuling , Liu Ting , Yang Lina , Li Xiaoyan , Feng Weiying
Published: March 2024

The improvement of water usage efficiency and productivity, as well as the development of effective water management plans, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of how water utilization patterns in different soil layers within arid and semi-arid climates impact the capacity of plant roots to absorb water. However, there is currently no knowledge regarding the water use strategies employed by artificial yellow willow. So, we conducted a study on the hydrogen and oxygen isotopic composition of rainfall in yellow willow (Salix gordejevii) from the semi-arid region located at the southern edge of the Hunshandak Sandland in China. This study utilized measured data on xylem water, groundwater, soil moisture, and rainfall. By employing a combination of the direct comparison method and the MixSIAR model, we investigated the water uptake strategies employed by yellow willow throughout its growing season. The findings revealed that the mean δ D was highest in precipitation and lowest in groundwater, whereas the mean δ18O was highest in stem water and lowest in groundwater. The δ D and δ18O fluctuated significantly in precipitation but were steady in groundwater. Because precipitation was significantly less than evaporation, the slope and intercept were lower for the local than global atmospheric precipitation line. Water availability steadily declined with increasing depth. Lower δ18O values were caused by precipitation diluting the soil water. The MixSIAR results indicated that the primary source in May, September, and October was utilized at 19%, 18%, and 18%, respectively. In contrast, the utilization rate of each source varied considerably in June, July, and August (the primary source was utilized at 19%, 18%, and 18%, respectively). Comparatively high rates of water absorption and utilization were observed in June (19% of the total water source), July (18%), and August (23%). Therefore, the vertical distribution of the root system and variations in the soil water content regulate water usage for the yellow willow. To prevent excessive water usage and promote ecosystem restoration with artificial yellow willow plantations in water-limited desert settings, policy makers should consider the patterns of plant water use and soil water availability. By selecting drought-adapted plant species and optimizing irrigation management, it is possible to reduce water wastage and ensure that water is used efficiently for revegetation and ecosystem restoration, avoiding overuse of water and maintaining the sustainability of revegetation in water-stressed desert areas.
Parameter Sensitivity Analysis of a Korean Debris Flow-Induced Rainfall Threshold Estimation Algorithm
Authors: Choo Kyung-Su , Choi Jung-Ryel , Lee Byung-Hyun , Kim Byung-Sik
Published: March 2024

With the increase in both rainfall and intensity due to climate change, the risk of debris flows is also increasing. In Korea, the increasing damage caused by debris flows has become a social issue, and research on debris-flow response is becoming increasingly important. Understanding the rainfall that induces debris flows is crucial for debris-flow response, and methods such as the I-D method have been used to evaluate and predict the risk of debris flows. However, previous studies on debris flow-induced rainfall analysis have been limited by the subjective decision of the researcher to select the impact meteorological stations, which greatly affects reliability. In this paper, in order to establish an objective standard, various maximum allowable distances between debris-flow disaster areas and meteorological stations were adjusted to 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 km using the CTRL-T automatic calculation algorithm, and the optimal maximum allowable distance suitable for Korean terrain was derived through parameter sensitivity analysis. Based on this, we developed a nomogram for sediment disaster risk prediction and warning in Gangwon-do, and applied it to past disaster cases, and found that, although the prediction time for each stage varies depending on the maximum allowable distance, on average, it is possible to predict the risk of sediment flows 4 to 5 h in advance. It is believed that the results of this study can be used to reduce sediment flow damage in advance.
Organic Micropollutants in the Agricultural Chain of Production of Strawberries by Irrigation with Treated Wastewater and Assessment of Human Health Implications
Authors: Bruzzoniti Maria Concetta , Del Bubba Massimo , Giordani Edgardo , Fibbi Donatella , Beldean-Galea Mihail Simion , Piesik Dariusz , Rivoira Luca
Published: March 2024

Treated water reuse is vital for sustainable water management and reducing the strain on freshwater resources, particularly in agriculture, which has a great impact on freshwater withdrawal. Despite the benefits, the reuse of treated wastewater carries risks due to residual chemical and microbiological contaminants, such as the organic micropollutants polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are not fully removed by current treatment processes and can affect plant growth and human health when used for irrigation. This study focuses on monitoring the PAHs and PCBs in wastewater used for irrigating strawberries, assessing their transfer to crops and potential health risks. The effluents of four wastewater treatment plants were monitored for two years (2017 and 2018) and used to irrigate strawberries grown in plot installations. Effective and robust analytical methodologies (60–99% recoveries, optimal reproducibility) were developed for wastewater and strawberry analysis. The analysis of the treated wastewaters showed the presence of residual PAH and PCB concentrations at hundreds of ng/L. The strawberry crops were further analyzed to measure the PAHs and PCBs. Since two PAHs were present in strawberries, a risk assessment was performed (EPA methodology), finding that the residual contamination of treated waters does not pose a significant health risk, for both adults and children, through the consumption of fruits.
Risk management of hotel industry enterprises
Authors:   Patrice Lumumba Russian People’s Friendship University, Moscow, RF, Bdoyan G. T.
Published: March 2024

An important aspect in the activities of a hotel and any enterprise is risk management. Each enterprise must have a risk management body with certain functional responsibilities and the necessary material, financial, labor and information resources. The article talks about risk management methods and methods for assessing competitiveness.
Validity and reliability of persian version of morbid curiosity scale in students
Authors: Ghaemi Ali , Vaghef Ladan , Shalchi Behzad
Published: March 2024

Background. The success of horror films, the attention to violent crimes and the prevalence of violence in the news show that morbid curiosity is a common psychological trait. However, research on morbid curiosity is largely absent in the psychological research literature. one of the reasons being the lack of a suitable Scale for Iranian society. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the Morbid Curiosity Scale. Methods. The research design was descriptive factor analysis and the statistical population of the study was all students of Zanjan University in the academic year 1400-1401, from which 500 people were selected by cluster sampling. For the study, Morbid Curiosity Scale was used. Results. The results showed that Cronbach's alpha for the subscales of the Minds of Dangerous People is 0.79, Body Violation is 0.81, Supernatural Danger is 0.79, and Interpersonal Violence is 0.80 and the total scale is 0.85. The results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis also confirmed the significant relationship between explicit variables and latent structures and showed that the four-factor structure has a good fit in the samples. Conclusion. The morbid curiosity scale among students has good reliability and validity and the use of this scale in future research is reliable. Practical Implications. The findings of this research can be used in psychotherapy, psychological research, media psychology, and advertising psychology.
Anti-inflammatory effect of swimming exercise and genistein in combination in the pancreas of ovariectomized diabetic rats
Authors: Khalilzadeh Balal , Zayer Mohammad , Yousefi Hadi
Published: March 2024

Background. Menopause is associated with an increase in blood sugar and an increase in inflammatory cytokines. Exercise and genistein have biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activity. This study examined the combined effects of regular swimming exercise and genistein as a preventive strategy against inflammation and pancreatic cell damage in ovariectomized diabetic rats. Methods. A total of 42 female Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Sham, ovariectomy (OVX), diabetic ovariectomy (OVX.D), diabetic ovariectomy + exercise (OVX.D.E), diabetic ovariectomy + genistein (OVX.D.G), and diabetic ovariectomy + exercise + genistein (OVX.D.E.G). Animals underwent swimming training or received genistein or a combination of both for eight weeks. At the end of this period, the levels of TNF-α, Nf-κB, IL-1β, and SIRT1 proteins were evaluated using western blot in pancreatic tissue. Results. Ovariectomy increased the expression of TNF-α, Nf-κB, and IL-1β and decreased the expression of SIRT1, and these effects were more significant in ovariectomized diabetic rats. Treatment with genistein and swimming exercise individually reversed these changes in the level of proteins and improved the inflammation, but the combined effect of these two interventions exhibited more effect. Conclusion. The combination of genistein and regular swimming exercise provides enhanced protection for pancreatic tissue and effectively prevents damage to it. Therefore, performing appropriate physical activities and consuming compounds containing phytoestrogens can prevent the occurrence of disorders such as diabetes during menopause. Practical Implications. The results of this study can guide health policymakers to prevent disorders and complications caused by menopause.
The effectiveness of mindfulness on rumination and cognitive regulation of emotion in students with depressive symptoms
Authors: Ahmadi Ezatolah , Rostami Hossein , Javani Zahra
Published: March 2024

Background. Having problems in regulating the emotions is considered as the main core of depression disorder and rumination is one of the cognitive components in individuals with depression disorder. The objective of this study was to consider the effect of mindfulness training on rumination and cognitive regulation of emotion in students with depressive symptoms. Methods. This study was a semi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all 350 students of the Faculty of Nursing of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2023-2022, among whom the Beck Depression Questionnaire was administered. Among them, 30 students with symptoms of depression (15 as experimental and 15 as control) were selected by purposive sampling method. The emotion regulation scale and rumination questionnaire were used to collect data. Results. The findings showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of rumination and cognitive regulation of emotion (P<0.001). The mean of rumination in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared to the pre-test and the control group, and the mean of the cognitive regulation of emotion was significantly increased. Conclusion. The results of the research showed that mindfulness training has an effect on rumination and cognitive regulation of emotion in students with depressive symptoms. Practical Implications. The results of the present study can be used to prevent and treat people with symptoms of depression, especially students.
The Ccomparison of the content of prenatal care during the CovidCOVID-19 pandemic with the same time last yearone year before the pandemic in Qazvin, Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jourabchi Zinat , Hosseinkhani Zahra , Alimoradi Zainab , Chavoshi Yeganeh
Published: March 2024

Background. Since prenatal care may have been affected during the covidCOVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to compare the content of prenatal care during the COVIDcovid-19 pandemic with the same time lastone year before the pandemic year in Qazvin , Irancity. Methods. This cross-sectional-analytical study was conductedincluded in 2018 and 2019 for 722 pregnant mothers (361 before and 361 during the COVIDcovid-19 pandemic) referring to Qazvin health centers in 2018 and 2019. The checklist "Evaluation of Care during Pregnancy" checklist was used to collect information. The information was extracted from the Integrated Health System (known as SIB)Sib system, reporting offices of health centers. SPSS version 25 software was used to analyze the data. Results. The results showed a decrease in the number of prenatal care in all care times during the COVIDcovid-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (P<0.001). The rate of preterm pregnancies increased during the pandemic period (P<0.001). Performing the first round of screening, the first and second rounds of ultrasound and the second round of laboratory tests, respectively decreased by 23.8%percent, 11.1%percent, 13.3% percent (P<0.001), and 7% percent (P=0.004) in the pandemic period (P<0.001). The follow-up rate of referrals also decreased during the pandemic period (P<0.001). Conclusion. The results showed a decrease in the number and content of prenatal care during the COVIDcovid-19 pandemic. Practical Implications. The number and content of prenatal care during the COVIDCovid-19 crisis decreased in this study.Therefore, effective measures should be planned for this reduction and its effects. There is also a need to provide necessary training and preparations to the providers of prenatal care in critical times.
Voluntourism in the Context of Community-Based Tourism, and Regenerative Tourism: A Theoretical Exploration Focusing on Responsibility
Authors: Röntynen Rositsa , Tunkkari-Eskelinen Minna
Published: March 2024

The paper examines the theoretical interconnection between the concepts of voluntourism, community-based tourism, and regenerative tourism. Voluntourism, widely criticized for its implementations unethical towards local environment and community, is re-evaluated in the light of community-based and regenerative tourism principles including unequal power dynamics and questionable long-term benefits to host communities. This paper claims that re-imagining voluntourism within the framework of regenerative tourism offers a new perspective. Regenerative tourism, characterized by its commitment to restoring, revitalizing, and enhancing the wellbeing of both natural environments and local communities, can serve as a guiding principle for voluntourism programs. Community-based tourism is integral to this theoretical exploration, as it emphasizes local participation, cultural and natural preservation, and economic empowerment. When voluntourism aligns with community-based tourism principles, it shifts its focus from short-term, self-serving actions to responsible community-driven initiatives. By channelling the motivation and resources of volunteers towards community-led regenerative initiatives, voluntourism can contribute to positive, lasting impacts. Ethical reflection is done within the actors only. This paper is theoretical; however, its purpose is in the pragmatism of tourism concept development. It concludes to enhance the understanding of voluntourism's potential to transition from a problematic form of tourism to an ethical and responsible force for change. By reconciling voluntourism with the principles of regenerative tourism and community-based tourism, this paper aims to provide a theoretical foundation for the development of more responsible and sustainable tourism practices. In doing so, it strives to contribute to the theoretical knowledge surrounding alternative and socially sustainable tourism concepts.
Application of the Forward Chaining Method in Diagnosing Tomato Fever
Authors: Edi Susanto  , Gustientiedina Gustientiedina , Siddik Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Health is a factor that always needs to be taken care of by each personal. Some things you can do to stay healthy are eating nutritious foods, exercising, taking care of the environment, etc. However, a person can experience health problems due to communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases. A communicable disease is a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another, directly or indirectly. One of the infectious diseases discussed some time ago in India was tomato flu. Tomato flu is an illness that results from a red rash and blisters that look like tomatoes caused by the flu. This disease is contagious in children under five years old. Tomato flu has some symptoms that are common with other infectious diseases, so people can be infected with other infectious diseases. The role of experts is necessary, but the number of experts cannot be compared with the number of victims. Therefore, an expert system is needed to diagnose these infectious diseases by the method of Forward Chaining. This method was chosen because it can diagnose infectious diseases based on a set of established data. Expert system testing is done using Black Box Testing, where each tested item generates a succesfull state.
Design of Dodol Mixer on Based on Microcontroller Arduino Nano
Authors: Saputra Chindra , Sutoyo Mochammad Arief Hermawan , Bustami M. Irwan , Kibianty Desi , Kustiansyah Anggy
Published: March 2024

In the process of cooking dodol dough requires the power of several people to continuously stir until the dough releases air bubbles. the process of making dodol generally takes time depending on how much dough you want to cook. If you want to cook 10 kg of dodol dough, then the time needed to cook it is approximately 8-10 hours with normal or medium heat. Currently, the household-scale dodol industry still uses the manual method for the dodol mixing process, which will require energy. more than one person to stir for a long time so that it will take time for one repetitive job and the production costs will be higher. With this tool, it is hoped that the household-scale dodol industry will become more efficient, because there is no need to manually stir and can do another work while the dodol dough is being stirred.