bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mosaic Method for Side-Scan Sonar Strip Images Based on Curvelet Transform and Resolution Constraints
Authors: Zhang Ning , Jin Shaohua , Bian Gang , Cui Yang , Chi Liang
Published: September 2021

Due to the complex marine environment, side-scan sonar signals are unstable, resulting in random non-rigid distortion in side-scan sonar strip images. To reduce the influence of resolution difference of common areas on strip image mosaicking, we proposed a mosaic method for side-scan sonar strip images based on curvelet transform and resolution constraints. First, image registration was carried out to eliminate dislocation and distortion of the strip images. Then, the resolution vector of the common area in two strip images were calculated, and a resolution model was created. Curvelet transform was then performed for the images, the resolution fusion rules were used for Coarse layer coefficients, and the maximum coefficient integration was applied to the Detail layer and Fine layer to calculate the fusion coefficients. Last, inverse Curvelet transform was carried out on the fusion coefficients to obtain images in the fusion area. The fusion images in multiple areas were then combined in the registered images to obtain the final image. The experiment results showed that the proposed method had better mosaicking performance than some conventional fusion algorithms.
Synthetic Image Generation Using the Finite Element Method and Blender Graphics Program for Modeling of Vision-Based Measurement Systems
Authors: Zdziebko Paweł , Holak Krzysztof
Published: September 2021

Computer vision is a frequently used approach in static and dynamic measurements of various mechanical structures. Sometimes, however, conducting a large number of experiments is time-consuming and may require significant financial and human resources. On the contrary, the authors propose a simulation approach for performing experiments to synthetically generate vision data. Synthetic images of mechanical structures subjected to loads are generated in the following way. The finite element method is adopted to compute deformations of the studied structure, and next, the Blender graphics program is used to render images presenting that structure. As a result of the proposed approach, it is possible to obtain synthetic images that reliably reflect static and dynamic experiments. This paper presents the results of the application of the proposed approach in the analysis of a complex-shaped structure for which experimental validation was carried out. In addition, the second example of the process of 3D reconstruction of the examined structure (in a multicamera system) is provided. The results for the structure with damage (cantilever beam) are also presented. The obtained results allow concluding that the proposed approach reliably imitates the images captured during real experiments. In addition, the method can become a tool supporting the vision system configuration process before conducting final experimental research.
IoT–Blockchain: Harnessing the Power of Internet of Thing and Blockchain for Smart Supply Chain
Authors: Azizi Neda , Malekzadeh Heliyeh , Akhavan Peyman , Haass Omid , Saremi Shahrzad , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: September 2021

This study aims to build smart supply chains for the first time using the internet of things (IoT) and blockchain. Classification and clarification of causal relationships can provide a useful framework for researchers and professionals who seek to implement an intelligent supply chain using IoT tools in a blockchain platform, and it also demonstrates the intensity of communications indicating such relationships. The research methodology is mixed method, comprised of qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method includes the Delphi method used for selecting indigenous components and features proper for the pattern. The quantitative method is the Dematel method used for assessing the relationships between the available concepts in the pattern and accessing the network structure between components. Interpretative Structural Modeling is also employed to classify the network structure obtained from the Dematel technique. The findings of the study identify indicators of IoT and blockchain as causes based on Dematel, application of tools, components interconnectedness, optimal decision making, automatedness, integration, innovation and learning, which are indicators of smart supply chain, are the effects in this study.
IndoorCare: Low-Cost Elderly Activity Monitoring System through Image Processing
Authors: Fuentes Daniel , Correia Luís , Costa Nuno , Reis Arsénio , Ribeiro José , Rabadão Carlos , Barroso João , Pereira António
Published: September 2021

The Portuguese population is aging at an increasing rate, which introduces new problems, particularly in rural areas, where the population is small and widely spread throughout the territory. These people, mostly elderly, have low income and are often isolated and socially excluded. This work researches and proposes an affordable Ambient Assisted Living (AAL)-based solution to monitor the activities of elderly individuals, inside their homes, in a pervasive and non-intrusive way, while preserving their privacy. The solution uses a set of low-cost IoT sensor devices, computer vision algorithms and reasoning rules, to acquire data and recognize the activities performed by a subject inside a home. A conceptual architecture and a functional prototype were developed, the prototype being successfully tested in an environment similar to a real case scenario. The system and the underlying concept can be used as a building block for remote and distributed elderly care services, in which the elderly live autonomously in their homes, but have the attention of a caregiver when needed.
Island Tourism-Based Sustainable Development at a Crossroads: Facing the Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Figueroa B. Eugenio , Rotarou Elena S.
Published: September 2021

Tourism is often seen as the ‘golden ticket’ for the development of many islands. The current COVID-19 pandemic, however, has ground global tourism to a halt. In particular, islands that depend heavily on tourist inflows—including mass-tourism islands, and small island developing states (SIDS)—have seen their revenues diminish significantly, and poverty rates increasing. Some alternative-tourism islands have fared better, as they have focused on providing personalized, nature-based experiences to mostly domestic tourists. This article focuses on the experiences of mass-tourism islands, SIDS, and alternative-tourism islands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers possible post-pandemic scenarios, as well as recommendations for sustainable island tourism development. Although the pandemic has largely had a negative impact on the tourism sector, this is a unique opportunity for many islands to review the paradigm of tourism development. In this newly emerging world, and under a still very uncertain future scenario, the quadriptych of sustainability is more important than ever. Responsible governance and management of islands’ natural resources and their tourism activities, addressing climate change impacts, the diversification of islands’ economies, and the promotion of innovative and personalized tourist experiences are all necessary steps towards increasing islands’ resilience in case of future economic downturn or health- and environment-related crises.
Towards Sustainable Community-Based Systems for Infectious Disease and Disaster Response; Lessons from Local Initiatives in Four African Countries
Authors: Maat Harro , Balabanova Dina , Mokuwa Esther , Richards Paul , Mohan Vik , Ssengooba Freddie , Twinomuhangi Revocatus , Woldie Mirkuzie , Mayhew Susannah
Published: September 2021

This paper explores the role of decentralised community-based care systems in achieving sustainable healthcare in resource-poor areas. Based on case studies from Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Uganda and Ethiopia, the paper argues that a community-based system of healthcare is more effective in the prevention, early diagnosis, and primary care in response to the zoonotic and infectious diseases associated with extreme weather events as well as their direct health impacts. Community-based systems of care have a more holistic view of the determinants of health and can integrate responses to health challenges, social wellbeing, ecological and economic viability. The case studies profiled in this paper reveal the importance of expanding notions of health to encompass the whole environment (physical and social, across time and space) in which people live, including the explicit recognition of ecological interests and their interconnections with health. While much work still needs to be done in defining and measuring successful community responses to health and other crises, we identify two potentially core criteria: the inclusion and integration of local knowledge in response planning and actions, and the involvement of researchers and practitioners, e.g., community-embedded health workers and NGO staff, as trusted key interlocuters in brokering knowledge and devising sustainable community systems of care.
Learning from Each Other—A Bibliometric Review of Research on Information Disorders
Authors: Bran Ramona , Tiru Laurentiu , Grosseck Gabriela , Holotescu Carmen , Malita Laura
Published: September 2021

Interest in research connected to information disorders has grown considerably in recent years. The phrase “information disorders” refers to three different notions: dis-, mis-, and malinformation. It is difficult to pin down this new and dynamic phenomenon of informational disruption and to assess its impact on society. Therefore, we conducted a bibliometric analysis on the complexity of information disorders using the Web of Science Core Collection database from 1975 to June 2021. We analyzed 8964 papers with the goal to have an overall picture of the topic, clarify the knowledge framework of research in this field, examine the development dynamics, identify future research directions and increase the understanding of the research on information disorders. The following are our main findings: the number of publications, authors, and journals has increased; research on information disorders has earned considerable attention in multiple academic fields; there are more and more works written in collaboration by scholars from different parts and cultures of the world. This paper makes important contributions to the literature, not only by providing researchers and practitioners with a coherent and perceptible intellectual basis to find answers, but also by bringing valuable insights for further investigation and future research directions.
Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Biochar from Willow Grown on Marginal Lands in Finland
Authors: Leppäkoski Lauri , Marttila Miika P. , Uusitalo Ville , Levänen Jarkko , Halonen Vilma , Mikkilä Mirja H.
Published: September 2021

Willow biochar can help to sequestrate carbon. However, biomasses should not be grown on arable lands, as it would increase competition with food production and lead to sustainability issues such as increased food prices and decreased food security. The purpose of this study is to calculate the carbon footprint (CF) of willow biochar in Finland and assess the greenhouse gas compensation potential of marginal lands if they are utilized for willow biochar production. The CF of willow biochar is inadequately assessed together with marginal lands in the literature. A cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of willow biochar was conducted. The results were then applied to assess the total CF of marginal lands. It was found that the CF of willow biochar is −1875 kgCO2eq t−1 of dry biochar. Grown on marginal lands in Finland, willow biochar could compensate 7.7% of yearly agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. On buffer zones, willow biochar could also compensate some of the emissions depending on the zone size. The results of the study support current findings of biochar as a carbon negative product. The study also indicates that willow biochar produced in marginal lands can be used to compensate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to some extent.
Exploring Options for Flood Risk Management with Special Focus on Retention Reservoirs
Authors: Bezak Nejc , Kovačević Martina , Johnen Gregor , Lebar Klaudija , Zupanc Vesna , Vidmar Andrej , Rusjan Simon
Published: September 2021

Floods are among the most frequent and deadliest natural disasters, and the magnitude and frequency of floods is expected to increase. Therefore, the effects of different flood risk management options need to be evaluated. In this study, afforestation, permeable concrete implementation, and the use of dry and wet retention reservoirs were tested as possible options for urban flood risk reduction in a case study involving the Glinščica river catchment (Slovenia). Additionally, the effect of dry and wet reservoirs was investigated at a larger (catchment) scale. Results showed that in the case of afforestation and permeable concrete, large areas are required to achieve notable peak discharge reduction (from a catchment scale point of view). The costs related to the implementation of such measures could be relatively high, and may become even higher than the potential benefits related to the multifunctionality and multi-purpose opportunities of such measures. On the other hand, dry and wet retention reservoirs could provide more significant peak discharge reductions; if appropriate locations are available, such reservoirs could be implemented at acceptable costs for decision makers. However, the results of this study show that reservoir effects quickly reduce with scale. This means that while these measures can have significant local effects, they may have only a minor impact at larger scales. We found that this was also the case for the afforestation and permeable concrete.
Evaluation System Transformation of Multi-Scale Cultivated Land Quality and Analysis of Its Spatio-Temporal Variability
Authors: Li Yinshuai , Chang Chunyan , Zhao Yongchang , Wang Zhuoran , Li Tao , Li Jianwei , Dou Jiacong , Fan Ruibin , Wang Qiyao , Yang Jingwen , Zhang Shuwei , Zhao Gengxing
Published: September 2021

To master the transformation method and spatio-temporal variation characteristics of cultivated land quality at multiple scales, this paper constructed three spatial scales (Laixi city, Qingdao city, and Shandong province) and two temporal scales (the second survey (2007) and the third survey (2020)), and used a linear model to transform the evaluation system. Descriptive statistics, area statistics, spatial distribution, and aggregation analysis were used to explore the spatial scale variability, and the dynamic variation characteristics were analyzed. The results showed that (1) the R2 of scale transformation models are more than 0.826, which has a simple structure and strong universality; (2) with the administrative scale increases, the evaluation units’ number decreases, the spatial distribution is generally similar but progressively approximate, the high and low land levels gradually change to medium-level land, and the spatial aggregation degree is county-scale > provincial-scale > city-scale, with significant scale effect; and (3) in the past ten years, the average grade has increased from 6.26 to 6.13 in Laixi city, but still has much room for development. This study puts forward a method of spatio-temporal scale transformation and scale effect analysis for cultivated land quality, which has positive significance for improving the evaluation system, promoting land protection, and regional sustainable development.
Determinants of Physical Activity Practices in Metropolitan Context: The Case of Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal
Authors: Louro Ana , Franco Pedro , Marques da Costa Eduarda
Published: September 2021

Physical activity is an important health determinant for people’s quality of life and well-being. This study intends to (1) identify how the practice of physical activity fits into families’ daily lives; and (2) verify to what extent the practice of physical activity is influenced by the urban model, family composition, and family perceptions. A survey was applied to 410 families (corresponding to 1006 individuals) in Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA), Portugal, focusing on different physical activities—gym, swimming, walking/trekking/hiking, and cycling. Results are based on descriptive and bivariate data analysis and show the existence of asymmetries in the practice of physical activity in LMA. The urban context impacts the choice and frequency of physical activity practices. The typology of family and age proved to be more differentiating factors than income, being reinforced by daily lives (e.g., daily movements, transport modes, etc.). Positive self-perceptions of quality of life and health levels are also conducive to more active practices, contrary to negative perceptions of the neighborhood that are related to practices in peripheral destinations. Conclusions highlight the need for differentiated measures of physical activity promotion according to the territories and communities’ characteristics in a multilevel approach.
Mapping the Knowledge of CSR and Sustainability
Authors: Sánchez-Teba Eva M. , Benítez-Márquez María Dolores , Bermúdez-González Guillermo , Luna-Pereira María del Mar
Published: September 2021

This paper focuses on two concepts frequently used and studied by researchers: corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. In recent decades, many authors have questioned the relevance and connection between the two topics. A bibliometric analysis will be carried out with SciMAT over the period 2003–2021, to understand the evolution and relationship of the aforementioned terms, but also to show the relevance of the link between the different clusters, and to observe the breakdown of the driving themes over the period 2003–2021. The final purpose is to draw conclusions and indicate possible trends that will drive the path of CSR and sustainability, thus increasing scientific knowledge. The results show that the number of articles related to CSR and sustainability is steadily increasing and that the main driving themes have been CSR, sustainability and environment. Furthermore, a link between CSR, sustainability and business has been found in the analysis of the different thematic networks. The future direction of the research could be marked by a further development of the new driving themes, among which stakeholder focus and branding image stand out.
Enabling Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to Become Leaders in Energy Efficiency Using a Continuous Maturity Matrix
Authors: Fatima Zarrin , Oksman Virpi , Lahdelma Risto
Published: September 2021

SMEs play a crucial role in economies by providing large scale employment and contributing to much of the GDP. Despite their vital role, SMEs face a plethora of challenges, and often, the aspect of energy efficiency is overlooked. This paper conducted studies across Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France, and Germany and devised an easy and ready-to-adopt approach to improve energy efficiency in SMEs. The new approach is based on a maturity matrix that supports continuous learning and development and provides expert recommendations on energy efficiency for SMEs around the world. The expert recommendations are based on a final score and aim to address the various challenges that SMEs face, such as limited access to knowledge and lack of awareness of energy efficiency. The approach may be easily adopted by any SME around the world.
Traffic Injury Risk Based on Mobility Patterns by Gender, Age, Mode of Transport and Type of Road
Authors: González-Sánchez Guadalupe , Olmo-Sánchez María Isabel , Maeso-González Elvira , Gutiérrez-Bedmar Mario , García-Rodríguez Antonio
Published: September 2021

The role of gender and age in the risk of Road Traffic Injury (RTI) has not been fully explored and there are still significant gaps with regard to how environmental factors, such as road type, affect this relationship, including mobility as a measure of exposure. The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of the environmental factor road type taking into account different mobility patterns. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was carried out combining two large databases on mobility and traffic accidents in Andalusia (Spain). The risk of RTI and their severity were estimated by gender and age, transport mode and road type, including travel time as a measure of exposure. Significant differences were found according to road type. The analysis of the rate ratio (Ratemen/Ratewomen), regardless of age, shows that men always have a higher risk of serious and fatal injuries in all modes of transport and road types. Analysis of victim rates by gender and age groups allows us to identify the most vulnerable groups. The results highlight the need to include not only gender and age but also road type as a significant environmental factor in RTI risk analysis for the development of effective mobility and road safety strategies.
Experimental Research on the Flexural Performance of RC Rectangular Beams Strengthened by Reverse-Arch Method
Authors: Yu Tao , Sun Quansheng , Li Chunwei , Liu Yancheng
Published: September 2021

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement technology has been widely used in the reinforcement of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. At this stage, high prestressed CFRP board reinforcement is often used in actual reinforcement. However, most reinforced bridges are designed for a long time, and the design value of the protective layer is low, and it is impossible to achieve a large prestressed tension. Therefore, this paper proposes the reverse-arch method to paste the CFRP board and apply low prestress to strengthen the symmetrical RC beam. Through the three-point forward loading test, the cracking load, ultimate load, crack width, mid-span deflection, strain and failure mode of a reverse-arch method-pasted CFRP board-reinforced beam, a directly pasted CFRP board-reinforced beam and an unreinforced beam are compared. The results show that the load-bearing capacity and stiffness of the test beam can be improved by pasting CFRP plates with anti-arch method, but the ductility of the test beam is reduced. Compared with the unreinforced beam, the maximum cracking load and ultimate load are increased by 56% and 63% respectively. The reverse-arch method can produce low prestress, improve the stiffness and bearing capacity of members, and has a good prospect of engineering application.
Subacute Exposure to an Environmentally Relevant Dose of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate during Gestation Alters the Cecal Microbiome, but Not Pregnancy Outcomes in Mice
Authors: Chiu Karen , Bashir Shah , Gao Liying , Gutierrez Jessica , de Godoy Maria , Drnevich Jenny , Fields Christopher , Cann Isaac , Flaws Jodi , Nowak Romana
Published: September 2021

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer commonly found in polyvinyl chloride, medical equipment, and food packaging. DEHP has been shown to target the reproductive system and alter the gut microbiome in humans and experimental animals. However, very little is known about the impact of DEHP-induced microbiome changes and its effects during pregnancy. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DEHP exposure during pregnancy on the cecal microbiome and pregnancy outcomes. Specifically, this study tested the hypothesis that subacute exposure to DEHP during pregnancy alters the cecal microbiome in pregnant mice, leading to changes in birth outcomes. To test this hypothesis, pregnant dams were orally exposed to corn oil vehicle or 20 µg/kg/day DEHP for 10 days and euthanized 21 days after their last dose. Cecal contents were collected for 16S Illumina and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Fertility studies were also conducted to examine whether DEHP exposure impacted birth outcomes. Subacute exposure to environmentally relevant doses of DEHP in pregnant dams significantly increased alpha diversity and significantly altered beta diversity. Furthermore, DEHP exposure during pregnancy significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacteres compared with controls. The affected taxonomic families included Deferribacteraceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Mucisprillum. In addition to changes in the gut microbiota, DEHP exposure significantly altered 14 functional pathways compared with the control. Finally, DEHP exposure did not significantly impact the fertility and birth outcomes compared with the control. Collectively, these data indicate that DEHP exposure during pregnancy shifts the cecal microbiome, but the shifts do not impact fertility and birth outcomes.
Air Phthalate Emitted from Flooring Building Material by the Micro-Chamber Method: Two-Stage Emission Evaluation and Comparison
Authors: Lin Wu-Ting , Chen Chung-Yu , Lee Ching-Chang , Chen Cheng-Chen , Lo Shih-Chi
Published: September 2021

The phthalate and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are modern chemical substances and extensively existing in the indoor environment. The European Commission stipulated the “European Unified Test Criteria”, since 2011, for the declared specifications of building products (CEN/TS 16516), based on the “lowest concentrations of interest (LCI)”, the index pollutants, test method, and emission standard of “phthalate” and “SVOC” were specified in detail. The purpose of this study is to use six common indoor floor construction products in Taiwan (regenerated pseudoplastic rubber flooring, healthy pseudoplastic imitation wood floor, regenerated pseudoplastic rubber flooring, PVC floor tile/floor, plastic click floor, composite floor covered with carpet) to detect the changes in the concentration of phthalate emitted to the air. The ISO 16000-25 Indoor air—Part 25: Determination of the emission of semi-volatile organic compounds by building products—micro-chamber method is used to build a DS-BMEMC (glass micro-chamber: volume 630 mL), the SVOC, including phthalate, is collected in two stages, in the stable conditions of temperature 25 °C, relative humidity 50% and air change rate 2 times/h, the Stage 1 emission detection experiment (24 h) is performed, and then the Stage 2 heating-up desorption emission detection experiment (40 min air sampling) is performed, the temperature rises to 200–220 °C, the phthalate and SVOC adsorbed on the glass micro-chamber is desorbed at a high temperature to catch the air substances, the air is caught by Tenax®—TA and Florisil® adsorption tube, and then the GC/MS and LC/MSMS analysis methods are used for qualitative and emission concentration analyses of SVOC of two-stage emission, respectively. The findings show that the floor construction materials emit nine phthalate SVOCs: DEHP, DINP, DNOP, DIDP, BBP, DBP, DIBP, DEP, and DMP, the two-stage emission concentrations are different, Stage 1 (normal temperature) emission concentration of six floor construction materials is 0.01–1.2% of Stage 2 (high temperature) emission concentration, meaning the phthalate SVOC of floor construction materials is unlikely to be volatilized or emitted at normal temperature. An interesting finding is that only S3 was detected DINP 72.6 (μg/m3) in stage 1. Others were detected DINP in stage 2. This might be because S3 has carpet on the surface. This implies that floor material with carpet may have an emission of DINP at normal temperature. The result of this study refers to the limited value evaluation of EU structural material standard emission TSVOC ≤ 0.1 ug/m3, the floor building material emissions are much higher than the evaluation criteria, increasing the health risk of users. The detection method and baseline can be used as the standard for controlling the emission of phthalate SVOC of Taiwan’s green building material labeling system in the future.
Dietary Risk Assessment and Consumer Awareness of Mycotoxins among Household Consumers of Cereals, Nuts and Legumes in North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Ezekiel Chibundu N. , Ayeni Kolawole I. , Akinyemi Muiz O. , Sulyok Michael , Oyedele Oluwawapelumi A. , Babalola Daniel A. , Ogara Isaac M. , Krska Rudolf
Published: September 2021

This study characterized the health risks due to the consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated foods and assessed the consumer awareness level of mycotoxins in households in two north-central Nigerian states during the harvest and storage seasons of 2018. Twenty-six mycotoxins and 121 other microbial and plant metabolites were quantified by LC-MS/MS in 250 samples of cereals, nuts and legumes. Aflatoxins were detected in all food types (cowpea, maize, peanut and sorghum) except in millet. Aflatoxin B1 was the most prevalent mycotoxin in peanut (64%) and rice (57%), while fumonisin B1 occurred most in maize (93%) and beauvericin in sorghum (71%). The total aflatoxin concentration was highest in peanut (max: 8422 µg/kg; mean: 1281 µg/kg) and rice (max: 955 µg/kg; mean: 94 µg/kg), whereas the totals of the B-type fumonisins and citrinin were highest in maize (max: 68,204 µg/kg; mean: 2988 µg/kg) and sorghum (max: 1335 µg/kg; mean: 186 µg/kg), respectively. Citrinin levels also reached 51,195 µg/kg (mean: 2343 µg/kg) in maize. Aflatoxin and citrinin concentrations in maize were significantly (p < 0.05) higher during storage than at harvest. The estimated chronic exposures to aflatoxins, citrinin and fumonisins were high, resulting in as much as 247 new liver cancer cases/year/100,000 population and risks of nephrotoxicity and esophageal cancer, respectively. Children who consumed the foods were the most vulnerable. Mycotoxin co-occurrence was evident, which could increase the health risk of the outcomes. Awareness of mycotoxin issues was generally low among the households.
Recent Advances in Developing Treatments of Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus-Related Diseases
Authors: Naimo Eleonora , Zischke Jasmin , Schulz Thomas F.
Published: September 2021

Kaposi-sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is the causative agent of several malignancies, including Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD). Active KSHV replication has also been associated with a pathological condition called KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS), and KSHV may play a role in rare cases of post-transplant polyclonal lymphoproliferative disorders. Several commonly used herpesviral DNA polymerase inhibitors are active against KSHV in tissue culture. Unfortunately, they are not always efficacious against KSHV-induced diseases. To improve the outcome for the patients, new therapeutics need to be developed, including treatment strategies that target either viral proteins or cellular pathways involved in tumor growth and/or supporting the viral life cycle. In this review, we summarize the most commonly established treatments against KSHV-related diseases and review recent developments and promising new compounds that are currently under investigation or on the way to clinical use.
Optimization-Based Proposed Solution for Water Shortage Problems: A Case Study in the Ismailia Canal, East Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Ramadan Elsayed M. , Abdelwahab Heba F. , Vranayova Zuzana , Zelenakova Martina , Negm Abdelazim M.
Published: September 2021

Water conflicts in transboundary watersheds are significantly exacerbated by insufficient freshwater sources and high water demands. Due to its increasing population and various development projects, as well as current and potential water shortages, Egypt is one of the most populated and impacted countries in Africa and the Middle East in terms of water scarcity. With good future planning, modeling will help to solve water scarcity problems in the Ismailia canal, which is one of the most significant branches of the Nile River. Many previous studies of the Nile river basin depended on quality modeling and hydro-economic models which had policy or system control constraints. To overcome this deficit position and number, the East Nile Delta area was investigated using LINDO (linear interactive, and discrete optimizer) software; a mathematical model with physical constraints (mass balances); and ArcGIS software for canals and water demands from the agriculture sector, which is expected to face a water shortage. Using the total capital (Ismailia canal, groundwater, and water reuse) and total demand for water from different industries, the software measures the shortage area and redistributes the water according to demand node preferences (irrigation, domestic, and industrial water demands). At the irrigation network’s end, a water deficit of 789.81 MCM/year was estimated at Al-Salhiya, Ismailia, El Qantara West, Fayed, and Port Said. The model was then run through three scenarios: (1) the Ismailia Canal Lining’s effect, (2) surface water’s impact, and (3) groundwater’s impact. Water scarcity was proportional to lining four sections at a length of 61.0 km, which is considered to be optimal—based on the simulation which predicts that the Ismailia canal head flow will rise by 15%, according to scenarios—and the most effective way to reduce water scarcity in the face of climate change and limited resources as a result of the increasing population and built-in industrial projects in Egypt.
Fuel Selections for Electrified Vehicles: A Well-to-Wheel Analysis
Authors: Feng Yanbiao , Yang Jue , Dong Zuomin
Published: September 2021

Electrified vehicles (xEV), especially the battery electric vehicle (BEV), are burgeoning and growing fast in China, aimed at building a sustainable, carbon-neutral future. This work presents an overview and quantitative comparison of the carbon-neutral vehicles fuel options based on the well-to-wheel (WTW) analysis. A more intuitionistic figure demonstrates the fuel options for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and describes the sustainability. Electricity and hydrogen shift the tailpipe emissions to the upstream process, forming larger WTW emissions from a fuel cycle view. The electricity WTW GHG emission reaches as much as twice that of gasoline. However, the high efficiency of the electric drive system improves the WTW emission performance from a vehicle view, making the lowest WTW emission of BEV. The fuel options’ technical and environmental perspectives are presented. Finally, long-term carbon-neutral vehicle development is discussed.
Methodological considerations when dosing therapeutic ultrasound in sports: a narrative review
Authors: Rojas-Valverde Daniel , Rojas-Valverde Luis D , Fallas-Campos Andrea , Sánchez-Urena Braulio , Gutiérrez-Vargas Randall
Published: September 2021

El uso de la ecografía terapéutica (TUS) en la ciencia del deporte, la medicina y la rehabilitación ha aumentado significativamente en la última década. Este crecimiento ha estado acompañado de un gran interés científico por el estudio de las respuestas durante el tratamiento de lesiones y el hallazgo de la dosis óptima. Por lo tanto, el propósito de esta revisión narrativa fue explorar el conocimiento informado hasta la fecha sobre el uso de TUS y las consideraciones metodológicas al aplicarlo en la evaluación de lesiones deportivas. Se realizó una búsqueda electrónica (PubMed [MEDLINE], Science Direct [EMBASE], Web of Science [WoS] y Google Scholar) siguiendo las pautas de revisión sistemática (PRISMA), e incluyó solo revisiones sistemáticas sobre la aplicación de TUS en los deportes. El resultado de esta revisión es la presentación de algunas consideraciones metodológicas al utilizar la TUS en la práctica deportiva, dando una orientación general para su uso de seguridad, eficiencia y efectividad considerando la necesidad de recuperarse rápidamente de las lesiones en el deporte.
Dolor crónico y su atención paliativa en Costa Rica
Authors: Saint-Hilaire Arce Catalina
Published: September 2021

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Annoyance due to road traffic noise: an attempt to describe the effects of non-acoustic factors
Authors: Gjestland Truls
Published: September 2021

The annoyance response is traditionally presented as the percentage of people highly annoyed as a function of the noise exposure, DNL, or similar. It is, however, a well-known fact that the noise level per se only explains about one-third of the variance of the annoyance response. An
analysis based on the Community Tolerance Level, CTL, quantifies the combined effect of all non-acoustic factors, but does not explain the effect of each individual one. The paper is an attempt to separately quantify the effect of different non-acoustic factors.
Insertion loss (IL) of finite sound barriers of different contours - An introduction to geometrical solutions in 3-D space
Authors: Rosenhouse Giora
Published: September 2021

The design of finite sound barriers noise sources and control points requires calculations beyond those that are used when the Maekawa formula is applied, since the problem involves polygon sd barriers located in various possible orientations in 3D space. We present here some means
that are linked to basic mathematical geometrical tools. Those means are relatively simple, as compared to the physical formulation of the relevant diffraction solutions for sound barriers (e.g. Rosenhouse, 2019, 2020). Such calculations can apply algebraic, trigonometric or vector analysis
and their combinations to define the geometries of barrier IL. This approach includes the location of the sources and control points, which are essential as data for finding IL and other issues of environmental acoustics. We will show solutions including results of IL for a common rectangular
barrier, as compared to IL of a barrier with a sloped top and side, among other possibilities.
Acoustic design tools for estimation of sound insulation performance of wood wall and floor assemblies
Authors: Qian Cheng , Hu Lin , Dagenais Christian , Gagnon Sylvain
Published: September 2021

The National Building Code of Canada 2015 stipulates the minimum requirements of the airborne sound insulation transmission through common interior walls and ceiling/floor assemblies. The required minimum Apparent Sound Transmission Class (ASTC) is 47 in Canada, whereas the Impact Insulation
Class (IIC) for floors is recommended to be higher than 55. For many years, significant efforts were made to develop sound insulation prediction models or tools to predict the sound insulation performance of wall and floor/ceiling assemblies at the design phase in order to meet the requirements
and the recommendations made by codes. However, today few models can provide a reliable acoustics design tool. In this document, three prediction tools thought to be practically useful are presented and evaluated. Between these three prediction tools, one is an analytical model of the Insul
software while the other two are empirical models developed by the National Research Council of Canada and the American Wood Council. This paper compared the STC and IIC ratings of wood wall and floor assemblies estimated by these three models and verified them by the measured STC and IIC
ratings. This work aims at providing an idea for readers to choose a suitable design tool to proceed with their acoustic designs.
A numerical investigation of flow-induced cavity noise control
Authors: Song Zhenan , Chang Daoqing , Sun Hongling
Published: September 2021

The influence of the multiple ultrasound transmitting units and the steady injecting water or suck-ing water on the shear layer oscillation and noise by flow-induced cavity is numerically investi-gated in this paper. The ultrasound transmitting units and the steady injecting water or
sucking water are located upstream of the leading edge of the cavity. The flow field near the cavity is com-puted based on the large eddy simulation method (LES). The calculation and analysis results show that the peak amplitude of noise can be reduced by the steady injecting water at the
leading edge of the opening. And within a specific range of flow rates, the greater the injecting rate is, the more obvious the peak amplitude of noise decreases
Effect of different magnets and iron-platelets on the low frequency performance of membrane sound absorber
Authors: Zhao Junjuan , Zhu Liying , Li Xinyun , Wang Yueyue , Wang Wenjiang , Li Xianhui , Liu Yunan
Published: September 2021

To achieve a compact design for low frequency tunable sound absorption, a membrane sound absorber (MSA) with nonlinear magnetic field is proposed in this paper. By employing a central iron platelet on the membrane, the MSA can be easily tuned by introducing a magnet at a distance from
the platelet that can be adjusted. To investigate the low frequency properties of MSA with different magnets and iron-platelets, a series of impedance tube experiments are conducted in detail. The sample absorber has a rear cavity depth of 30 mm, three different magnets were used inside, tested
results real that using a strong magnetic field can help broaden the frequency tuning range. Then, results from the MSA with five different sizes of iron plates tuned by one magnet show that the low-frequency tuning range moves to lower with the increase of the area of iron plates.
The theoretical analysis and simulation of acoustic absorber for nonlinear shunted loudspeaker
Authors: Wang Wenjiang , Li Xianhui , Zhao Junjuan , Zhang Peng , Li Xinyun , Zhu Liying , Wang Yueyue
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a nonlinear electroacoustic absorber based on a tunable loudspeaker is proposed to broaden its sound absorption bandwidth. The main mechanism is a nonlinear circuit is coupled at loudspeaker's terminal. A series of theoretical analysis and simulation work are carried
out in this paper. The equivalent model is composed of a linear term describing the loudspeaker and a nonlinear term of a coupled Duffing-van Der Pol bistable circuit. The invariant manifold method is used to solve different time scales. The analysis and simulation results show that the nonlinear
circuit can widen the frequency bandwidth of the structure.
Study on psychological evaluation model of a good conversation in knowledge creative activity by multiple people
Authors: Tsujimura Sohei , Yairi Motoki , Okita Takayoshi , Nidaira Mayu
Published: September 2021

In recent years, Japanese companies are focusing on enhancing the knowledge creative activities of office workers, and the way of working in the office is shifting from the conventional divisional routine work to collaborative and creative work. On the other hand, office spaces are
becoming quiet, and the number of extremely quiet them with noise levels below 40 dB is increasing. Previous studies have reported that a sound environment that is too quiet gives the worker the impression that it is difficult to have a conversation, further accumulation of research results
is desired for the construction of a sound environment that enhances knowledge creative activities. Therefore, in this study, focusing on the relationship between sound environment and intellectual productivity, we investigated a sound environment suitable for knowledge creation activities
by multiple people. Psychoacoustic experiments were conducted to examine the effects of sound pressure level (signal-to-noise ratio), type of sound and reverberation time of meeting room on the impression of "good conversation". Furthermore, using the psychological evaluation data
of the experimental participants, the causal model of psychological evaluation of "good conversation" was examined by multiple regression analysis, and the psychological factors that contribute to the impression of it was clarified.
AIRNOISEUAM: An Urban Air Mobility Noise-Exposure Prediction Tool
Authors: Li Jinhua , Zheng Yun , Rafaelof Menachem , Ng Hok K. , Rizzi Stephen A.
Published: September 2021

A new software tool called AIRNOISEUAM is introduced that models the noise exposure of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations. Given relevant UAM aircraft performance models, mission profiles, and Noise-Power-Distance data, AIRNOISEUAM predicts the noise exposure footprint for receptors on the ground. The performance of AIRNOISEUAM using a Robinson R66 helicopter model and a six-passenger quadrotor model, and a diverse set of scenarios from NASA’s UAM human-in-the-loop simulations is compared to that of the industry-standard tool with the same inputs. The predicted noise exposure results from both tools are found to be nearly identical. AIRNOISEUAM offers a fast-time, flexible interface and modular design to facilitate the dynamic requirements of the aviation research community.
Determination of passenger car noise equivalent for mid-sized cities in India
Authors: Yadav Adarsh , Parida Manoranjan , Kumar Brind
Published: September 2021

The heterogeneity in traffic flow composition increases the complexity of road traffic noise analysis for mid-sized in India. This study aims to determine a passenger car noise equivalent (PCNE) with respect to the average traffic stream speed that represents the number of a particular
vehicle category with reference to an identified vehicle based on their noise emission characteristics. In the present study, vehicles are classified as bus, truck, light commercial vehicles (minibus, minitruck), three-wheelers (vikram-rickshaw), two-wheelers (bike/scooter), car, e-rickshaw
and auto-rickshaw, and tractor-trailer. Car is taken as a reference vehicle for estimation of PCNE in our study due to its high percentage in traffic stream. Data has been collected on both bituminous and concrete pavement in Kanpur city, India, to analyze the differential effect of pavement
on the noise level. As per this study, tractors-trailers, trucks, three-wheelers, and buses had a higher PCNE value, while two-wheelers and cars had almost similar PCNE value. A comparative analysis of PCNE value at concrete pavement is also conducted by considering car running on the bituminous
pavement as reference vehicle. The study suggests to employ PCNE value in traffic noise analysis as it converts the divergent traffic volume in terms of the car.
Perception of the Home Environment. The 2019 Study
Authors: Van Poll Ric
Published: September 2021

RIVM conducted a questionnaire study into residents' perception of the living environment. This includes monitoring data on residents perception of sounds, vibrations, odours, and safety risks in the neighbourhood. In 2019, 2259 residents of the Netherlands aged 16 years and older participated
in this survey. The 2019 data show that the degree of satisfaction with the home environment was fairly high and the same as it was during the previous survey in 2016. Road traffic is an important source of severe annoyance (10.4%) and severe sleep disturbance (5,9%). Mopeds and motorbikes
in particular cause severe noise annoyance (10.6%). Compared to 2016, more people experience severe annoyance from the sound of vans. Road traffic also causes nuisance due to the vibrations that it causes (3.9%). Neighbours are a source of noise annoyance (9.0%) and the most important source
of severe odour annoyance. The latter primarily involves odours from fireplaces (5.3%), fire pits, and barbecues (5.0%). Activities by neighbours also cause severe annoyance due to vibrations. It also turns out that people living in the vicinity of a 'higher-risk activity', such as heavy industry,
are more frequently (severely) concerned about their own safety. Results of the 2020 Study will presented as well.