bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Ultra-Wide Band Sensors in Mining
Authors: Wisiak Katja , Jakić Michel , Hartlieb Philipp
Published: December 2022

Ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors are a radio frequency technology that use wireless communication between devices to precisely determine the position. The most recent applications focus on locating and sensor data collecting on mobile phones, car keys and other similar devices. However, this technology is still not being utilized in the mining sector. To overcome this gap, this perspective offers implementation options and solutions. Additionally, it evaluated the benefits and drawbacks of using ultra-wideband for mining. The measurements provided were made using QORVO two-way ranging sensors, and these were compared to theoretical and existing technological solutions. To ensure the optimal use of UWB sensors, a special emphasis was placed on certain influencing factors, such as ways of locating via UWB and factors affecting measurement accuracies, such as the line of sight, multipath propagation, the effect of shielding and the ideal measurement setup. A conducted experiment showed that the most accurate results are obtained when there is no multipath propagation and the arriving signal travels directly from the transmitter to the receiver.
Design of Active Vibration Isolation Controller with Disturbance Observer-Based Linear Quadratic Regulator for Optical Reference Cavities
Authors: Qian Yuchen , Xie Yong , Jia Jianjun , Zhang Liang
Published: December 2022

The optical reference cavity in an ultrastable laser is sensitive to vibrations; the microvibrations in a space platform affect the accuracy and stability of such lasers. In this study, an active vibration isolation controller is proposed to reduce the effect of vibrations on variations in the cavity length and improve the frequency stability of ultrastable lasers. Based on the decentralized control strategy, we designed a state-differential feedback controller with a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and added a disturbance observer (DOB) to estimate the source noise. Experiments were conducted using an active vibration isolation system; the results verified the feasibility and performance of the designed controller. The accelerations along the axis (Z-, X-, Y-) directions were suppressed in the low-frequency band within 200 Hz, and the root-cumulative power spectral densities (PSDs) declined to 1.17 × 10−5, 7.16 × 10−6, and 8.76 × 10−6 g. This comprehensive vibration met the requirements of an ultrastable laser.
Intelligent Fusion Imaging Photonics for Real-Time Lighting Obstructions
Authors: Do Hyeonsu , Yoon Colin , Liu Yunbo , Zhao Xintao , Gregg John , Da Ancheng , Park Younggeun , Lee Somin Eunice
Published: December 2022

Dynamic detection in challenging lighting environments is essential for advancing intelligent robots and autonomous vehicles. Traditional vision systems are prone to severe lighting conditions in which rapid increases or decreases in contrast or saturation obscures objects, resulting in a loss of visibility. By incorporating intelligent optimization of polarization into vision systems using the iNC (integrated nanoscopic correction), we introduce an intelligent real-time fusion algorithm to address challenging and changing lighting conditions. Through real-time iterative feedback, we rapidly select polarizations, which is difficult to achieve with traditional methods. Fusion images were also dynamically reconstructed using pixel-based weights calculated in the intelligent polarization selection process. We showed that fused images by intelligent polarization selection reduced the mean-square error by two orders of magnitude to uncover subtle features of occluded objects. Our intelligent real-time fusion algorithm also achieved two orders of magnitude increase in time performance without compromising image quality. We expect intelligent fusion imaging photonics to play increasingly vital roles in the fields of next generation intelligent robots and autonomous vehicles.
Do Deep Reinforcement Learning Agents Model Intentions?
Authors: Matiisen Tambet , Labash Aqeel , Majoral Daniel , Aru Jaan , Vicente Raul
Published: December 2022

Inferring other agents’ mental states, such as their knowledge, beliefs and intentions, is thought to be essential for effective interactions with other agents. Recently, multi-agent systems trained via deep reinforcement learning have been shown to succeed in solving various tasks. Still, how each agent models or represents other agents in their environment remains unclear. In this work, we test whether deep reinforcement learning agents trained with the multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) algorithm explicitly represent other agents’ intentions (their specific aims or plans) during a task in which the agents have to coordinate the covering of different spots in a 2D environment. In particular, we tracked over time the performance of a linear decoder trained to predict the final targets of all agents from the hidden-layer activations of each agent’s neural network controller. We observed that the hidden layers of agents represented explicit information about other agents’ intentions, i.e., the target landmark the other agent ended up covering. We also performed a series of experiments in which some agents were replaced by others with fixed targets to test the levels of generalization of the trained agents. We noticed that during the training phase, the agents developed a preference for each landmark, which hindered generalization. To alleviate the above problem, we evaluated simple changes to the MADDPG training algorithm which lead to better generalization against unseen agents. Our method for confirming intention modeling in deep learning agents is simple to implement and can be used to improve the generalization of multi-agent systems in fields such as robotics, autonomous vehicles and smart cities.
Tell Me What You Waste and I’ll Tell You Who You Are: An Eight-Country Comparison of Consumers’ Food Waste Habits
Authors: Iori Elisa , Masotti Matteo , Falasconi Luca , Risso Enzo , Segrè Andrea , Vittuari Matteo
Published: December 2022

Using an original survey conducted in eight countries in 2021 (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, the UK, and the USA), this study explored the relationship between household food waste and dietary habits through a cross-country comparative perspective. In total, 8000 questionnaires were recorded from samples representative of the adult population of each country through an online survey conducted between the 13th and the 24th of August. The questionnaires were developed from the Waste Watcher International Observatory on Food and Sustainability, an international study of the social, behavioral, and lifestyle dynamics behind household food waste. The relationships between the per capita self-reported amount of food waste (expressed in kilocalories) and self-declared dietary habits (traditional, healthy and sustainable, vegetarian, smart, and confused) were estimated using multiple linear regression models. The results showed that smart diets are associated with higher values of food waste in Canada, Spain, the UK, and the USA. Vegetarian diets are associated with lower food waste values in China, Germany, the UK, and the USA, but not in Italy, Russia, and Spain. The share of the population adopting a smart diet was, on average, 2.7% of the sample; therefore, interventions for food waste reduction should focus on these specific types of consumers, who are often associated with larger amounts of food waste.
Research on Wind Power Energy Storage Joint Optimization Operation under the Double Detailed Rules Assessment Taking into Account the Benefits of Green Certificate
Authors: Dong Jun , Lv Shiyao , Zhu Yuan , Han Hui , Zhang Guochang
Published: December 2022

Due to the uncertainty of wind power outputs, there is a large deviation between the actual output and the planned output during large-scale grid connections. In this paper, the green power value of wind power is considered and the green certificate income is taken into account. Based on China’s double-rule assessment system, the maximum net income of the wind farm is used as the target and the optimization model is established with the maximum income of the wind-energy storage consortium as the objective function at 96 points on a typical day. The particle swarm optimization algorithm with improved weight and learning factor is adopted to solve the model and the energy storage output characteristics are analyzed. At the same time, the effect of changing the deviation coefficient and the penalty factor on the combined income is compared. The example results show that the wind storage consortium improves the stability of output, effectively reduces the double-rule assessment cost, and increases the green certificate income of the new energy station, which verifies the validity and correctness of the proposed method.
Virtual Reality Destination Experiences Model: A Moderating Variable between Wisesa Sustainable Tourism Behavior and Tourists’ Intention to Visit
Authors: Wismantoro Yohan , Aryanto Vincent Didiek Wiet , Pamungkas Imang Dapit , Purusa Nanda Adhi , Amron  , Chasanah Amalia Nur , Usman
Published: December 2022

Sustainable tourism in Indonesia is challenging because it must harmonize bringing in tourists and maintaining the sustainability of culture and nature. Environmental problems influence sustainability tourism in Indonesia. Aside from discussing the policy implementation, this research focuses on promoting the local wisdom of sustainable tourism coupled with a virtual reality application. This study is supported by various previous studies on sustainability coupled with digital technology. Placing tourism in the contexts of eco-tourism, ecosystem, and sustainability is based on belief in the existence of values, beliefs, and norms (VBN). This research aims at developing a virtual reality destination experience (VRDE) model as a moderating variable between sustainable tourist behavior (STB) and tourist visit intention (TVI). The portability variable strengthens VRDE, and the content quality variable supports VRDE. The research method used was purposive convenience sampling covering 204 respondents who visited the vicinity of Kebon Indah batik village in Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia. The research findings were H1—STB has a significant effect on VRDE (0.00 < 0.05), H2—VDRE has a significant impact on TVI (0.00 < 0.005), H3—portability has a significant effect on VRDE (0.039 < 0.05), and H4—content quality does not have an impact on VRDE (0.401 > 0.05). The novelty of this research is the VRDE application applied to community sustainable tourist behavior in developing countries. However, the content quality of VR has yet to meet respondents’ expectation.
Sustainable Development and Value Creation, an Approach from the Perspective of Project Management
Authors: Moreno-Monsalve Nelson , Delgado-Ortiz Marcela , Rueda-Varón Milton , Fajardo-Moreno William Stive
Published: December 2022

The discipline of project management has been maturing over time, integrating positively with some organizational approaches, such as strategy and sustainable development, to meet current needs without risking future capabilities. In this sense, it is observed that measuring the success of a project only from the classic mechanistic perspective of the triple constraint: scope, time, and budget, is insufficient; this opens a space for a new variable of social progress: the creation of value. Thus, the objective of this study is to identify the degree of relationship between the success of the projects and the sustainable development approach, managing to determine through the results obtained some opportunities for improvement in light of the economic and organizational context. As a starting point for this research, a review of the literature associated with topics, such as sustainable development, value creation, and modern trends in project management, was carried out. The second step was to design and apply a structured survey to 148 Colombian companies that develop projects in different sectors, such as technology, infrastructure, and services. With the information collected, a structural equation modeling—SEM model was applied to determine the relationship between the selected variables. Finally, the results of this research showed that the success of a project that is carried out under a sustainable development approach has a positive tendency toward the creation of value. In conclusion, it is found that the four dimensions studied: impact, relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency, allow us to explain to a greater or lesser extent the success of the projects through their approach to sustainable development and value creation.
Spatial and Temporal Effects of Digital Technology Development on Carbon Emissions: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Keyong , Li Sulun , Qin Peng , Wang Bohong
Published: December 2022

In the context of digital economy and low carbon economy, digital technology is an important tool to achieve the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Based on the panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2011–2019, to empirically test the time-lagged effect and spatial spillover effect of digital technology development on carbon emissions, the entropy method was used to measure the comprehensive index of digital technology development after applying the dynamic spatial Durbin model. The research results show that: (1) Carbon emissions have time inertia and positive spatial correlation, specifically the spatial characteristics of “high in the north and low in the south”; the overall level of digital technology development is improving; however, the spatial differences are gradually expanding, showing a spatial layout of east, west and middle gradient decline. (2) In both the short term and long term, digital technology development has a significant positive impact on reducing carbon emissions in the region. The long-term inhibitory effect of digital technology development on carbon emissions is more obvious than the short-term effect. (3) Unlike the existing studies indicating that digital technology development contributes to reduce carbon emissions in neighboring regions, digital technology development does not have a positive spatial spillover effect on carbon emissions in spatially connected regions. Therefore, policy makers should take into account spatial effects when promoting the penetration and application of digital technologies in environmental governance.
Enhanced Bioconversion of Methane to Biodiesel by Methylosarcina sp. LC-4
Authors: Sana Nivedita , Arnepalli Dali Naidu , Krishnan Chandraraj
Published: December 2022

The conversion of methane into liquid biofuels using methane-consuming bacteria, known as methanotrophs, contributes to sustainable development, as it mitigates the problem of climate change caused by greenhouse gases and aids in producing cleaner and renewable energy. In the present research, an efficient methanotroph, Methylosarcina sp. LC-4, was studied as a prospective organism for biodiesel production using methane. The methane uptake rate by the organism was enhanced 1.6 times and 2.35 times by supplementing LC-4 with micronutrients, such as copper and tungstate, respectively. This unique ability of the isolated organism enables the deployment of methanotrophs-based processes in various industrial applications. A Plackett–Burman statistical (PBD) design was used to quantify the role of the micronutrients and other media components present in the nitrate minimal salt media (NMS) in biomass and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) yields. Nitrate, phosphate, and tungstate had a positive effect, whereas copper, magnesium, and salinity had a negative effect. The modified NMS media, formulated according to the results from the PBD analysis, increased the FAME yield (mg/L) by 85.7%, with the FAME content of 13 ± 1% (w/w) among the highest reported in methanotrophs. The obtained FAME consisted majorly (~90%) of C14–C18 saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, making it suitable for use as biodiesel.
Problems and Technical Issues in the Diagnosis, Conservation, and Rehabilitation of Structures of Historical Wooden Buildings with a Focus on Wooden Historic Buildings in Poland
Authors: Terlikowski Wojciech
Published: December 2022

This article discusses the problems and technical issues related to the conservation and rehabilitation of historic wooden structures. Showing the history of wooden construction in Europe and Poland, it analyzes the technical solutions used for the timber structure of buildings. The author highlights the leading technical and conservation issues arising from the principles of conservation of wooden heritage buildings, taking into account the role, importance, and proper implementation of diagnostics preceding conservation engineering activities. The article discusses interdisciplinary diagnostics developed by the author, an original method for assessing the revitalization capability of a historical building, which analyzes non-technical issues, including those relevant to conservation, in addition to the technical aspects of assessing the technical condition of a building. Based on engineering practice, problems and technical issues that often occur in the conservation process of wooden buildings, as well as in the broader process of their revitalization, are presented. They concern various engineering activities that must be implemented in this process according to the principles discussed.
The Impact of Gamification Motivation on Green Consumption Behavior—An Empirical Study Based on Ant Forest
Authors: Sun Yongbo , Xing Jiayuan
Published: December 2022

The development of the Internet has led to new forms of integration of gamification and environmental protection and has become a new perspective for exploring the emergence of green consumer behavior. In particular, gamification participation motivation has a growing influence on consumers’ green consumption behavior, and the magnitude of gamification participation motivation is transmitted to consumers’ green consumption behavior through their continuity of use. We choose Ant Forest as the research scenario of the integration of green consumption and gamification in China and try to explore the mechanism of the interaction between gamification participation motivation, continuity of use, and green consumption behavior from the perspective of green consumption. This paper tests the hypotheses through empirical research methods and structural equation modeling. The findings show that enjoyment motivation, social motivation, and achievement motivation positively influence consumers’ continuity of use; continuity of use positively influences consumers’ green consumption behavior; and the sense of environmental indebtedness plays a moderating role in the relationship between continuity of use and green consumption behavior.
The Value of Internal Control during a Crisis: Evidence from Enterprise Resilience
Authors: Wang Nannan , Cui Dengfeng , Jin Chengguo
Published: December 2022

Internal control is an important internal governance mechanism of enterprises and plays an important role in preventing and controlling corporate risks. This paper utilizes COVID-19 shocks and uses data from listed companies in China for 2019–2021 in order to study the impact of internal control on enterprise resilience and its functioning mechanism. The findings show that internal control significantly improves enterprise resilience during a crisis. By using firm characteristic quantile regressions, it is found that under a crisis, larger firms with sufficient cash flow from operating activities are more protected by internal control and more resilient. Mechanistic analysis suggests that internal control further increases enterprise resilience by improving resource allocation efficiency, reducing operating risk, and increasing innovation output. Further analysis shows that government support can enhance the resilience of firms during crises through tax and fiscal policies; a better business environment enhances firms’ ability to withstand risks in crisis situations and helps them gain a competitive advantage in crisis situations. Based on this, this paper provides empirical evidence for revising and improving the internal control system of enterprises to reduce the negative impact of public health emergencies in the context of epidemics.
Cost Diversion Strategies for Pumped-Storage Tariffs for New Power Systems
Authors: Zhang Yuanmei , Yu Wenfang , Lei Yi , Li Haibo , Jiang Keteng , Hu Weiguo , Lu Yu , Li Han
Published: December 2022

Pumped-storage plants are the most significant electrical storage component in new power systems and show great potential for scaling up. In this paper, economic costs and benefits have been investigated. Both the costs and benefits can be divided into transmission and distribution tariffs; however, various factors need to be considered to reduce costs in transmission and distribution tariffs. The cost characterization methodology for pumped-storage power plants has been developed. A mathematical model for dispersal through the medium and long-term electricity market, the electricity spot market, the ancillary services market, and the leasing of capacity to scenic power stations has been proposed. A case study has been discussed for a regional grid company and a provincial grid company; also, the effectiveness of dispersal has been analyzed based on the case study. The results indicate that when the spot market and the capacity leasing of new energy sites play the largest role in the diversion, the transmission and distribution prices in Province A can be controlled within 1 cent/kWh by applying various diversion methods.
Study on Railway Subgrade Settlement induced by an Ultra-Large-Diameter Shield Tunnel Crossing under Railway Subgrade
Authors: Song Ming , Liu Jiguo , Wang Xuetao , Lou Hongjun , Lin Xingtao
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a study on the influence of the construction of an ultralarge-diameter shield tunnel undercrossing the existing high-speed railway using the empirical method, numerical analysis method, and geotechnical centrifuge model experiment based on the Wuhan Lianghu Highway Tunnel project. The comparison of the results obtained from the three methods shows first, that the results obtained from the centrifuge model experiment and numerical simulation match well with the results obtained from the empirical method for the worst-case scenario and the most likely scenario, which are consistent with the unfavorable geological and construction conditions modeled in the centrifuge test and the possible geological and construction conditions modeled in numerical simulation. Second, both the results obtained from the numerical method and the centrifuge model experiment show that the asymmetry of the settlement of railway subgrade was induced by a shield tunnel, while the asymmetry of railway subgrade settlement curve is gradually weakening with tunneling. Third, the maximum settlement of the railway subgrade could vary between 20 mm (in the most likely scenario) and 65 mm (in the worst scenario). Both the results from the centrifuge test and the numerical simulation show that the allowed value of maximum differential settlement along the railway subgrade (5 mm/10 m) would be exceeded when the tunnel excavation passes the first track at 10 m. It indicates that some mitigation measures should be taken for controlling the influence of the construction of a shield tunnel, especially when the shield tunnel machine is about underneath the pass railway subgrade. It is suggested that the shield machine should underpass the railway subgrade during the skylight period of railway operation.
Lightlike Hypersurfaces of Almost Productlike Semi-Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Aksu Ömer , Gülbahar Mehmet , Erkan Esra
Published: December 2022

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate lightlike hypersurfaces of almost productlike semi-Riemannian manifolds. For this purpose, screen-semi-invariant, screen-invariant, radical-anti-invariant, and radical-invariant lightlike hypersurfaces of almost productlike semi-Riemannian manifolds are introduced and some examples of these classifications are presented. Furthermore, various characterizations dealing screen semi-invariant lightlike hypersurfaces are obtained.
Fundamental Cause of Bio-Chirality: Space-Time Symmetry—Concept Review
Authors: Dyakin Victor
Published: December 2022

The search for fundamental determinants of bio-molecular chirality is a hot topic in biology, clarifying the meaning of evolution and the enigma of life’s origin. The question of origin may be resolved assuming that non-biological and biological entities obey nature’s universal laws grounded on space-time symmetry (STS) and space-time relativity (SPR). The fabric of STS is our review’s primary subject. This symmetry, encompassing the behavior of elementary particles and galaxy structure, imposes its fundamental laws on all hierarchical levels of the biological world. From the perspective of STS, objects across spatial scales may be classified as chiral or achiral concerning a specific space-related symmetry transformation: mirror reflection. The chiral object is not identical (i.e., not superimposable) to its mirror image. In geometry, distinguish two kinds of chiral objects. The first one does not have any reflective symmetry elements (a point or plane of symmetry) but may have rotational symmetry axes (dissymmetry). The second one does not have any symmetry elements (asymmetry). As the form symmetry deficiency, Chirality is the critical structural feature of natural systems, including sub-atomic particles and living matter. According to the Standard Model (SM) theory and String Theory (StrT), elementary particles associated with the four fundamental forces of nature determine the existence of micro- and galaxy scales of nature. Therefore, the inheritance of molecular symmetry from the symmetry of elementary particles indicates a bi-directional (internal [(micro-scale) and external (galaxy sale)] causal pathway of prevalent bio-chirality. We assume that the laws of the physical world impact the biological matter’s appearance through both extremities of spatial dimensions. The extended network of multi-disciplinary experimental evidence supports this hypothesis. However, many experimental results are derived and interpreted based on the narrow-view prerogative and highly specific terminology. The current review promotes a holistic approach to experimental results in two fast-developing, seemingly unrelated, divergent branches of STS and biological chirality. The generalized view on the origin of prevalent bio-molecular chirality is necessary for understanding the link between a diverse range of biological events. The chain of chirality transfer links ribosomal protein synthesis, cell morphology, and neuronal signaling with the laterality of cognitive functions.
Benefits Evaluation Method of an Integrated Energy System Based on a Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method
Authors: Cao Jie , He Bowen , Qu Nan , Zhang Jiaxin , Liu Chaoqiang , Liu Yaowei , Chen Chin-Ling
Published: December 2022

Building an integrated energy system (IES) is an excellent solution to environmental pollution and energy consumption currently. However, there are usually various IES configurations with different performances, and it is usually difficult for the decision-makers to select the most sustainable IES solution among multiple choices. In this paper, we attempt to design an evaluation method that considers the renewable energy and energy system model for evaluating the benefit of an IES. Firstly, this paper constructs an evaluation index system including four dimensions of technology, economy, environment, and society, based on the physical architecture of IES and its benefit influencing factors. It focuses on multiple energy sources or systems, and satisfies the overall evaluation of IES, resulting in accurate benefit evaluation results. Secondly, the subjective weight is determined by combining the triangular fuzzy number (TFN) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The objective weight is determined by the entropy method. The combined weight is obtained by combining the subjective and objective weights, which solves the problem of the weight calculation error caused by the mutual influence between the indexes. Finally, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to conduct the benefit evaluation of the IES, which solves the problem that the qualitative index cannot be calculated. This paper takes an IES project in a city in northern China as a case study. Through sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis, the reliability and feasibility of the evaluation results and proposed method are verified. The analysis results show that the model evaluation results are intuitive and consistent with reality, and the data information utilization rate is high.
Neurotoxins Acting at Synaptic Sites: A Brief Review on Mechanisms and Clinical Applications
Authors: Zhou Kunming , Luo Weifeng , Liu Tong , Ni Yong , Qin Zhenghong
Published: December 2022

Neurotoxins generally inhibit or promote the release of neurotransmitters or bind to receptors that are located in the pre- or post-synaptic membranes, thereby affecting physiological functions of synapses and affecting biological processes. With more and more research on the toxins of various origins, many neurotoxins are now widely used in clinical treatment and have demonstrated good therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes the structural properties and potential pharmacological effects of neurotoxins acting on different components of the synapse, as well as their important clinical applications, thus could be a useful reference for researchers and clinicians in the study of neurotoxins.
Evolutionary and Genetic Recombination Analyses of Coxsackievirus A6 Variants Associated with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Thailand between 2019 and 2022
Authors: Puenpa Jiratchaya , Saengdao Nutsada , Khanarat Nongkanok , Korkong Sumeth , Chansaenroj Jira , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Poovorawan Yong
Published: December 2022

Coxsackievirus (CV)-A6 infections cause hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children and adults. Despite the serious public health threat presented by CV-A6 infections, our understanding of the mechanisms by which new CV-A6 strains emerge remains limited. This study investigated the molecular epidemiological trends, evolutionary dynamics, and recombination characteristics of CV-A6-associated HFMD in Thailand between 2019 and 2022. In the HFMD patient samples collected during the 4-year study period, we identified enterovirus (EV) RNA in 368 samples (48.7%), of which CV-A6 (23.7%) was the predominant genotype, followed by CV-A4 (6%), EV-A71 (3.7%), and CV-A16 (3.4%). According to the partial viral protein (VP) 1 sequences, all these CV-A6 strains belonged to the D3 clade. Based on the viral-RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene, four recombinant forms (RFs), RF-A (147, 84.5%), RF-N (11, 6.3%), RF-H (1, 0.6%), and newly RF-Y (15, 8.6%), were identified throughout the study period. Results from the similarity plot and bootscan analyses revealed that the 3D polymerase (3Dpol) region of the D3/RF-Y subclade consists of sequences highly similar to CV-A10. We envisage that the epidemiological and evolutionarily insights presented in this manuscript will contribute to the development of vaccines to prevent the spread of CV-A6 infection.
Human Usutu Virus Infections in Europe: A New Risk on Horizon?
Authors: Cadar Dániel , Simonin Yannick
Published: December 2022

The Usutu virus (USUV), a neurotropic mosquito-borne flavivirus discovered in 1959 in South Africa, has spread over the last twenty years across the European continent. This virus follows an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. This caused epizootics with significant bird mortality in Europe in 2016 and 2018. It can also occasionally infect humans and other mammals, including horses and bats, which act as incidental or dead-end hosts. The zoonotic risk associated with this succession of avian epizootics in Europe deserves attention, even if, to date, human cases remain exceptional. Human infection is most often asymptomatic or responsible for mild clinical symptoms. However, human Usutu infections have also been associated with neurological disorders, such as encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. One of the major complexities of the study of USUV pathogenesis is the presence of a great diversity of lineages which could co-circulate spatiotemporally. In this review we discuss several aspects of the circulation of Usutu virus in humans in Europe, the neurological disorders associated, involved viral lineages, and the issues and questions raised by their circulation.
The Magic Staff: A Comprehensive Overview of Baculovirus-Based Technologies Applied to Human and Animal Health
Authors: Pidre Matías L. , Arrías Paula N. , Amorós Morales Leslie C. , Romanowski Víctor
Published: December 2022

Baculoviruses are enveloped, insect-specific viruses with large double-stranded DNA genomes. Among all the baculovirus species, Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is the most studied. Due to its characteristics regarding biosafety, narrow host range and the availability of different platforms for modifying its genome, AcMNPV has become a powerful biotechnological tool. In this review, we will address the most widespread technological applications of baculoviruses. We will begin by summarizing their natural cycle both in larvae and in cell culture and how it can be exploited. Secondly, we will explore the different baculovirus-based protein expression systems (BEVS) and their multiple applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry. We will focus particularly on the production of vaccines, many of which are either currently commercialized or in advanced stages of development (e.g., Novavax, COVID-19 vaccine). In addition, recombinant baculoviruses can be used as efficient gene transduction and protein expression vectors in vertebrate cells (e.g., BacMam). Finally, we will extensively describe various gene therapy strategies based on baculoviruses applied to the treatment of different diseases. The main objective of this work is to provide an extensive up-to-date summary of the different biotechnological applications of baculoviruses, emphasizing the genetic modification strategies used in each field.
Evaluation of CMORPH, PERSIANN-CDR, CHIRPS V2.0, TMPA 3B42 V7, and GPM IMERG V6 Satellite Precipitation Datasets in Arabian Arid Regions
Authors: Helmi Ahmed M. , Abdelhamed Mohamed S.
Published: December 2022

Rainfall depth is a crucial parameter in water resources and hydrological studies. Rain gauges provide the most reliable point-based rainfall estimates. However, they do not have a proper density/distribution to provide sufficient rainfall measurements in many areas, especially in arid regions. To evaluate the adequacy of satellite datasets as an alternative to the rain gauges, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is selected for the current study as a representative of the arid regions. KSA occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula and is characterized by high variability in topographic and climatic conditions. Five satellite precipitation datasets (SPDSs)—CMORPH, PERSIANN-CDR, CHIRPS V2.0, TMPA 3B42 V7, and GPM IMERG V6—are evaluated versus 324 conventional rain-gauges’ daily precipitation measures. The evaluation is conducted based on nine quantitative and categorical metrics. The evaluation analysis is carried out for daily, monthly, yearly, and maximum yearly records. The daily analysis revealed a low correlation for all SPDSs (<0.31), slightly improved in the yearly and maximum yearly analysis and reached its highest value (0.58) in the monthly analysis. The GPM IMERG V6 and PERSIANN-CDR have the highest probability of detection (0.55) but with a high false alarm ratio (>0.8). Accordingly, in arid regions, the use of daily SPDSs in rainfall estimation will lead to high uncertainty in the obtained results. The best performance for all statistical metrics was found at 500–750 m altitudes in the central and northern parts of the study area for all satellites except minor anomalies. CMORPH dataset has the lowest centered root mean square error (RMSEc) for all analysis periods with the best results in the monthly analyses.
Formation of Biochar Nanocomposite Materials Based on CoFe2O4 for Purification of Aqueous Solutions from Chromium Compounds (VI)
Authors: Shabelskaya Nina , Egorova Marina , Radjabov Asatullo , Burachevskaya Marina , Lobzenko Ilya , Minkina Tatiana , Sushkova Svetlana
Published: December 2022

The paper proposes a simple one-stage synthesis of organic-inorganic composite materials based on oxide compounds of iron (III) and cobalt (II) with a developed surface. The process of cobalt(II) ferrite (CoFe2O4) structure formation on the biochar surface was studied. As an organic component, biochar was obtained from agricultural waste, including sunflower husks, rice husks, and pea kernels. Composite materials cobalt ferrite/biochar were obtained for the first time using these wastes. The obtained materials were characterized using X-ray phase analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption-desorption. A mechanism for forming composite materials is proposed, including the stage of formation of chelate complexes of transition element cations with citric acid on the biochar surface and their subsequent thermal decomposition. High adsorption activity of the synthesized materials in the process of removing chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions was established. The sunflower husk biochar composite material based on CoFe2O4 has the highest adsorption capacity of 6.98 mg/g. The results suggest that biochar composites based on CoFe2O4 have great potential for the practical industrial wastewater treatment.
Sequential Nitrification—Autotrophic Denitrification Using Sulfur as an Electron Donor and Chilean Zeolite as Microbial Support
Authors: Barahona A. , Rubio J. , Gómez R. , Huiliñir C. , Borja R. , Guerrero L.
Published: December 2022

Sequential nitrification–autotrophic denitrification (SNaD) was carried out for ammonium removal in synthetic wastewater (SWW) using sulfur as an electron donor in denitrification. Four reactors were operated in batch mode, two with zeolite (1 mm size) used as microbial support and two without support, to assess the effect of the zeolite addition in the SNaD. Aeration, anoxic, and anaerobic cycles were established, where 96% removal of NH4+-N (oxidized to nitrite or nitrate) was achieved in nitrification, along with 93% removal of NO3−-N in denitrification for the SNaD with zeolite. It was observed that the use of zeolite assists in buffering reactor load changes. Inhibition caused by nitrite accumulation in the denitrification stage was minimized by increasing the nitrogen concentration in the SWW. The results obtained in this study are the basis for the development of ammonium removal by simultaneous nitrification–autotrophic denitrification using a single reactor.
Allometric Relationships between Dry Matter Weights of Maize Organs and Their Responses to Drought
Authors: Ming Huiqing , Cai Fu , Mi Na , Zhang Yushu , Zhang Hui , Zhang Shujie , Zhao Xianli , Feng Yanrui
Published: December 2022

To understand the drought response mechanisms of dry matter partitioning of maize, pot experiments under drought conditions were conducted during the vegetative and reproductive growth periods of maize. The aim was to calculate allometric relationships between the dry matter weight of different organs and their responses to drought. Results showed that allometric relationships between the roots, above-ground plant, and total biomass gradually increased with maize growth approaching maturity under a normal water supply. Drought during the vegetative period reinforced allometric relationships during the growth process and after rewatering and increased the size-dependence of the root shoot ratio. However, drought during the reproductive period weakened them. The ear–shoot allometric relationship was more significant during growth than at later growth under normal conditions but strengthened during later growth in those plants suffering droughts during the vegetative and reproductive stages. The ear–shoot allometric relationship and the size-dependence of harvest index at later growth were significantly enhanced by drought during the reproductive period compared to the vegetative period.
Thermal Management System of the UNICARagil Vehicles—A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Gehringer Daniel , Kuthada Timo , Wagner Andreas
Published: December 2022

The collaboration project UNICARagil aiming to develop new autonomous battery electric vehicle concepts has progressed and the four vehicle prototypes have been built up. All seven universities and six industrial partners have worked towards this milestone. At the time of writing the four vehicles are operational and can be driven by a safety driver using a sidestick. The automated driving functions are being applied on the test track and first demonstrations are carried out. This paper gives an overview of the results, which have been achieved within the work package of the thermal onboard network. The thermal management system including the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and its development process is explained in detail. Furthermore, climate chamber measurements with prototype hardware of a sensor data processing computer and the integration of the air conditioning control unit into the vehicle’s automotive service-oriented architecture framework are described. A coupled simulation approach to predict occupant thermal comfort in one vehicle variant is presented. Simulation results using environmental conditions typical for a European summer show a comfortable environment for all six occupants. In addition, the simulation and development process of a thermoelectric heat pump is shown. First measurement results with the heat pump on a test bench are highlighted which show an achievable coefficient of performance greater than two.
“We Beat Them to Help Them Push”: Midwives’ Perceptions on Obstetric Violence in the Ashante and Western Regions of Ghana
Authors: Yalley Abena Asefuaba
Published: December 2022

Obstetric violence has been recognized as a major impediment to facility-based delivery, increasing the risk of preventable complications and maternal mortality. In Ghana, studies on women’s birth experiences reveal enormous and brutal acts of violence during delivery; however, inquiries into why midwives abuse women have not been extensively studied. This study explored the perspectives of midwives on the drivers of obstetric violence in the Western and Ashante Regions of Ghana. A qualitative study was conducted involving 30 in-depth interviews with midwives in eight health facilities. The data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 12. The results of the study reveal a normalization of violence in the delivery room and the intensity of violence is heightened during the second stage of labor. Midwives reported perpetrating or witnessing physical violence, abandonment of women, stigmatization of HIV women, verbal abuses such as shouting, and the detention of women in the health facilities. Midwives abuse women as a result of the pressures of the midwifery profession, poor maternal efforts of women, disrespect of midwives, women’s disobedience, and uncooperative attitudes. The culture of acceptability of obstetric violence is a major driver, contributing to its normalization. Midwives do not consider obstetric violence as abuse, but rather, as a delivery strategy which aids a successful delivery. It is therefore justified and viewed as a necessary part of the delivery process. There is a critical need for retraining midwives on alternative birthing strategies devoid of violence.
Assessment of the functional state of the cardiovascular system in workers of metallurgical enterprises
Authors:   Bashkirian State Medical University of the Russian Health Ministry, Ufa, Russia, Akhmetzyanova E. Kh. , Bakirov A. B. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russia; Bashkirian State Medical University of the Russian Health Ministry, Ufa, Russia, Abdrakhmanova E. R. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russia; Bashkirian State Medical University of the Russian Health Ministry, Ufa, Russia, Masyagutova L. M. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russia; Bashkirian State Medical University of the Russian Health Ministry, Ufa, Russia, Gabdulvaleeva E. F. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russia, Khafizova A. S. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russia
Published: December 2022

In the structure of factors that form the health of the working-age population, the conditions of its production activity occupy an important place. Today, the products of metallurgical industries are used in almost all industries. The study of the state of the cardiovascular systems of workers of a steel wire shop at a large metallurgical enterprise was carried out. An in-depth examination using modern methods of instrumental diagnostics was carried out by 302 employees of the enterprise. Of these — 275 men and 27 women, aged 23 to 59 years. A feature of the working conditions of workers in metallurgical production is the complex effect of the heating microclimate, the severity of the labor process, dust and complex aerosols of metals, which can be risk factors for the development of arterial hypertension at the earliest stages of exposure. A survey of the nature of nutrition and eating behavior showed that 41.2 % of the surveyed showed a high, excessive frequency of consumption of animal fat in persons with arterial hypertension. Examination of workers, aged from 23 to 59 years, revealed arterial hypertension in 19.4 %, signs of arterial hypotension were observed in 7.4 % of the examined workers of the metallurgical plant. In 46.2 % of workers, an increase in blood pressure was revealed, which can be characterized as mild arterial hypertension, in 45.1 % — moderate, and in 8.7 % of the surveyed, an increase in blood pressure can be characterized as a severe degree of arterial hypertension. Metallurgical workers were found to have such risk factors for the development of arterial hypertension as an imbalance in the consumption of plant and animal food, alcohol consumption and psychosocial factors. The state of the cardiovascular system of the workers of the metallurgical plant is characterized by maladaptive somatic changes.