bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Geomagnetic/Odometry Integrated Localization Method for Differential Robot Using Real-Time Sequential Particle Filter
Authors: Luo Qinghua , Yu Mutong , Yan Xiaozhen , Zhou Zhiquan , Wang Chenxu , Liu Boyuan
Published: March 2024

Geomagnetic matching navigation is extensively utilized for localization and navigation of autonomous robots and vehicles owing to its advantages such as low cost, wide-area coverage, and no cumulative errors. However, due to the influence of magnetometer measurement noise, geomagnetic localization algorithms based on single-point particle filters may encounter mismatches during continuous operation, consequently limiting their long-range localization performance. To address this issue, this paper proposes a real-time sequential particle filter-based geomagnetic localization method. Firstly, this method mitigates the impact of noise during continuous operation while ensuring real-time performance by performing real-time sequential particle filtering. Then, it enhances the long-range positioning accuracy of the method by rectifying the trajectory shape of the odometry through odometry calibration parameters. Finally, by performing secondary matching on the preliminary matching results via the MAGCOM algorithm, the positioning error of the method is further minimized. Experimental results show that the proposed method has higher positioning accuracy compared to related algorithms, resulting in reductions of over 28.58%, 37.11%, and 0.77% in RMSE, max error, and error at the end, respectively.
End-to-End Network Intrusion Detection Based on Contrastive Learning
Authors: Li Longlong , Lu Yuliang , Yang Guozheng , Yan Xuehu
Published: March 2024

The network intrusion detection system (NIDS) plays a crucial role as a security measure in addressing the increasing number of network threats. The majority of current research relies on feature-ready datasets that heavily depend on feature engineering. Conversely, the increasing complexity of network traffic and the ongoing evolution of attack techniques lead to a diminishing distinction between benign and malicious network behaviors. In this paper, we propose a novel end-to-end intrusion detection framework based on a contrastive learning approach. We design a hierarchical Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model to facilitate the automated extraction of spatiotemporal features from raw traffic data. The integration of contrastive learning amplifies the distinction between benign and malicious network traffic in the representation space. The proposed method exhibits enhanced detection capabilities for unknown attacks in comparison to the approaches trained using the cross-entropy loss function. Experiments are carried out on the public datasets CIC-IDS2017 and CSE-CIC-IDS2018, demonstrating that our method can attain a detection accuracy of 99.9% for known attacks, thus achieving state-of-the-art performance. For unknown attacks, a weighted recall rate of 95% can be achieved.
Assessment of Spinal and Pelvic Kinematics Using Inertial Measurement Units in Clinical Subgroups of Persistent Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Authors: Sheeran Liba , Al-Amri Mohammad , Sparkes Valerie , Davies Jennifer L.
Published: March 2024

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer a portable and quantitative solution for clinical movement analysis. However, their application in non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) remains underexplored. This study compared the spine and pelvis kinematics obtained from IMUs between individuals with and without NSLBP and across clinical subgroups of NSLBP. A total of 81 participants with NSLBP with flexion (FP; n = 38) and extension (EP; n = 43) motor control impairment and 26 controls (No-NSLBP) completed 10 repetitions of spine movements (flexion, extension, lateral flexion). IMUs were placed on the sacrum, fourth and second lumbar vertebrae, and seventh cervical vertebra to measure inclination at the pelvis, lower (LLx) and upper (ULx) lumbar spine, and lower cervical spine (LCx), respectively. At each location, the range of movement (ROM) was quantified as the range of IMU orientation in the primary plane of movement. The ROM was compared between NSLBP and No-NSLBP using unpaired t-tests and across FP-NSLBP, EP-NSLBP, and No-NSLBP subgroups using one-way ANOVA. Individuals with NSLBP exhibited a smaller ROM at the ULx (p = 0.005), LLx (p = 0.003) and LCx (p = 0.01) during forward flexion, smaller ROM at the LLx during extension (p = 0.03), and a smaller ROM at the pelvis during lateral flexion (p = 0.003). Those in the EP-NSLBP group had smaller ROM than those in the No-NSLBP group at LLx during forward flexion (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.005), extension (p = 0.013), and lateral flexion (p = 0.038), and a smaller ROM at the pelvis during lateral flexion (p = 0.005). Those in the FP-NSLBP subgroup had smaller ROM than those in the No-NSLBP group at the ULx during forward flexion (p = 0.024). IMUs detected variations in kinematics at the trunk, lumbar spine, and pelvis among individuals with and without NSLBP and across clinical NSLBP subgroups during flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. These findings consistently point to reduced ROM in NSLBP. The identified subgroup differences highlight the potential of IMU for assessing spinal and pelvic kinematics in these clinically verified subgroups of NSLBP.
Separation and Characterization of Nickel Hydroxide from Waste Solution Using Ca(OH)2 Precipitation in Chloride Media
Authors: Mabowa Mothepane Happy , Mkhohlakali Andile , Chimuka Luke , Tshilongo James
Published: March 2024

Nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) is a valuable compound derived from nickel, widely utilized across various fields because of its versatile properties. This study aimed to characterize as-prepared β-Ni(OH)2 via chemical precipitation using various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a β-Ni(OH)2 hexagonal crystalline structure, validating the successful precipitation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra exhibited main characteristic peaks of (υOH) and υ(NiO), corresponding to the formation of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2). Subsequently, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed a prominent peak for Ni2+ oxidation, confirming the successful precipitation of nickel hydroxide at pH 6.5, which identifies the existence of impurities, such as chlorine and calcium, from the waste matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrated stratified granules with a nearly pure brucite crystalline phase, typical of β-Ni(OH)2. Furthermore, the surface morphology revealed a coarse texture and uneven clustering, suggesting possible elevated oxide levels on the Ni surface. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the presence of nickel (Ni) and oxygen (O), with Ca impurities attributed to the chemical precipitation process. Particle size distribution analysis estimated an average particle size of 2.0 µm. Additionally, the precipitation of nickel was investigated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Ni was observed in decreasing order, 62.7 g/L, 0.8 g/L, and 0.501 g/L in the pregnant leach, precursor solution, and solid precipitate (cake), respectively. The separation of Ni(OH)2 through the precipitation process from the waste (acidic chloride media) enabled efficient recycling and re-use of nickel, which provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for the highly efficient utilization of waste (acidic chloride media).
Coupled Coordination and Drivers of Green Technology Innovation and Carbon Emission Efficiency
Authors: He Yanzi , Wang Yan , Quan Chunguang
Published: March 2024

The coupled and coordinated development of green technology innovation and carbon emission efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is crucial for its realization of green and low-carbon transformation. Based on the panel data of the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2021, the comprehensive evaluation levels of green technological innovation and carbon emission efficiency were measured, and the coupling degree of coordination model and panel Tobit model were constructed to empirically analyze the coupling degree of coordination and driving factors of the two. The results show that, overall, the comprehensive evaluation value of green technology innovation level in the Yangtze River Economic Zone shows an upward trend; the value of carbon emission efficiency first rises and then falls. From the perspective of spatial distribution, both of them present the characteristic of “high in the east and low in the west”. The coupling coordination degree shows a growing trend and initially realizes the basic coordination. The coupling degree of coordination shows a significant negative correlation between the energy structure and the coupling degree of both of them, while urbanization level, environmental regulation, industrial structure, level of economic development, degree of openness, and labor level all show a significant positive correlation.
Embodied Carbon and the Nuances in Office-to-Residential Conversions
Authors: Gavu Emmanuel Kofi , Peiser Richard B.
Published: March 2024

Reducing carbon emissions associated with buildings is a top priority for mitigating the human impacts from climate change. Reducing carbon emissions resulting from the manufacturing, designing, constructing, investing, owning, operating, occupying, renovating, and demolishing of buildings is essential to safeguard the environment from negative consequences. This paper relates to the environment and human influence on the climate and addresses the different amounts of embedded carbon for building activities ranging from new buildings to major renovations to minor renovations, using a methodology termed the “whole-life carbon measurement”. The data from the case studies indicate that refurbished or renovated buildings exhibit the least carbon footprint compared to other alternatives. This outcome can be attributed to the sustainable practice of reusing materials, coupled with the positive effects of retrofitting. The expectation that refurbished buildings would demonstrate a lower carbon footprint aligns with the principles of sustainability, emphasizing the environmental benefits of repurposing existing structures. While embedded carbon is currently not priced, it is important that it be accurately measured over the entire life cycle of buildings if the real estate industry is to meet sustainability goals.
Supply Chain-Based Coral Conservation: The Case of Mozuku Seaweed Farming in Onna Village, Okinawa
Authors: Omoto Reiko , Uehara Masato , Seki Daigo , Kinjo Masaru
Published: March 2024

Blue foods, including seaweed, have been overlooked in food systems analysis and policy-making due to a lack of available data. However, seaweed cultivation is gaining attention as a restorative aquaculture that could contribute to ocean health by serving as blue carbon or nurturing seagrass beds. Commercial restorative aquaculture may provide market-based solutions for improving ocean health. The Onna Village Fisheries Cooperative producers have been restoring corals, knowing empirically that when the coral weakens, the yield of Mozuku seaweed drops. Furthermore, measures taken to reduce red soil run-off prevent the reduction in Mozuku quality and quantity and protect seagrass beds, since Mozuku cultivators have continued to use them as an important nursery. The fishery cooperative and the seaweed processing company, Igeta Takeuchi Co., Ltd., have jointly developed high-quality Mozuku that is resistant to climate change and extreme weather conditions through strain selection. Based on this case, this paper examines the following questions: (1) What quality assurance technique is necessary to continue restorative aquaculture as a market-based solution over the long term? (2) What social platforms and communication channels are available to stakeholders to maintain restorative aquaculture in the long run? To answer these questions, Japanese consumer cooperatives that established “the Mozuku Fund” are also examined. This case study of Mozuku highlights how the sustainability and quality of marine products are maintained throughout the whole supply chain, focusing on the power of the Japanese consumers’ cooperative.
A Variable-Weight Model for Evaluating the Technical Condition of Urban Viaducts
Authors: Li Li , Rao Huihui , Wang Minghao , Mao Weisheng , Jin Changzhe
Published: March 2024

Urban viaducts play a crucial role in transportation infrastructure and are closely linked to urban resilience. Accurate evaluation of their structural technical condition forms the basis for the scientific maintenance of urban viaducts. Currently, there is a lack of technical condition evaluation specifications for viaducts in China, and the existing bridge specifications that are similar do not fully align with the facility composition characteristics and maintenance management needs of viaducts. Therefore, this paper presents a technical condition assessment model for viaducts, based on existing bridge specifications. Considering the frequent damage to ancillary facilities of viaducts, the utilization of maintenance resources, and the impact on traffic operations, the model proposed in this paper adopts the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to introduce a new indicator layer for ancillary facilities. Subsequently, the weight values and deduction values of each layer of the model, as well as the findings of damage recorded in the new components, were determined using the Group Decision-Making (GDM) method and the Delphi method. This process forms a constant-weight evaluation model for assessing the technical condition of viaducts. Finally, to account for the impacts of significant damage to low-weight components on the structural condition, the variable-weight method was adopted to establish a comprehensive evaluation model with variable weights, which was then validated using practical viaduct examples. The results indicate that the variable-weight model provides a more accurate representation of the technical condition of viaducts, especially when components are severely damaged. Furthermore, this study examines the suitable conditions for implementing the constant-weight evaluation model and the variable-weight evaluation model, demonstrating that the variable-weight model is recommended when there is a significant disparity in the scores among the viaduct components, whereas the constant-weight model is applicable in other scenarios.
The Impact of Sustainable Tourism on Resident and Visitor Satisfaction—The Case of the Special Nature Reserve “Titelski Breg”, Vojvodina
Authors: Trišić Igor , Štetić Snežana , Candrea Adina Nicoleta , Nechita Florin , Apetrei Manuela , Pavlović Marko , Stojanović Tijana , Perić Marija
Published: March 2024

The Special Nature Reserve “Titelski Breg” (TB) is a protected area (PA) of category I, located in the AP of Vojvodina in the south-eastern part of Bačka. The reserve covers an area of 496 ha. A protection zone covering an area of 8643 ha has been established around the PA. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) states that this PA is classified as a category IV habitat and species management area. Its good geographical and traffic position and close distance to Romania and Hungary, as well as the nation’s major cities, make this PA accessible to a sizable number of both domestic and foreign tourists. There are numerous plant and animal species in the reserve, which makes this area unique. The population living around this reserve has an exceptional and valuable cultural heritage, which represents significant complementary tourist motives. To examine the state of sustainable tourism (SuT) in TB and the impact of SuT on the satisfaction of the respondents (SoR), the PoS model of study was used. The quantitative methodology in this research included a questionnaire as the survey instrument for residents and visitors. There were 630 respondents altogether (400 locals and 230 guests). Four aspects of sustainability, economic, social, cultural, and institutional, were used to analyze the state of SuT in this PA. The study’s findings show that SuT significantly affected the SoR. Analyzing the role that additional protected areas may have in SuT can be supported by the research outcomes. Additionally, the proportion of each sustainability characteristic in SuT can suggest guidelines for national programs that aim to develop PAs and tourist development at the same time.
Impact of Cereal–Legume Intercropping on Changes in Soil Nutrients Contents under Semi–Arid Conditions
Authors: Attallah Amal , Hamdi Wissem , Souid Amira , Farissi Mohamed , L’taief Boulbaba , Messiga Aimé , Rebouh Nazih , Jellali Salah , Zagrarni Mohamed
Published: March 2024

Cereal–legume intercropping systems are not well studied under the semi–arid conditions of Southern Tunisia. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of intercropping durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum L.) with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) on crop grain yield and soil physicochemical proprieties such as carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) availability, microbial biomass nutrients (C and N) and plant nutrient content (N) in comparison to their monocultures. Field experiments were conducted during the 2020–2021 (EXP–A) and 2021–2022 (EXP–B) seasons in Medenine, Tunisia. The results revealed a significant augmentation (p < 0.05) in the total nitrogen proportions (Ntot) within the soil of intercropped durum wheat (DuWh–IR) compared to its monoculture (DuWh–MC). The observed variations amounted to 32% and 29% during the two growing seasons, identified as EXP–A and EXP–B. Additionally, the soil of intercropped durum wheat (DuWh–IR) significantly (p < 0.05) accumulated more total carbon (Ctot) than the monocrop (DuWh–MC) for both experiments, showing an increase of 27% in EXP–A and 24% in EXP–B. Simultaneously, the N− uptake of durum wheat significantly increased under the effect of intercropping, showing a rise of 26% in the EXP–A season and 21% in the EXP–B season. Similarly, the yield of durum wheat crops was comparatively greater in the intercropped plots as opposed to the monoculture crops, with variances of 23% in EXP–A and 20% in EXP–B. Intercropping cereals and legumes has the potential to enhance the soil fertility and crop production in the semi–arid regions of Southern Tunisia and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on nitrogen fertilizers.
Biofuels Induced Land Use Change Emissions: The Role of Implemented Land Use Emission Factors
Authors: Taheripour Farzad , Mueller Steffen , Emery Isaac , Karami Omid , Sajedinia Ehsanreza , Zhuang Qianlai , Wang Michael
Published: March 2024

Biofuels’ induced land-use change (ILUC) emissions have been widely studied over the past 15 years. Many studies have addressed uncertainties associated with these estimates. These studies have broadly examined uncertainties associated with the choice of economic models, their assumptions and parameters, and a few bio-physical variables. However, uncertainties in land-use emission factors that represent the soil and vegetation carbon contents of various land types across the world and are used to estimate carbon fluxes due to land conversions are mostly overlooked. This paper calls attention to this important omission. It highlights some important sources of uncertainty in land-use emissions factors, explores the range in these factors from established data sources, and compares the influence of their variability on ILUC emissions for several sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pathways. The estimated land-use changes for each pathway are taken from a well-known computable general equilibrium model, GTAP-BIO. Two well-known carbon calculator models (CCLUB and AEZ-EF) that represent two different sets of emissions factors are used to convert the GTAP-BIO estimated land-use changes to ILUC emissions. The results show that the calculated ILUC emissions obtained from these carbon calculators for each examined SAF pathway are largely different, even for the same amortization time horizon. For example, the ILUC emissions values obtained from the AEZ-EF and CCLUB models for producing jet fuel from corn ethanol for a 25-year amortization period are 24.9 gCO2e/MJ and 15.96 gCO2e/MJ, respectively. This represents a 60% difference between the results of these two carbon calculators for the same set of land-use changes. The results show larger differences for other pathways as well.
The Impact of Labor Misallocation on Carbon Emissions in China: Whether Digital Space Matters
Authors: Hao Yizhe
Published: March 2024

Digital networks have brought about more frequent economic interaction. Labor misallocation influences regional green development through digital channels. Constructing a digital divide matrix among 30 Chinese provinces, a spatial Durbin model was applied in this paper to address the digital spillover of labor misallocation on carbon emission. We obtained the following research findings: (1) The digital divide in China tends to spread from east to west between 2006 and 2021. (2) Labor misallocation impacts carbon emissions through digital spillover. Specifically, labor misallocation increases local carbon emissions, as well as carbon emissions in digital adjacent regions. (3) The widening digital divide exacerbates the digital spillover effects of labor misallocation. The result’s plausibility was further verified by generalized spatial two-stage least squares. (4) Labor misallocation increases carbon emissions when the digital divide exceeds a threshold. The results provide an effectual reference for digital governance in Chinese carbon emissions.
Exploring the Impact of the Digital Economy on Green Total Factor Productivity—Evidence from Chinese Cities
Authors: Sheng Zuoyufan , Zhu Chengpeng , Chen Mo
Published: March 2024

The digital economy promotes economic development, industrial upgrading, and environmental protection. In this study, we calculated green total factor productivity (GTFP) based on the SBM-DDF model and used the entropy method and principal component analysis to calculate a digital economy index. We used panel data from 282 Chinese cities to measure the driving effect of the digital economy on green total factor productivity. The study results show that the digital economy significantly increases GTFP. We then assessed the heterogeneity of this impact. We also explored the mechanisms by which the digital economy promotes green development and found that the digital economy can indirectly increase industrial production efficiency by promoting innovation in green technologies.
Food Miles and Regional Logos: Investigating Consumer Preferences in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Carroll Kathryn A. , Zepeda Lydia
Published: March 2024

Regional food marketing initiatives in the United States include state-sponsored marketing programs, promotional efforts made by non-profit organizations, and retail-level supermarket campaigns. Some employ food miles, while others emphasize state boundaries or regions. Given that U.S. consumers are faced with these options, the objectives of this study are to (1) determine whether consumers have a clear preference ranking between three regional marketing logos currently seen in the marketplace, (2) estimate whether consumers are willing to pay a price premium for food mileage information, and if so, what mileage cutoffs are preferred, and (3) uncover whether displaying food mileage, regional marketing logos, or dual-displaying both sets of information is most preferred by consumers. To address these objectives, an artefactual field experiment featuring a series of non-hypothetical, random nth-priced auctions is conducted with 98 community participants in Wisconsin. The experimental auctions feature cheese displaying a regional marketing logo, a food mileage cutoff, or both simultaneously. A random-effects two-limit tobit model is used to fit the elicited bid data. Our results suggest regional logos referencing smaller geographic areas are preferred over state logos by U.S. consumers who are willing to pay a price premium. Consumers are not willing to pay a price premium for food mileage information unless it is within 50 miles. Our results also suggest larger distances do not meet consumers’ definition of local. Therefore, to appeal to consumers, federal and state agencies, retailers, and producers should consider marketing efforts targeting smaller regional areas. Such efforts could help shorten the food supply chain while providing consumers with an opportunity to make more sustainable food choices.
Estimation of Energy Distribution Coefficients in Collective Self-Consumption Using Meta-Heuristic Optimization Techniques
Authors: Villalonga Palou Joan Tomàs , Serrano González Javier , Riquelme Santos Jesús Manuel
Published: March 2024

The expansion of collective self-consumption is set to be a fundamental pillar for the development of energy-positive communities. In Spain, the regulation establishes an allocation scheme of self-consumed and surplus energy among the participants, based on distribution coefficients. This implies that the members of the self-consumption community must decide (or otherwise are assigned by default, according to the criteria established in the regulation) the distribution coefficients assigned to each of the consumers for the allocation of the distribution of the energy generated by the self-consumption system, as well as for the allocation of the surpluses. In this paper, the behavior of several algorithms based on heuristic techniques will be analyzed, with the aim of achieving an adequate economic optimization focused on obtaining the distribution coefficients that maximize the net present value (NPV) of the collective installation (according to the annual savings from the implementation of the self-consumption facility, compared to conventional consumption). The modeling of the problem is performed under fully realistic conditions, considering hourly consumption data, electricity prices for domestic consumers and irradiation and photovoltaic production. The results obtained show a clear improvement in the economic performance of the plant by optimizing the distribution coefficients, compared to the standard approach corresponding to the default coefficients established in the regulatory framework.
Energy Amplifier Systems as Sustainable Nuclear Reactors: An Overview
Authors: Lucia Umberto , Grisolia Giulia
Published: March 2024

One of the present major issues for industrialised societies is the environmental impact of energy production. Nuclear power is identified as a possible sustainable opportunity to provide a technological answer to this problem. This review aims to overview the physical bases of accelerator-driven systems, focusing on spallation and transmutation phenomena. A discussion on the possible use of these nuclear devices is developed in the context of sustainable energy production, showing a possible new approach to nuclear energy, based on the developments of accelerator physics and technology during the last century.
Contribution of the Soil Macro- and Microstructure to Organic Matter Stabilisation in Natural and Post-Mining/Industrial Soils under Temperate Climatic Conditions
Authors: de Carvalho Messias , Ciarkowska Krystyna , Wojnar Leszek
Published: March 2024

The soil organic matter (SOM) content and stability in natural gypsum soils and mining/industrial soils were compared to check the effects of selected soil properties (mainly macro- and microstructure) on SOM stability and determine whether the old brownfield soils regardless of being highly polluted with trace metals could store high amounts of SOM. The mining/industrial soils were 50–400 years old and so had been left sufficiently long for full self-restoration. Despite having very different origins, both natural and brownfield soils stored similar amounts of SOM and had similar pH values, calcium carbonate contents, and textures but differed in SOM stabilisation, which was expressed by higher C/N ratios, lower aggregate water resistance index, lower dehydrogenase activity, and greater areas of undecomposed or slightly decomposed plant residues in mining/industrial soils compared to gypsum ones. However, the differences diminished with time, and in the oldest (150–400 years) brownfield soils, these parameters were similar to those in natural soils. Multiple regression analysis indicated that under the study conditions, SOM amounts, besides CaCO3 contents and dehydrogenase activity were also strongly affected by porosity and microaggregation. In the research we showed the role of degraded soils in the sustainable use of the environment.
The Role of the Civic University in Facilitating Inclusive and Transformative Pedagogical Approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Eichberg Edoardo Thomas Alfonso Maria , Charles Aurelie
Published: March 2024

Facing rising financial pressure due to economic stagnation and lacklustre engagement from policy-makers, higher education institutions (HEIs) and local communities are placing increasing emphasis on cooperative efforts between universities and communities to co-create positive societal change in the face of the triple planetary crisis. Based on the PRISMA method, this systematic literature review seeks to contribute to the academic knowledge on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) governance at the local level by unpacking the contribution of HEI-community cooperative approaches to transformative learning and action for sustainability. In order to successfully incorporate communities’ priorities in the local-level integration of the SDGs, it is crucial that these new collaborative initiatives foster transformative learning approaches to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in an equitable, intersubjective, and inductive manner. The findings present the various strategies used to build long-term, impactful, and resilient learning skills for sustainable development for all ESD stakeholders at the local level, including communities, HEIs, and city authorities. This review proposes these interventions as tools for better local governance towards the integration of the SDGs into HEIs and communities, specifically through SDG4 Quality Education.
Evolving Urban Expansion Patterns and Multi-Scenario Simulation Analysis from a Composite Perspective of “Social–Economic–Ecological”: A Case Study of the Hilly and Gully Regions of Northern Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province
Authors: Zhang Zhongqian , Liu Yaqun , Sheng Shuangqing , Liu Xu , Xue Qiuli
Published: March 2024

Over recent decades, the hilly and gully regions of the northern Loess Plateau in Shaanxi province have grappled with severe soil erosion and a precarious ecological milieu. Shaped by urbanization policies, this locale has encountered a gamut of issues, including an imbalance in human–environment dynamics and the degradation of ecological integrity. Consequently, the comprehension of how urban expansion impacts the optimization of regional landscape configurations, the alignment of human–environment interactions in the Loess Plateau’s hilly and gully domains, and the mitigation of urban ecological challenges assumes paramount importance. Leveraging data from land use remote sensing monitoring, alongside inputs from natural geography and socio-economic spheres, and employing methodologies such as landscape pattern indices, we conduct an exhaustive analysis of Zichang City’s urban fabric from 1980 to 2020. Furthermore, employing the CLUE-S model, we undertake multifaceted scenario simulations to forecast urban expansion in Zichang City through to 2035. Our findings delineate two distinct phases in Zichang City’s urban expansion trajectory over the past four decades. From 1980 to 2000, urban construction land in Zichang City experienced a phase of methodical and steady growth, augmenting by 64.98 hectares, alongside a marginal decrease in the landscape shape index (LSI) by 0.02 and a commensurate increase in the aggregation index (AI) by 1.17. Conversely, from 2000 to 2020, urban construction land in Zichang City witnessed an epoch of rapid and haphazard expansion, doubling in expanse, marked by a notable escalation in LSI (2.45) and a corresponding descent in the AI (2.85). The precision of CLUE-S model simulations for Zichang City’s land use alterations registers at 0.88, fulfilling the exigent demand for further urban expansion and land use change prognostication. Under the aegis of the natural development scenario, the augmentation of urban construction land in Zichang City primarily encroaches upon grassland, farmland, and woodland, effectuating an increase of 159.81 hectares. Conversely, under the ambit of urbanization development, urban construction land contends predominantly with farmland, grassland, and woodland, heralding an augmentation of 520.42 hectares. Lastly, under the mantle of ecological protection, urban construction land expansion predominantly encroaches upon grassland, farmland, and woodland, resulting in an augmentation of 4.27 hectares. Through a nuanced analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution of urban expansion and scenario-based simulations, this study endeavors to furnish multi-faceted, scenario-driven, and policy-centric insights for regional planning, urban spatial delineation, and regional ecological safeguarding.
The Human Health Impacts of the Red Imported Fire Ant in the Western Pacific Region Context: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lopez Diego J. , Winkel Kenneth D. , Wanandy Troy , van Nunen Sheryl , Perrett Kirsten P. , Lowe Adrian J.
Published: March 2024

Background: The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is one of the world’s most destructive invasive species. RIFA stings are painful and can lead to allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, yet health impacts remain inadequately defined. Methods: We searched MEDLINE (Ovid) and Google Scholar (grey literature) from inception until 20 September 2023 for articles in English using search terms related to red imported fire ants and allergies, including anaphylaxis. Results: Approximately a third of the population in RIFA-infested areas are stung each year. The most frequent reaction is a sterile 1–2 mm pseudo pustule on the skin. Approximately 20% of stings cause a large local reaction and between about 0.5% and 2% stings cause a systemic allergic reaction which can range from skin symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Local biodiversity is also significantly disrupted by invading RIFA and may lead to complex adverse effects on human health, from agriculture losses to expanded ranges for pathogen vectors. Conclusions: The potential for red imported fire ants to establish themselves as an invasive species in the Western Pacific presents a substantial and costly health issue. Successful eradication and surveillance programs, to identify and eradicate new incursions, would avoid substantial health impacts and costs.
Isolation and Characterization of a Lytic Bacteriophage RH-42-1 of Erwinia amylovora from Orchard Soil in China
Authors: Xi Haishen , Fu Benzhong , Sheng Qiang , Luo Ming , Sun Liying
Published: March 2024

Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a major threat to pear production worldwide. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, are a promising alternative to antibiotics for controlling fire blight. In this study, we isolated a novel bacteriophage, RH-42-1, from Xinjiang, China. We characterized its biological properties, including host range, plaque morphology, infection dynamics, stability, and sensitivity to various chemicals. RH-42-1 infected several E. amylovora strains but not all. It produced clear, uniform plaques and exhibited optimal infectivity at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1, reaching a high titer of 9.6 × 109 plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL. The bacteriophage had a short latent period (10 min), a burst size of 207 PFU/cell, and followed a sigmoidal one-step growth curve. It was stable at temperatures up to 60 °C but declined rapidly at higher temperatures. RH-42-1 remained viable within a pH range of 5 to 9 and was sensitive to extreme pH values. The bacteriophage demonstrates sustained activity upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation for 60 min, albeit with a marginal reduction. In our assays, it exhibited a certain level of resistance to 5% chloroform (CHCl3), 5% isopropanol (C3H8O), and 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which had little effect on its activity, whereas it showed sensitivity to 75% ethanol (C2H5OH). Electron microscopy revealed that RH-42-1 has a tadpole-shaped morphology. Its genome size is 14,942 bp with a GC content of 48.19%. Based on these characteristics, RH-42-1 was identified as a member of the Tectiviridae family, Alphatectivirus genus. This is the first report of a bacteriophage in this genus with activity against E. amylovora.
Cross-Shore Sediment Transport in the Coastal Zone: A Review
Authors: Marin François , Vah Mélanie
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a review of cross-shore sediment transport for non-cohesive sediments in the coastal zone. The principles of sediment incipient motion are introduced. Formulations for the estimation of bedload transport are presented, for currents and combined waves and current flows. A method to consider the effect of sediment heterogeneity on transport, using the hiding–exposure coefficient and hindrance factor, is depicted. Total transport resulting from bedload and transport by suspension is also addressed. New research is encouraged to fill the knowledge gap on this topic.
Effect of Benthic Flux on the Nutrient Dynamics of Bottom Water during Stratification in an Artificial Brackish Lake
Authors: Jeong Yong-Hoon , Choi Yong-Ho , Kwak Dong-Heui
Published: March 2024

In semi-closed coastal brackish systems, the stratification of the water column due to the interaction between freshwater and seawater can lead to a reduction in the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the bottom layers, consequently affecting the benthic nutrient flux and causing the degradation in water quality. We performed in situ investigations using a benthic lander to examine changes in the sediment oxygen demand (SOD) and benthic nutrient flux during the development of stratification in the downstream area of an artificially constructed brackish lake. During each measurement period, the temperature and salinity of the water column showed vertically stable stratification. The potential energy anomaly was 88.1–125.7 J/m3, with the stratification intensity strengthening gradually over the measurement period. The concentration of DO in bottom waters gradually decreased as the stratification of the water intensified and the temperature increased, establishing hypoxic conditions. As the stratification intensified, the SOD decreased with the DO concentration in bottom waters, while the benthic fluxes of NH4-N and PO4-P exhibited an opposite effect. When the effect of offshore water (introduced through a sluice gate) was insignificant, the SOD contributed 33% of the net loss of DO below the pycnocline. During this period, the benthic NH4-N and PO4-P fluxes were estimated to contribute 55% and 87% to the net fluxes in NH4-N and PO4-P, respectively, in the water column below the pycnocline. The benthic NH4-N and PO4-P fluxes resulted in excess phosphorus in the bottom water. When the inflow of seawater through the sluice gate was sufficient, the flow in the upstream direction of the bottom layer moved phosphorus-rich bottom water downstream, which is important for algal growth in the middle-upstream region.
GAMBARAN PELAKSANAAN ISOLASI PADA PASIEN COVID-19 DI BADAN PENGEMBANGAN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA (BPSDM) PROVINSI JAWA BARAT
Authors: Suheti Tati Suheti , Sari Syifa , Rumijati Tjutju , Sugiyanto Sugiyanto , Sunandar Kuslan
Published: March 2024

The increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia is one of the biggest problems we are currently facing. Various kinds of healing methods are being carried out by all health workers. The same is true for all Indonesian citizens, including preventing the spread of COVID-19. One of the transmission prevention methods recommended by the Ministry of Health is to isolate yourself, be it self-isolation at home or in isolation provider facilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation of isolation in patients with COVID-19 at the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) of West Java Province. This research is a descriptive quantitative research. The population in this study were patients with COVID-19 who were undergoing treatment at the West Java Province Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM). The sample in this study were 30 patients using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by distributing online questionnaires in the form of Google Form. The results of this study indicate that almost all patients with COVID-19 at the BPSDM of West Java Province, as many as 29 respondents (96.7%) have carried out isolation properly and correctly, which includes the implementation of the use of PPE, privacy/beds, access to open spaces, availability of clean water, hand hygiene, toilets, washing clothes, garbage, ventilation, food logistics, food equipment, access to entertainment, worship facilities, access to evacuation, and families. It can be concluded that the implementation of the isolation of patients with COVID-19 at the BPSDM of West Java Province is in the good category. It is recommended that the implementation of COVID-19 isolation at the West Java Province Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) can be maintained and improved to prevent more cases from occurring.
Pemberian Stimulasi terhadap Perkembangan Anak Usia Toddler di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Garuda Kota Bandung
Authors: Larasati Shafira Dwina , Kusmiati Sri , Nursyamsiyah Nursyamsiyah , Ariyanti Metia , Cahyaningsih Henny
Published: March 2024

Pemantauan tumbuh kembang anak penting dilakukan ketika anak berada pada periode golden age. Periode tersebut ketika anak lahir sampai usia 3 tahun. Pemantauan perkembangan anak diiringi dengan memberikan anak stimulasi agar anak dapat berkembang secara optimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara stimulasi dengan perkembangan anak usia 24 – 35 bulan di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Garuda Kota Bandung. Desain penelitian yang digunakan yaitu analitik observasional dengan pendekatan cross-sectional yang dilakukan terhadap sampel sebanyak 97 anak usia 24 – 35 bulan yang diambil dengan cara purposive sampling. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner stimulasi dan Kuesioner Pra Skrining Perkembangan usia 24 bulan dan 30 bulan. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis univariat distribusi frekuensi dan analisis bivariat menggunakan rank spearman. Hasil Responden yang sudah mendapatkan stimulasi dalam rentang baik sebanyak 77 orang (79,4%) dan responden yang sudah memiliki hasil perkembangan sesuai sebanyak 95 orang (97,9%). Hasil analisis rank spearman menunjukkan terdapat hubungan antara stimulasi dengan perkembangan anak usia 24-35 bulan dibuktikan oleh nilai p value 0,000 (p<0,05). Diharapkan kader dan pihak puskesmas dapat bekerja sama dalam mempertahankan dan meningkatkan penyuluhan kesehatan mengenai pemberian stimulasi dan pemantauan perkembangan anak.
Gambaran Efikasi Diri pada Anak Talasemia
Authors: Putri Nisrina Lutfiyah Dwi , Cahyaningsih Henny , Ariyanti Metia , Nursyamsiyah Nursyamsiyah , Kusmiati Sri
Published: March 2024

Anak yang terdiagnosis talasemia akan menjalani transfusi darah yang dilakukan berulang, teratur dan rutin. Transfusi darah akan menyebabkan efek samping psikososial salah satunya penurunan efikasi diri. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran efikasi diri pada anak talasemia, baik usia sekolah maupun usia remaja. Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif. Sampel diambil dengan teknik accidental sampling. Jumlah sampel 71 responden dengan 54 responden anak usia sekolah dan 17 responden anak usia remaja. Analisis menggunakan distribusi frekuensi dengan median sebagai cut off. Anak usia sekolah 6-12 tahun dengan efikasi diri yang tinggi sebesar 52,7% dan memiliki efikasi diri rendah sebesar 46,3%. Anak usia remaja 13-18 tahun memiliki efikasi diri yang tinggi sebesar 35,3% serta memiliki efikasi diri yang rendah sebesar 64,7%. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan adanya upaya dengan penguatan dan dukungan terhadap sakit yang dialami anak untuk meningkatkan efikasi diri khususnya pada anak usia remaja 13-18 tahun.
Analisis Faktor Penyebab Depresi pada Lansia: Riwayat Penyakit, Interaksi Sosial dan Dukungan Keluarga
Authors: Rachmawati Fanny , Z Desmaniarti , Muttaqin Zaenal , Muryati Muryati
Published: March 2024

Kejadian depresi merupakan salah satu gangguan psikologis yang dapat terjadi pada lansia dan harus mendapatkan perhatian. Depresi pada lansia yang tidak ditangani dengan baik, dapat menimbulkan keinginan bunuh diri. Depresi dapat disebabkan oleh faktor fisik dan faktor psikologis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan depresi pada lansia di Puskesmas. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan model rancangan Cross Sectional. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling dengan jumlah sampel 43 orang. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah kuesioner Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), kuesioner interaksi sosial, kuesioner dukungan keluarga, dan lembar checklist riwayat penyakit yang sudah valid dan reliabel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara riwayat penyakit (p value = 0,045), dengan depresi pada lansia. Hubungan terkuat terhadap depresi pada lansia ditunjukkan oleh faktor dukungan keluarga (OR = 6,24). Perlu dilakukan upaya pencegahan timbulnya depresi serta meningkatnya tingkat depresi yang sudah dialami lansia. Upaya yang dapat dilakukan puskesmas yaitu dengan mengadakan screening dan terapi aktivitas kelompok khusus lansia. Selain itu, dukungan dari keluarga juga diperlukan sehingga kondisi fisik dan psikologis lansia dapat terjaga. Penelitian mengenai intervensi yang tepat dalam menangani depresi pada lansia juga perlu dilakukan.
PENGARUH POSISI JONGKOK PADA KALA II PERSALINAN
Authors: Yuniah Yuyun , Indrayani Diyan
Published: March 2024

Posisi persalinan dapat meningkatkan kenyamanan dengan merangsang reseptor di otak yang menurunkan persepsi nyeri akibat kontraksi uterus sehingga hal ini dapat mempercepat persalinan. Posisi persalinan dapat membantu bayi bergerak melalui panggul, dan beberapa posisi memperbesar diameter panggul. Bidan mempunyai peran penting dalam memberi dukungan dan memfasilitasi ibu memilih posisi persalinan yang nyaman dan tepat sehingga dapat mempersingkat lama persalinan. Posisi jongkok merupakan salah satu alternatif posisi persalinan yang bermanfaat memperpendek lama kala II persalinan. Posisi jongkok termasuk kategori posisi tegak sehingga memberi gaya gravitasi yang membantu mendorong bagian terendah janin turun, meningkatkan diameter panggul sehingga membantu rotasi janin serta ibu bebas bergerak mengendalikan berat badannya sehingga terasa nyaman. Laporan kasus berbasis bukti ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh posisi jongkok pada kala II persalinan pada primipara di UPT Puskemas Padasuka. Penelusuran artikel mengenai  perbandingan posisi persalinan ini melalui Google scholar, Pubmed dan Chocrane Library dengan strategi kata kunci pencarian birth position OR squatting position AND duration second stage of labor. Didapatkan 2 artikel yang sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi dan telah dilakukan penapisan sebelumnya, kemudian ditelaah secara kritis. Setelah ditelaah secara kritis dari kedua artikel dinyatakan penting dan dapat diterapkan kepada pasien. Posisi jongkok dilakukan oleh ibu primipara pada kala II persalinan. Diperoleh hasil bahwa lama persalinan kala II 13 menit dengan demikian posisi jongkok dalam kala II persalinan efektif dalam mempercepat  persalinan.