bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling CO Chemistry in a Protoplanetary Disk Using Explanatory Machine-learning Techniques
Authors: Diop Amina , Cleeves L. Ilsedore , Anderson Dana E. , Pegues Jamila , Plunkett Adele
Published: February 2024

Molecular abundances in protoplanetary disks are highly sensitive to the local physical conditions, including gas temperature, gas density, radiation field, and dust properties. Often multiple factors are intertwined, impacting the abundances of both simple and complex species. We present a new approach to understanding these chemical and physical interdependencies using machine learning. Specifically, we explore the case of CO modeled under the conditions of a generic disk and build an explanatory regression model to study the dependence of CO spatial density on the gas density, gas temperature, cosmic-ray ionization rate, X-ray ionization rate, and UV flux. Our findings indicate that combinations of parameters play a surprisingly powerful role in regulating CO abundance compared to any singular physical parameter. Moreover, in general we find the conditions in the disk are destructive toward CO. CO depletion is further enhanced in an increased cosmic-ray environment and in disks with higher initial C/O ratios. These dependencies uncovered by our new approach are consistent with previous studies, which are more modeling intensive and computationally expensive. Our work thus shows that machine learning can be a powerful tool not only for creating efficient predictive models, but also for enabling a deeper understanding of complex chemical processes.
Small-amplitude Compressible Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence Modulated by Collisionless Damping in Earth’s Magnetosheath: Observation Matches Theory
Authors: Zhao Siqi , Yan Huirong , Liu Terry Z. , Yuen Ka Ho , Shi Mijie
Published: February 2024

Plasma turbulence is a ubiquitous dynamical process that transfers energy across many spatial and temporal scales and affects energetic particle transport. Recent advances in the understanding of compressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence demonstrate the important role of damping in shaping energy distributions on small scales, yet its observational evidence is still lacking. This study provides the first observational evidence of substantial collisionless damping (CD) modulation on the small-amplitude compressible MHD turbulence cascade in Earth’s magnetosheath using four Cluster spacecraft. Based on an improved compressible MHD decomposition algorithm, turbulence is decomposed into three eigenmodes: incompressible Alfvén modes and compressible slow and fast (magnetosonic) modes. Our observations demonstrate that CD enhances the anisotropy of compressible MHD modes because CD has a strong dependence on wave propagation angle. The wavenumber distributions of slow modes are mainly stretched perpendicular to the background magnetic field (
B

0) and weakly modulated by CD. In contrast, fast modes are subjected to a more significant CD modulation. Fast modes exhibit a weak, scale-independent anisotropy above the CD truncation scale. Below the CD truncation scale, the anisotropy of fast modes enhances as wavenumbers increase. As a result, fast-mode fractions in the total energy of compressible modes decrease with the increase of perpendicular wavenumber (to
B

0) or wave propagation angle. Our findings reveal how the turbulence cascade is shaped by CD and its consequences for anisotropies in the space environment.
The EDGE-CALIFA Survey: Molecular Gas and Star Formation Activity across the Green Valley
Authors: Villanueva Vicente , Bolatto Alberto D. , Vogel Stuart N. , Wong Tony , Leroy Adam K. , Sánchez Sebastian F. , Levy Rebecca C. , Rosolowsky Erik , Colombo Dario , Kalinova Veselina , Cronin Serena , Teuben Peter , Rubio Mónica , Bazzi Zein
Published: February 2024

We present a 12CO(J = 2−1) survey of 60 local galaxies using data from the Atacama Compact Array as part of the Extragalactic Database for Galaxy Evolution: the ACA EDGE survey. These galaxies all have integral field spectroscopy from the CALIFA survey. Compared to other local galaxy surveys, ACA EDGE is designed to mitigate selection effects based on CO brightness and morphological type. Of the 60 galaxies in ACA EDGE, 36 are on the star formation main sequence, 13 are on the red sequence, and 11 lie in the “green valley” transition between these sequences. We test how star formation quenching processes affect the star formation rate (SFR) per unit molecular gas mass, SFEmol = SFR/M
mol, and related quantities in galaxies with stellar masses 10 ≤ log[M
⋆/M
⊙] ≤ 11.5 covering the full range of morphological types. We observe a systematic decrease of the molecular-to-stellar mass fraction (

R

⋆

mol

) with a decreasing level of star formation activity, with green valley galaxies also having lower SFEmol than galaxies on the main sequence. On average, we find that the spatially resolved SFEmol within the bulge region of green valley galaxies is lower than in the bulges of main-sequence galaxies if we adopt a constant CO-to-H2 conversion factor, α
CO. While efficiencies in main-sequence galaxies remain almost constant with galactocentric radius, in green valley galaxies, we note a systematic increase of SFEmol,

R

⋆

mol

, and specific SFR with increasing radius. As shown in previous studies, our results suggest that although gas depletion (or removal) seems to be the most important driver of the star formation quenching in galaxies transiting through the green valley, a reduction in star formation efficiency is also required during this stage.
Aggregation and Charging of Mineral Cloud Particles under High-energy Irradiation
Authors: Bach-Møller Nanna , Helling Christiane , Jørgensen Uffe G. , Enghoff Martin B.
Published: February 2024

It is known from Earth that ionizing high-energy radiation can lead to ion-induced nucleation of cloud condensation nuclei in the atmosphere. Since the amount of high-energy radiation can vary greatly based on the radiative environment of a host star, understanding the effect of high-energy radiation on cloud particles is critical to understand exoplanet atmospheres. This study aims to explore how high-energy radiation affects the aggregation and charging of mineral cloud particles. We present experiments conducted in an atmosphere chamber on mineral SiO2 particles with diameters of 50 nm. The particles were exposed to gamma radiation in either low-humidity (RH ≈ 20%) or high-humidity (RH > 50%) environments. The aggregation and charging state of the particles were studied with a scanning mobility particle sizer. We find that the single SiO2 particles (N1) cluster to form larger aggregates (N2–N4), and that this aggregation is inhibited by gamma radiation. We find that gamma radiation shifts the charging of the particles to become more negative by increasing the charging state of negatively charged particles. Through an independent t-test, we find that this increase is statistically significant within a 5% significance level for all aggregates in the high-humidity environment and all except the N1 particles in the low-humidity environment. For the positively charged particles, the changes in charging state are not within the 5% significance level. We suggest that the overall effect of gamma radiation could favor the formation of a high number of small particles over a lower number of larger particles.
Formation of Galactic Disks. I. Why Did the Milky Way’s Disk Form Unusually Early?
Authors: Semenov Vadim A. , Conroy Charlie , Chandra Vedant , Hernquist Lars , Nelson Dylan
Published: February 2024

Recent results from spectroscopic and astrometric surveys of nearby stars suggest that the stellar disk of our Milky Way (MW) was formed quite early, within the first few billion years of its evolution. Chemokinematic signatures of disk formation in cosmological zoom-in simulations appear to be in tension with these data, implying that MW-like disk formation is delayed in simulations. We investigate the formation of galactic disks using a representative sample of MW-like galaxies from the cosmological volume simulation TNG50. We find that on average MW-mass disks indeed form later than the local data suggest. However, their formation time and metallicity exhibit a substantial scatter, such that ∼10% of MW-mass galaxies form disks early, similar to the MW. Thus, although the MW is unusual, it is consistent with the overall population of MW-mass disk galaxies. The direct MW analogs assemble most of their mass early, ≳10 Gyr ago, and are not affected by destructive mergers after that. In addition, these galaxies form their disks during the early enrichment stage when the interstellar medium metallicity increases rapidly, with only ∼25% of early-forming disks being as metal-poor as the MW was at the onset of disk formation, [Fe/H] ≈ −1.0. In contrast, most MW-mass galaxies either form disks from already enriched material or experience late destructive mergers that reset the signatures of galactic disk formation to later times and higher metallicities. Finally, we also show that earlier disk formation leads to more dominant rotationally supported stellar disks at redshift zero.
Multiple Habitable Phases on Outer Exosolar Worlds
Authors: Sparrman Viktor , Bladh Sara , Way M. J.
Published: February 2024

As stars evolve to higher luminosities during first ascension of the giant branch, previously frozen terrestrial worlds may thaw and host liquid water on their surfaces. Eventually these outer worlds again become uninhabitable due to receiving too much incident light and their water inventory evaporating. Solar-mass stars experience a sudden decrease in luminosity entering the horizontal branch, which could result in a secondary habitable phase for their outer worlds. The outer worlds’ time with habitable surface climates is key in evaluating the possibility of extraterrestrial life arising. The times inside the habitable zone (TIHZ) are calculated for outer worlds orbiting between 5 and 45 au around a Sun-like star. By comparing the TIHZ to time estimates for life to arise on Earth, we evaluate whether such outer worlds are promising candidates in the search for extraterrestrial life. We use two different solar evolution models (PARSEC and Dartmouth) and both optimistic and conservative habitable zone (HZ) definitions. Multiple habitable phases are found for each outer world. Outer worlds with orbits as large as Saturn are found to have a secondary habitable phase which exceeds the first in duration. Generally, the time inside the HZ is found to decrease almost monotonically with orbiting distance. Water loss is calculated after the first habitable phase to determine whether a secondary habitable phase is possible. For all orbiting distances the water loss is insufficient to deplete a water inventory equivalent to that of many moons in the outer solar system.
Updated Proper Motion of the Neutron Star in the Supernova Remnant Cassiopeia A
Authors: Holland-Ashford Tyler , Slane Patrick , Long Xi
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present updated estimates of the velocity of the neutron star (NS) in the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A using over two decades of Chandra observations. We use two methods: (1) recording the NS positions from dozens of Chandra observations, including the astrometric uncertainty estimates on the data points, but not correcting the astrometry of the observations; and (2) correcting the astrometry of the 13 Chandra observations that have a sufficient number of point sources with identified Gaia counterparts. For method #1, we observe a heliocentric velocity of 275 ± 121 km s−1, with an angle of 177° ± 22° east of north. For method #2, we observe a heliocentric velocity of 436 ± 89 km s−1 at an angle of 158° ± 12°. Correcting for galactic rotation and the Sun’s peculiar motion decreases these estimates to 256 km s−1 at 167° and 433 km s−1 at 151°, respectively. Both of our estimates match with the explosion-center-estimated velocity of ∼350 km s−1 and the previous 10 yr baseline proper-motion measurement of 570 ± 260 km s−1, but our use of additional data over a longer baseline has led to a smaller uncertainty by a factor of 2–3. Our estimates rule out velocities ≳600 km s−1 and better match with simulations of Cassiopeia A that include NS kick mechanisms.
The Orbital Structure and Selection Effects of the Galactic Center S-star Cluster
Authors: Burkert A. , Gillessen S. , Lin D. N. C. , Zheng X. , Schoeller P. , Eisenhauer F. , Genzel R.
Published: February 2024

The orbital distribution of the S-star cluster surrounding the supermassive black hole in the center of the Milky Way is analyzed. A tight dependence of the pericenter distance r
p on orbital eccentricity e
⋆ is found,

log
(

r
p

)
∼
(
1
−

e
⋆

)

, which cannot be explained simply by a random distribution of semimajor axis and eccentricities. No stars are found in the region with high e
⋆ and large

log
(

r
p

)

or in the region with low e
⋆ and small

log
(

r
p

)

. Although the sample is still small, the G-clouds show a very similar distribution. The likelihood

P
(
log
(

r
p

)
,
(
1
−

e
⋆

)
)

to determine the orbital parameters of S-stars is determined. P is very small for stars with large e
⋆ and large

log
(

r
p

)

. S-stars might exist in this region. To determine their orbital parameters, one however needs observations over a longer time period. On the other hand, if stars would exist in the region of low

log
(

r
p

)

and small e
⋆, their orbital parameters should by now have been determined. That this region is unpopulated therefore indicates that no S-stars exist with these orbital characteristics, providing constraints for their formation. We call this region, defined by

log
(

r
p

/
AU
)
<
1.57
+
2.6
(
1
−

e
⋆

)

, the zone of avoidance. Finally, it is shown that the observed frequency of eccentricities and pericenter distances is consistent with a random sampling of

log
(

r
p

)

and e
⋆ if one takes into account the fact that no stars exist in the zone of avoidance and that orbital parameters cannot yet be determined for stars with large r
p and large e
⋆.
Emergent Nucleosynthesis from a 1.2 s Long Simulation of a Black Hole Accretion Disk
Authors: Sprouse Trevor M. , Lund Kelsey A. , Miller Jonah M. , McLaughlin Gail C. , Mumpower Matthew R.
Published: February 2024

We simulate a black hole accretion disk system with full-transport general relativistic neutrino radiation magnetohydrodynamics for 1.2 s. This system is likely to form after the merger of two compact objects and is thought to be a robust site of r-process nucleosynthesis. We consider the case of a black hole accretion disk arising from the merger of two neutron stars. Our simulation time coincides with the nucleosynthesis timescale of the r-process (∼1 s). Because these simulations are time-consuming, it is common practice to run for a “short” duration of approximately 0.1–0.3 s. We analyze the nucleosynthetic outflow from this system and compare the results of stopping at 0.12 and 1.2 s. We find that the addition of mass ejected in the longer simulation as well as more favorable thermodynamic conditions from emergent viscous ejecta greatly impacts the nucleosynthetic outcome. We quantify the error in nucleosynthetic outcomes between short and long cuts.
Revised Constraints on the Fast Radio Burst Population from the First CHIME/FRB Catalog
Authors: Lin Hai-Nan , Zou Rui
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we investigate the fast radio burst (FRB) population using the first CHIME/FRB catalog. We first reconstruct the extragalactic dispersion measure–redshift relation (DME–z relation) from well-localized FRBs, then use it to infer the redshift and isotropic energy of the first CHIME/FRB catalog. The intrinsic energy distribution is modeled by the power law with an exponential cutoff, and the selection effect of the CHIME telescope is modeled by a two-parametric function of specific fluence. For the intrinsic redshift distribution, the star formation history (SFH) model and five other SFH-related models are considered. We construct the joint likelihood of fluence, energy, and redshift, and all the free parameters are constrained simultaneously using the Bayesian inference method. The Bayesian information criterion (BIC) is used to choose the model that best matches the observational data. For comparison, we fit our models with two data samples, i.e., the Full sample and the Gold sample. The power-law index and cutoff energy are tightly constrained to be 1.8 ≲ α ≲ 1.9 and

log
(

E

c

/

erg
)
≈
42

, which are almost independent of the redshift distribution model and the data sample we choose. The parameters involving the selection effect strongly depend on the data sample but are insensitive to the redshift distribution model. According to BIC, the pure SFH model is strongly disfavored by both the Full sample and Gold sample. For the other five SFH-related redshift distribution models, most of them can match the data well if the parameters are properly chosen. Therefore, with the present data, it is still premature to draw a conclusion on the FRB population.
Systematic revision of the Eyelash Palm-Pitviper Bothriechis schlegelii (Serpentes, Viperidae), with the description of five new species and revalidation of three
Authors: Arteaga Alejandro , Pyron R. Alexander , Batista Abel , Vieira Jose , Meneses Pelayo Elson , Smith Eric N. , Barrio Amorós César L. , Koch Claudia , Agne Stefanie , Valencia Jorge H. , Bustamante Lucas , Harris Kyle J.
Published: February 2024

We present a taxonomic review and systematic revision of the Eyelash Palm-Pitviper Bothriechis schlegelii (Berthold, 1846) based on examination of 400 museum specimens, a phylogeographic analysis of 818 locality records, and 80 individuals sampled for molecular characters. We find morphological and phylogenetic support for five new species of Bothriechis Peters, 1859, which we describe here based on their unique combination of molecular, meristic, hemipenial, and color pattern characteristics. They are: B. klebbaisp. nov., B. rasikusumorumsp. nov., B. khwargisp. nov., B. rahimisp. nov., and B. hussainisp. nov. Finally, we revalidate the names B. nigroadspersus (Steindachner, 1870), B. nitidus (Günther, 1859), and B. torvus (Posada Arango, 1889a), and provide a redescription of B. schlegelii.
Cost-effectiveness of cardiomyopathy ambulatory care with sacubitril/valsartan vs standard therapy after COVID-19 in Kazakhstan
Authors: Dadanbekova Dana , Zhakipbekov Kairat , Kodasbayev Almat , Datkhayev Ubaidilla , Petrova Guenka , Tachkov Konstantin
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 2 different therapies of cardiomyopathy (CM) after COVID -19. The focus of the study is fixed dose combination (FDC) of sacubitril/valsartan and standard therapy in Kazakhstan. This is written from the point of view of the health insurance institution.

Information for the age, gender, CM therapy, number of hospitalizations, COVID-19 infection, and past cardiovascular surgeries of 237 patients with incidents of CM which required a hospitalization after a COVID-19 infection was collected. Selected patients were divided into two groups: the cost of FDC and standard therapy and the annual cost of their therapy was calculated. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated by dividing the cost of medication therapy by the number of hospitalizations between the two compared groups. Robustness of the results was tested with deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The study was performed in City cardiology centre of Almaty in Kazakhstan during 2020–2022.

Results show that FDC is more costly but more effective, leading to fewer hospitalizations. ICER accounts for €-2,743.08 per hospitalization saved in the group on FDC vs standard of therapy.

Sacubitril/valsartan is cost-effective in ambulatory conditions in comparison with standard therapy of cardiomyopathy after COVID-19 leading to savings due to the decrease in the number of hospitalizations.
Mitochondrial DNA structuring of Antarctic prions (Pachyptila desolata, Procellariidae)
Authors: Shepherd Lara D. , Tennyson Alan J. D. , Miskelly Colin M.
Published: February 2024

Prions (Pachyptila) are small seabirds with a Southern Hemisphere breeding distribution. Antarctic prion (Pachyptila desolata) and Salvin’s prion (P. salvini) are two species that are regularly recorded in New Zealand as beach-wrecks but they are difficult to distinguish morphologically. Salvin’s prion is restricted to breeding on the Prince Edward Islands and Crozet Islands in the Indian Ocean but Antarctic prions have a circumpolar breeding distribution on numerous sub-Antarctic and Antarctic islands in the Southern, South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Our aim was to examine the level of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) structuring within Antarctic prion and Salvin’s prion colonies, to test whether this technique can determine the provenance of beach-cast birds. The Auckland Islands Antarctic prion population exhibited distinct mtDNA haplotypes from all other populations, supporting the suggestion that these islands may have been an ice-free refugium during the Last Glacial Maximum. All other sampled breeding populations shared haplotypes, limiting the use of these sequences for determining the provenance of beach-cast birds. None of our museum specimens of Salvin’s prion collected from breeding colonies produced DNA sequences. This result indicates that the method by which these specimens, which were collected in the 1960s and 70s, were preserved, or subsequent treatments, has resulted in the loss of their DNA.
Gold in the mountains: Striking new species of Papuascincus (Sphenomorphini: Scincidae) from New Guinea
Authors: Slavenko Alex , Richards Stephen J. , Donnellan Stephen C. , Allison Allen , Oliver Paul M.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Skinks are the most diverse component of the reptile fauna in the mountains of New Guinea and many seemingly specialised high-elevation species remain undescribed. Here we describe two spectacular new gold-patterned skinks in the montane-specialist genus Papuascincus. Both species can be diagnosed from all congeners by their distinctive colouration, in addition to aspects of scalation and body size. One new species is mainly recorded from lower montane forest in karst habitats spanning more than five hundred kilometres along the southern edge of New Guinea’s Central Cordillera and is likely to warrant an IUCN conservation status of Least Concern. The second new species has thus far only been recorded from cloud forest on the summit of Mt. Menawa in the North Coastal Ranges and we suggest it should be considered Data Deficient. However, if further survey work confirms a restricted distribution with little scope for upslope elevational retreat under future warming climates it will likely qualify for Endangered or Critically Endangered status.
Nurse Upskilling During Crisis: Collaborating for Continuing Education
Authors: Rascón Aliria Muñoz , Nelson Andrew , Richardson Darcy
Published: February 2024

Background:

As rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reached pandemic levels in early 2020, the need for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses with mechanical ventilator knowledge increased. In response to the pandemic, hospital systems with limited resources reported moving ICU nurse educators to direct patient care roles and reassigning non-ICU nurses to work in the ICU. With fewer resources to educate non-ICU nurses and many newly assigned nurses reporting feeling unprepared for work in the ICU, the need for an accessible and scalable introduction to ICU nursing became clear.

Method:

Our team responded by creating a free, online, self-paced, asynchronous course introducing the ICU nursing setting.

Results:

More than 4,000 learners worldwide have enrolled in the course, with 94% of survey respondents expecting the course to positively impact their institution.

Conclusion:

Our project shows an approach to effective collaboration among clinical partners, instructional designers, and nursing experts to address critical needs in continuing education in nursing.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2024;55(5):257–260.]
A mathematical model for predicting and controlling COVID-19 transmission with impulsive vaccination
Authors: Rattanakul Chontita , Chaiya Inthira
Published: February 2024

This study examines an epidemiological model known as the susceptible-exposed-infected-hospitalized-recovered (SEIHR) model, with and without impulsive vaccination strategies. First, the model was analyzed without impulsive vaccination in the presence of a reinfection effect. Subsequently, it was studied as part of a periodic impulsive vaccination strategy targeting the susceptible population. These vaccination impulses were administered in very brief intervals at specific time instants, with a fixed time gap between each impulse. The two approaches can be modified to respond to different amounts of susceptibility, with control efforts intensifying as susceptibility levels rise. The model's analysis includes crucial aspects such as the non-negativity of solutions, the existence of steady states, and the stability corresponding to the basic reproduction number. We demonstrate that when vaccination measures are taken into account, the basic reproduction number remains as less than one. Therefore, the disease-free equilibrium in the case of vaccination could still be asymptotically stable at the higher disease transmission rate, as compared to the case of no vaccination in which the disease-free equilibrium may no longer be asymptotically stable. Furthermore, we show that when the disease-free equilibrium is stable, the endemic equilibrium cannot be attained, and that when the reproduction number rises above unity, the disease-free equilibrium becomes unstable while the endemic equilibrium becomes stable. We have also derived conditions for the global stability of both equilibriums. To support our theoretical results, we have constructed a time series of numerical simulations and compared them with real-world data from the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Les prélèvements et les analyses sur l’os humain ancien : connaître, encadrer et promouvoir la recherche. Retour sur le rapport rendu dans le cadre du groupe de travail sur la mise en place des protocoles de prélèvements et d’analyses sur l’os humain ainsi que sur la conservation des échantillons (PAOHCE)
Authors: Cribellier Christian , Chaillou Anne
Published: February 2024

En 2019, la sous-direction de l’archéologie (ministère de la Culture, direction générale des patrimoines et de l’architecture, service du patrimoine) a créé un groupe de travail sur la mise en place des protocoles de prélèvements et d’analyses sur l’os humain ainsi que sur la conservation des échantillons. Celui-ci a rendu en 2022 un rapport ayant pour vocation d’aider à la définition de bonnes pratiques pour la réalisation des prélèvements et d’analyses sur l’os humain dans les meilleures conditions, ainsi qu’à la mise en œuvre des procédures administratives permettant d’assurer une meilleure gestion des demandes de prélèvements et d’analyses et leur suivi. Cet article présente la genèse du groupe de travail, les réflexions menées ainsi que les recommandations que le groupe a émises dans son rapport. Les recommandations portent sur la nécessité de poursuivre la sensibilisation de la communauté scientifique à la préservation et aux potentiels d’étude des vestiges anthropobiologiques par l’intermédiaire de fiches pratiques, sur la mise en place d’une procédure d’encadrement et d’évaluation des projets de recherche ainsi que sur la réalisation d’un bilan des travaux et des procédures mises en œuvre.
Data Envelopment Analysis and Its Application in Energy and Environment
Authors: Tiwari Saransh , Singh Sanjeet
Published: February 2024

The expansion of the industrial and manufacturing sectors is crucial to the economic well-being of all nations. Problems arise because this development is inevitably accompanied by air, water, and other types of pollution that are commonly linked to human health issues and climatic shifts. Thus, we need to think about how to strike a balance between economic growth and pollution reduction in order to keep global society as stable as possible. It is generally agreed that data envelopment analysis (DEA) is one approach of assessing sustainability. Therefore, this chapter is aimed at providing a comprehensive knowledge to the researchers and practitioners on the use of DEA in the field of energy and environment, including a discussion of the key principles and methodology in DEA used in environmental evaluation. This chapter, together with the explanation of conceptual and methodological advances, will serve as a road map for researchers' future investigations into the effects of DEA on energy and environmental problems.
Generation Expansion Planning Using Renewable Energy Resources
Authors: Ponnambalam Suriya , Ilampoornan M. K.
Published: February 2024

Generation expansion planning using renewable resources to greenhouse gas emission has been analyzed in this chapter. Hydro, biomass, solar, and wind power plants have been used as renewable energy resources for expansion planning. In the developed model, two scenarios have been generated. GEP scenario represents power system expansion planning without any renewable power plant. On the other hand, the generation expansion with renewable energy resources scenario represents the role of renewable power plant in the system. The role of renewable power plant has been analyzed in two aspects, which are contribution to the production of electricity and to the reduction of GHG emission.
Modeling of Anti-Islanding Protection for Solar Energy-Based Microgrid
Authors: Prasad Dharmbir , Singh Rudra Pratap , Hakim Anis , Roy Ranadip , Khan Md. Irfan
Published: February 2024

Effective management of renewable energy resources becomes a key task with an increasing penetration at the distribution level. Renewable plants may be small or medium low voltage networks but consist of several sources and loads having a combined effect. Increasing interest and investment in renewable energy give rise to rapid development of high penetration solar energy. There are multiple ways to interface solar panel arrays with the power grid. A system can switch from a grid tie mode to an island mode of operation in the event of a utility grid fault. The active local passive approach is a point of common coupling taken into consideration for anti-islanding protection in integrated systems. This work analyzes the effect of grid tied PV systems, which can enhance power system reliability. A grid-connected PV system is modeled in PSCAD software to examine its operation and controlling aspects; however, system capacity sizing for the 5.03 kWp microgrid has been performed using PVsyst tools.
Need of 21st Century
Authors: Tiwari Shrikant , N. Chidambaram , Tyagi Amit Kumar
Published: February 2024

In this 21st century, the need for a sustainable environment is becoming increasingly essential. This work discusses the importance of adopting sustainable practices and implementing smart technologies to create a useful and eco-friendly living environment. This chapter explains the important need for sustainable practices to mitigate these challenges and ensure a livable future. Smart environment concepts and technologies are then discussed as a means to achieve sustainability. This work discusses the integration of advanced technologies, such as the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, into various aspects of environmental management. Examples include smart energy grids, intelligent waste management systems, and eco-friendly transportation solutions. These technologies enable efficient resource allocation, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making, fostering a sustainable and resilient environment. This work discusses the benefits of adopting a smart environment approach.
Applications of Bionanocomposites in Food Packaging
Authors: Abdulraheem Mukhtar Iderawumi , Abdi Gholamreza , Khan Nafeesa Farooq , Wahab Abdul , Gudeta Kasahun , Singh Chandan , Hazzan Oluwadamilola Oluwatoyin
Published: February 2024

Although bio-based nanocomposite materials have various packaging options, the future is still evolving. At this point, multifunctional intelligent packaging will replace simple traditional packaging. As the use of synthetic plastics decreases, so does the demand for biodegradable packaging materials. Because of its potential to alleviate environmental issues associated with conventional packaging materials, biodegradable nanocoating for food packaging has seen a significant increase in interest in recent years. This innovative technology offers several perspectives and benefits, including improved food safety, extended shelf life, reduced waste, and enhanced sustainability. The objectives of this chapter are to highlight the latest advancements and research in the field of biodegradable nanocoating and its potential to revolutionize the food packaging industry as well as the advanced development teams about the benefits and potential applications of biodegradable nanocoating in food packaging.
Evaluation of Handwriting Kinematics and Pressure for Differential Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease Analysis
Authors: Mamta
Published: February 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) has many different symptoms that can be challenging for both patients and doctors, but recently, doctors and scientists have made a lot of progress in treating PD. This chapter talks about how computers and artificial intelligence (AI) can help manage PD. Later on, the authors discuss how wearable devices and apps on smartphones can help treat and manage PD. AI is defined, and there are examples of how AI helps doctors. The chapter then explains different ways AI could help people with PD. AI might also predict how PD will get worse and how well treatments will work. The chapter also talks about using AI to understand PD better by looking at brain images from MRI scans. Protecting people's privacy is essential, as is making ethical use of AI. Also, the authors show actual cases of how AI is currently assisting people who have PD. They look at how AI and medical expertise can revolutionize the treatment of PD. People with PD may benefit from medical and AI professionals working together.
The Impact of Employee Empowerment and Job Satisfaction on Perceived Financial Performance
Authors: Papaioannou Alkistis , Dimitropoulos Panagiotis
Published: February 2024

The scope of the study is to examine the impact of employee empowerment and employees' job satisfaction on the perceived financial performance of Greek hotel firms during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The study utilises primary data collected through a questionnaire from 526 hotel employees of luxury hotels in Greece during the period May-June 2021. Principal component analysis was performed for the extraction of the main variables and regression analysis was used for examining the impact of employee empowerment and job satisfaction on hotel firms perceived financial performance. Regression results revealed that both employee empowerment and job satisfaction impact positively on perceived financial performance, with employee empowerment having the largest impact among the two. This chapter is the first within the Greek hotel industry that tries to examine the significance of employee empowerment and job satisfaction on perceived financial performance, under the pandemic outbreak.
Learning and Development, a Core Strategy of Organizational Culture
Authors: Kankaew Kannapat , Nakpathom Parinya , Chanitphattana Alhuda , Phungpumkaew Hataipat , Boonnag Kwanporn , Magulod Jr Gilbert C.
Published: February 2024

Globalization allows modern trade to compete in perfect markets. On the other hand, globalization and tourism allow people to travel, learn, and exchange the way of life, culture, and norms more easily. Thus, stressing on creating value added by delivering the customer experiences through the services from the workforce could deliver the competitive advantages. Literally, human resources could make the company distinct from its rivals. Whereas the external environment keeps changing that disrupts various facets of all kind of organizations. Yet, the hasty flow of information and novelty of contemporary knowledge shapes individuals' behavior. It leads to the products/services consumption and new trends. This phenomenon makes people and organizations need to adapt themselves purposefully. But on the flip side—extensive acclimatization in the tourism industry might ruin the uniqueness and the existence identity of local people. This chapter delves into the importance of learning and development implementation as an organizational culture in tourism and hospitality sector.
The Human Resource Balanced Scorecard (HRBSC) and Internal Marketing Management in (Post) Pandemic Tourism Contexts
Authors: Quesado Patrícia R. , Duarte Márcia , Sousa Bruno Barbosa
Published: February 2024

The objective of the chapter is to provide an insight into the potential of the HRBSC, as a performance evaluation and strategic management tool, and marketing management to improve the competitiveness in the tourism sector. internal marketing is crucial for the success of organizations, with special emphasis on the pandemic (and post-pandemic) context, in which the competence and satisfaction of employees is a differentiating element. The use of the BSC as a system management allows monitoring and justifying the investments made in training human resources, due to the possibility of associating these investments with the results global financial statements, justifying its realization, and contributing to the evaluation of its efficiency. From an interdisciplinary perspective, the chapter presents insights for management, strategy, and human resources in the context of tourism.
Application rate and hydraulic tips used in remotely piloted aircraft affect the phytosanitary products in coffee plant canopies
Authors: Alvarenga Cleyton Batista de , Zampiróli Renan , Cunha João Paulo Arantes Rodrigues da , Rinaldi Paula Cristina Natalino , Cunha Bruno Amâncio da , Faria Layanara Oliveira
Published: February 2024

Most coffee (Coffea arabica) phytosanitary management techniques are performed using ground-based equipment, and remotely piloted aircraft are a recent alternative. Therefore, this study evaluates the effect of different application rates and hydraulic tips used for spreading phytosanitary products on coffee crops using a remotely piloted aircraft, assisted by artificial targets and dye tracing. The experiment was a 4 × 3 factorial randomized block design with four tips (XR 110-01, TT 110-01, AIXR 110-015, and TTJ60 110-02) and three application rates (8, 12, and 16 L ha-1). Hydrosensitive paper was used to analyze the droplet spectrum, and the Brilliant Blue tracer was used to detect spray deposition. The DJI Agras T20 remotely piloted aircraft was used to apply the phytosanitary product. Speed, flight height, and application range were maintained at 5.56 m s-1, 2 m, and 5 m, respectively. The flight direction was perpendicular to the crop planting lines. The application rate and hydraulic tip jointly controlled the accumulation of droplets on the target according to its position in the plant canopy. Therefore, remotely piloted aircraft can be used in coffee phytosanitary management, particularly to control targets that predominately occur in the upper third of the plant canopy.
Soil loss and runoff in southern Brazil in conservation systems: a long-term experiment
Authors: Dambros Liana , Lima Luciana da Silva Corrêa , Barros Claudia Alessandra Peixoto de , Cassol Elemar Antonino
Published: February 2024

Brazil has high soil loss rates due to its tropical and subtropical climate characteristics. In this sense, soil use and management practices may minimize such losses. In this study, experimental plots were monitored for eight years in southern Brazil during natural rainfall events. Treatments were as follows: I) bare soil under conventional tillage, II) barley-oat/ soybeans succession under conventional tillage, III) oat-lupine-vetch/ maize succession under conventional tillage, IV) barley-oat/ soybeans succession under no-tillage, and V) oat-lupine-vetch/ maize succession under no-tillage. Data on rainfall amount and erosivity indices (EI30, EI20, and EI10) were subjected to regression analyses, evaluating the effects of climatic variables on soil and water losses. We could also analyze crop species, conventional and no-tillage systems, and winter and summer seasons. The highest soil and water losses occurred in treatments under conventional tillage. In addition, soybeans treatments increased soil and water losses. Maize under no-tillage was the most efficient practice, as it had soil losses (3.4 times) and water losses (1.5 times) lower than soybeans under conventional tillage. Rainfall amounts and EI30 were better correlated with soil and water losses in conventional tillage treatments. However, EI10 could better explain the soil losses from the conservationist treatment.
Transmission of isolates of Citrus tristeza virus by single aphids (Toxoptera citricida)
Authors: Frias Angelica Albuquerque Tomilhero , Zanutto Carlos Alexandre , Mendonça Ana Claudia da Silva , Ibanez-Carrasco Freddy , Tamborindeguy Cecilia , Nunes William Mário de Carvalho
Published: February 2024

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) can be transmitted by several aphid species in a semi-persistent mode, with Toxoptera citricida being the most efficient vector. In Brazil, mild CTV isolates are used for pre-immunization of citrus trees against severe isolates. We aimed to determine the capacity and efficiency of T. citricida in separating the viral complex into haplotypes from three well-characterized CTV isolates (PIAC, CS1, and Forte Rolândia). Single-aphid transmission assays were conducted to determine CTV transmission efficiency. The results showed that T. citricida transmitted only haplotypes from the PIAC and CS1 isolates, with efficiencies of 8 and 4%, respectively. Both isolates caused mild CTV symptoms in Brazil. However, isolate Forte Rolândia, which causes severe symptoms in citrus trees, was not transmitted by T. citricida. The detection of CTV haplotypes from PIAC and CS1 isolates in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) plants after a single aphid transmission occurred at different time points. The first haplotype observed was from PIAC 150 days after citrus was challenged by a single aphid, followed by CS1 at day 210 after transmission. In addition, differences in the single-strand conformation polymorphism patterns between the CTV isolates and CTV haplotypes were determined, suggesting that an aphid can acquire and transmit only one CTV haplotype to citrus plants during phloem feeding. The study of the mechanism of transmission by the vector can increase our knowledge of the interactions among hosts, vectors, and pathogens, which are often neglected.
Canonical discriminant analysis on the characterization of the goat carcass
Authors: Macena Elizabete Cristina Batista da Costa , Costa Roberto Germano , Sousa Wandrick Hauss de , Cartaxo Felipe Queiroga , Arandas Janaina Kelli Gomes , Ribeiro Maria Norma , Ribeiro Neila Lidiany
Published: February 2024

The objective of this work is to identify which carcass and cut characteristics have the best discriminatory power, between sexes and slaughter weights, through discriminant analysis. Were used 32 goats, with initial average weights of 3.11 kg for males and 3.06 kg, for females, for animals slaughtered at 70 days; 3.65 kg for males and 3.25 kg for females for animals slaughtered at 100 days of weight. Objective assessments consisted of morphometric measurements: external carcass length (ECL); internal carcass length (ICL); leg length (LEL); chest width (CHW); croup width (CRW); thigh perimeter (THP); croup perimeter (CRP); chest perimeter (CHP); chest depth (CHD); internal chest depth (ICD) using the hypsometer and flexible tape (Truper®). In the total of 18 primary variables evaluated, the following variables were included in the discriminant model, using the stepwise method: empty body weight, chest depth, chest width, thigh circumference, neck, loin, leg length, and rump width. The discriminant analysis was efficient to discriminate and identify the carcass and cut characteristics with better discriminatory power between the sex and slaughter weight of the animals.
Lamb weight gain and reproductive performance of post-partum ewes supplemented with palm kernel cake and sexual stimulated by a ram
Authors: Buenabad-Carrasco Lorenzo , Sicairos-Díaz Juan , Vázquez-Mendoza Paulina , Latack Brooke , Rodríguez De Lara Raymundo , Maldonado Juan González
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of palm kernel cake and ram effect on reproductive activity of postpartum and lactating ewes. Twenty multiparous ewes, five to eleven days postpartum, were separated into four different treatments: control, control-ram, palm and palm-ram. Body weight, difference in body weight recorded between days 0 and 42 of the experiment, diameter of the largest follicle at day zero of the study, number of ewes bearing a corpus luteum and pregnancy rate were measured in ewes. Average daily weight gain was measured in lambs. There was no effect (p ≥ 0.05) of palm kernel supplementation, ram stimulation, or their interactions on the weights of ewes and lambs. A greater number of ewes with corpus luteum (p < 0.05) were observed in ewes stimulated by rams than those not stimulated. The number of pregnant ewes was not affected by ram effect or palm kernel supplementation (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, the use of the ram effect increases the incidence of corpus luteum in postpartum and lactating ewes. In addition, palm kernel cake in the diet does not affect body weight of postpartum ewes and lambs.
Fatty acid profile of buffalo milk produced in southern Brazil
Authors: Godinho Fernanda Marques de Souza , Friedrich Maria Tereza , Modesto Elisa Cristina , Mota Amanda de Souza da
Published: February 2024

Considering that buffalo milk is one of the richest in composition, mainly due to its fat fraction, the objective of this research communication was to determine the detailed fatty acid (FA) profile of buffalo milk produced in southern Brazil. Samples were collected from three farms that represent 100% raw buffalo milk producers of dairy products. Properties A and C had only one milking during the lactation period, and farm B had two milking. Farms A and B provided pasture and grain supplements, and farm C, provided only green pasture to the animals. A total of nine FA was identified: six saturated, two monounsaturated, and one polyunsaturated (conjugated linoleic acid - CLA). This study is the first to report the FA profile, including desirable fatty acids (DFA) like monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and stearic acid in buffalo milk from southern Brazil. The farms tested used different food management practices, as well as pasture management, showing that green pasture increases the fatty acid profile in buffalo milk. In addition, buffalo milk represented a good source of DFA for humans and opens a new field for the dairy industry that can explore the control of its FA composition, mainly through feed management.