bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Green and Adaptable Development Paths of Provincial Characteristic Towns in Taihu Lake Basin: A Synergy Perspective on Face Value and Resilience
Authors: Wang Guiling , Zhang Mengzhuo , Liu Yimeng , Zhou Li , Xia Yuxin
Published: May 2023

Enhancing the synergistic development level of face value and resilience is the key to achieving green and high-quality development of characteristic towns. This study takes 83 characteristic towns in Taihu Lake Basin as research samples, constructs a systematic evaluation index system of the face value and resilience, and scientifically classifies the face value and resilience of Taihu Lake Basin into high level, medium–high level, medium level, and low level, respectively, and explores the intrinsic influence mechanism of the deviation between the face value and resilience via the deviation index and synergy development degree model. The results show that (1) the face value of about 60% of the characteristic towns is above average, which is distributed in the northern and southeast regions of Taihu Lake Basin. In terms of the industry type, the face value level of characteristic towns of tourism, digital economy, information, and finance is high. (2) The number of characteristic towns with moderate resilience is the largest, accounting for 36.1%. Spatially, the characteristic towns with medium–high and high levels are mainly concentrated in Hangzhou, Kunshan, Wuxi, and Shanghai. In terms of the industry type, the resilience levels of tourism towns, digital economy towns, and modern service towns with distinctive industrial characteristics are higher. (3) The face value and resilience of most characteristic towns in Taihu Lake Basin are not synchronized, and 67.5% of the towns have a large deviation. We classify 83 characteristic towns into four categories: high robustness (Hj > 4.80), medium–high robustness (4.02 ≤ Hj ≥ 4.79), medium robustness (4.03 ≤ Hj ≥ 3.11), and low robustness (Hj < 3.10); the high robustness areas are concentrated in Suzhou–Wuxi–Changzhou and the northern part of Zhejiang. (4) We propose the differentiated development paths of synergistic development between face value and resilience, and the synergistic cooperation and governance mechanism of multiple subjects for the achievement of balanced development in characteristic towns. The conclusions of this study have important research value and practical significance for the sustainable development of similar characteristic towns.
The Spatiotemporal Patterns and Driving Factors of Culture and Tourism Listed Companies in China
Authors: Hu Wenjie , Zhang Jinhe , Zhou Leying , Sun Yi
Published: May 2023

The integration of culture and tourism is the key measure for China in transforming and upgrading the tourism industry. It could promote the sustainable development by reducing the consumption of tourism resources. During the implementation of this policy, culture and tourism listed companies play a leading role, as they are the major force in the cultural and tourism industry, and their spatiotemporal characteristics shows the level of development of the cultural and tourism industry and the economy in different regions. Taking the culture and tourism companies as the research objects, this paper analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns and evolution mechanism of culture and tourism listed companies over a long time scale. The results showed that: (1) the number of newly added listed companies in the cultural, tourism, and cultural and tourism categories basically showed the same change trend, and the developing process could be divided into three periods, namely embryonic (1978–1992), exploration (1992–2006) and growth (2007–2021). (2) The spatial distribution of Chinese culture and tourism listed companies developed from “single core” to “one core and multiple stars”, and gradually stabilized into a spatial pattern of “three cores”. The center of gravity was located in the southeast of China, moving from south to north in the shape of a “Z”. (3) Traffic service, government financial strength, financial environment and tourism resource endowment are the main factors affecting the spatial distribution of Chinese culture and tourism listed companies. Compared with the impact of a single influencing factor, the interactions between various factors are much stronger, especially the combinations of tourism resource endowment and another three factors, namely traffic service, communication development and economic development.
Visualization Monitoring of Industrial Detonator Automatic Assembly Line Based on Digital Twin
Authors: Li Hongjun , Yang Yu , Zhang Chi , Zhang Chengjun , Chen Wei
Published: May 2023

The continuous development of information technology has increased the level of automation and informatization in the manufacturing industry, which makes it necessary for companies to effectively monitor their assembly lines. Aiming to visualize the monitoring challenges of the assembly line production process, taking the industrial detonator automatic assembly line as the research object and referring to the digital twin five-dimensional model, a visualization monitoring method that utilizes an assembly line based on a digital twin is proposed. First, the architecture of the assembly line visualization monitoring system based on digital twin is constructed, and its specific operation flow is studied. Then, three key implementation methods, including assembly line virtual entity model construction, data collection in the assembly process and complex equipment error detection, are studied. Finally, a visualization monitoring system for the industrial detonator automatic assembly line is designed and developed, which verifies that the proposed method is effective in the visualization monitoring of the assembly line.
Towards Energy Sustainability in University Campuses: A Case Study of Beirut Arab University
Authors: Tarnini Mohamad , Alsayed Mohammad , El Ghaly Abdallah , Chahine Khaled
Published: May 2023

Lebanon has been suffering from severe challenges in its electric sector for decades owing to chronic supply shortages and faults in its aging power grid infrastructure. The deplorable situation of the Lebanese electric sector has been made worse by the economic meltdown that started in 2019, which eventually led to total power blackouts across the country. In this paper, we present a case study on the design and implementation of a solar microgrid system for Beirut Arab University, Lebanon. As a first step, simulation software for a microgrid and a distributed generation power system is used to compare different design scenarios. Considering the available installation area and the fact that the greatest demand occurs during the daytime, when both the educational and managerial facilities are running, it is found that a 500-kW photovoltaic system tied to the university’s already present diesel generators is the optimal solution in terms of return on investment. The second step details the actual implementation of the system in the Beirut campus and the evaluation of the system’s performance in terms of diesel cost savings and emissions reduction. We expect that the results of this case study will encourage other institutions and communities to adopt sustainable and renewable energy sources.
Crystal Structure of Hydrotalcite Group Mineral—Desautelsite, Mg6MnIII2(OH)16(CO3)·4H2O, and Relationship between Cation Size and In-Plane Unit Cell Parameter
Authors: Zhitova Elena S. , Sheveleva Rezeda M. , Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Zolotarev Andrey A. , Bocharov Vladimir N. , Kupchinenko Anastasia N. , Belakovsky Dmitry I.
Published: May 2023

The crystal structure of a naturally occurring layered double hydroxide mineral—desautelsite from San Benito County, California, USA—was refined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data in the space group R-3m, a = 3.1238(2) Å, c = 23.528(3) Å, V = 198.83(4) Å3, and Z = 3/8. The Mg and Mn cations are disordered occurring in one M site with occupancy Mg0.77Mn0.23. According to the electron microprobe analysis supported by Raman spectroscopy, the empirical formula is Mg6.20(MnIII1.78Al0.01FeIII0.01)Σ1.80(OH)16(CO3)0.90·5.35H2O that shows higher content of interlayer (H2O) molecules in comparison to the ideal formula that also agrees with the structure refinement. The Raman spectroscopy of two samples indicated O–H vibrations (3650/3640 cm−1, ~3500 sh cm−1), symmetric C–O (1055/1057 cm−1), Mg–O–Mg (533/533 cm−1) and Mn–O–Mn (439/438 cm−1) stretching vibrations and lattice vibrations (284/287 cm−1). Summing up our data and that of the current literature, we show a correlation (R2 = 0.91) between the averaged effective ionic radius (x) and a unit cell parameter (y) of hydrotalcite group minerals, y=1.9871x+1.4455. Desautelsite follows this correlation, being the species with one of the largest a unit cell parameters among the group. The correlation can be applied for control of cation intercalation during synthesis.
Development of the CMS Magnetic Field Map
Authors: Amapane Nicola , Klyukhin Vyacheslav
Published: May 2023

This article focuses on pioneering work on the performance of the three-dimensional (3D) magnetic field map in the entire volume of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. In the CMS heterogeneous magnetic system, the magnetic flux is created by a superconducting solenoid coil enclosed in a steel flux-return yoke. To describe the CMS magnetic flux distribution, a system of the primitive 3D volumes containing the values of the magnetic flux density measured inside the superconducting coil inner volume and modelled outside the coil across a special mesh of reference nodes was developed. This system, called the CMS magnetic field map, follows the geometric features of the yoke and allows the interpolation of the magnetic flux density between the nodes to obtain the magnetic field values at any spatial point inside a cylinder of 18 m in diameter and 48 m in length, where all the CMS sub-detectors are located. The geometry of the volumes is described inside one 30° azimuthal sector of the CMS magnet. To obtain the values of the magnetic flux density components across the entire azimuth angle of the CMS detector, rotational symmetry is applied.
Propagation of Ultrashort Optical Pulses in Fractal Objects
Authors: Belonenko Mikhail , Zaporotskova Irina , Konobeeva Natalia
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study the features of the evolution of an electromagnetic pulse in fractal structures. Different fractal structures were considered, with different symmetry and different generators. Based on the electron dispersion law for fractal objects, an expression for the electric current density in the system under study was obtained. It was found that the fracton dimension does not significantly affect the dynamics of ultrashort optical pulses. Thus, ultrashort optical pulses do not feel the symmetry of fractal objects.
Prediagnosis of Disease Based on Symptoms by Generalized Dual Hesitant Hexagonal Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Techniques
Authors: Momena Alaa Fouad , Mandal Shubhendu , Gazi Kamal Hossain , Giri Bibhas Chandra , Mondal Sankar Prasad
Published: May 2023

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is now frequently utilized to solve difficulties in everyday life. It is challenging to rank possibilities from a set of options since this process depends on so many conflicting criteria. The current study focuses on recognizing symptoms of illness and then using an MCDM diagnosis to determine the potential disease. The following symptoms are considered in this study: fever, body aches, fatigue, chills, shortness of breath (SOB), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This study shows how the generalised dual hesitant hexagonal fuzzy number (GDHHχFN) is used to diagnose disease. We also introduce a new de-fuzzification method for GDHHχFN. To diagnose a given condition, GDHHχFN coupled with MCDM tools, such as the fuzzy criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation (FCRITIC) method, is used for finding the weight of criteria. Furthermore, the fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment (FWASPAS) method and a fuzzy combined compromise solution (FCoCoSo) are used to rank the alternatives. The alternative diseases are chosen to be malaria, influenza, typhoid, dengue, monkeypox, ebola, and pneumonia. A sensitivity analysis is carried out on three patients affected by different diseases to assess the validity and reliability of our methodologies.
Correction: Krobthong et al. Comparison of ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by Precipitation and Combustion for UV and Sunlight-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue. Toxics 2023, 11, 266
Authors: Krobthong Sucheewan , Rungsawang Tipawan , Wongrerkdee Sutthipoj
Published: May 2023

In the original publication [...]
TLR/MyD88-Mediated Inflammation Induced in Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells by Ochratoxin A Affects Intestinal Barrier Function
Authors: Yoon Jung Woong , Shin Sangsu , Park JeongWoong , Lee Bo Ram , Lee Sang In
Published: May 2023

The intestinal epithelium performs vital functions such as nutrient absorption and acting as an intestinal barrier to maintain the host’s homeostasis. Mycotoxin, which affects the processing and storage of animal feedstuff, is a problematic pollutant in farming products. Ochratoxin A generated by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi causes inflammation, intestinal dysfunction, decline in growth, and reduced intake in porcine and other livestock. Despite these ongoing problems, OTA-related studies in intestinal epithelium are lacking. This study aimed to demonstrate that OTA regulates TLR/MyD88 signaling in IPEC-J2 cells and induces barrier function impairment through tight junction reduction. We measured expression of TLR/MyD88 signaling-related mRNAs and proteins. The indicator of intestinal barrier integrity was confirmed through immunofluorescence and transepithelial electrical resistance. Additionally, we confirmed whether inflammatory cytokines and barrier function were affected by MyD88 inhibition. MyD88 inhibition alleviated inflammatory cytokine levels, tight junction reduction, and damage to barrier function due to OTA. These results indicate that OTA induces TLR/MyD88 signaling-related genes and impairs tight junctions and intestinal barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells. MyD88 regulation in OTA-treated IPEC-J2 cells mitigates the tight junction and intestinal barrier function impairments. Our findings provide a molecular understanding of OTA toxicity in porcine intestinal epithelial cells.
Optimization Study of the Capacity of Chlorella vulgaris as a Potential Bio-Remediator for the Bio-Adsorption of Arsenic (III) from Aquatic Environments
Authors: Alharbi Reem Mohammed , Sholkamy Essam Nageh , Alsamhary Khawla Ibrahim , Abdel-Raouf Neveen , Ibraheem Ibraheem Borie M.
Published: May 2023

This study examined the ability of the green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris to remove arsenic from aqueous solutions. A series of studies was conducted to determine the optimal conditions for biological arsenic elimination, including biomass amount, incubation time, initial arsenic level, and pH values. At 76 min, pH 6, 50 mgL−1 metal concentration, and 1 gL−1 bio-adsorbent dosage, the maximum removal of arsenic from an aqueous solution was 93%. The uptake of As (III) ions by C. vulgaris reached an equilibrium at 76 min of bio-adsorption. The maximum adsorptive rate of arsenic (III) by C. vulgaris was 55 mg/gm. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich equations were used to fit the experimental data. The best theoretical isotherm of Langmuir, Freundlich, or/and Dubinin–Radushkevich for arsenic bio-adsorption by Chlorella vulgaris was determined. To choose the best theoretical isotherm, the coefficient of correlation was used. The data on absorption appeared to be linearly consistent with the Langmuir (qmax = 45 mgg−1; R2 = 0.9894), Freundlich (kf = 1.44; R2 = 0.7227), and Dubinin–Radushkevich (qD–R = 8.7 mg/g; R2 = 0.951) isotherms. The Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms were both good two-parameter isotherms. In general, Langmuir was demonstrated to be the most accurate model for As (III) bio-adsorption on the bio-adsorbent. Maximum bio-adsorption values and a good correlation coefficient were observed for the first-order kinetic model, indicating that it was the best fitting model and significant in describing the arsenic (III) adsorption process. SEM micrographs of treated and untreated algal cells revealed that ions adsorbed on the algal cell’s surface. A Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used to analyze the functional groups in algal cells, such as the carboxyl group, hydroxyl, amines, and amides, which aided in the bio-adsorption process. Thus, C. vulgaris has great potential and can be found in eco-friendly biomaterials capable of adsorbing arsenic contaminants from water sources.
Evaluation of Essential, Toxic and Potentially Toxic Elements in Leafy Vegetables Grown in the Canary Islands
Authors: Martín-León Verónica , Rubio Carmen , Rodríguez-Hernández Ángel , Zumbado Manuel , Acosta-Dacal Andrea , Henríquez-Hernández Luis Alberto , Boada Luis D. , Travieso-Aja María del Mar , Luzardo Octavio P.
Published: May 2023

Forty-seven elements in leafy green vegetables were studied to estimate the daily intakes from this food category in different scenarios (average and high consumers) and age groups of the Canary Islands population. The contribution of the consumption of each type of vegetable to the reference intakes of essential, toxic and potentially toxic elements was assessed and the risk–benefit ratio was evaluated. The leafy vegetables that provide the highest levels of elements are spinach, arugula, watercress and chard. While spinach, chard, arugula, lettuce sprouts and watercress were the leafy vegetables with the highest concentrations of essential elements (38,743 ng/g of Fe in spinach, 3733 ng/g of Zn in watercress), the high levels of Mn in chard, spinach and watercress are noteworthy. Among the toxic elements, Cd is the element with the highest concentration, followed by As and Pb. The vegetable with the highest concentration of potentially toxic elements (Al, Ag, Be, Cr, Ni, Sr and V) is spinach. In average adult consumers, while the greatest contribution of essential elements comes from arugula, spinach and watercress, insignificant dietary intakes of potentially toxic metals are observed. Toxic metal intakes from the consumption of leafy vegetables in the Canary Islands do not show significant values, so the consumption of these foods does not pose a health risk. In conclusion, the consumption of leafy vegetables provides significant levels of some essential elements (Fe, Mn, Mo, Co and Se), but also of some potentially toxic elements (Al, Cr and Tl). A high consumer of leafy vegetables would see their daily nutritional needs regarding Fe, Mn, Mo, and Co covered, although they are also exposed to moderately worrying levels of Tl. To monitor the safety of dietary exposure to these metals, total diet studies on those elements with dietary exposures above the reference values derived from the consumption of this food category, mainly Tl, are recommended.
The Relationship of Arsenic Exposure with Hypertension and Wide Pulse Pressure: Preliminary Evidence from Coal-Burning Arsenicosis Population in Southwest China
Authors: Wang Qingling , Tian Haidong , Wang Wenjuan , Liu Shuhong , Zhang Aihua
Published: May 2023

Evidence from epidemiological studies suggests that chronic arsenic exposure may be associated with a higher incidence of hypertension in the population. However, the effect of arsenic exposure on blood pressure remains unexplored in different populations, regions, and regarding arsenic biomarkers. This study investigated 233 arsenicosis patients and 84 participants from a non-arsenic-exposed area to explore the relationship between arsenic exposure and blood pressure and the occurrence of hypertension and wide pulse pressure (WPP) in patients with coal-burning arsenicosis. The results show that arsenic exposure is related to an increased incidence of hypertension and WPP in the arsenicosis population, primarily due to an induced increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) (OR = 1.47, 1.65, all p < 0.05). The dose–effect relationships between monomethylated arsenicals (MMA), trivalent arsenic (As3+), hypertension, and WWP were characterized following trend analyses (all p-trend < 0.05) in the coal-burning arsenicosis population. After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and alcohol usage, compared with low-level exposure, the high level of MMA exposure increases the risk of hypertension by 1.99 times (CI: 1.04–3.80) and the WPP by 2.42 times (CI: 1.23–4.72). Similarly, the high level of As3+ exposure increases the hypertension risk by 3.68 times (CI: 1.86–7.30) and the WPP by 3.84 times (CI: 1.93–7.64). Together, the results revealed that urinary MMA and As3+ levels are mainly associated with increased SBP and induce a higher incidence of hypertension and WPP. This study provides preliminary population evidence that cardiovascular-related adverse events such as hypertension and WPP ought to be noticed in the coal-burning arsenicosis population.
GRP78 Inhibitor YUM70 Suppresses SARS-CoV-2 Viral Entry, Spike Protein Production and Ameliorates Lung Damage
Authors: Ha Dat P. , Shin Woo-Jin , Hernandez Juan Carlos , Neamati Nouri , Dubeau Louis , Machida Keigo , Lee Amy S.
Published: May 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, has given rise to many new variants with increased transmissibility and the ability to evade vaccine protection. The 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) is a major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone that has been recently implicated as an essential host factor for SARS-CoV-2 entry and infection. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of YUM70, a small molecule inhibitor of GRP78, to block SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and infection in vitro and in vivo. Using human lung epithelial cells and pseudoviral particles carrying spike proteins from different SARS-CoV-2 variants, we found that YUM70 was equally effective at blocking viral entry mediated by original and variant spike proteins. Furthermore, YUM70 reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection without impacting cell viability in vitro and suppressed viral protein production following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, YUM70 rescued the cell viability of multi-cellular human lung and liver 3D organoids transfected with a SARS-CoV-2 replicon. Importantly, YUM70 treatment ameliorated lung damage in transgenic mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, which correlated with reduced weight loss and longer survival. Thus, GRP78 inhibition may be a promising approach to augment existing therapies to block SARS-CoV-2, its variants, and other viruses that utilize GRP78 for entry and infection.
Does Avian Coronavirus Co-Circulate with Avian Paramyxovirus and Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Ducks in Siberia?
Authors: Sharshov Kirill , Dubovitskiy Nikita , Derko Anastasiya , Loginova Arina , Kolotygin Ilya , Zhirov Dmitry , Sobolev Ivan , Kurskaya Olga , Alekseev Alexander , Druzyaka Alexey , Ktitorov Pavel , Kulikova Olga , He Guimei , Wang Zhenghuan , Bi Yuhai , Shestopalov Alexander
Published: May 2023

Avian coronaviruses (ACoV) have been shown to be highly prevalent in wild bird populations. More work on avian coronavirus detection and diversity estimation is needed for the breeding territories of migrating birds, where the high diversity and high prevalence of Orthomyxoviridae and Paramyxoviridae have already been shown in wild birds. In order to detect ACoV RNA, we conducted PCR diagnostics of cloacal swab samples from birds, which we monitored during avian influenza A virus surveillance activities. Samples from two distant Asian regions of Russia (Sakhalin region and Novosibirsk region) were tested. Amplified fragments of the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) of positive samples were partially sequenced to determine the species of Coronaviridae represented. The study revealed a high presence of ACoV among wild birds in Russia. Moreover, there was a high presence of birds co-infected with avian coronavirus, avian influenza virus, and avian paramyxovirus. We found one case of triple co-infection in a Northern Pintail (Anas acuta). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of a Gammacoronavirus species. A Deltacoronavirus species was not detected, which supports the data regarding the low prevalence of deltacoronaviruses among surveyed bird species.
Clinical Presentation of Parvovirus B19 Infection in Adults Living with HIV/AIDS: A Case Series
Authors: Mendes-de-Almeida Daniela P. , Bokel Joanna Paes Barreto , Alves Arthur Daniel Rocha , Vizzoni Alexandre G. , Tavares Isabel Cristina Ferreira , Silva Mayara Secco Torres , Netto Juliana dos Santos Barbosa , Grinsztejn Beatriz Gilda Jegerhorn , Amado Leon Luciane Almeida
Published: May 2023

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection varies clinically depending on the host’s immune status. Due to red blood cell precursors tropism, B19V can cause chronic anemia and transient aplastic crisis in patients with immunosuppression or chronic hemolysis. We report three rare cases of Brazilian adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with B19V infection. All cases presented severe anemia and required red blood cell transfusions. The first patient had low CD4+ counts and was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). As he remained poorly adherent to antiretroviral therapy (ART), B19V detection persisted. The second patient had sudden pancytopenia despite being on ART with an undetectable HIV viral load. He had historically low CD4+ counts, fully responded to IVIG, and had undiagnosed hereditary spherocytosis. The third individual was recently diagnosed with HIV and tuberculosis (TB). One month after ART initiation, he was hospitalized with anemia aggravation and cholestatic hepatitis. An analysis of his serum revealed B19V DNA and anti-B19V IgG, corroborating bone marrow findings and a persistent B19V infection. The symptoms resolved and B19V became undetectable. In all cases, real time PCR was essential for diagnosing B19V. Our findings showed that adherence to ART was crucial to B19V clearance in HIV-patients and highlighted the importance of the early recognition of B19V disease in unexplained cytopenias.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), Possibly Due to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Keka-Sylaj Alije , Ramosaj Atifete , Baloku Arbana , Zogaj Leonora , Gjaka Petrit
Published: May 2023

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a potentially life-threatening childhood disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, manifested by the persistence of fever and multi-organ dysfunction, elevated inflammatory markers, and the lack of an alternative diagnosis. It is still unknown if vaccination can precipitate or abrogate MIS-C or if a natural infection preceding or occurring at the time of vaccination plays any role. We present one case of MIS-C in a 16-year-old girl who was fully immunized against COVID-19 (Pfizer), with the second dose received three weeks prior to onset of the disease. She had no history of COVID-19 disease or contact with COVID-19 patients. At admission, she was somnolent, pale, and dehydrated, with cyanotic lips and cold extremities; she was hypotensive with tachycardia and poorly palpable pulses. Initial laboratory results revealed elevated levels of inflammatory markers, and high level of SARS-CoV-2 IgG spike antibodies, while testing for SARS-CoV-2 acute infection and other inflammatory etiologies were negative. Vaccine-related MIS-C was suspected in our case due to the development of MIS-C three weeks following the second dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, the absence of previous infection or exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and a positive result for IgG anti-spike (S) antibodies.
Composite Polysilicate Metal Coagulants for Simultaneous Removal of Organic Matter, Phosphorus, and Ammonium-Nitrogen: Effects of Metal/Silicate Molar Ratio and Basicity
Authors: Guo Hanxu , Li Peng , Du Lianfeng , Zou Guoyuan , Guo Xuan
Published: May 2023

Coagulation can effectively recover substances from wastewater; however, there is a lack of efficient coagulants for simultaneous recovery of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. We prepared a composite polysilicate metal (CSM) flocculant by combining Fe3+ and Mg2+ ions in polysilicic acid (PSiA). According to the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the CSM exhibited a larger amorphous phase along with new compounds, including Mg3Fe2(SiO4)3 and hydroxyl metals. The CSM demonstrated a higher coagulation efficiency than PSiA and polymeric ferric sulfate, particularly for PO43−-P and NH4+-N removal. The metal/silicate molar ratio substantially influenced the structure and composition of the CSM, along with the coagulation efficiency, with an optimal ratio of 3:1. Additionally, we proposed a novel preparation strategy to achieve an optimum CSM basicity (B*) for coagulation by adjusting the initial pH of PSiA (pHInitial) without adding an alkali agent. The results demonstrated that the optimum B* can be obtained by adjusting pHInitial to 0.5 or 1. The overall optimum coagulation performance for the simultaneous removal of organic matter, PO43−P, and NH4+-N from wastewater was 68.5%, 99%, and 17.5%, respectively. This study provides a feasible approach for synchronous pollutant recovery from wastewater.
Improvement Design of a Two-Stage Double-Suction Centrifugal Pump for Wide-Range Efficiency Enhancement
Authors: Zhu Di , Hu Zilong , Chen Yan , Wang Chao , Yang Youchao , Lu Jiahao , Song Xijie , Tao Ran , Wang Zhengwei , Ma Wensheng
Published: May 2023

Two-stage double-suction centrifugal pumps have both a large flow and high head. However, due to the complexity of their flow passage components, efficiency has always been a major problem, and the corresponding head is also prone to insufficiency. In this study, an improved design for a two-stage double-suction centrifugal pump unit with a specific speed of 25.9 was developed with the help of a computer. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was used to evaluate the performance and loss of the unit in the process of improvement. The unit’s inlet division section, two semi-spiral suction chambers, two impellers for the first stage, two inter-stage channels, a double-suction impeller for the second stage, and the volute were able to be improved. Through a total of 39 improvements, the efficiency under multiple working conditions was comprehensively improved, and the head had a reasonable margin in meeting the requirements. After the improvements, the flow pattern in the inter-stage channel and volume were significantly improved through the check of the streamline. This research successfully improved the performance of a two-stage double-suction centrifugal pump unit, and it has significant engineering value.
Oxidation of an Azo-Dye via the Photo-Fenton Process under Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Conditions
Authors: Riaza-Frutos Abel , Egea-Corbacho Agata , Manzano Manuel A. , Quiroga José María
Published: May 2023

In today’s industries, a diversity of processes give rise to increasing numbers of non-biodegradable compounds that need to be degraded totally or transformed to other less toxic and/or more biodegradable compounds, before their discharge into the environment. One such compound chosen for this study is Orange II, a representative azo-dye that is widely used and easy to monitor in its degradation. The photo-Fenton process was used under heterogeneous and homogeneous conditions to study several different variables. At the end of this research, a comparative study was carried out between the two types of catalysis. It was observed that better results in primary degradation and mineralization were provided by homogeneous catalysis. The photo-Fenton process takes place effectively under heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis conditions. The process is much faster under homogeneous conditions than under heterogeneous conditions (99.9 and 24% after 90 min, respectively, especially when only 2 ppm of iron in solution is required). Mineralization was observed through total organic carbon, through the variable C/Co as a function of time during photo-Fenton and Orange II degradation, and the data obtained for the final oxidation capacity are in agreement with the experimental percentages of mineralization. A linear fit was observed using the Chan–Chu kinetic model for heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis. For heterogeneous catalysis, 56% mineralization was reached whereas the model predicts 63%. Regarding homogeneous catalysis, according to the model, 100% mineralization is reached because (1/σ) takes a value greater than 1 since the model calculates it on infinite time.
TiO2/Activated Carbon/2D Selenides Composite Photocatalysts for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Ahmad Shehzad , Tahir Muhammad , Kamal Ghulam , Zhang Xu , Nazir Saima , Tahir Muhammad , Jiang Bin , Safdar Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Even in the 21st century, water contamination has been a big problem and industrial processes are to be blamed for polluted water supplies. The use of sunlight in the process of photocatalysis is an efficient way to purify wastewater. Composites of TiO2/activated carbon/two-dimensional selenides performed better than either of the individual material or binary composites for this application. A straightforward hydrothermal technique was employed in the synthesis of photocatalysts. The synthesized photocatalytic composites were verified with the help of UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The heterostructures absorbed nearly all of the sun’s UV and visible light. These photons are then converted into usable reducing electrons and oxidizing species such as •O2 and OH• to decompose organic pollutants from industrial wastewater. Since there were additional pathways available for charge transfer along with several active edge sites, the composite photocatalysts are proven more active than individual TiO2 and 2D MoSe2 components. With the help of a cascade-driven mechanism of electrons, these channels can transmit more charges than single-component heterojunctions. The results provided a realistic method for developing photocatalyst composites powered by solar light for use in industrial wastewater treatment. Results of degradation of methylene blue suggest that the synthesized composites possess better photocatalytic activity. This enhanced photocatalytic activity is not limited to organic dyes. Other hazardous organic pollutants present in industrial wastewater can be decomposed by using this approach.
Estimation of Real-Time Rainfall Fields Reflecting the Mountain Effect of Rainfall Explained by the WRF Rainfall Fields
Authors: Lee Jeonghoon , Lee Okjeong , Choi Jeonghyeon , Seo Jiyu , Won Jeongeun , Jang Suhyung , Kim Sangdan
Published: May 2023

The effect of mountainous regions with high elevation on hourly timescale rainfall presents great difficulties in flood forecasting and warning in mountainous areas. In this study, the hourly rainfall–elevation relationship of the regional scale is investigated using the hourly rainfall fields of three storm events simulated by Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. From this relationship, a parameterized model that can estimate the spatial rainfall field in real time using the hourly rainfall observation data of the ground observation network is proposed. The parameters of the proposed model are estimated using eight representative pixel pairs in valleys and mountains. The proposed model was applied to the Namgang Dam watershed, a representative mountainous region in the Korea, and it was found that as elevation increased in eight selected pixel pairs, rainfall intensity also increased. The increase in rainfall due to the mountain effect was clearly observed with more rainfall in high mountainous areas, and the rainfall distribution was more realistically represented using an algorithm that tracked elevation along the terrain. The proposed model was validated using leave-one-out cross-validation with seven rainfall observation sites in mountainous areas, and it demonstrated clear advantages in estimating a spatial rainfall field that reflects the mountain effect. These results are expected to be helpful for flood forecasting and warning, which need to be calculated quickly, in mountainous areas. Considering the importance of orographic effects on rainfall spatial distribution in mountainous areas, more storm events and physical analysis of environmental factors (wind direction, thermal cycles, and mountain slope angle) should be continuously studied.
Construction of an Agricultural Drought Monitoring Model for Karst with Coupled Climate and Substratum Factors—A Case Study of Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Chen Lihui , He Zhonghua , Gu Xiaolin , Xu Mingjin , Pan Shan , Tan Hongmei , Yang Shuping
Published: May 2023

Droughts are becoming more frequent in the karst region of southwest China due to climate change, and accurate monitoring of karst agricultural droughts is crucial. To this end, in this study, based on random forest (RF) and support vector regression (SVR) algorithms, the monthly precipitation, monthly potential evapotranspiration, monthly normalised difference vegetation Index (NDVI), elevation, and karst development intensity from January to December 2001–2020 were used as independent variables, and the standardised soil moisture index (SSI) calculated by GLDAS soil moisture was used as the dependent variable to construct karst agricultural drought monitoring models at different timescales, using Guizhou Province as an example. The performance of the models constructed by the two algorithms was also evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and correlation analysis, and the spatial and temporal evolution trends of karst agricultural drought at different timescales were analysed based on the model with better performance. The prediction of karst agricultural drought from January to December 2021–2025 was based on the seasonal difference autoregressive moving average (SARIMA) model and the analysis of change trends was performed using the Bayesian estimator of abrupt change, seasonal change, and trend (RBEAST). The results showed that (1) the drought model constructed by the RF regression algorithm performed better than the SVR algorithm at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month timescales and was superior for monitoring karst agricultural drought. (2) The model showed that the overall trend of agricultural drought at different timescales was alleviated; 2010, 2011, and 2012 were typical drought years. At the same time, most regions showed a trend of drought mitigation, whereas a few regions (Bijie City, Liupanshui City, and Qianxinan Prefecture) showed a trend of aggravation. (3) The study predicted an overall high west–east distribution of drought intensity by 2021–2025. The 1- and 3-month timescales showed a trend of agricultural drought mitigation, and the 6-, 9-, and 12-month timescales showed a trend of aggravation; in 2021, 2022, and 2024, the abrupt change rates of autumn and winter droughts were higher. The results can provide a reference basis for the monitoring of agricultural drought in karst agriculture and the formulation of drought prevention and anti-drought measures.
Advancing the Welfare of People and the Planet with a Common Agenda for Reproductive Justice, Population, and the Environment
Authors: Speidel J. Joseph , O’Sullivan Jane N.
Published: May 2023

Driven by increasing consumption and population numbers, human demands are depleting natural resources essential to support human life, causing damage to crop lands, fresh water supplies, fisheries, and forests, and driving climate change. Within this century, world population could increase by as little as 15% or by more than 50%, depending largely on how we respond. We must face the challenge of accommodating these additional people at the same time as virtually eliminating the use of fossil fuels and other activities that generate greenhouse gases, reversing environmental degradation and supporting improved living standards for billions of impoverished people. The response to this challenge is handicapped by a lack of common understanding and an integrated agenda among those contributing to the response. This report offers a strategy to protect natural systems and improve welfare through expansion of reproductive justice, a concept that includes family planning, reproductive health, and gender equity, and preservation of the environment and climate.
A Symmetric-Actuating Linear Piezoceramic Ultrasonic Motor Capable of Producing a Scissoring Effect
Authors: Li Zhanmiao , Yi Xingyu , Zhu Rongqi , Yu Zhonghui , Yuan Xiaoting , PourhosseiniAsl MohammadJavad , Dong Shuxiang
Published: May 2023

Conventionally, to produce a linear motion, one motor’s stator is employed to drive one runner moving forward or backward. So far, there is almost no report of one electromechanical motor or piezoelectric ultrasonic motor that can directly generate two symmetrical linear motions, while this function is desired for precise scissoring and grasping in the minimally invasive surgery field. Herein, we report a brand-new symmetric-actuating linear piezoceramic ultrasonic motor capable of generating symmetrical linear motions of two outputs directly without additional mechanical transmission mechanisms. The key component of the motor is an (2 × 3) arrayed piezoceramic bar stator operating in the coupled resonant mode of the first longitudinal (
L
1
) and third bending (
B
3
) modes, leading to symmetric elliptical vibration trajectories at its two ends. A pair of microsurgical scissors is used as the end-effector, demonstrating a very promising future for high-precision microsurgical operations. The sliders of the prototype show the following features: (a) symmetrical, fast relative moving velocity (~1 m/s) outward or inward simultaneously; (b) high step resolution (40 nm); and (c) high power density (405.4 mW/cm
3
) and high efficiency (22.1%) that are double those of typical piezoceramic ultrasonic motors, indicating the full capacity of symmetric-actuating linear piezoceramic ultrasonic motor working in symmetric operation principle. This work also has enlightening significance for future symmetric-actuating device designs.
STRATEGI PEMASARAN KERAJINAN ANYAMAN BAMBU BERBASIS POTENSI LOKAL UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PEREKONOMIAN DI DESA NYURUK
Authors: Ferdiansyah Yanuar Ferdi
Published: May 2023

Tujuan pengabdian ini mendeskripsikan tentang strategi pemasaran produk UMKM anyaman bambu. Strategi pemasaran produk mengantarkan peluang usaha untuk meningkatkan penjualan serta menapai keuntungan yang diharapkan. Di masa sekarang ini semua kegiatan hampir tidak pernah lepas dari peran sebuah teknologi, sehingga dinilai sangat amat efektif dalam mempermudahkan antara konsumen dan juga produsen dalam jual beri produk secara cepat dan praktis. Maka sosial media adalah jawaban dari permasalahan ini, dimana sosial media itu banyak jenis dan banyak manfaatnya, dengan hadirnya fitur aplikasi-aplikasi yang ada dapat dimanfaatkan untuk kegiatan berjual beli barang. Metode pengabdiabdian yang digunakan pada kegiatan ini yaknik metode pelatihan dan praktek. Objek dalam pengabdian ini adalah UMKM kerajinan anyaman Desa Nyuruk. Berdasarkan hasil pengabdian yang dilakukan, strategi pemasaran anyaman bambu pensak yang dilakukan oleh masyarakat khususnya para ibu-ibu di Dusun Pelulusan Desa Nyuruk belum mengenal dan memanfaatkan teknologi atau sosial media, teknik pemasaran yang dilakukan masih manual atau belum modern.Kata Kunci: Strategi Pemasaran, Anyaman Bambu, Berbasis Potensi Lokal, Perekonomian
HEDONİK TÜKETİCİ DEĞERLERİNİ ETKİLEYEN FAKTÖRLERE İLİŞKİN BİR MODEL ÖNERİSİ
Authors: AKSU Simge
Published: May 2023

Tüketicilerin satın alma davranışları hedonik ve işlevsel (faydacı) olarak ikiye ayrılmaktadır. Faydacı tüketimde kişiler bir ürünü veya hizmeti fonksiyonel özelliklerinden dolayı satın alırken, hedonik tüketim satın almanın gerekçesi birçok kapsamda olabilmektedir. Bunlardan bazıları kişisel hazlar, deneyim arayışı, bireysel imaj ve benlik inşası vb.dir. Bu araştırmanın temel amacı hedonik tüketici değerlerinin oluşmasında etki eden değişkenler ile bu değerlerin kişilerin yaşamsal doyum, kendini gerçekleştirme ve öznel mutluluklarına yönelik etkilerinin araştırılmasıdır. Bu çalışmada önerilen araştırma modeli hipotezlerinin testi için yapısal eşitlik modellemesinden yararlanılmıştır. Gözlenen değişkenler aracılığı ile modelin uygunluğu ve araştırma hipotezleri test edilmiştir. Çalışma bütçesinin kısıtlı olması ve zaman sınırı sebebiyle örneklem alma yöntemi olarak kolayda örneklem yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada veriler anket yöntemi ile çevrim içi olarak toplanmıştır. Ankete toplamda 409 kişi katılmış olup, anketlere uygun cevap vermediği tespit edilen kişilerin anketleri araştırmaya dâhil edilmediğinde, toplamda 394 kişiden toplanan veriler analize tabi tutulmuştur. Sonuç olarak önerilen teorik modelin veri ile uyumlu olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Ölçeklerin içsel tutarlılıkları ile yapı ve uyum geçerlilikleri istenilen düzeydedir. Önerilen teorik model kabul edilmiş olup, hedonik tüketici değerlerinin kişilerin öznel mutluluklarına yönelik etkileri açıklanmıştır.
Virtualization of educational environments for international collaboration: students as builders of their own learning
Authors: Juarez-Salomo Norma Angélica , Cuevas-Olascoaga Miguel Ángel , Rosales Mariana Teresa
Published: May 2023

The incorporation of communication and information technology (ICT) has been a permanent theme in the most recent decades, generating an intense debate about its implications and efficiency, the possibilities to integrate more effectively educational proposals, among other aspects. However, to think in a compulsory use of technologies as the only way to pursue studies was unthinkable. Even though multimodal education models and diverse experiences in e-learning already existed, at the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a crisis due to the impediment of carrying out face-to-face activities in the classrooms around the world. Considering all the emerging situations due the pandemic, the spirit of this article is to share, three years after, the vision of some Mexican students, participants, and ex-participants in virtual and on-line experiences from public universities, regarding mediatized education, and how they consider their learnings in this regard.
Instrument to evaluate teaching performance in class management (IEDDCC)
Authors: Ochoa-Martínez Oscar Luis , Cháidez-Nevárez Belia , Carrera-Hernández Celia , Diaz-Neri Nadia Melina
Published: May 2023

The objective of this work was to expose and validate the psychometric properties of a suitable instrument to evaluate teaching performance in classroom management (IEDDCC); the study was considered instrumental and a purposive sample of 108 academic figures in basic education was used for data collection. The results of the measurement of the psychometric properties of the instrument indicated a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.964 and, in the construct validity carried out through the "total domain" correlation test, a value of Spearman's Rho coefficient of 0.978 was obtained, values considered to be quite acceptable. With respect to the confirmatory validity test carried out through the linear regression test, information was also obtained that supports these results; among them, the fact that the independent variable explains 95.8% of the behavior of the dependent variable was highlighted. Finally, in measuring the level of teaching performance, the 108 teachers evaluated indicated that the IEDDCC objectively measures the construct for which it was designed.