bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Optimal Stopping Problem under a Random Horizon
Authors: Choulli Tahir , Alsheyab Safa’
Published: April 2024

This paper considers a pair (F,τ), where F is a filtration representing the “public” flow of information that is available to all agents over time, and τ is a random time that might not be an F-stopping time. This setting covers the case of a credit risk framework, where τ models the default time of a firm or client, and the setting of life insurance, where τ is the death time of an agent. It is clear that random times cannot be observed before their occurrence. Thus, the larger filtration, G, which incorporates F and makes τ observable, results from the progressive enlargement of F with τ. For this informational setting, governed by G, we analyze the optimal stopping problem in three main directions. The first direction consists of characterizing the existence of the solution to this problem in terms of F-observable processes. The second direction lies in deriving the mathematical structures of the value process of this control problem, while the third direction singles out the associated optimal stopping problem under F. These three aspects allow us to deeply quantify how τ impacts the optimal stopping problem and are also vital for studying reflected backward stochastic differential equations that arise naturally from pricing and hedging of vulnerable claims.
Joins, Secant Varieties and Their Associated Grassmannians
Authors: Ballico Edoardo
Published: April 2024

We prove a strong theorem on the partial non-defectivity of secant varieties of embedded homogeneous varieties developing a general set-up for families of subvarieties of Grassmannians. We study this type of problem in the more general set-up of joins of embedded varieties. Joins are defined by taking a closure. We study the set obtained before making the closure (often called the open part of the join) and the set added after making the closure (called the boundary of the join). For a point q of the open part, we give conditions for the uniqueness of the set proving that q is in the open part.
Experimental Study of Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Femoral Implants Using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Methodology
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Liu Hongxi , Liu Zhiqiang , Liang Yuyao , Hao Yi
Published: April 2024

Selective laser melting (SLM) technology used for the design and production of porous implants can successfully address the issues of stress shielding and aseptic loosening associated with the use of solid implants in the human body. In this paper, orthogonal experiments were used to optimize the process parameters for SLM molding of Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) material to investigate the effects of the process parameters on the densities, microscopic morphology, and roughness, and to determine the optimal process parameters using the roughness as a judging criterion. Based on the optimized process parameters, the mechanical properties of SLM-formed TC4 alloy specimens are investigated experimentally in this paper. The main conclusions are as follows: the optimal combination of roughness is obtained by polar analysis, the microhardness of SLM-molded TC4 alloy molded specimens is more uniform, the microhardness of specimens on the side and the front as well as the abrasion resistance is higher than that of casting specimens, the yield strength and tensile strength of specimens is higher than that of ASTM F136 standard and casting standard but the elongation is not as good as that of the standard, and the elasticity and compressive strength of porous specimens are higher than that of casting specimens at different volume fractions. The modulus of elasticity and compressive strength are within the range of human skeletal requirements. This work makes it possible to fabricate high-performance porous femoral joint implants from TC4 alloy SLM-molded materials.
Ingested Microplastics Can Act as Microbial Vectors of Ichthyofauna
Authors: Jawdhari Abdulhusein , Deák György , Mihăilescu Dan Florin , Crăciun Nicolai , Staicu Andrea Cristina , Stanca Ioana , Cozorici Derniza , Fendrihan Sergiu , Pop Cristian-Emilian , Mernea Maria
Published: April 2024

Microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm) are ubiquitous pollutants that have the ability to carry microbiota, including pathogens. Microbial adhesion is usually a sign of pathogenicity; thus, we investigated the adherent microbiota found on 4 mm nylon strips, which were ingested and excreted by wild fish specimens. Retention times were recorded and the polymer analysis of the excreted samples was performed, which showed no signs of degradation, nor did their controls, represented by the nylon strips submerged in the same water tanks. Both the ingested samples and controls presented pathogens in large quantities. Following Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight identification, the dominant genus was represented by Aeromonas, revealing the fact that nylon microplastics can serve as undegradable physical carriers for this pathogen, among others, in the aquatic environment.
First Molecular Detection and Characterization of Fowl Aviadenovirus Serotype 11 from Broiler Chickens in Chile
Authors: Cádiz Leandro , Guzmán Miguel , Navarrete Fernando , Torres Paulina , Hidalgo Hector
Published: April 2024

Fowl aviadenovirus (FAdV) is a member of the Aviadenovirus genus within the Adenoviridae family. FAdVs are divided into five species based on genomic differences: Fowl aviadenovirus A to Fowl aviadenovirus E (FAdV-A to FAdV-E). They are classified into twelve serotypes (FAdV-1 to FAdV-8a and FAdV-8b to FAdV-11) through cross-neutralization tests. FAdVs are mainly associated with hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE), and inclusion body hepatitis (IBH). The serotypes commonly involved in IBH are FAdV-2, FAdV-11, FAdV-8a, and FAdV-8b. IBH causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry, mainly due to high mortality, reduced productivity, and immunosuppression. This is the first case report on IBH in Chile caused—according to post-mortem findings, molecular analysis, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis—by FAdV-11. Since the serotype had not previously been reported in Chile, continued monitoring of IBH cases is required to determine the serotype of the circulating FAdVs and adapt preventative vaccination programs.
Tackling the Antimicrobial Resistance “Pandemic” with Machine Learning Tools: A Summary of Available Evidence
Authors: Rusic Doris , Kumric Marko , Seselja Perisin Ana , Leskur Dario , Bukic Josipa , Modun Darko , Vilovic Marino , Vrdoljak Josip , Martinovic Dinko , Grahovac Marko , Bozic Josko
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is recognised as one of the top threats healthcare is bound to face in the future. There have been various attempts to preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobials, develop new and efficient antimicrobials, manage infections with multi-drug resistant strains, and improve patient outcomes, resulting in a growing mass of routinely available data, including electronic health records and microbiological information that can be employed to develop individualised antimicrobial stewardship. Machine learning methods have been developed to predict antimicrobial resistance from whole-genome sequencing data, forecast medication susceptibility, recognise epidemic patterns for surveillance purposes, or propose new antibacterial treatments and accelerate scientific discovery. Unfortunately, there is an evident gap between the number of machine learning applications in science and the effective implementation of these systems. This narrative review highlights some of the outstanding opportunities that machine learning offers when applied in research related to antimicrobial resistance. In the future, machine learning tools may prove to be superbugs’ kryptonite. This review aims to provide an overview of available publications to aid researchers that are looking to expand their work with new approaches and to acquaint them with the current application of machine learning techniques in this field.
Rationalizing Graphene–ZnO Composites for Gas Sensing via Functionalization with Amines
Authors: Rabchinskii Maxim K. , Sysoev Victor V. , Brzhezinskaya Maria , Solomatin Maksim A. , Gabrelian Vladimir S. , Kirilenko Demid A. , Stolyarova Dina Yu. , Saveliev Sviatoslav D. , Shvidchenko Alexander V. , Cherviakova Polina D. , Varezhnikov Alexey S. , Pavlov Sergey I. , Ryzhkov Sergei A. , Khalturin Boris G. , Prasolov Nikita D. , Brunkov Pavel N.
Published: April 2024

The rational design of composites based on graphene/metal oxides is one of the pillars for advancing their application in various practical fields, particularly gas sensing. In this study, a uniform distribution of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) through the graphene layer was achieved, taking advantage of amine functionalization. The beneficial effect of amine groups on the arrangement of ZnO NPs and the efficiency of their immobilization was revealed by core-level spectroscopy, pointing out strong ionic bonding between the aminated graphene (AmG) and ZnO. The stability of the resulting Am-ZnO nanocomposite was confirmed by demonstrating that its morphology remains unchanged even after prolonged heating up to 350 °C, as observed by electron microscopy. On-chip multisensor arrays composed of both AmG and Am-ZnO were fabricated and thoroughly tested, showing almost tenfold enhancement of the chemiresistive response upon decorating the AmG layer with ZnO nanoparticles, due to the formation of p-n heterojunctions. Operating at room temperature, the fabricated multisensor chips exhibited high robustness and a detection limit of 3.6 ppm and 5.1 ppm for ammonia and ethanol, respectively. Precise identification of the studied analytes was achieved by employing the pattern recognition technique based on linear discriminant analysis to process the acquired multisensor response.
Electrophysiological Characteristics of Inhibitive Control for Adults with Different Physiological or Psychological Obesity
Authors: Guo Jiaqi , Wan Xiaofang , Lian Junwei , Ma Hanqing , Dong Debo , Liu Yong , Zhao Jia
Published: April 2024

Individuals exhibiting high scores on the fatness subscale of the negative-physical-self scale (NPSS-F) are characterized by heightened preoccupation with body fat accompanied by negative body image perceptions, often leading to excessive dieting behaviors. This demographic constitutes a considerable segment of the populace in China, even among those who are not obese. Nonetheless, scant empirical inquiries have delved into the behavioral and neurophysiological profiles of individuals possessing a healthy body mass index (BMI) alongside elevated NPSS-F scores. This study employed an experimental paradigm integrating go/no-go and one-back tasks to assess inhibitory control and working memory capacities concerning food-related stimuli across three adult cohorts: those with normal weight and low NPSS-F scores, those with normal weight and high NPSS-F scores, and individuals classified as obese. Experimental stimuli comprised high- and low-caloric-food pictures with concurrent electroencephalogram (EEG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG) recordings. Individuals characterized by high NPSS-F scores and normal weight exhibited distinctive electrophysiological responses compared to the other two cohorts, evident in event-related potential (ERP) components, theta and alpha band oscillations, and heart rate variability (HRV) patterns. In essence, the findings underscore alterations in electrophysiological reactivity among individuals possessing high NPSS-F scores and a healthy BMI in the context of food-related stimuli, underscoring the necessity for increased attention to this demographic alongside individuals affected by obesity.
Evaluation of Drug Blood-Brain-Barrier Permeability Using a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Yang Jung Yoon , Shin Dae-Seop , Jeong Moonkyu , Kim Seong Soon , Jeong Ha Neul , Lee Byung Hoi , Hwang Kyu-Seok , Son Yuji , Jeong Hyeon-Cheol , Choi Chi-Hoon , Lee Kyeong-Ryoon , Bae Myung Ae
Published: April 2024

The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is made up of blood vessels whose permeability enables the passage of some compounds. A predictive model of BBB permeability is important in the early stages of drug development. The predicted BBB permeabilities of drugs have been confirmed using a variety of in vitro methods to reduce the quantities of drug candidates needed in preclinical and clinical trials. Most prior studies have relied on animal or cell-culture models, which do not fully recapitulate the human BBB. The development of microfluidic models of human-derived BBB cells could address this issue. We analyzed a model for predicting BBB permeability using the Emulate BBB-on-a-chip machine. Ten compounds were evaluated, and their permeabilities were estimated. Our study demonstrated that the permeability trends of ten compounds in our microfluidic-based system resembled those observed in previous animal and cell-based experiments. Furthermore, we established a general correlation between the partition coefficient (Kp) and the apparent permeability (Papp). In conclusion, we introduced a new paradigm for predicting BBB permeability using microfluidic-based systems.
Germination and Growth Characteristics of nud Knockout and win1 Knockout Barley Lines under Salt Stress
Authors: Antonova Elena V. , Shimalina Nadezhda S. , Korotkova Anna M. , Kolosovskaya Ekaterina V. , Gerasimova Sophia V. , Khlestkina Elena K.
Published: April 2024

Hordeum vulgare genes NUD (HvNUD) and WIN1 (HvWIN1) play a regulatory role in cuticle organization. Because the cuticle is a key evolutionary acquisition of plants for protection against environmental factors, a knockout (KO) of each gene may alter their ability to adapt to unfavorable conditions. A potential pleiotropic effect of HvNUD or HvWIN1 gene mutations can be assessed under salt stress. Initial developmental stages are the most sensitive in living organisms; therefore, we evaluated salt tolerance of nud KO and win1 KO barley lines at the seedling stage. Air-dried barley grains of the KO lines and of a wild-type (WT) line were germinated in NaCl solutions (50, 100, or 150 mM). Over 30 physiological and morphological parameters of seedlings were assessed. Potential pleiotropic effects of the HvNUD gene KO under salt stress included the stimulation of root growth (which was lower under control conditions) and root necrosis. The pleiotropic effects of the HvWIN1 gene KO under the stressful conditions manifested themselves as maintenance of longer root length as compared to the other lines; stable variation of most of morphological parameters; lack of correlation between root lengths before and after exposure to NaCl solutions, as well as between shoot lengths; and the appearance of twins. Salt tolerance of the analyzed barley lines could be ranked as follows: nud KO > win1 KO ≈ WT, where nud KO lines were the most salt-tolerant. A comparison of effects of salinity and ionizing radiation on nud KO and win1 KO barley lines indicated differences in tolerance of the lines to these stressors.
Potential Anti-Infectious Activity of Essential Oil Chemotypes of Lippia origanoides Kunth on Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains
Authors: Uc-Cachón Andrés Humberto , Calvo-Irabien Luz María , Dzul-Beh Angel de Jesús , Dzib-Baak Haziel Eleazar , Grijalva-Arango Rosa , Molina-Salinas Gloria María
Published: April 2024

Staphylococcus aureus infections are prevalent in healthcare and community environments. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus is catalogued as a superbug of high priority among the pathogens. This Gram-positive coccus can form biofilms and produce toxins, leading to persistent infection and antibiotic resistance. Limited effective antibiotics have encouraged the development of innovative strategies, with a particular emphasis on resistance mechanisms and/or virulence factors. Medicinal aromatic plants have emerged as promising alternative sources. This study investigated the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antihemolysis properties of three different chemotypes of Lippia origanoides essential oil (EO) against susceptible and drug-resistant S. aureus strains. The chemical composition of the EO was analyzed using GC-MS, revealing high monoterpene concentrations, with carvacrol and thymol as the major components in two of the chemotypes. The third chemotype consisted mainly of the sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene. The MIC values for the two monoterpene chemotypes ranged from 62.5 to 500 µg/mL for all strains, whereas the sesquiterpene chemotype showed activity against seven strains at concentrations of 125–500 µg/mL, which is the first report of its anti-S. aureus activity. The phenolic chemotypes inhibited biofilm formation in seven S. aureus strains, whereas the sesquiterpene chemotype only inhibited biofilm formation in four strains. In addition, phenolic chemotypes displayed antihemolysis activity, with IC50 values ranging from 58.9 ± 3.8 to 128.3 ± 9.2 µg/mL. Our study highlights the importance of L. origanoides EO from the Yucatan Peninsula, which has the potential for the development of anti-S. aureus agents.
An Improved Phenotyping Method for Evaluation of Yam (Dioscorea spp.) Resistance to Nematodes Belonging to the Genera Meloidogyne and Scutellonema
Authors: Kolombia Yao A. , Kumar P. Lava , Lopez-Montes Antonio J. , Claudius-Cole Abiodun O. , Maroya Norbert G. , Viaene Nicole , Bert Wim , Coyne Danny L.
Published: April 2024

Phenotyping yam (Dioscorea spp.) germplasm for resistance to parasitic nematodes is hampered by the lack of an efficient screening method. In this study, we developed a new method using rooted yam vine cuttings and yam plantlets generated from semi-autotrophic hydroponics (SAHs) propagation for phenotyping yam genotypes for nematode resistance. The method was evaluated using 26 genotypes of D. rotundata for their reaction to Scutellonema bradys and four root-knot nematode species, Meloidogyne arenaria, M. enterolobii, M. incognita, and M. javanica. Yam plantlets established in nursery bags filled with steam-sterilized soil were used for screening against single nematode species. Plants were inoculated four weeks after planting and assessed for nematode damage eight weeks later. A severity rating scale was used to classify genotypes as resistant, tolerant, or susceptible determine based on the nematode feeding damage on tubers and the rate of nematode multiplication in the roots of inoculated plants. The results demonstrated putative resistance and tolerance against S. bradys in 58% of the genotypes and 88%, 65%, 65%, and 58% against M. arenaria, M. javanica, M. incognita, and M. enterolobii, respectively. The method is rapid, flexible, and seasonally independent, permitting year-round screening under controlled conditions. This method increases the throughput and speed of phenotyping and improves the selection process.
Evaporation-Driven Energy Generation Using an Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Mat with Different Support Substrates
Authors: Kwon Yongbum , Bui-Vinh Dai , Lee Seung-Hwan , Baek So Hyun , Lee Songhui , Yun Jeungjai , Baek Minwoo , Lee Hyun-Woo , Park Jaebeom , Kim Miri , Yoo Minsang , Kim Bum Sung , Song Yoseb , Lee Handol , Lee Do-Hyun , Jeong Da-Woon
Published: April 2024

Water evaporation-driven energy harvesting is an emerging mechanism for contributing to green energy production with low cost. Herein, we developed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber-based evaporation-driven electricity generators (PEEGs) to confirm the feasibility of utilizing electrospun PAN nanofiber mats in an evaporation-driven energy harvesting system. However, PAN nanofiber mats require a support substrate to enhance its durability and stability when it is applied to an evaporation-driven energy generator, which could have additional effects on generation performance. Accordingly, various support substrates, including fiberglass, copper, stainless mesh, and fabric screen, were applied to PEEGs and examined to understand their potential impacts on electrical generation outputs. As a result, the PAN nanofiber mats were successfully converted to a hydrophilic material for an evaporation-driven generator by dip-coating them in nanocarbon black (NCB) solution. Furthermore, specific electrokinetic performance trends were investigated and the peak electricity outputs of Voc were recorded to be 150.8, 6.5, 2.4, and 215.9 mV, and Isc outputs were recorded to be 143.8, 60.5, 103.8, and 121.4 μA, from PEEGs with fiberglass, copper, stainless mesh, and fabric screen substrates, respectively. Therefore, the implications of this study would provide further perspectives on the developing evaporation-induced electricity devices based on nanofiber materials.
Additive Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zhou Longfei , Miller Jenna , Vezza Jeremiah , Mayster Maksim , Raffay Muhammad , Justice Quentin , Al Tamimi Zainab , Hansotte Gavyn , Sunkara Lavanya Devi , Bernat Jessica
Published: April 2024

Additive manufacturing has revolutionized manufacturing across a spectrum of industries by enabling the production of complex geometries with unparalleled customization and reduced waste. Beginning as a rapid prototyping tool, additive manufacturing has matured into a comprehensive manufacturing solution, embracing a wide range of materials, such as polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites. This paper delves into the workflow of additive manufacturing, encompassing design, modeling, slicing, printing, and post-processing. Various additive manufacturing technologies are explored, including material extrusion, VAT polymerization, material jetting, binder jetting, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, direct metal laser sintering, electron beam melting, multi-jet fusion, direct energy deposition, carbon fiber reinforced, laminated object manufacturing, and more, discussing their principles, advantages, disadvantages, material compatibilities, applications, and developing trends. Additionally, the future of additive manufacturing is projected, highlighting potential advancements in 3D bioprinting, 3D food printing, large-scale 3D printing, 4D printing, and AI-based additive manufacturing. This comprehensive survey aims to underscore the transformative impact of additive manufacturing on global manufacturing, emphasizing ongoing challenges and the promising horizon of innovations that could further elevate its role in the manufacturing revolution.
A New Method for Bearing Fault Diagnosis across Machines Based on Envelope Spectrum and Conditional Metric Learning
Authors: Yang Xu , Yang Junfeng , Jin Yupeng , Liu Zhongchao
Published: April 2024

In recent years, most research on bearing fault diagnosis has assumed that the source domain and target domain data come from the same machine. The differences in equipment lead to a decrease in diagnostic accuracy. To address this issue, unsupervised domain adaptation techniques have been introduced. However, most cross-device fault diagnosis models overlook the discriminative information under the marginal distribution, which restricts the performance of the models. In this paper, we propose a bearing fault diagnosis method based on envelope spectrum and conditional metric learning. First, envelope spectral analysis is used to extract frequency domain features. Then, to fully utilize the discriminative information from the label distribution, we construct a deep Siamese convolutional neural network based on conditional metric learning to eliminate the data distribution differences and extract common features from the source and target domain data. Finally, dynamic weighting factors are employed to improve the convergence performance of the model and optimize the training process. Experimental analysis is conducted on 12 cross-device tasks and compared with other relevant methods. The results show that the proposed method achieves the best performance on all three evaluation metrics.
Lightweight Crypto-Ransomware Detection in Android Based on Reactive Honeyfile Monitoring
Authors: Gómez-Hernández José A. , García-Teodoro Pedro
Published: April 2024

Given the high relevance and impact of ransomware in companies, organizations, and individuals around the world, coupled with the widespread adoption of mobile and IoT-related devices for both personal and professional use, the development of effective and efficient ransomware mitigation schemes is a necessity nowadays. Although a number of proposals are available in the literature in this line, most of them rely on machine-learning schemes that usually involve high computational cost and resource consumption. Since current personal devices are small and limited in capacities and resources, the mentioned schemes are generally not feasible and usable in practical environments. Based on a honeyfile detection solution previously introduced by the authors for Linux and Window OSs, this paper presents a ransomware detection tool for Android platforms where the use of trap files is combined with a reactive monitoring scheme, with three main characteristics: (i) the trap files are properly deployed around the target file system, (ii) the FileObserver service is used to early alert events that access the traps following certain suspicious sequences, and (iii) the experimental results show high performance of the solution in terms of detection accuracy and efficiency.
The Role of News Media in Reducing Traffic Accidents
Authors: Lucas Antonio Javier , Alonso Francisco , Faus Mireia , Javadinejad Arash
Published: April 2024

Traffic accidents represent a major problem worldwide. Public and private entities launch communication campaigns in order to educate the population about this problem. The aim of this study is to analyze the evolution of the presence of road safety in the Spanish media and its influence on the reduction of road accidents. A content analysis of six major Spanish newspapers between 2000 and 2008 (an important period in the reduction of the accident rate in Spain) was carried out in which the presence of news related to traffic accidents and the intensity of them were quantified using a set of criteria designed for this study. Furthermore, the correlation between the accident rates and the presence and intensity of news in the same time frame was measured. There has been an evident increase in the news related to traffic accidents during the analyzed period, both in terms of the presence of such news in general and in terms of intensity. The correlation analysis also shows a strong relationship between the increase in news presence and intensity and a sharp fall in accident rates in Spain. Although correlation analysis is not enough to establish a causal relationship between the variables studied here, the findings suggest that informative campaigns had a positive effect on encouraging pro-social behavior, were successful in disseminating related information, and, therefore, contributed significantly to lowering accident rates, although that was not the only reason.
The Effectiveness of Educational Interventions in Improving Waste Management Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Conti Alessio , Viottini Elena , Comoretto Rosanna Irene , Piovan Chiara , Martin Barbara , Albanesi Beatrice , Clari Marco , Dimonte Valerio , Campagna Sara
Published: April 2024

The healthcare sector represents a major source of waste production, and healthcare workers (HCWs) are crucial in waste management. Educational interventions (EIs) can be delivered through a single component (mono-component) or by combining different components (multi-component); although they have a potential impact on the sustainability of healthcare, their effectiveness in waste management still needs to be identified. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe EIs to improve waste management knowledge, attitudes, and practices among HCWs and provide an estimate of their effectiveness. Six relevant databases were searched; 24 articles were included, and 19 were meta-analyzed. These were mainly from low-income countries and did not consider EIs for recycling, reducing, and reusing. Compared to the mono-component EIs, the multi-component Eis showed a higher statistically significant positive post-intervention effect on knowledge, with greater retention in the medium–long term, and on practices, particularly among non-hands-on HCWs. The effects of the EIs on attitudes were not significant. Our results suggest that multi-component EIs should be preferred to improve waste management standards in the healthcare sector. Given the heterogeneity found among EIs, the standardization of types, content, duration, and assessment methods should be considered. Finally, their harmonization at a global level could influence international and national policies on sustainability.
Fostering Design for Sustainability through the Adoption of Computer-Aided Engineering Tools in the Development of Energy-Related Products
Authors: Favi Claudio , Landi Daniele , Garziera Rinaldo , Rossi Marta
Published: April 2024

The main challenge to face in the development of energy-related products is represented by the adoption of effective design for sustainability strategies that encompasses the adoption of engineering design tools, knowledge collection, and reuse/sharing in technical departments. This present paper proposes an engineering design for sustainability methodology that assists engineers in developing energy-related products in compliance with ecodesign standards. The methodology uses virtual prototyping tools to assess energy consumption in compliance with energy labeling directives and analyze different use scenarios. The results obtained by numerical simulations (e.g., Finite Element Method—FEM, Computational Fluid Dynamics—CFD) are used to create specific design eco-knowledge in the field of energy-related products. Numerical results are linked with design configurations to understand the benefits introduced by engineering design choices. This knowledge is stored in a structured database with the aim of being reused when a new product is developed or improved/upgraded. The case study of an induction hob, belonging to the household appliance product family, is investigated to understand the potential and drawbacks of the presented approach in a real application. The results show that potential energy and environmental performance benefits are achieved (e.g., reduction of energy losses, achievement of A+ energy class, and overall life cycle environmental impact reduction). Additionally, a new set of ecodesign guidelines are defined for this product family and employed in developing new compliant products belonging to the same family.
Determining Sustainable Food Choice Motives: Validity and Reliability of the Sustainable Food Choice Questionnaire (SUS-FCQ) in Turkish Adults
Authors: Aksoy Canyolu Burcu , Martini Daniela , Şen Nilüfer
Published: April 2024

Understanding sustainable food choices is key to shifting consumer behavior toward sustainable food consumption. This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Sustainable Food Choice Questionnaire (SUS-FCQ) in 602 Turkish adults. The linguistic equivalence of the SUS-FCQ was provided using the standard translation–back translation method, content validity, and pilot testing. Then, the convergent, discriminant, and construct (exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)) validity and reliability (test–retest and internal consistency) were evaluated. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be excellent (0.961) and the intraclass correlation coefficient was found to be moderate (0.689) using the test–retest method. As a result of the EFA, two-factor structures were found, and the factor loadings of the items were 0.651 and 0.878. These factors explained 79.17% of the total variance, and discriminant and convergent validity was provided for both factors. The results of this study suggest that the adapted SUS-FCQ is valid and reliable for determining sustainable food choice motives in the Turkish population. Therefore, the SUS-FCQ can be a useful instrument to encourage people to shift toward and adhere to sustainable food consumption.
A Machine Learning Approach for Investigating the Determinants of Stock Price Crash Risk: Exploiting Firm and CEO Characteristics
Authors: Li Yan , Xue Huiyuan , Wei Shiyu , Wang Rongping , Liu Feng
Published: April 2024

This study uses machine learning to investigate the effects of firm and CEO characteristics on stock price crash risk by collecting massive data on publicly listed firms in China. The results show that eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) is the most effective model for predicting stock price crash risk, with relatively satisfactory performance. Meanwhile, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method is used to interpret the importance of features. The results show that the average weekly return of a firm over a year (RET) contributes the most and is negatively associated with crash risk, followed by Sigma, IPO age, and firm size. We also found that, among CEO characteristics, CEO pay contributes substantially to crash risk at the firm level. Our findings have important implications for research into the impact of firm and CEO characteristics on stock price crash risk and provide a novel way for investors to plan their investment decisions and risk-taking behavior rationally.
Approaches for the Efficient Removal of Fluoride from Groundwater: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Arab Negar , Derakhshani Reza , Sayadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2024

Contamination of groundwater with fluoride represents a significant global issue, with high concentrations posing serious public health threats. While fluoride is a critical element in water, excessive levels can be detrimental to human health and potentially life-threatening. Addressing the challenge of removing fluoride from underground water sources via nanotechnological approaches is a pressing concern in environmental science. To collate relevant information, extensive literature searches were conducted across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the American Chemical Society, Elsevier, Springer, and the Royal Society of Chemistry. VOS Viewer software version 1.6.20 was employed for a systematic review. This article delivers an exhaustive evaluation of various groundwater fluoride removal techniques, such as adsorption, membrane filtration, electrocoagulation, photocatalysis, and ion exchange. Among these, the application of nanoparticles emerges as a notable method. The article delves into nano-compounds, optimizing conditions for the fluoride removal process and benchmarking their efficacy against other techniques. Studies demonstrate that advanced nanotechnologies—owing to their rapid reaction times and potent oxidation capabilities—can remove fluoride effectively. The implementation of nanotechnologies in fluoride removal not only enhances water quality but also contributes to the safeguarding of human health.
Exploration of the Effects of Cadmium Stress on Photosynthesis in Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC.
Authors: Zhou Ronghua , Xu Jun , Li Liangjun , Yin Yulai , Xue Bowen , Li Jingjing , Sun Fangfang
Published: April 2024

Cadmium ion (Cd2+) stress is a major abiotic stressor affecting plant photosynthesis. However, the impact of sustained high-concentration Cd stress on the photosynthetic electron transport chain of aquatic plants is currently unclear. Here, prompt fluorescence (PF), delayed fluorescence (DF), and P700 signals were simultaneously measured to investigate the effect of Cd stress on photosynthesis in water dropwort [Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC.]. We aimed to elucidate how Cd stress continuously affects the electron transport chain in this species. The PF analysis showed that with prolonged Cd stress, the FJ, FI and FP steadily decreased, accompanied by a positive shift in the K-band and L-band. Moreover, JIP-test parameters, including TRO/ABS, ABS/CSO, TRO/CSO and PIABS, were significantly reduced. The P700 signals showed that exposure to Cd stress hindered both the fast decrease and slow increase phases of the MR transient, ultimately resulting in a gradual reduction in both VPSI and VPSII−PSI. The DF analysis showed a gradual decrease in the I1 and I2 values as the duration of stress from Cd increased. The above results suggested that Cd stress affected the photosynthetic electron transport in water dropwort by influencing the amount of active PSII and PSI, primarily affecting PSII RCs in the early to mid-stages and PSI reductive activity in the later stage.
Correlates of Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infections in People with HIV: Results from the CIHR CTN 328 Study
Authors: Costiniuk Cecilia T. , Lee Terry , Singer Joel , Galipeau Yannick , Arnold Corey , Langlois Marc-André , Needham Judy , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali , Burchell Ann N. , Samji Hasina , Chambers Catharine , Walmsley Sharon , Ostrowski Mario , Kovacs Colin , Tan Darrell H. S. , Harris Marianne , Hull Mark , Brumme Zabrina L. , Lapointe Hope R. , Brockman Mark A. , Margolese Shari , Mandarino Enrico , Samarani Suzanne , Lebouché Bertrand , Angel Jonathan B. , Routy Jean-Pierre , Cooper Curtis L. , Anis Aslam H.
Published: April 2024

COVID-19 breakthrough infection (BTI) can occur despite vaccination. Using a multi-centre, prospective, observational Canadian cohort of people with HIV (PWH) receiving ≥2 COVID-19 vaccines, we compared the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific IgG levels 3 and 6 months post second dose, as well as 1 month post third dose, in PWH with and without BTI. BTI was defined as positivity based on self-report measures (data up to last study visit) or IgG data (up to 1 month post dose 3). The self-report measures were based on their symptoms and either a positive PCR or rapid antigen test. The analysis was restricted to persons without previous COVID-19 infection. Persons without BTI remained COVID-19-naïve until ≥3 months following the third dose. Of 289 participants, 92 developed BTI (31.5 infections per 100 person-years). The median days between last vaccination and BTI was 128 (IQR 67, 176), with the most cases occurring between the third and fourth dose (n = 59), corresponding to the Omicron wave. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, race, multimorbidity, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and obesity, a lower IgG S/RBD (log10 BAU/mL) at 1 month post dose 3 was significantly associated with BTI, suggesting that a lower IgG level at this time point may predict BTI in this cohort of PWH.
A Framework for Assessing Food Baskets Based on Water and Carbon Footprints
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Javadi Saman , Yousefi Hossein , Pouraram Hamed , Randhir Timothy O.
Published: April 2024

The composition of food baskets can significantly influence the water consumption rate and society’s environmental impact. This study evaluates the sustainability of Iran’s food and nutrition security by evaluating five food baskets using water and carbon-footprint indices. These food baskets are the common Iranian food basket (CIFB), the vegetarian food basket (VFB), the Ministry of Health desired food basket (MHDFB), the Swiss Society for Nutrition food basket (SSNFB), and the Mediterranean food basket (MFB). This study also examines the role of Iran’s agricultural sector under the Paris Climate Change Agreement (COP21). The TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making method was used to identify the most desirable food basket. The results of this study show that the VFB could be the most desirable alternative to the CIFB. Replacing the CIFB with the VFB causes a 10% and 21% lower water and carbon footprint, respectively. From a 30-year perspective (around 2050), choosing the VFB would reduce the blue water footprint by 19.7 BCM and the gray water footprint by 3.6 BCM compared to the CIFB. According to the provisions of COP21 regarding Iran’s voluntary program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the agricultural sector will be one of the sources of greenhouse gas emissions that will face an upward trend. Hence, to adhere to this voluntary commitment, these emissions should be reduced by changing the CIFB to the VFB or reducing emissions in other sectors, such as industry. Choosing the VFB can reduce 10.7 million tons of CO2 emissions, which can be a significant step for the agricultural sector in Iran in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, considering the characteristics of farm products (water and carbon footprints) in Iran, a country located in a semi-arid climate, the VFB is recommended.
Multiscale Analysis of Water Area, Level and Flow and Their Relationships for a Large Lake Connected to Rivers: A Case Study of Dongting Lake, China
Authors: Xu Shan , Zhai Liang , Zou Bin , Sang Huiyong
Published: April 2024

Exploring the different characteristics of water status at different time scales is essential for the understanding of the complex hydrological processes in lakes connected to rivers. Taking Dongting Lake, a large-scale lake connected to the Yangtze River, as an example, this study employed wavelet analysis and multiple models to explore the temporal characteristics of water area, level, and flow and the water level–area and flow–area correlations from 2000 to 2021 on annual, seasonal, and monthly scales. The results show that the interannual variations in annual, seasonal, and monthly water area anomalies demonstrated rather consistent overall trends, but there were differences in the variation ranges at different temporal scales. The dominant amplitudes for annual and seasonal area anomalies were close, while for monthly anomalies, they were sometimes much larger. The dominant amplitudes of the water level and flow anomalies generally followed the order annual < seasonal < monthly. The water level–area and flow–area correlations are strongest at Chenglingji station and on the seasonal scale. This study provides a multiscale perspective on hydrological conditions and will support the management of water resources and the prevention of drought and flood disasters.
Wetland Creation and Reforestation of Legacy Surface Mines in the Central Appalachian Region (USA): A Potential Climate-Adaptation Approach for Pond-Breeding Amphibians?
Authors: Sherman Lauren , Barton Christopher D. , Guzy Jacquelyn C. , Davenport Rebecca N. , Cox John J. , Larkin Jeffery L. , Fearer Todd , Newman Jillian C. , Price Steven J.
Published: April 2024

Habitat restoration and creation within human-altered landscapes can buffer the impacts of climate change on wildlife. The Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) is a coal surface mine reclamation practice that enhances reforestation through soil decompaction and the planting of native trees. Recently, wetland creation has been coupled with FRA to increase habitat available for wildlife, including amphibians. Our objective was to evaluate the response of pond-breeding amphibians to the FRA by comparing species occupancy, richness, and abundance across two FRA age-classes (2–5-year and 8–11-year reclaimed forests), traditionally reclaimed sites that were left to naturally regenerate after mining, and in mature, unmined forests in the Monongahela National Forest (West Virginia, USA). We found that species richness and occupancy estimates did not differ across treatment types. Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) and Eastern Newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) had the greatest estimated abundances in wetlands in the older FRA treatment. Additionally, larger wetlands had greater abundances of Eastern Newts, Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus), and Green Frogs (L. clamitans) compared to smaller wetlands. Our results suggest that wetland creation and reforestation increases the number of breeding sites and promotes microhabitat and microclimate conditions that likely maximize the resilience of pond-breeding amphibians to anticipated climate changes in the study area.
Kadı Burhaneddin Divanı’nda Farklı Şekillerde Kullanılan İkileme ve Tekrar Grupları
Authors: Küçük Salim
Published: April 2024

Söz varlığı, ait olduğu dilin tarihini önemli ölçüde aydınlatır. Tarihi derinlik içerisinde yıllara bağlı olarak ait olduğu dilin ses, şekil, kelime ve anlam bilgisinde ortaya çıkan değişiklikleri göstermenin yanı sıra sözdiziminde ve kelime gruplarında ortaya çıkan değişiklikleri yansıtır. Ayrıca hangi dilleri etkilediğini ve hangilerinden de etkilendiğini gösterir.
Türkçenin söz varlığının temel taşlarından biri de ikilemelerdir. Geçmişten günümüze farklı terimlerle karşılanan ikilemeler yönünden Türkçe oldukça zengin bir dildir. Bunun göstergelerinden biri de Türkiye Türkçesi sahasında hazırlanmış Türkçe İkilemeler Sözlüğü’dür. Ülkemizde ikilemeler üzerine yapılan çalışmalar genellikle yapısalcı çalışmalara konu edinilmiş olup yazılı ifadeyi zenginleştiren, güzelleştiren, şaire hareket kabiliyeti sağlayan ve edebî bir unsur olan ikilemeler yaratıcılık yönünden yeterince ele alınmamış, incelenmemiş ve değerlendirilmemiştir.
Eski Anadolu Türkçesi sahası şairlerinden Kadı Burhaneddin’in 14. yüzyılda yazmış olduğu Divan’ında yer alan bütün ikileme ve tekrar gruplarını değil bu alanda yapılan diğer çalışmalardan farklı olarak değişik yapıdaki ikileme ve tekrar gruplarını incelemeyi amaçlayan bu çalışmada mesele yapı, söz varlığı, cümle, kelime grupları, kip ve ek-fiil yönünden ele alınmış, şairin şiirlerinden hareketle somutlaştırılarak farklı bir bakış açısı ile bir bütünlük içerisinde değerlendirilmeye çalışılmıştır.
Türkülerin Dünyasında Mekânsal Yaratımlar Bağlamında Irmaklar ve Kadınlar
Authors: Yavuz Yasemin
Published: April 2024

Türküler, yaratıcısı olan toplumun duygu ve hayallerini yansıtırken hayatı doğal bir kurgu ile yorumlayarak gerçekçi imajlar çizerler. Sosyokültürel ve toplumsal psikoloji bağlamlarında değerlendirilebilecek bu imajlardan mekânla ilgili olanlar, cinsiyet rolleriyle ilişkiseldirler. Bu makalede amaç, doğal mekanlardan ırmaklar ile kadın toplumsal cinsiyet rolü arasındaki ilişkiyi türküler bağlamında incelemektir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda doküman inceleme ve nitel veri toplama yöntemleriyle türkü metinleri tahlil edilmiştir. TRT repertuarında ırmak imajını içeren türküler ile araştırmanın sınırları belirlenmiştir. Analizler neticesinde bu türkülerin büyük çoğunluğunda ırmağın kadınlar için kamusal alana çıkış mekânı olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bununla birlikte türkülerde ırmakların kimi zaman da sonucu ölüme bağlanan bir bilinçli sığınış mekânı olduğu görülmüştür. Bir gurup türküde tipik olarak görülen kadının intihar eylemine mekân olarak ırmağı seçmesi motifi bu çalışmanın eksenini teşkil etmiştir. Bu araştırmada, bir intihar mekânı olarak ırmağın Anadolu ve Balkanlar’ın pek çok yöresinde var olduğunu vurgulayacak biçimde üç farklı bölgeden üç farklı ırmağın mekân olarak yer aldığı üç adet türkü seçilerek bunların üzerine yoğunlaşılmıştır.
Ahmedî Dîvânı'nda Biçimbirimsel Yinelemeler ve Koşutluklar
Authors: Uğur Fatih
Published: April 2024

Klasik Türk şiirinde yinelemelerin büyük önemi vardır. Dil kullanımı ve üslup bakımından kusursuzluğu yakalamaya çalışan şairler ses, sözcük, sözcük öbeği ve kimi zaman paralel mısra tekrarları yaparak belli bir ritim ve ahenk oluşturmaya çabalamışlar; bunun için de yineleme yapılarından istifade etmişlerdir. Klasik şiirde pek çok kez bedî’ sanatlar vasıtasıyla sağlanan bu yineleme yapıları bir eleştiri disiplini olan deyişbilimdeki yineleme ve koşutluk ile benzerlik gösterir. Klasik Türk şiirinin kurucu şairlerinden Ahmedî de deyişbilim yöntemiyle incelemeye açık olduğu görülen çok sayıda biçimbirimsel yinelemeye ve koşut yapıya yer vermiş şairlerdendir. Dîvân’daki pek çok şiirde, deyişbilimde yer alan yineleme ölçütlerine uygun şiirler ve beyitler yer almaktadır. Öte yandan mısralar arası koşut yapıyla kurduğu çok sayıdaki şiirinde belli bir ahenk yakalamaya çalışmış gibidir. Dolayısıyla bu çalışmada Ahmedî Dîvânı’ndaki yineleme yapıları ele alınmış ve deyişbilimdeki biçimbirimsel yinelemeye örnek gösterilebilecek özellikleri bakımından incelenmeye çalışılmıştır. Bunun için öncelikle biçimbirimsel yinelemelerin her biri örnek beyitler üzerinden gösterilmiş, ardından çoklu biçimbirimsel yinelemeler ve koşut yapılar incelenmiştir.