bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Food and Beverage Corporate Sustainability Performance Structure in Indonesia: Enhancing the Leadership Role and Tenet Value from an Ethical Perspective
Authors: Bui Tat-Dat , Aminah Hania , Wang Ching-Hsin , Tseng Ming-Lang , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Lim Ming K.
Published: March 2022

The food and beverage industry is the second largest contributor to Indonesia’s economy; however, most industry firms significantly, and negatively, impact ecological and economic performance, and corporate sustainability performance is considered an area that can be significantly improved. This study aims to measure the causal interrelationships among the hierarchical attributes, as well as the decisive attributes that force successful corporate sustainability. Further, there are also other factors that have a negative impact, such as poor social justice and firms’ responsibilities and identities. Hence, emphasizing the ethics role to ensure a better sustainable performance in addition to focusing on the traditional triple-bottom-line is needed. A hybrid method is used. The fuzzy Delphi method develops a valid theoretical structure. The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory addresses the causal effect among the attributes. The fuzzy Kano model is used to determine the decisive attributes that enhance corporate sustainability performance in practice. The results show that a leadership role, tenet values, human potential development, and environmental impacts are the causative aspects, and the role of ethical issues is confirmed though its influence on the leadership role and tenet value aspects. This study contributes to the corporate sustainability performance literature by offering new theoretical angles as a hierarchical structure and elaborating the causal linkages among the attributes. Practical guidelines are provided to the Indonesian food and beverage industry, thus helping to archive reference data on firm performance and competitive advantage.
The Food for Feed Concept: Redefining the Use of Hotel Food Residues in Broiler Diets
Authors: Giamouri Elisavet , Pappas Athanasios C. , Papadomichelakis George , Simitzis Panagiotis E. , Manios Thrassyvoulos , Zentek Juergen , Lasaridi Katia , Tsiplakou Eleni , Zervas George
Published: March 2022

The large quantities of food waste that are generated every year have raised management concerns. Animal diets might be a feasible strategy for utilizing food waste and partially replacing commercially available feedstuffs. The present study examined the potential use of food waste originating from hotels for broiler chickens’ diets. Two hundred and forty (240) one-day-old broilers were allocated into four treatment groups, namely, control (C), non-meat treatment (NM), non-sterilized treatment (NS) and sterilized treatment (S), each with 5 replicate pens of 12 broilers. The experimental period lasted 42 days. Several parameters were recorded throughout the experiment, such as the initial and final body weight, the feed conversion ratio (FCR), the traits, some biochemical and hematological parameters, the weight of internal organs and selected breast meat quality indices. The results showed no major differences in health parameters and the carcass quality traits. There was also no difference in growth rate between the three groups (C, NS, S), but broilers fed the NM diet (without meat remnants) had a significantly lower growth rate by 11.4% compared to the control. Food waste residues can be an alternative feedstuff for broiler chickens and can maintain performance at acceptable levels.
Priority Soil Pollution Management of Contaminated Site Based on Human Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study in Southwest China
Authors: Wu Jin , Jia Ruitao , Xuan Hao , Zhang Dasheng , Zhang Guoming , Xiao Yuting
Published: March 2022

The human risk assessment model can serve as a tool for regional contaminated site comprehensive management. However, site-specific risk assessment is still seldom applied in China as a basis for making decisions on risk management actions. In this study, a total of 112 soil samples were collected from ten polluted sites in Southwest China. The human health risk assessment method was used to assess the risk of Cd, As, Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn, and Hg pollution. According to the findings, the average concentrations of As, Zn, and Pb in contaminated sites are substantially higher than those of Cu, Cd, Cr, and Hg. Further studies conclusively showed the soil at contaminated site in its present condition pose risk to human health to potential future receptors. The main contribution of non-cancer and cancer risks was through incidental soil and dust ingestion. The priority control site remediation order is Region VI > Region V > Region IV > Region III > Region VII > Region X > Region IX > Region VIII > Region I > Region II. Finally, management recommendations are made, including reducing pollutant intake, implementing a stringent monitoring scheme, utilizing bioremediation, and strengthening the implementation of relevant laws. This study provides a case for the comprehensive evaluation of soil pollution at contaminated sites in China.
How the Popularity of Short Videos Promotes Regional Endogeneity in Northwest China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jia Chao , Zhang Jingting
Published: March 2022

Return migration is critical to regional endogeneity, especially in rural areas. In recent years, short videos, such as those on TikTok, have become very popular in rural China, which has attracted many people to return to their hometowns and become cyber-celebrities, profiting from the production of short videos to showcase local agricultural culture. The question focused on in this paper is to what extent the popularity of short videos has influenced return migration and what role it has played in promoting regional endogeneity. We conducted a qualitative survey of cyber-celebrities in Qingyang City, one of the poorest regions in northwest China, using NVivo12 software to validate a mechanistic model linking the popularity of short videos and return migration, and further explored the positive implications of reviving local agricultural culture through new technologies for regional endogeneity. The results show that (1) the popularity of short videos has a positive impact on return migration, (2) technical and financial support from local communities has a positive effect on the popularity of short videos, and (3) emotional strategies and local knowledge are key factors for the popularity of short videos. This study could help local communities build more competitive strategies while helping cyber-celebrities produce more communicative works to showcase local agricultural culture. The popularity of short videos is believed to have a positive impact on the preservation of regional agricultural heritage.
Consumer Perspectives on Bio-Based Products and Brands—A Regional Finnish Social Study with Future Consumers
Authors: Kymäläinen Tiina , Vehmas Kaisa , Kangas Heli , Majaniemi Sami , Vainio-Kaila Tiina
Published: March 2022

This article presents a Finnish social design study that focuses on consumer perspectives and future expectations related to bio-based products and brands. The qualitative regional study addresses the global concern associated with sustainability of the bioeconomy. Because a gap in research was identified from the regional consumer perspective, the article presents a case study that was held with 50 consumers in Finland. The main research method was qualitative online focus group discussions, with an objective to gain an understanding of consumer behavior, motivations, concerns, and intentions related to bio-based products and brands. The results are presented according to the sustainability framework, which was constructed around four topics: (1) consumer awareness, (2) illustrated examples and their consumer acceptance, (3) consumption habits, and (4) future consumption behavior. The main findings indicate that Finnish consumers were extremely well-informed on the bio-based concept, and they trusted domestic regional brands the most. Throughout the research, Nordic consumers highlighted the role of companies and urged sensible science-based communication on the sustainability aspects. Finally, the results led to consider how the value-sensitive consumer insights may be utilized by proposing prominent impact assessment methods for decision-making in both the business and consumer sectors.
Application of User Side Energy Storage System for Power Quality Enhancement of Premium Power Park
Authors: Ding Kai , Li Wei , Qian Yimin , Hu Pan , Huang Zengrui
Published: March 2022

User-side battery energy storage systems (UESSs) are a rapidly developing form of energy storage system; however, very little attention is being paid to their application in the power quality enhancement of premium power parks, and their coordination with existing voltage sag mitigation devices. The potential of UESSs has not been fully exploited. Given the above, this paper proposes a hierarchical power supply strategy for premium power parks (PPPs) based on the coordination of UESSs and dynamic voltage restorers (DVR). Firstly, the topology and control strategy of the UESS for voltage sag mitigation are devised. Further, we construct a prototype device, and experimental tests are conducted to verify its effectiveness in voltage sag mitigation. To avoid the negative effects caused by the UESS control mode switching between the voltage sag mitigation mode and the peak-shaving and valley-filling modes—namely, the long control mode switching time and low state of charge (SOC)—a hierarchical power supply strategy is proposed. The basic idea is to supply three levels of power quality service for loads with different sensitivities in PPPs by coordinating UESS with DVR. Several cases are explored to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed strategy.
Can Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) for Stress Recovery in Green Hotels Affect Re-Patronage Intention?
Authors: Yun Sunmi , Kim Taeuk
Published: March 2022

Our research framework in this paper investigated natural-based solutions (NBSs) at green hotels. We employed attention restoration theory (ART) to test the mediating effect of perceived stress (PS), psychological wellness (PW), satisfaction (SA), and the moderating effect of health consciousness (HC) on re-patronage intentions (RI). Data were collected through a survey of 544 customers who frequently visited green hotels in Korea, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the research hypotheses. The findings generally supported the hypothesized associations of the study variables within our proposed theoretical framework (PS, PW, SF) in order of the mediating effect on RI and confirmed the moderating effect of HC. In addition, the study’s results have important theoretical and practical implications for the environment. In the former case, our results demonstrate the application of ART and NBS by explaining the effect of the relationship among PS, PW, and SF on RI and confirm the mediating effect of the ART (PS, PW, SF) on RI, as demonstrated in previous studies. Moreover, in the latter case our results may encourage green hotels to participate in the prevention of environmental problems.
Global Warming and Toxicity Impacts: Peanuts in Georgia, USA Using Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Alhashim Rahmah , Anandhi Aavudai
Published: March 2022

Fertilizers and pesticides have been widely used in agriculture production, causing polluted soil, water, and atmosphere. This study aims to quantify air emissions from pesticides and fertilizers applied for peanut production in Georgia during selected years (1991, 1999, 2004, 2013, and 2018). Specifically, the oral and dermal potential impacts from pesticide emissions and the global warming potential (GWP) impact from fertilizers to air were investigated. This study followed the ISO 14040 series standards for life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to assess six active ingredients (AIs) (2,4-DB, Bentazon, Chlorothalonil, Ethalfluralin, Paraquat, and Pendimethalin) and one greenhouse gas (nitrous oxide N2O). Their physical and chemical characteristics and the temporal scales greatly influenced the oral and dermal toxicity impacts. According to the low values obtained for Henry’s law (KH) and vapor pressure (VP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxy butanoic (DB), Pendimethalin, and Chlorothalonil have a higher impact on the continental air scale. The effect factor (EF) from oral exposure was higher in 2,4-DB, Bentazon, and Pendimethalin than dermal exposure, according to the relatively low lethal dose (LD50) for oral exposure, while the EF of Ethalfluralin and Chlorothalonil was the same for oral and dermal exposure according to their similar LD50.
Determining Value Added Intellectual Capital (VAIC) Using the TOPSIS-CRITIC Method in Small and Medium-Sized Farms in Selected European Countries
Authors: Polcyn Jan
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this paper is to develop a modified method of measuring VAIC for small and medium-sized farms and to determine the relationship of this measure on farm area. The main objective will be implemented through the following specific objectives: (1) indication of the generating variables VA, VC, HC and SC, (2) determination of synthetic measures of VA, VC, HC and SC, (3) determination of CEE, HCE, SCE and VAIC and (4) to determine the relationship between the values obtained in objective 2 and 3 and the area of the farm. The analyses were carried out on data obtained from 2980 small and medium-sized farms from Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Moldova and Serbia. The determination of VAIC was carried out on the basis of synthetic measures determined by the TOPSIS-CRITIC method. VAIC was determined in accordance with the scheme proposed by Pulic. All data were converted to one hectare of farm area. The analysed farms were divided into four classes depending on the area. A contrast analysis was carried out between the designated classes. Analyses were conducted for each of the five countries separately. The alternative VAIC measurement method presented needs to be refined in terms of the selection of classified variables to create synthetic measures. The analysis indicates that it is feasible to measure VAIC through the use of alternative measures in the form of synthetic measures while at the same time preserving the principles resulting from the VAIC concept. The uniqueness of the method lies in the use of synthetic measures to determine VAIC in companies that do not possess complete accounting information. In addition, failures in the proposed method have been eliminated in terms of the method’s compatibility with human capital theory. The methodology used is an original approach to measuring the value of intellectual capital. In addition, it should contribute to the re-verification of the VAIC.
Analysing the Performance of Four Hydrological Models in a Chinese Arid and Semi-Arid Catchment
Authors: Jin Hengxu , Rui Xiaoping , Li Xiaoyan
Published: March 2022

Frequent flood hazards in the Raoyang River Basin in western Liaoning, China, have posed serious threats to people’s lives and property. In an effort to study the simulation efficiencies of hydrological models in this arid and semi-arid catchment, this study examined the performance of the Xin’anjiang model, the Liaoning unsaturated model, and the DHF model in the Dongbaichengzi station watershed in the upper reaches of the Raoyang River, China. Additionally, this paper proposed an improved DHF model, which considers the impoundment and regulation of small- and medium-sized reservoirs in the upper reaches of the basin. The flood simulation results demonstrated that the Xin’anjiang model was difficult to apply in this area because the average value of its Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) was as low as 0.31. Meanwhile, the simulation efficiencies of the Liaoning unsaturated model and the DHF model were higher than that of the Xin’anjiang model, but the relative error of flood peak discharge and runoff depth for most floods were still high and could not meet the actual forecast requirements by the Reservoir Administration Bureau of Liaoning Province. Overall, the improved DHF model showed the best efficiency, and the mean value of the NSE reached 0.79. Therefore, the improved DHF model has good applicability in the Dongbaichengzi station watershed in the upper reaches of the Raoyang River, China.
Contributions of Wetland Plants on Metal Accumulation in Sediment
Authors: Nel Marelé A. , Rubidge Gletwyn , Adams Janine B. , Human Lucienne R. D.
Published: March 2022

Wetlands, and especially salt marshes, are well-known sinks of metals, which limit toxic amounts of metals from entering the food chain. This study investigated metal concentrations (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in a highly urbanised estuary, and compared vegetated rhizosediment (Salicornia tegetaria, Spartina maritima, and Zostera capensis) with bare sediment, in a depositional and non-depositional site, in the intertidal zone of the Swartkops Estuary. The samples were collected at two sites along the middle and lower reaches of the estuary and analysed using a Total X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometer. It was found that the rhizosediment contained more metals and that metal concentrations in the sediment decreased as follows: S. tegetaria > S. maritima > Z. capensis > bare sediment. Although metal accumulation was similar in bare sediment for the depositional (Site B) and the non-depositional site (Site A), the rhizosediment displayed higher metal accumulation in the depositional site (Site B). However, regardless of site-specific depositional tendencies, rhizosediment displayed higher metal accumulation than bare sediment. These results indicate that vegetated sites and vegetated depositional sites should be the focus of monitoring metals in estuaries around the world.
Energy, Exergy, and Economic Analysis of Cryogenic Distillation and Chemical Scrubbing for Biogas Upgrading and Hydrogen Production
Authors: Naeiji Esfandiyar , Noorpoor Alireza , Ghanavati Hossein
Published: March 2022

Biogas is one of the most important sources of renewable energy and hydrogen production, which needs upgrading to be functional. In this study, two methods of biogas upgrading from organic parts of municipal waste were investigated. For biogas upgrading, this article used a 3E analysis and simulated cryogenic separation and chemical scrubbing. The primary goal was to compare thermoeconomic indices and create hydrogen by reforming biomethane. The exergy analysis revealed that the compressor of the refrigerant and recovery column of MEA contributed the most exergy loss in the cryogenic separation and chemical scrubbing. The total exergy efficiency of cryogenic separation and chemical scrubbing was 85% and 84%. The energy analysis revealed a 2.07% lower energy efficiency for chemical scrubbing. The capital, energy, and total annual costs of chemical absorption were 56.51, 26.33, and 54.44 percent lower than those of cryogenic separation, respectively, indicating that this technology is more economically feasible. Moreover, because the thermodynamic efficiencies of the two methods were comparable, the chemical absorption method was adopted for hydrogen production. The biomethane steam reforming was simulated, and the results indicated that this method required an energy consumption of 90.48 MJkgH2. The hydrogen production intensity equaled 1.98 kmoleH2kmolebiogas via a 79.92% methane conversion.
Study on the Extraction Method of Sub-Network for Optimal Operation of Connected and Automated Vehicle-Based Mobility Service and Its Implication
Authors: Tak Sehyun , Kim Jeongyun , Lee Donghoun
Published: March 2022

There have been enormous efforts to implement automated vehicle-based mobility (AVM) by considering smart infrastructure such as cooperative intelligent transportation system. However, there is lack of consideration on economical approach for an optimal deployment strategy of the AVM service and smart infrastructure. Furthermore, the influence of travel demand in service area has been ignored. We develop a new framework for maximizing the profit of connected and automated vehicle-based mobility (CAV-M) service using cost modeling and metaheuristic optimization algorithm. The proposed framework extracts an optimal sub-network, which is selected by a set of optimal links in the service area, and identifies an optimal construction strategy for the smart infrastructure depending on given operational design domain and travel demand. Based on service network analyses with varying demand patterns and volumes, we observe that the optimal sub-network varies with the combination of trip demand patterns and volumes. It is also found that the benefit of deploying the smart infrastructure is obtainable only when there are sufficient travel demands. Furthermore, the optimal sub-network is always superior to raw network in terms of economical profit, which suggests the proposed framework has great potential to prioritize road links in the target area for the CAV-M service.
Sustainable Adoption of E-Learning from the TAM Perspective
Authors: Saleh Saman Sattar , Nat Muesser , Aqel Musbah
Published: March 2022

This study investigates the imperative to adopt e-learning and how it influences educational process sustainability. For developing countries, adopting e-learning has always been a challenge because of the lack of mechanisms due to the resistance of teachers and students, low level of information and communication technology (ICT) literacy, and lack of ICT infrastructure. A quantitative research methodology was used by applying a hypothesized extended model of the technology acceptance model (TAM) for the adoption of e-learning. The factors were investigated by analyzing the intentions of 367 students and teachers. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. This study aims to identify the factors that influence students’ and teachers’ attitudes toward the adoption of sustainable e-learning and illustrate the moderating role of the mentality acceptance factor in the relationship between system trust and interaction, on the one hand, and PU and PEOU on the other. Findings of the study indicated that all TAM constructs significantly impact the BI of e-learning use. Additionally, the results showed that mentality acceptance substantially moderates the relationship between system trust and interaction, on the one hand, and PU and PEOU on the other. These findings suggest that educational institutions should focus on factors influencing teachers’ and students’ attitudes toward adopting and using e-learning services. Lack of internet connection, ICT skills, and technology capabilities are the main issues, and the main TAM constructs of all factors.
The Emergence of Unconventional Tourism Services Based on Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)—Attitude Analysis of Tourism Experts Using the Q Methodology
Authors: Ásványi Katalin , Miskolczi Márk , Jászberényi Melinda , Kenesei Zsófia , Kökény László
Published: March 2022

The spread of autonomous vehicles (AVs) could fundamentally change tourism-related mobility in the near future. However, the empirical research on tourism impacts is still very limited. This research aims to systematize the expected tourism impacts of AVs and to explore how experts in different fields of tourism view the technological innovation ahead. The opinions of tourism experts (n = 21) involved in the research were analyzed using the Q methodology. Statements (n = 40) were formulated in topics derived from the literature. Based on the analysis, we distinguished four groups of opinions. An optimistic, technology-oriented group of experts suggested that AV-based sightseeing may emerge as a prominent unconventional service. An accessibility-focused group of experts predicting slow progress stressed that the spread of AVs could improve access to infrastructurally advanced destinations. A mobility-service-oriented group considered that the use of AVs is becoming conventional in terms of mobility, but its appearance remains unconventional for other tourism services. Due to the potential negative effects, a skeptical group of experts believes that AVs will not become conventional in tourism. The value of the research is the creation of groups based on tourism experts’ attitudes, which can help prepare strategic tourism decisions in the future.
Influencing Factors of the Continuous Use of a Knowledge Payment Platform—Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis Based on Triadic Reciprocal Determinism
Authors: Huo Hong , Li Quanxi
Published: March 2022

Based on triadic reciprocal determinism, in this study, we adopted the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to conduct configuration analysis on the factors that influence the continuous use of knowledge payment platforms and explain the mechanism of the configuration effect of different influencing factors. The research included six casual variables: perceived value, platform quality, satisfaction, trust, subjective norms, and habits. Continuous use intention and continuous use behavior were used as the outcome variables. By discussing the action paths of six casual variables on two outcome variables, it is suggested that the operators of knowledge payment platforms should select different influencing factor configuration paths to improve the service and promote the continuous use of the knowledge payment platform by users.
Streetcar Development in China: The Motivations Behind
Authors: An Meng , Chen Xuewu
Published: March 2022

In recent years, there has been a remarkable rebirth of the streetcar in China, with dozens of projects under consideration, in planning and construction, or already completed in cities throughout the country. The development of such a relatively mega-project often raises the question of “why Chinese cities develop their streetcar projects”. Building on insights into streetcar projects materials and in-depth interviews with elite figures, and together with relevant socioeconomic data comparisons, the paper sets out to reveal how the resurgence of the streetcar was facilitated and motivated, and why such urban mega-projects are so attractive to cities, and to further derive lessons to better inform policymakers, planners, and researchers in proposing, planning and implementing streetcars in China. Our findings revealed five major themes to motivate streetcars development in China, which unpacked the answer to the question into five aspects: rapid urbanization, supportive policy environment, less-restrictive approval mechanisms, goal-seeking for streetcar development, and potential inter-city competition. A discussion of these themes in the Chinese context leads us to the conclusion that the process of proposing, promoting, and approving streetcar projects is not only dependent on its expected achievements bring to the region but very much on the economic–political reasons and inter-city competition.
Implementing Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Predict Environmental Impacts: Case of Construction Products
Authors: Koyamparambath Anish , Adibi Naeem , Szablewski Carolina , Adibi Sierra A. , Sonnemann Guido
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, product designers, manufacturers, and consumers consider the environmental impacts of products, processes, and services in their decision-making process. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool that assesses the environmental impacts over a product’s life cycle. Conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) requires meticulous data sourcing and collection and is often time-consuming for both practitioner and verifier. However, predicting the environmental impacts of products and services can help stakeholders and decision-makers identify the hotspots. Our work proposes using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to predict the environmental performance of a product or service to assist LCA practitioners and verifiers. This approach uses data from environmental product declarations of construction products. The data is processed utilizing natural language processing (NLP) which is then trained to random forest algorithm, an ensemble tree-based machine learning method. Finally, we trained the model with information on the product and their environmental impacts using seven impact category values and verified the results using a testing dataset (20% of EPD data). Our results demonstrate that the model was able to predict the values of impact categories: global warming potential, abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources, acidification potential, and photochemical ozone creation potential with an accuracy (measured using R2 metrics, a measure to score the correlation of predicted values to real value) of 81%, 77%, 68%, and 70%, respectively. Our method demonstrates the capability to predict environmental performance with a defined variability by learning from the results of the previous LCA studies. The model’s performance also depends on the amount of data available for training. However, this approach does not replace a detailed LCA but is rather a quick prediction and assistance to LCA practitioners and verifiers in realizing an LCA.
Studying Massive Suction Impact on Magneto-Flow of a Hybridized Casson Nanofluid on a Porous Continuous Moving or Fixed Surface
Authors: EL-Zahar Essam R. , Rashad Ahmed M. , Al-Juaydi Haifa S.
Published: March 2022

Non-Newtonian nanofluids flow due to the augmented thermal performances of nanoparticles, and their importance in various sectors plays a vital role in medicine, cosmetics, manufacturing, and engineering processes. In this regard, the present theoretical investigation explores the magneto-flow of Casson hybrid nanofluid through a continuous moving/fixed surface with significant suction. The nature of spherical copper and alumina dispersed in water was assessed as the conventional heat transfer in Casson fluid with impacts of viscous dissipation and Ohmic heating. Two states are addressed regarding symmetry, one corresponding to a surface moving in parallel with a free stream and the other a surface moving in the opposite direction to the free stream. In the momentum equation, the Casson model with magnetic field effect is exploited. The governing equations are transformed into the necessary equations using transformations invoking symmetric property of the independent variables. The numerical outputs of the nonlinear governing equations are collected using an efficient improved shooting method with fast convergence and low computational cost. Graphical demonstrations of the influence of relevant parameters on symmetrical behavior for velocity, skin friction, Nusselt number, and temperature are shown.
Improved Allocation and Reallocation Approaches for Software Trustworthiness Based on Mathematical Programming
Authors: Tao Hongwei , Fu Lianyou , Chen Yixiang , Han Lin , Wang Xiao
Published: March 2022

Software trustworthiness allocation and reallocation are the symmetry of software trustworthiness measure. They can provide the optimization scheme for trustworthiness development and improvement, according to the requirements. The existing allocation and reallocation models do not consider the absolute majority of software trustworthiness classification; therefore, they cannot be very accurate in the allocation and reallocation of software trustworthiness. In this paper, improved allocation and reallocation models are constructed, which can resolve the above problem, and their polynomial solving algorithms are designed. At the same time, a demonstration application of the improved models and algorithms is given, and the trustworthiness enhancement specification of spacecraft software, based on factory reports, is established, including trustworthiness development specification and trustworthiness improvement specification. This enhancement specification provides a scientific and reasonable theory and method for the delivery acceptance of spacecraft software, from qualitative to quantitative grading acceptance, and furnishes a standard guarantee for the trustworthy development and improvement of such software.
Applications of the Atangana–Baleanu Fractional Integral Operator
Authors: Alb Lupaş Alina , Cătaş Adriana
Published: March 2022

Applications of the Atangana–Baleanu fractional integral were considered in recent studies related to geometric function theory to obtain interesting differential subordinations. Additionally, the multiplier transformation was used in many studies, providing elegant results. In this paper, a new operator is defined by combining those two prolific functions. The newly defined operator is applied for introducing a new subclass of analytic functions, which is investigated concerning certain properties, such as coefficient estimates, distortion theorems, closure theorems, neighborhoods and radii of starlikeness, convexity and close-to-convexity. This class may have symmetric or asymmetric properties. The results could prove interesting due to the new applications of the Atangana–Baleanu fractional integral and of the multiplier transformation. Additionally, the univalence properties of the new subclass of functions could inspire researchers to conduct further investigations related to this newly defined class.
A Novel SELEX Based on Immobilizing Libraries Enables Screening of Saxitoxin Aptamers for BLI Aptasensor Applications
Authors: Zhou Rong , Gao Yun , Yang Chengfang , Zhang Xiaojuan , Hu Bo , Zhao Luming , Guo Han , Sun Mingjuan , Wang Lianghua , Jiao Binghua
Published: March 2022

Saxitoxin (STX) is one of the potent marine biotoxins that has high rate of lethality. However, there are no effective treatments at present, and the existing detection methods need to be further explored because of ethical problems or technical limitations. In this work, oligonucleotide aptamers toward STX were screened based on immobilizing libraries on Immobilized Metal-Chelate (IMC), such as Ni-NTA Sepharose, and the IMC-SELEX was conducted by the G-quadruplex library and the random library, respectively. Aptamer 45e (from the G-quadruplex library) and aptamer 75a were obtained after optimization, and aptamer 45e turned out to have a higher affinity toward STX. Furthermore, it was found that the hydrogen bonding and the van der Waals forces (VDW) played major roles in the high efficiency and specificity between STX and 45e by means of molecular docking and dynamics simulation. Based on this, aptamer 45e-1 with the Kd value of 19 nM was obtained by further optimization, which was then used to construct a simple, label-free and real-time optical BLI aptasensor for the detection of STX. This aptasensor showed good reproducibility and stability. In summary, with the advantages of screening aptamers of high efficiency and specificity toward the targets, the proposed IMC-SELEX provides a promising screening strategy for discovering aptamers, which could be used as the potential molecular recognition elements in the fields of biomedicine, food safety and environmental monitoring.
Theory and Phenomenology of a Four-Dimensional String–Corrected Black Hole
Authors: Jusufi Kimet , Stojkovic Dejan
Published: March 2022

We construct an effective four-dimensional string-corrected black hole (4D SCBH) by rescaling the string coupling parameter in a D-dimensional Callan–Myers–Perry black hole. From the theoretical point of view, the most interesting findings are that the string corrections coincide with the so-called generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) corrections to black hole solutions, Bekenstein–Hawking entropy acquires logarithmic corrections, and that there exists a critical value of the coupling parameter for which the black hole temperature vanishes. We also find that, due to the string corrections, the nature of the central singularity may be altered from space-like to time-like singularity. In addition, we study the possibility of testing such a black hole with astrophysical observations. Since the dilaton field does not decouple from the metric, it is not a priori clear that the resulting 4D SCBH offers only small corrections to the Schwarzschild black hole. We used motion of the S2 star around the black hole at the center of our galaxy to constrain the parameters (the string coupling parameter and ADM mass) of the 4D SCBH. To test the weak gravity regime, we calculate the deflection angle in this geometry and apply it to gravitational lensing. To test the strong field regime, we calculate the black hole shadow radius. While we find that the observables change as we change the string coupling parameter, the magnitude of the change is too small to distinguish it from the Schwarzschild black hole. With the current precision, to the leading order terms, the 4D SCBH cannot be distinguished from the Schwarzschild black hole.
Circular Geodesics in a New Generalization of q-Metric
Authors: Faraji Shokoufe
Published: March 2022

This paper introduces an alternative generalization of the static solution with quadrupole moment, the q-metric, that describes a deformed compact object in the presence of the external fields characterized by multipole moments. In addition, we also examine the impact of the external fields up to quadrupole on the circular geodesics and the interplay of these two quadrupoles on the place of the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) in the equatorial plane.
TREC/KREC Levels and T and B Lymphocyte Subpopulations in COVID-19 Patients at Different Stages of the Disease
Authors: Savchenko Andrei A. , Tikhonova Elena , Kudryavtsev Igor , Kudlay Dmitry , Korsunsky Ilya , Beleniuk Vasily , Borisov Alexandr
Published: March 2022

Background: T and B cell-mediated immunity can be assessed using T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) and Kappa-deleting recombination excision circle (KREC) analysis, respectively, and successful implementation of this method requires evaluation of the correlation between the TREC frequencies and T cell subsets as well as KREC levels and B lymphocyte subsets. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between the TREC/KREC concentrations and T/B lymphocyte subsets at different stages of COVID-19. Methods: We examined 33 patients in the acute stage of COVID-19 (including 8 patients with poor outcomes) and 33 COVID-19 survivors. TREC/KREC concentrations were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. T/B lymphocyte subsets were determined using flow cytometry. Results: Blood TREC and KREC levels were found to be significantly lower in the acute stage of COVID-19 compared to control values. Moreover, a zero blood TREC level was a predictor of a poor disease outcome. Reductions in CD3+CD4+CD45RO−CD62L− and CD3+CD8+CD45RO−CD62L− T cell counts (as well as in the main fractions of B1 and B2 B cells) indicated a favorable outcome in COVID-19 patients in the acute stage of the disease. Decreased CD3+CD4+CD45RO−CD62L+ and CD3+CD8+CD45RO−CD62L+ T cell frequencies and increased CD3+CD8+CD45RO−CD62L− cell counts were found to indicate a poor outcome in patients with acute COVID-19. These patients were also found to have increased B1 cell counts while demonstrating no changes in B2 cell counts. The levels of effector T cell subsets an naïve B cells were normal in COVID-19 survivors. The most pronounced correlations between TREC/KREC levels and T/B cell subsets counts were observed in COVID-19 survivors: there were positive correlations with naïve T and B lymphocytes and negative correlations with central and effector memory T cell subsets. Conclusions: The assessment of correlations between TREC and T cell subsets as well as KREC levels and B cell subset counts in patients with acute COVID-19 and COVID-19 survivors has shown that blood concentrations of TREC and KREC are sensitive indicators of the stage of antigen-independent differentiation of adaptive immunity cells. The results of the TREC and KREC analysis correlated with the stages of COVID-19 and differed depending on the outcome of COVID-19.
Ocular Adverse Events after Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccination in Xiamen
Authors: Chen Xiuju , Li Xiaoxin , Li Haibo , Li Minghan , Gong Songjian
Published: March 2022

Aims: To report potential vaccine-induced ocular adverse events following inactivated COVID-19 vaccination (Sinopharm and Sinovac). Methods: This case series took place at a tertiary referral center in the southeast of China (Xiamen Eye Center in Fujian Province) from February 2021 to July 2021. Patients who received the first dose of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine and developed vaccine-related ocular adverse events within 10 days were included. The diagnosis of vaccine-related ocular adverse events was guided by the World Health Organization causality assessment and the Naranjo criteria. Results: Ten eyes of seven patients (two male individuals) presenting with ocular complaints following COVID-19 vaccine were included in the study. The mean (SD) age was 41.4 (9.3) years (range, 30–55 years). The mean time of ocular adverse event manifestations was 4.9 days (range, 1–10 days). Three patients were diagnosed with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH)-like uveitis, one with multifocal choroiditis, one with episcleritis, one with iritis, and one with acute idiopathic maculopathy. Two patients received the second dose of vaccine. One patient had exacerbation of VKH, and one patient had no symptoms. An aqueous humor analysis in three patients revealed elevated proinflammatory cytokines and negative virus copy. All the patients had transient ocular disturbance and responded well to steroids. No recurrence was noted during 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Potential ocular adverse events should be reported to increase the awareness of the health community for timely detection and proper treatment.
Electromagnetic Force-Driven Needle-Free in Ovo Injection Device
Authors: Huang Ko-Jung , Li Cheng-Han , Tsai Ping-Kun , Lai Chia-Chun , Kuo Yu-Ren , Hsieh Ming-Kun , Cheng Ching-Wei
Published: March 2022

Needle-free injections are mainly used for administering human or mammalian vaccines or drugs. However, poultry vaccines, in ovo injections to embryos, subcutaneous injections to chickens, and intramuscular injections are administered using needle injections. This article presents a new needle-free in ovo injection device method that uses push-pull solenoids to eject liquid jets, mainly for embryonic eggs of chickens. Furthermore, our study investigated the suitable jet pressures for using this method and the post-injection hatching rates in 18-day-old embryonic eggs. Using this method, we could deliver the liquid to the allantoic and amniotic cavities or the muscle tissue through the egg membrane of the air chamber using a jet pressure of ~6–7 MPa or ~8 MPa. After injecting 0.25 mL of 0.9% saline into 18-day-old Lohmann breed layer embryonic eggs and specific pathogen-free (SPF) embryonic eggs at a jet pressure of ~7 MPa, we observed hatching rates of 98.3% and 85.7%, respectively. This study’s electromagnetic needle-free in ovo injection device can apply vaccine or nutrient solution injection for embryo eggs and serve as a reference for future studies on needle-free in ovo injection automation systems, jet pressure control, and injection pretreatment processes.
Evaluation of Land-Use Changes as a Result of Underground Coal Mining—A Case Study on the Upper Nitra Basin, West Slovakia
Authors: Mojses Matej , Petrovič František , Bugár Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Mining activity has one of the most fundamental influences on the landscape (in terms of both aesthetics and use). Its activity and manifestations, even when mining takes place underground, have visual manifestations on the surface. The impact of subsurface mining has a synergistic effect on the elements of the landscape structure. This manifestation is continuous in the context of mining intensity. Using the Earth remote sensing method, we identified several fundamental changes. The most significant of these was the creation of wetlands and the modification of watercourse lines. In the area in which there was no permanent water sources, several water areas with a total area of more than 30 ha were created. We also found that the length of watercourses has halved, the area of grassland has doubled, and urban area has decreased. It was the creation of water areas that supported not only better ecological stability of the landscape, but also the growth of biodiversity. Wetlands can be a dynamic element of future development. Understanding the development of land-cover changes is necessary for the purpose of planning nature and landscape conservation, as well as to identify areas of conflict with economic use.
Prediction of Flow Based on a CNN-LSTM Combined Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Li Peifeng , Zhang Jin , Krebs Peter
Published: March 2022

Although machine learning (ML) techniques are increasingly used in rainfall-runoff models, most of them are based on one-dimensional datasets. In this study, a rainfall-runoff model with deep learning algorithms (CNN-LSTM) was proposed to compute runoff in the watershed based on two-dimensional rainfall radar maps directly. The model explored a convolutional neural network (CNN) to process two-dimensional rainfall maps and long short-term memory (LSTM) to process one-dimensional output data from the CNN and the upstream runoff in order to calculate the flow of the downstream runoff. In addition, the Elbe River basin in Sachsen, Germany, was selected as the study area, and the high-water periods of 2006, 2011, and 2013, and the low-water periods of 2015 and 2018 were used as the study periods. Via the fivefold validation, we found that the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) fluctuated from 0.46 to 0.97 and from 0.47 to 0.92 for the high-water period, where the optimal fold achieved 0.97 and 0.92, respectively. For the low-water period, the NSE and KGE ranged from 0.63 to 0.86 and from 0.68 to 0.93, where the optimal fold achieved 0.86 and 0.93, respectively. Our results demonstrate that CNN-LSTM would be useful for estimating water availability and flood alerts for river basin management.
Identification of Rainfall Thresholds Likely to Trigger Flood Damages across a Mediterranean Region, Based on Insurance Data and Rainfall Observations
Authors: Papagiannaki Katerina , Kotroni Vassiliki , Lagouvardos Kostas , Bezes Antonis , Vafeiadis Vasileios , Messini Ioanna , Kroustallis Efstathios , Totos Ioannis
Published: March 2022

Flood-producing rainfall amounts have a significant cumulative economic impact. Despite the advance in flood risk mitigation measures, the cost of rehabilitation and compensation of citizens by the state and insurance companies is increasing worldwide. A continuing challenge is the flood risk assessment based on reliable hazard and impact measures. The present study addresses this challenge by identifying rainfall thresholds likely to trigger economic losses due to flood damages to properties across the Athens Metropolitan Area of Greece. The analysis uses eight-year rainfall observations from 66 meteorological stations and high spatial resolution insurance claims on the postal code segmentation. Threshold selection techniques were applied based on the ROC curves widely used to assess the performance of binary response models. The model evaluates the probability of flood damages in terms of insurance claims in this case. Thresholds of 24-h rainfall were identified at the municipal level, as municipalities are the first administration level where decision making to address the local risks for the citizens is needed. The rainfall thresholds were further classified to estimate and map the local risk of flood damages. Practical implications regarding the applicability of the detected thresholds in early-warning systems are also discussed.