bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Positive Psychology into Substance Use Treatments
Authors: Stone Bryant M.
Published: September 2023

Positive psychology is a rapidly expanding and recent empirical. interdisciplinary research topic (i.e., within the last 25 years). Early evidence supported that targeting positive variables (i.e., empathy or kindness) has numerous benefits, including improving health outcomes, vocational success, psychological well-being, and interpersonal connectedness. Positive Psychological Interventions (PPIs) are activities and behavioral interventions that target positive variables to promote adaptive functioning (e.g., reducing depression or promoting psychological well-being). PPIs may make excellent contributions to treating substance use, substance use disorders (SUDs), and substance use problems because the interventions can partially shift the notable negative treatment focus (e.g., avoiding the consequences of using) onto positive aspects (e.g., pursuing an ideal future). Current substance use treatment outcomes demonstrate a need for improvements (e.g., low abstinence rates and lifetime symptom remission of SUDs), and positive psychology may provide a framework for improving existing treatments. In the current paper, the author reviewed research supporting the use of PPIs in substance use treatments, provide suggestions for PPI applications, examine advantages and practical issues, outline the current limitations, and provide future directions for continuing this line of work. The author aimed to encourage researchers to advance substance use treatment improvements with positive psychology because the growing consequences from substance use (e.g., the growing frequency of accidental fatal overdose) and the variable, limited treatment outcomes, placing those who use substances in a uniquely vulnerable position.
Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0? Validation of Challenges Considering the Context of an Emerging Economy Country Using Cronbach’s Alpha and the Lawshe Method
Authors: Moreira Paulliny Araújo , Fernandes Reimison Moreira , Avila Lucas Veiga , Bastos Leonardo dos Santos Lourenço , Martins Vitor William Batista
Published: September 2023

Background: Artificial Intelligence has been an area of great interest and investment in the industrial sector, offering numerous possibilities to enhance efficiency and accuracy in production processes. In this regard, this study aimed to identify the adoption challenges of Artificial Intelligence and determine which of these challenges apply to the industrial context of an emerging economy, considering the aspects of Industry 4.0. Methods: To achieve this objective, a literature review was conducted, and a survey was carried out among professionals in the industrial field operating within the Brazilian context. The collected data were analyzed using a quantitative approach through Cronbach’s alpha and the Lawshe method. Results: The results indicate that to enhance the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the industrial context of an emerging economy, taking into account the needs of Industry 4.0, it is important to prioritize overcoming challenges such as “Lack of clarity in return on investment,” “Organizational culture,” “Acceptance of AI by workers,” “Quantity and quality of data,” and “Data protection”. Conclusions: Therefore, based on the achieved results, it can be concluded that they contribute to the development of strategies and practical actions aimed at successfully driving the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the industrial sector of developing countries, aligning with the principles and needs of Industry 4.0.
Downwind Fire and Smoke Detection during a Controlled Burn—Analyzing the Feasibility and Robustness of Several Downwind Wildfire Sensing Modalities through Real World Applications
Authors: Chwalek Patrick , Chen Hall , Dutta Prabal , Dimon Joshua , Singh Sukh , Chiang Constance , Azwell Thomas
Published: September 2023

Wildfires have played an increasing role in wreaking havoc on communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems globally, often starting in remote regions and rapidly spreading into inhabited areas where they become difficult to suppress due to their size and unpredictability. In sparsely populated remote regions where freshly ignited fires can propagate unimpeded, the need for distributed fire detection capabilities has become increasingly urgent. In this work, we evaluate the potential of a multitude of different sensing modalities for integration into a distributed downwind fire detection system, something which does not exist today. We deployed custom sensor-rich data logging units over a multi-day-controlled burn event hosted by the Marin County Fire Department in Marin County, CA. Under the experimental conditions, nearly all sensing modalities exhibited signature behaviors of a nearby active fire, but with varying degrees of sensitivity. We present promising preliminary findings from these field tests but also note that future work is needed to assess more prosaic concerns. Larger scale trials will be needed to determine the practicality of specific sensing modalities in outdoor settings, and additional environmental data and testing will be needed to determine the sensor system lifetime, data delivery performance, and other technical considerations. Crucially, this work provides the preliminary justification underscoring that future work is potentially valuable and worth pursuit.
A Brief on Nano-Based Hydrogen Energy Transition
Authors: Lobo Rui F. M.
Published: September 2023

Considering the clean, renewable, and ecologically friendly characteristics of hydrogen gas, as well as its high energy density, hydrogen energy is thought to be the most potent contender to locally replace fossil fuels. The creation of a sustainable energy system is currently one of the critical industrial challenges, and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution associated with appropriate safe storage techniques are key strategies to implement systems based on hydrogen technologies. The recent progress made possible through nanotechnology incorporation, either in terms of innovative methods of hydrogen storage or production methods, is a guarantee of future breakthroughs in energy sustainability. This manuscript addresses concisely and originally the importance of including nanotechnology in both green electroproduction of hydrogen and hydrogen storage in solid media. This work is mainly focused on these issues and eventually intends to change beliefs that hydrogen technologies are being imposed only for reasons of sustainability and not for the intrinsic value of the technology itself. Moreover, nanophysics and nano-engineering have the potential to significantly change the paradigm of conventional hydrogen technologies.
The Role of Influencers in Live Streaming E-Commerce: Influencer Trust, Attachment, and Consumer Purchase Intention
Authors: Chen Nan , Yang Yunpeng
Published: September 2023

Live streaming e-commerce has emerged as a novel online marketing model. Drawing upon influencer marketing theory, this study examines the mechanisms through which influencers (live streamers) promote consumers’ purchase intention in the context of live streaming e-commerce. A sample of 449 valid questionnaires was utilized to test the proposed theoretical framework. The empirical research findings reveal that customer experience significantly and positively impacts both influencer trust and influencer attachment. Furthermore, trust and attachment established with live streamers are identified as two effective mechanisms influencing consumer decision-making. Notably, influencer attachment exhibits a stronger influence on consumer purchase intention compared to influencer trust. By comparing the effects of Taobao and Douyin live streamers on stimulating consumption and purchase intention, the study demonstrates that live streamers play a crucial mediating role between customer experience and consumer purchase intention. Specifically, the results indicate that consumer purchase intention influenced by top Taobao streamers is stronger than that of Douyin streamers, whereas influencer attachment for Taobao streamers is relatively weaker than that for Douyin streamers. These findings provide theoretical and managerial implications for platforms and live streamers seeking to stimulate robust purchase intentions among consumers by fostering attachment relationships. The establishment of an emotional connection between the live streamer and the audience proves particularly valuable in increasing purchase intention. This research contributes to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving consumer behavior in the context of live streaming e-commerce. It emphasizes the significance of customer experience, influencer trust, and influencer attachment as key drivers of consumer purchase intention. The findings offer valuable insights for platforms and live streamers to optimize their strategies and enrich user data labels in order to enhance consumer engagement and stimulate purchase intentions. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of the live streaming e-commerce field, strengthens the application of data elements in live streaming e-commerce marketing, and guides effective decision-making by industry practitioners.
Decreasing Hydrogen Content within Zirconium Using Au and Pd Nanoparticles as Sacrificial Agents under Pressurized Water at High Temperature
Authors: Lee Yeon Ju , Ha Juhee , Choi Su Ji , Kim Hyeok Il , Ryu Sumin , Kim Youngsoo , Youn Young-Sang
Published: September 2023

Decreasing hydride-induced embrittlement of zirconium-based cladding is a significant challenge for the successful dry storage of spent nuclear fuel. Herein, to radically minimize hydride-induced embrittlement, we used nanoparticles as sacrificial agents with a greater affinity than zirconium for hydrogen. Corrosion experiments in the presence of gold (Au) and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles under simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) conditions revealed that the hydrogen content of the zirconium samples was remarkably reduced, with a maximum decrease efficiency of 53.9% using 65 nm Au and 53.8% using 50 nm Pd nanoparticles. This approach provides an effective strategy for preventing hydride-induced embrittlement of zirconium-based cladding.
Experimental–Computational Investigation of the Elastic Modulus of Mortar under Sulfate Attack
Authors: Guan Zhongzheng , Zhang Haochang , Gao Yan , Song Pengfei , Li Yong , Wu Lipeng , Wang Yichao
Published: September 2023

External sulfate attack is an important factor causing a decrease in the mechanical properties of cement-based materials. In this paper, a computational prediction model of elastic modulus, considering the characteristics of sulfate corrosion from outside to inside and the influence of the interface transition zone (ITZ), was established to predict the elastic modulus of mortar under the external sulfate attack. Firstly, the backscattered electron (BSE) images of mortar and the algorithm of image threshold segmenting were used to determine a reasonable thickness of corroded ITZ. Secondly, the nanoindentation test was adopted to acquire the microscopic elastic parameters of phases (sand, cement, and ITZ) in corroded mortar. Moreover, the mortar mix proportion and Lu and Torquato’s model were adopted to calculate the volume fractions of phases. Finally, a computational prediction model of elastic modulus of mortar under sulfate attack was proposed with homogenization methods. The results indicate that the thickness of corroded ITZ is 20 mm, and the error values of elastic modulus between the theoretical prediction results and the experimental results are within 8%, indicating that the macroscopic elastic modulus of corroded mortar can be precisely predicted by the computational prediction model of elastic modulus.
Evaluation of Associative Effects of In Vitro Gas Production and Fermentation Profile Caused by Variation in Ruminant Diet Constituents
Authors: Baffa Danielle F. , Oliveira Tadeu S. , Fernandes Alberto M. , Camilo Michelle G. , Silva Ismael N. , Meirelles Júnior José R. , Aniceto Elon S.
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the associative effects caused by changes in the proportions of feed ingredients (forage-to-concentrate ratio) and the forage source in ruminant diets on in vitro gas production and fermentation parameters. The study consisted of two assays conducted in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 10 factorial arrangement consisting of three forages (pineapple crop waste silage [PS], corn silage [CS], and Tifton hay [TH]) associated with concentrate feed (C) (binary mixture) in 11 proportions, with triplicates of each combination. For the first assay, the asymptotic volume of gas did not show any difference among (p = 0.059) CS and PS (p = 0.464) and their proportions. We evaluated the associative effect among forages and their proportions and noticed there was an effect on gas production between the combination of forage and concentrate for the CS (p = 0.003) and PS (p = 0.003). In the second assay, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.05) were affected by the forage source and concentrate inclusion. In conclusion, forages with a high content of soluble carbohydrates presented the lowest gas production, as well as higher concentrations of propionic acid and ammonia nitrogen. The associative effect on in vitro gas production was more pronounced in the first 12 h incubation. The different forage sources and the inclusion of concentrate change fermentation parameters.
Nutritional Status and Sleep Quality Are Associated with Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Results from Tokyo Sleep Heart Study
Authors: Shiina Kazuki , Takata Yoshifumi , Takahashi Takamichi , Kani Junya , Nakano Hiroki , Takada Yasuyuki , Yazaki Yoshinao , Satomi Kazuhiro , Tomiyama Hirofumi
Published: September 2023

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been observed to be much higher than in control participants without AF. Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of AF in patients with OSA. The clinical characteristics, nutritional status, and sleep parameters associated with AF in patients with OSA remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with AF in patients with OSA from a large Japanese sleep cohort (Tokyo Sleep Heart Study). This was a single-center explorative cross-sectional study. Between November 2004 and June 2018, we consecutively recruited 2569 patients with OSA who underwent an overnight full polysomnography at our hospital. They were assessed using a 12-lead ECG and echocardiography. The clinical characteristics, sleep parameters, and medical history were also determined. Of the OSA patients, 169 (6.6%) had AF. Compared with the non-AF patients, OSA patients with AF were older and male, and they had higher prevalence of a history of alcohol consumption, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and undernutrition, as well as a reduced ejection fraction. With regard to the sleep study parameters, OSA patients with AF had reduced slow-wave sleep and sleep efficiency, as well as higher periodic limb movements. There were no significant differences in the apnea–hypopnea index or hypoxia index between the two groups. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age (OR = 4.020; 95% CI: 1.895–8.527; p < 0.001), a history of alcohol consumption (OR = 2.718; 95% CI: 1.461–5.057; p = 0.002), a high CONUT score (OR = 2.129; 95% CI: 1.077–4.209; p = 0.030), and reduced slow-wave sleep (OR = 5.361; 95% CI: 1.505–19.104; p = 0.010) were factors significantly related to AF. The prevalence of AF in patients with OSA was 6.6%. Age, a history of alcohol consumption, undernutrition, and reduced sleep quality were independent risk factors for the presence of AF in patients with OSA, regardless of the severity of OSA.
Enhancing Carotenoids’ Efficacy by Using Chitosan-Based Delivery Systems
Authors: Verardi Alessandra , Sangiorgio Paola , Lopresto Catia Giovanna , Casella Patrizia , Errico Simona
Published: September 2023

Carotenoids represent a large group of well-known substances, mainly due to their nature as pigments and their beneficial effects on human health. These compounds are found naturally in microorganisms and plants but are not produced by humans, who must consume them through their diet. However, the mere intake of foods containing even large quantities of carotenoids is insufficient to guarantee their optimum absorption and, therefore, the desired beneficial effects. Due to their physicochemical characteristics, carotenoids are poorly stable and mostly insoluble in polar solvents like water. The conservation and improvement of their properties have become crucial objectives for the nutraceutical and functional food sector. Increasingly innovative delivery systems are being tested and developed. In this context, chitosan, a polysaccharide derived from the deacetylation of chitin, available in the exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects and the cell wall of some fungi and marine microalgae, has proved to be highly advantageous. In this review, we summarize the main characteristics of carotenoids, their benefits on human health, and their bioaccessibility and bioavailability for humans. We analyze the most recent carotenoid delivery systems, focusing on the potential of chitosan in preserving and enhancing the beneficial effects of these valuable pigments.
A Nucleus-Targeting WT1 Antagonistic Peptide Encapsulated in Polymeric Nanomicelles Combats Refractory Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Chen Mengting , Fang Xiaocui , Du Rong , Meng Jie , Liu Jingyi , Liu Mingpeng , Yang Yanlian , Wang Chen
Published: September 2023

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is recognized as a classic clonal myeloproliferative disorder. Given the limited treatment options for CML patients in the accelerated phase (AP) and blast phase (BP), there is an evident need to develop new therapeutic strategies. This has the potential to improve outcomes for individuals in the advanced stages of CML. A promising therapeutic target is Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1), which is highly expressed in BP-CML cells and plays a crucial role in CML progression. In this study, a chemically synthesized nucleus-targeting WT1 antagonistic peptide termed WIP2W was identified. The therapeutic implications of both the peptide and its micellar formulation, M—WIP2W, were evaluated in WT1+ BP-CML cell lines and in mice. The findings indicate that WIP2W can bind specifically to the WT1 protein, inducing cell cycle arrest and notable cytotoxicity in WT1+ BP-CML cells. Moreover, subcutaneous injections of M—WIP2W were observed to significantly enhance intra-tumoral accumulation and to effectively inhibit tumor growth. Thus, WIP2W stands out as a potent and selective WT1 inhibitor, and the M—WIP2W nanoformulation appears promising for the therapeutic treatment of refractory CML as well as other WT1-overexpressing malignant cancers.
Incorporation of Chitosan in Polyurethanes Based on Modified Castor Oil for Cardiovascular Applications
Authors: Morales-González Maria , Navas-Gómez Kelly , Diaz Luis E. , Gómez-Tejedor José A. , Valero Manuel F.
Published: September 2023

The increased demand for vascular grafts for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases has led to the search for novel biomaterials that can achieve the properties of the tissue. According to this, the investigation of polyurethanes has been a promising approach to overcome the present limitations. However, some biological properties remain to be overcome, such as thrombogenicity and hemocompatibility, among others. This paper aims to synthesize polyurethanes based on castor oil and castor oil transesterified with triethanolamine (TEA) and pentaerythritol (PE) and with the incorporation of 1% chitosan. Analysis of the wettability, enzymatic degradation, mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break), and thermal stability was performed. Along with the evaluation of the cytotoxicity against mouse fibroblast (L929) and human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) cells, the hemolysis rate and platelet adhesion were determined. The castor-oil-based polyurethanes with and without 1% chitosan posed hydrophobic surfaces and water absorptions of less than 2% and enzymatic degradation below 0.5%. Also, they were thermally stable until 300 °C, with tensile strength like cardiovascular tissues. The synthesized castor oil/chitosan polyurethanes are non-cytotoxic (cell viabilities above 80%) to L929 and HDFa cells and non-thrombogenic and non-hemolytic (less than 2%); therefore, they are suitable for cardiovascular applications.
Improving the Recyclability of an Epoxy Resin through the Addition of New Biobased Vitrimer
Authors: Veloso-Fernández Antonio , Ruiz-Rubio Leire , Yugueros Imanol , Moreno-Benítez M. Isabel , Laza José Manuel , Vilas-Vilela José Luis
Published: September 2023

In recent decades, the use of thermoset epoxy resins (ER) has spread to countless applications due to their mechanical properties, heat resistance and stability. However, these ERs are neither biodegradable nor recyclable due to their permanent crosslinked networks and usually, they are synthesized from fossil and toxic precursors. Therefore, reducing its consumption is of vital importance to the environment. On the one hand, the solution to the recyclability problems of epoxy resins can be achieved through the use of vitrimers, which have thermoset properties and can be recycled as thermoplastic materials. On the other hand, vitrimers can be made from natural sources, reducing their toxicity. In this work, a sustainable epoxy vitrimer has been efficiently synthesized, VESOV, by curing epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) with a new vanillin-derived Schiff base (VSB) dynamic hardener, aliphatic diamine (1,4-butanediamine, BDA) and using 1,2-dimethylimidazole (DMI) as an accelerator. Likewise, using the same synthesized VSB agent, a commercial epoxy resin has also been cured and characterized as ESO. Finally, different percentages (30, 50 and 70 wt%) of the same ER have been included in the formulation of VESOV, demonstrating that only including 30 wt% of ER in the formulation is able to improve the thermo-mechanical properties, maintaining the VESOV’s inherent reprocessability or recyclability. In short, this is the first approach to achieve a new material that can be postulated in the future as a replacement for current commercial epoxy resins, although it still requires a minimum percentage of RE in the formulation, it makes it possible to recycle the material while maintaining good mechanical properties.
Numerical Assessment of Interspinous Spacers for Lumbar Spine
Authors: Hernández-Ortega Marcial Francisco , Torres-SanMiguel Christopher René , Alcántara-Arreola Elliot Alonso , Paredes-Rojas Juan Carlos , Cabrera-Rodríguez Ohtokani , Urriolagoitia-Calderón Guillermo Manuel
Published: September 2023

Interspinous spacers are a minimally invasive surgical device for treating degenerative lumbar diseases, limiting spinal extension, and decreasing pressures within the disc and facets, relieving symptoms caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. This work uses the finite element method to calculate the stresses and deformations of an interspinous spacer with steel wire clamping. The cables also provide an easier way to set up the device. The reconstruction of the model was undertaken by computerized tomography, considering a person with average Mexican height (1.64 m) and a mass index grade of 2 (108 kg). The maximum movements reported in the literature were used for the range of motion. The interspinous spacer increases in a ratio of 2.7 times the stresses. Still, these stresses are generated in the prosthesis, which causes the vertebrae to be relieved since the forces and pressures are reduced. Deformations decrease by 53% with the reduction of the range of motion. Therefore, the prosthesis provides excellent stability for the vertebrae.
RTV-SIFT: Harnessing Structure Information for Robust Optical and SAR Image Registration
Authors: Pang Siqi , Ge Junyao , Hu Lei , Guo Kaitai , Zheng Yang , Zheng Changli , Zhang Wei , Liang Jimin
Published: September 2023

Registration of optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is challenging because extracting located identically and unique features on both images are tricky. This paper proposes a novel optical and SAR image registration method based on relative total variation (RTV) and scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), named RTV-SIFT, to extract feature points on the edges of structures and construct structural edge descriptors to improve the registration accuracy. First, a novel RTV-Harris feature point detection method by combining the RTV and the multiscale Harris algorithm is proposed to extract feature points on both images’ significant structures. This ensures a high repetition rate of the feature points. Second, the feature point descriptors are constructed on enhanced phase congruency edge (EPCE), which combines the Sobel operator and maximum moment of phase congruency (PC) to extract edges from structured images that enhance robustness to nonlinear intensity differences and speckle noise. Finally, after coarse registration, the position and orientation Euclidean distance (POED) between feature points is utilized to achieve fine feature point matching to improve the registration accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed RTV-SIFT method in different scenes and image capture conditions, indicating its robustness and effectiveness in optical and SAR image registration.
Cross-Polarized SfM Photogrammetry for the Spatial Reconstruction of Challenging Surfaces, the Case Study of Dobšiná Ice Cave (Slovakia)
Authors: Bartoš Karol , Pukanská Katarína , Kseňak Ľubomír , Gašinec Juraj , Bella Pavel
Published: September 2023

Geodetic methods are integral to mapping surface and subsurface objects and phenomena. Modern geodetic technologies such as laser scanning and digital photogrammetry have also become a standard part of the mapping and documentation of cave spaces. In some cases, these technologies cannot accurately capture the measured surface and thus provide reliable data. One such example is the ice with specific surface characteristics in caves with ice deposits. One of the world’s most studied ice caves is the Dobšiná Ice Cave (Slovakia), which has undergone significant changes in the ice-filling area and volume in recent years. To monitor and analyze all these changes properly, we need to know the surface and volume of this ice mass and monitor it regularly. Where modern geodetic methods such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) or digital photogrammetry may fail due to the ice’s physical properties, we propose using cross-polarized Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. As a case study, this method was used in a 28 m long ice tunnel in this cave. Two polarizing filters (on the flash as a light source and on the camera lens) were used in 90° rotation to each other to achieve the cross-polarization effect and remove surface reflections. This removed the surface reflections, giving us a compact and accurate point cloud of the entire tunnel. The dense cloud from cross-polarized (CP) photogrammetry is denser and more compact and does not contain as many outliers and noise points when compared to non-cross-polarized (non-CP) photogrammetry. The TLS point cloud covers the entire surface of the tunnel without significant holes; however, the penetration of the beam through the ice makes such a cloud unusable. Only the cloud from CP photogrammetry covers the entire surface of the tunnel densely enough without additional noise. This methodology can then be used in other parts of the cave or other geomorphological applications to suppress reflections so high-quality results for further processing and analysis can be obtained.
Prospective Research Trend Analysis on Zero-Energy Building (ZEB): An Artificial Intelligence Approach
Authors: Jin Byoungsam , Bae Youngchul
Published: September 2023

While global attention to zero-energy building (ZEB) has surged as a sustainable countermeasure to high-energy consumption, a congruent expansion in research remains conspicuously absent. Addressing this lacuna, our study harnesses public research and development grant data to decipher evolving trajectories within ZEB research. Distinctively departing from conventional methodologies, we employ state-of-the-art natural language processing (NLP) artificial intelligence models to meticulously analyze grant textual content pertinent to ZEB. Our findings illuminate an expansive spectrum of ZEB-related research, with a pronounced focus on the holistic continuum of energy supply, demand, distribution, and actualization within architectural confines. Theoretically, this work delineates key avenues ripe for future empirical exploration, fostering a robust academic foundation for subsequent ZEB inquiries. Practically, the insights derived bear significant implications for practitioners, informing optimal implementation strategies, and offering policymakers coherent roadmaps for sustainable urban development. Collectively, this study affords a panoramic perspective on contemporary ZEB research contours, enhancing both scholarly comprehension and practical enactment in this pivotal domain.
The Impact of Mentoring Relationships on Innovation Performance of Post-90s Employees: A Dual-Path Model of Cognition and Affect
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Jin Zehui , Liao Ganli , Yin Jielin , Zhang Qichao
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: In recent years, post-90s employees have emerged as the driving force behind enterprise innovation, presenting unique challenges for innovation management. Their distinct characteristics and attitudes towards work require a thoughtful and adaptable approach from businesses to harness their potential effectively; (2) Methods: through empirical analysis of 518 valid samples in the Chinese context, with SPSS 26.0 and PROCESS V4.1 being used for the analysis, and to test the moderated mediation model; (3) Results: a. Mentoring relationships positively predict innovation performance; b. This relationship is mediated by role stress (cognition) and job vigor (affect); c. Innovative self-efficacy negatively moderates the impact of role stress on innovation performance and positively moderates the impact of job vigor on innovation performance; d. Moreover, innovative self-efficacy significantly moderates the mediating effect of role stress and job vigor, and the moderated mediating model is established; (4) Conclusions: Our findings reveal the “black box” of mentoring relationships in the process of influencing the innovation performance of post-90s employees, an area that has received limited research attention. This study further reveals the boundary effect of innovative self-efficacy.
Charting a Sustainable Future: The Impact of Economic Policy, Environmental Taxation, Innovation, and Natural Resources on Clean Energy Consumption
Authors: Su Shiyue , Qamruzzaman Md. , Karim Salma
Published: September 2023

Energy availability especially that derived from renewable sources has sustainable effects on economic progress and environmental rectifications. However, using clean energy in the energy mix has been influenced by several macro fundamentals. The motivation of this study is to gauge the impact of uncertainties, environmental restrictions and innovation on clean energy consumption for the period 1997–2021 by employing the new econometric estimation techniques commonly known as CUP-FM and CUP-BC. Referring to the preliminary assessment with the slope of homogeneity, cross-sectional dependency and panel cointegration test, it is unveiled that research variables have exposed heterogeneity prosperities, cross-sectional dependence, and long-run association in the empirical equation. According to the empirical model output with CUP-FM and CUP-BC, EPU has a native statistically significant connection to clean energy consumption. At the same time, environmental taxation and technological innovation have had beneficial effects on clean energy development. Additionally, the nonlinear estimation disclosed asymmetric linkage between explanatory and explained variables in the long and short run. Directional causality revealed a feedback hypothesis explaining the relationship between EPU, TI and clean energy consumption. The study has offered policy suggestions based on the findings for future development.
Sustainability, Uncertainty, and Risk: Time-Frequency Relationships
Authors: Marín-Rodríguez Nini Johana , González-Ruiz Juan David , Valencia-Arias Alejandro
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the interconnected dynamics among the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and two volatility indexes, the Cboe Volatility Index and ICE BofA MOVE Index. It examines their relationships and causalities within daily data spanning from January 2014 to July 2023. The research employs wavelet power spectrum (WPS) and wavelet coherence analyses (WCA) to delve into these interconnections. The wavelet power spectrum reveals noteworthy volatility spikes in the indexes during specific periods linked to geopolitical occurrences, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global uncertainties. A wavelet coherence analysis unveils how the DJ Sustainability World Index significantly influences the Cboe Volatility Index and ICE BofA MOVE Index across short, medium, and long-term perspectives, albeit with variations in certain periods. The empirical findings underscore the intricate relationships between sustainability and volatility indexes, shedding light on their nuanced causal interplay over time. The insights from this study hold paramount implications for policy-makers, investors, and financial institutions navigating a complex and uncertain landscape. The identified relationships between sustainability and market volatility can aid in making informed decisions. This research adds original value by uncovering the time-varying relationships between sustainability and volatility indexes, revealing their interdependencies across diverse temporal scales. Given the observed causal relationships, policy-makers and investors are recommended to consider sustainability-related developments when assessing market volatility. This proactive approach can lead to more informed decision making and effective risk management strategies.
Assessing the Use of Ziziphus spina-christi as a Sustainable Solution for Biomonitoring of Urban Air Quality: A Case Study from Qatar
Authors: Al-Naimi Noora , Abou Elezz Ahmed , Al-Adba Maryam , Al-Saadi Hamood , Sorino Caesar , Hassan Hassan
Published: September 2023

Globally, urbanization, industrialization, and transportation have worsened urban air quality in recent decades. Using sustainable, cost-effective methods to monitor and reduce air pollution is crucial. The best Nature-based Solution (NbS) for urban environmental cleanup is plants. Roadside plants are key carriers of air pollution and have various tolerances. Ziziphus spina-christi’s air pollution tolerance was assessed using the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). The Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) examined the heavy metal accumulation capacity of Ziziphus spina-Christi’s fruits and leaves. Two sampling sites were studied: a reference location remote from human activity and a densely populated metropolitan region. Ziziphus spina-christi is considered a tolerant species in Qatar, based on its calculated value of APTI in this study. Both total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid influence APTI levels and have a strong positive correlation with APTI. BCF values in leaves were higher than fruits indicating that the leaves of Ziziphus spina-christi have a greater potential for metal absorption than its fruits. Moreover, the leaves of Ziziphus spina-christi showed a potential for mercury accumulation (BCF > 1), thus it is a good candidate to be used for phytoremediation in areas of mercury contamination. The integration of both APTI and BCF methods is significant and beneficial in advising policymakers and urban planners regarding suitable tree species for sustainable urban development.
Building Information Modeling Applications in Energy-Efficient Refurbishment of Existing Building Stock: A Case Study
Authors: Yildirim Muhammed , Polat Hasan
Published: September 2023

The built environment contributes to 35% of the global energy consumption and 38% of energy-related carbon emissions. The exponential population growth, coupled with the inability of the existing building stock to meet demands or reach the end of its lifespan, has precipitated the proliferation of new constructions worldwide. However, it has been proven well that retrofitting existing buildings might impact the environment less, save resources, and reduce the carbon footprint while extending their lifecycle. Various techniques are available to assess the performance of existing buildings and quantify the energy-saving potential of renovation measures. Building information modeling (BIM) technology serves as a virtual laboratory for buildings and can be used to model building stocks and measure how building performance changes with alternative envelope and system proposals. This research study explores the potential of BIM-based energy modeling to evaluate the effectiveness of refurbishment scenarios on a residential building. A total of 192 alternative scenarios were developed by considering six variables (wall, roofing, insulation, glazing, lighting power density, and photovoltaic panels). The results were analyzed across annual energy consumption (fuel and electric), annual/lifecycle energy costs, energy use intensity, annual CO2 emissions, and initial investment costs. The optimum alternative scenario decreased the annual fuel and electricity consumption of the sample building by 61% and 64%, respectively. The payback period was calculated as 12 years. This study demonstrates the impact of BIM in enhancing the energy efficiency of the existing building stock, presenting results within the context of a residential building.
Evaluating Pilot-Scale Floating Wetland for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Using Canna indica and Phragmites australis as Plant Species
Authors: Yadav Shweta , Kumar Jhalesh , Malyan Sandeep Kumar , Singh Rajesh , Singh Omkar , Goyal Vikas Chandra , Singh Jyoti , Negi Ritika
Published: September 2023

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs), also called constructed floating wetlands or floating islands, are a recent innovation in constructed wetlands (CWs) inspired by natural wetlands. In FTWs, emergent plants grown hydroponically on buoyant mats are used for wastewater treatment, which makes them far more economical than other CWs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of FTWs for the treatment of municipal wastewater from an urban drain using native plant species Canna indica and Phragmites australis. A pilot-scale experiment was carried out using four FTW treatment cells with different plant coverages for pollutant removal: C1 (Canna indica, 100% coverage), C2 (Phragmites australis, 100% coverage), C3 (Phragmites australis, 50% coverage), and C4 (control). Overall, treatment cells with Canna indica and Phragmites australis showed reductions in BOD5, COD, EC, TDS, NO3−, and PO43− compared with the control. Maximum BOD5 and COD removal was 53% and 50%, respectively, at 50% coverage of Phragmites australis (C3). The maximum reduction in NO3− (61%) was achieved using Canna indica at 100% coverage (C1). Conversely, moderate removal of PO43− (27%) was obtained in the control (C4) with a visibly high amount of algal growth, indicating the influence of algae on pollutant removal. This study highlights the significance of Phragmites australis for organic matter removal and Canna indica for nutrient removal, mainly NO3− from municipal wastewater. Furthermore, this study suggests that FTWs perform well for BOD5 and COD removal at 50% plant coverage (Phragmites australis) and NO3− removal at 100% coverage (Canna indica).
Subcutaneous, Oral, and Intranasal Immunization of BALB/c Mice with Leishmania infantum K39 Antigen Induces Non-Protective Humoral Immune Response
Authors: Silva Bruno Bezerra da , Silva Junior Amauri Barbosa da , Araújo Lucelina da Silva , Santos Eduarda Nattaly Ferreira Nobre , Silva Ana Cláudia Marinho da , Florean Eridan Orlando Pereira Tramontina , van Tilburg Maurício Fraga , Guedes Maria Izabel Florindo
Published: September 2023

Visceral leishmaniasis is a high-burden disease caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus. The K39 kinesin is a highly antigenic protein of Leishmania infantum, but little is known about the immune response elicited by this antigen. We evaluated the humoral immune response of female BALB/c mice (n = 6) immunized with the rK39-HFBI construct, formed by the fusion of the K39 antigen to a hydrophobin partner. The rK39-HFBI construct was administered through subcutaneous, oral, and intranasal routes using saponin as an adjuvant. We analyzed the kinetics of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a production. The groups were then challenged by an intravenous infection with L. infantum promastigote cells. The rK39-HFBI antigen-induced high levels of total IgG (p < 0.05) in all groups, but only the subcutaneous route was associated with increased production of IgG1 and IgG2a 42 days after immunization (p < 0.05), suggesting a potential secondary immune response following the booster dose. There was no reduction in the splenic parasite load; thus, the rK39-HFBI failed to protect the mice against infection under the tested conditions. The results presented here demonstrate that the high antigenicity of the K39 antigen does not contribute to a protective immune response against visceral leishmaniasis.
Tracing the History of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Mexico: From the Enigmatic Genotype 2 to the Current Disease Situation
Authors: Viera-Segura Oliver , Calderón-Flores Arturo , Batún-Alfaro Julio A. , Fierro Nora A.
Published: September 2023

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. This virus is responsible for waterborne outbreaks in low-income countries and zoonosis transmission in industrialized regions. Initially, considered self-limiting, HEV may also lead to chronic disease, and evidence supports that infection can be considered a systemic disease. In the late 1980s, Mexico became a hot spot in the study of HEV due to one of the first virus outbreaks in Latin America related to enterically transmitted viral non-A, non-B hepatitis. Viral stool particles recovered from Mexican viral hepatitis outbreaks represented the first identification of HEV genotype (Gt) 2 (Gt2) in the world. No new findings of HEV-Gt2 have been reported in the country, whereas this genotype has been found in countries on the African continent. Recent investigations in Mexico have identified other strains (HEV-Gt1 and -Gt3) and a high frequency of anti-HEV antibodies in animal and human populations. Herein, the potential reasons for the disappearance of HEV-Gt2 in Mexico and the advances in the study of HEV in the country are discussed along with challenges in studying this neglected pathogen. These pieces of information are expected to contribute to disease control in the entire Latin American region.
Going Off-Script: Dilemmas in the Evaluation and Treatment of Syphilis in Four Patients
Authors: Silverberg Benjamin , Sethman Chad , Williamson Jonathan , Craft Mary , Sharon Melinda , Ashcraft Amie M.
Published: September 2023

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Currently, rates of infection are increasing across all populations worldwide, with disproportionate impact on men who have sex with men, adolescents, and young adults. Syphilis is well-known for its variability in disease progression and clinical presentation, which complicates prompt and accurate diagnosis. Acute care settings have become the frontline in the battle against this syphilis surge, and providers must be prepared to recognize syphilis presentation, initiate appropriate testing, and establish contact tracing for individuals who may have been exposed. The purpose of this manuscript is to serve as a teaching tool for syphilis diagnosis and treatment, and we present four cases that showcase the risks and variable clinical presentation, discussing the challenges involved in managing each case. The authors then summarize key learning points related to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: potential for tourism development
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian University of Economics G. V. Plekhanov, Moscow, Pereverzeva A. N.
Published: September 2023

The small size of the country, both in terms of territory and population, complicates the possibility of developing the country, but the unique nature and climate of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines makes this country very attractive for tourism. The article discusses the indicators of foreign economic activity and presents the specifics of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Considerations for Creating Successful Camps for Military Families
Authors: Ferrari Theresa
Published: September 2023

Experiences of wartime deployment affect the entire family system. Due to the increasing popularity of camping with the military youth audience, the residential camp format has been extended to reach the entire family. Based on the experiences in our state for the past 6 years, we believe we have found a format that works well in meeting the needs of military families. This article discusses situations faced by military families experiencing deployment, presents a rationale for conducting camps for military families, and summarizes Ohio's experience conducting such camps, including staffing, types of program activities, and evaluation.
O ensino de lingua portuguesa: uma proposta de intervenção com o uso do computador em uma escola de Monção – MA
Authors: Mendonça Maria de Fátima Soares
Published: September 2023

A alfabetização pode ser entendida como a aprendizagem e domínio do código alfabético, mas não se restringe a ela. Pois é o processo onde o educando aprende a decodificar as bases da escrita, e o meio social onde o educando precisa estar inserido. A leitura e a escrita é uma ferramenta de suma importância para o convívio social, cultural, econômico, político e cognitivo, A leitura torna o indivíduo mais crítico e mais dependente de si; além de possibilitar diferentes ideias e expectativas. Para refletir sobre como as Tecnologias de Comunicação e Informação (TIC’s), se faz necessário no desenvolvimento das práticas pedagógicas, e que hoje se tornou um aliado importante no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Consideramos dessa forma, que a falta de preparo para usufruir desses recursos digitais, bem como a falta destes, tem sido um empecilho para ações didáticas mais dinâmicas no processo de alfabetização.