bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Dynamics in Stressed Soil Systems: Is There a Chemical and Biological Compensating Effect?
Authors: Arruda Bruna , Prataviera Fábio , Bejarano Herrera Wilfrand Ferney , Colombo Mescolotti Denise de Lourdes , Miranda Silva Antonio Marcos , Pereira de Carvalho Hudson Wallace , Pavinato Paulo Sergio , Dini Andreote Fernando
Published: April 2024

Here, we hypothesized the occurrence of a compensatory relationship between the application of P and different microbial communities in the soil, specifically in relation to the chemical and biological effects in the soil–plant–microorganisms’ interaction. We aimed to evaluate the plant–microbiota responses in plants grown in soils hosting distinct microbial communities and rates of P availability. Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse. The first experiment evaluated four manipulated soil microbiome compositions, four P rates, and two plant species. Manipulated soil systems were obtained by the following: (i) autoclaving soil for 1 h at 121 °C (AS); (ii) inoculating AS with soil suspension dilution (AS + 10−3); (iii) heating natural soil at 80 °C for 1 h (NH80); or (iv) using natural soil (NS) without manipulation. The P rates added were 0, 20, 40, and 60 mg kg−1, and the two plant species tested were grass (brachiaria) and leguminous (crotalaria). Inorganic labile P (PAER), microbial P (PMIC), acid phosphatase activity (APASE), and shoot P uptake (PUPT) were assessed for each system. Brachiaria presented a compensatory effect for PUPT, whereby the addition of P under conditions of low microbial community enhanced P absorption capacity from the soil. However, in a system characterized by low P input, the increase in the soil biodiversity was insufficient to enhance brachiaria PUPT. Likewise, crotalaria showed a higher PUPT under high P application and low microbial community. The second experiment used three manipulated microbiome compositions: AS + 10−3; NH80; and NS and three P rates added: 0, 20, and 40 mg kg−1. In addition, two treatments were set: without and with mycorrhiza inoculation. Brachiaria showed an increase in the PUPT under low microbial communities (AS + 10−3; NH80) with P addition (20 and 40 mg kg−1 of P), but no mycorrhization was observed. In the undisturbed microbial community (NS), under no P input (0 mg kg−1 of P), brachiaria showed low mycorrhization and low PUPT. Finally, NS and the recommended P input (40 mg kg−1 of P) represented a balance between chemical and biological fertility, promoting the equilibrium between mycorrhization and PUPT.
Study on the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Urban Land Use Efficiency in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Zhou Huimin , Li Shuxian , Zhao Zhibin , Xu Junbo , Zhang Yuansuo
Published: April 2024

The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (BTH) is one of the crucial areas for economic development in China. However, rapid urban expansion and industrial development in this region have severely impacted the surrounding ecological environment. The air quality, water, and soil resources face significant pressure. Due to the close relationship between land utilization, population, investment, and industry, effective land use is a key factor in the coordinated development of the region. Therefore, clarifying the patterns of urban land use change and revealing its influencing factors can provide important scientific evidence for the coordinated development of the BTH region. This study aims to improve urban land use efficiency (ULUE) in the BTH region. Firstly, based on the input and output data of land elements for the 13 cities in the BTH region, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method is used to quantify the ULUE of the BTH urban agglomeration and analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of ULUE. Input indicators includes capital, labor, and land. Output indicators includes economy, society, and environment. The results show that the overall ULUE in the BTH region has increased, albeit with notable fluctuations. Between 2000 and 2010, ULUE rose swiftly across all cities except Beijing and Tianjin, where changes were minimal. Post-2010, cities exhibited varied trends: steady growth, slow growth, sustained growth, step-wise growth, and initial growth followed by decline. Spatially, before 2010, the BTH showed a “high in the northeast and low in the southwest” pattern, transitioning post-2010 to a smoother “core-periphery” pattern. Mid-epidemic, high ULUE values reverted to the core area, shifting southward post-epidemic. Secondly, panel data analysis is conducted to explore the factors influencing ULUE. The results indicate that fiscal balance, the level of openness, the level of digitalization, industrial structure, and the level of green development are significant factors affecting ULUE. Finally, strategies are proposed to improve ULUE in the BTH region, including national spatial planning, industrial layout, existing land use, infrastructure construction, optimization of local fiscal revenue, and improvement in the business environment, aiming to enhance ULUE and promote the coordinated development of industries in the BTH region.
Towards More Green Buildings in Tanzania: Knowledge of Stakeholders on Green Building Design Features, Triggers and Pathways for Uptake
Authors: Nkini Saul , Nuyts Erik , Kassenga Gabriel , Swai Ombeni , Verbeeck Griet
Published: April 2024

Green Building Practices (GBPs) are gaining prominence in many countries around the world. However, in many developing countries, Tanzania inclusive, little progress has been made in achieving its implementation. The current study sought to examine the factors attributable to low uptake, focusing on an appraisal of the stakeholders’ knowledge of GB design features, triggers, and the pathways for uptake. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam City in Tanzania, involving different stakeholders sampled from the construction industry, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and property managers. Valid data were collected through 412 questionnaires. The study revealed a general consensus among the respondents that GBs are environmentally friendly and cost effective. However, it appeared that the ranking score of GB design features according to the respondents did not correlate with their ranking in existing GB rating systems. It was concluded that there exist misconceptions among the constructions industry stakeholders regarding what green building practices entail and the essential requirements for their implementation. Therefore, the study recommends pragmatic educational trainings to stakeholders in the construction sector of Tanzania on GBPs. Mandatory legislation of green building codes and regulations is also suggested as a potential pathway for enhancing GB practices in Tanzania.
Impact of Low-Carbon City Pilot Policies on Green Construction Industry Innovation
Authors: Ma Xin , Zhu Linjuan
Published: April 2024

The building industry, as one of the fundamental and pivotal sectors of economic development in China, is also a high source of pollution emissions. Therefore, construction enterprises play a pivotal role in urban low-carbon development, and green innovation is an effective approach for these corporations to meet emission reduction targets and enhance economic benefits. This study primarily focused on the panel data of Chinese construction companies from 2000 to 2019. This study applied a multi-period double difference model. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of piloting low-carbon city policies on green innovations in the construction sector. The results indicate that the policy clearly advanced the green development of enterprises in the construction industry, and this effect persisted even after undergoing long-term robustness tests. The heterogeneity test results revealed that the pilot policy has been more effective in promoting green innovation for SOEs as well as for construction companies that are in the process of maturing.
Research on the Carbon Reduction Technology Path of the Iron and Steel Industry Based on a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Xie Wanrong , Ma Jian , Wang Danping , Liu Zhiying , Yang Aimin
Published: April 2024

This paper establishes a multi-objective optimization model based on an improved NSGA-II algorithm, aiming to study the carbon reduction technology path of specific enterprises in the steel industry under the background of China’s dual-carbon goal and fill the research gap in the carbon reduction technology path of steel enterprises, which has certain guiding significance for the realization of China’s dual-carbon goal and the low-carbon development of steel enterprises. Firstly, through the analysis of the list of extreme energy efficiency technologies in the steel industry and the main process flow of steel industry production, the multi-objective optimization model is constructed from the two objective dimensions of maximum CO2 emission reduction and maximum enterprise economic benefit. Then the improved NSGA-II algorithm is used to solve the model. And the empirical analysis of a Hebei iron and steel enterprise, based on the technology application of enterprises before the release of the technology list, the technology path of enterprises to reduce carbon is predicted. The actual application data of the enterprise is used for verification and analysis, and suggestions on the technical path for the future low-carbon development of the enterprise are provided. The experimental results show that: (1) The optimal solution set of Pareto is consistent with the practical application of enterprises, and the constructed model is accurate and efficient, which can be used for the research of carbon reduction technology path. (2) When introducing technology, enterprises can give priority to the solution of common set technology based on their own needs.
Achieving the 2030 Agenda: Mapping the Landscape of Corporate Sustainability Goals and Policies in the European Union
Authors: Perevoznic Florentina Madalina , Dragomir Voicu D.
Published: April 2024

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) were introduced in 2015 to advance the 2030 Agenda of sustainable development in all supporting countries. The SDGs are applicable to countries, non-governmental organizations, industries, and companies. In this article, we focus on the contribution of listed companies headquartered in the European Union (EU) to the SDGs. The EU intends to be the front-runner in the race for sustainable development and has adopted comprehensive strategies that mirror the UN SDGs. For this reason, we collected relevant data points from the Refinitiv Eikon database for 1156 companies headquartered in EU countries for the financial year 2022. The data collected refer to contributions to each SDG and the adoption of corporate sustainability policies. Data were statistically analyzed per country and sector to generate a comprehensive image of industry contributions to the SDGs in the EU. By applying a comparative analysis of country-level achievements and policies, the results point to four EU countries that are significant contributors to the SDGs through their economic activities. At the same time, other EU countries are still facing significant challenges in this domain. The socioeconomic considerations for these cases are laid out in the Discussion section. The present article offers a snapshot of corporate contributions to the SDGs as climate and geopolitical challenges become more prominent.
Machine Learning Methods Analysis of Preceding Factors Affecting Behavioral Intentions to Purchase Reduced Plastic Products
Authors: Villanueva David Jericho B. , Ong Ardvin Kester S. , German Josephine D.
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the use of personal protective equipment and single-use plastics, which has exacerbated plastic littering on land and in marine environments. Consumer behaviors with regards to eco-friendly products, their acceptance, and intentions to purchase need to be explored to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals. This paper establishes the Sustainability Theory of Planned Behavior (STPB), an integration of the TPB and sustainability domains, in order to analyze the said objectives. The study employed a machine learning ensemble method and used MATLAB to analyze the data. The results showed that support and attitude from perceived authorities were the main variables influencing customers’ intentions for purchasing reduced plastic products. Customers with a high level of environmental awareness were more likely to embrace reduced plastic items as a way to lessen their ecological footprint and support environmental conservation, making perceived environmental concern another important factor. This shows that authorities play a big role in the community in influencing people to choose reduced plastic products, making it the duty of governments and companies to promote environmental awareness. This study emphasizes the significance of the latent variables considered when developing marketing plans and activities meant to promote products with less plastic.
Design and Construction Aspects of Concrete Block Paved Vertical Traffic-Calming Devices Located in Home Zone Areas
Authors: Majer Stanisław , Sołowczuk Alicja , Kurnatowski Marek
Published: April 2024

In recent years, speed reduction measures have been increasingly used, especially in heavily urbanised areas. If local conditions allow, traffic-calming schemes are implemented, which include a variety of traffic-calming measures (TCM). Some of the most common traffic-calming measures are concrete block paved vertical traffic-calming devices (VTCDs), including speed tables, speed humps, speed bumps and raised pedestrian crossings. Different design and construction recommendations apply to the respective VTCD types. The aim of this article is to examine the effectiveness of VTCDs in speed reduction and the impact of horizontal forces on pavement conditions, both within and beyond VTCDs, after over a dozen years of exposure to traffic. For this purpose, speed surveys were carried out on selected two-way streets running through home zones in Poland. The pavements on selected VTCDs were identified and visually assessed for damage, and subsidence areas were estimated using the terrestrial laser scanning (TSL) technique. The analysis resulted in the development of the Deviation Model 3D (DM3D), showing local deviations from the theoretical surface, obtained by superimposing the two models, the Real Surface Digital Terrain Model (RS DTM) and the Theoretical Surface Digital Terrain Model (TS DTM). A comparative analysis of the pavement surface condition and the magnitudes of horizontal forces allowed us to identify the locations of critical spots in VTCDs. The results were used as the basis for developing recommended pavement structures and deriving engineering recommendations for concrete block paving in VTCDs.
Collaborative Scheduling Optimization of Container Port Berths and Cranes under Low-Carbon Environment
Authors: Jiang Meixian , Ma Fangzheng , Zhang Yuqiu , Lv Shuying , Pei Zhi , Wu Guanghua
Published: April 2024

Motivated by the need for a green and low-carbon economy, we explore the co-scheduling optimization of berths and cranes. Our aim is to balance the carbon tax and operating costs of ports under uncertain conditions, proposing an innovative nonlinear mixed-integer programming formulation. To address this optimization challenge, we have developed an enhanced version of the adaptive spiral flying dung beetle algorithm (ASFDBO). In order to evaluate the performance of the ASFDBO algorithm, we performed a benchmark function test and a convergence analysis with other recognized metaheuristics. In addition, we verified the practical applicability of the ASFDBO algorithm in different test scenarios. Through numerical experiments, we analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm’s scheduling solutions and improvement strategies. Results indicate that our collaborative scheduling optimization, which considers both carbon and production costs, achieves feasible solutions and reduces carbon expenses. Finally, we investigate the impact of different carbon tax rates on the joint scheduling optimization of berths and quay cranes, and the results show that a reasonable carbon tax policy can effectively reduce the carbon emissions of ports.
Waste Management of Red Mud and Fly Ash to Utilize in Road Subgrade Material
Authors: Soğancı Ali Sinan , Yenginar Yavuz , Özkan İlyas , Güzel Yusuf , Özdemir Adnan
Published: April 2024

Red mud (RM) is a waste material obtained during the production of aluminum from bauxite minerals. RM causes environmental pollution due to its high alkaline properties. Therefore, RM materials are stored in waste reservoirs. As production continues, the number of required waste reservoirs increases day by day. This study aims to utilize RM waste material in construction structures to contribute to the economy. The research investigates the potential use of RM waste material as road fill material. RM was improved using another waste material of fly ash (FA) since RM has low strength. Atterberg limit tests, compaction tests, unconfined compression tests, CBR tests, and SEM analyses were conducted on stabilized RM samples. In the physical properties of stabilized RM, Atterberg limits and optimum moisture content increase and density decreases since FA content increases. In the mechanical properties of stabilized RM, unconfined compressive strength, initial and secant modulus of elasticity, and California bearing ratio increase and maximum peak strain decreases since FA content and curing period increase. SEM images prove the increase in mechanical properties due to the cementation products (CSH and CAH gels) formed in the microstructure of stabilized RM. The results showed that RM waste stabilized with FA can be used as road subgrade material.
Exploring the Influence of the Digital Economy on Energy, Economic, and Environmental Resilience: A Multinational Study across Varied Carbon Emission Groups
Authors: Ghezelbash Azam , Liu Jay , Fahimifard Seyed Hamed , Khaligh Vahid
Published: April 2024

Rapid advancements in digital technologies have accelerated global change, underscoring the critical role of resilience in addressing the escalating energy, economic, and environmental challenges. This paper investigates the effects and mechanisms of the digital economy on energy, economic, and environmental resilience within the context of these challenges. By utilizing panel data from 66 countries spanning the period from 2000 to 2020, this analysis employs robust panel data models and incorporates tests such as the Hausman and Leamer tests, and exploratory factor analysis. The results reveal a notable positive impact of the digital economy on resilience across various countries and time periods. However, when it comes to carbon emissions, a more intricate pattern emerges, suggesting a negative influence on resilience in environmental, energy, and economic domains. Interestingly, countries with below-average carbon emissions show more positive effects on economic resilience due to the digital economy. On the other hand, the effect of the digital economy on energy resilience is less prominent in below-average carbon-emitting nations, while carbon emissions have a more significant impact within this subgroup. Above-average carbon-emitting countries experience limited effects of the digital economy on environmental resilience, while below-average carbon-emitting countries face challenges with significant carbon emissions impacting their environmental resilience.
Enhancing Sustainable Mobility: Evaluating New Bicycle and Pedestrian Links to Car-Oriented Industrial Parks with ARAS-G MCDM Approach
Authors: Zagorskas Jurgis , Turskis Zenonas
Published: April 2024

The aim of this research is to address the challenge of transforming car-oriented industrial parks into pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly environments. Through the implementation of a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, the study aims to evaluate alternative pathway connections and assess their potential impact on bicycle and pedestrian traffic volumes. By enhancing the connectivity of the cycling pathway network, the research seeks to demonstrate the potential for substantial increases in cycling and walking within industrial zones. This research leverages a multi-criteria decision-making framework, specifically the ARAS-G method, and integrates geographic information system analysis alongside Python scripting to project future bicycle usage and assess alternative pathway connections. The study underscores the potential for substantial increases in cycling and walking by augmenting the connectivity of the cycling pathway network. The findings hold practical significance for urban planners and industrial zone developers, advocating a holistic approach to sustainable transportation. The research contributes a comprehensive set of criteria encompassing connectivity, safety, accessibility, efficiency, integration within the urban fabric, and cost-effectiveness to evaluate sustainability and prioritize actions and measures for reestablishing industrial zones as bicycle-friendly spaces.
Reverse Logistics Network Design for Medical Waste Disposal under the Scenario of Uncertain Proposal Demand
Authors: Zhu Lan , Ding Tao , Liu Zhuofan
Published: April 2024

With the development of the healthcare industry, the demand for medical services and protective equipment is boosted, causing the generation rate of infectious medical waste to increase rapidly. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for decision makers to effectively predict the potential risks and propose corresponding solutions. This paper investigates the reverse logistics network optimization for medical waste under the conditions of an uncertain proposal demand. Firstly, a prediction model of medical waste based on the SEIR epidemiological dynamics is constructed, in which both routine and public health emergency scenarios are simultaneously considered. Secondly, a bi-objective location-routing optimization model for a medical waste reverse logistics network is proposed, by simultaneously optimizing the total economic cost and potential risk throughout the entire logistics process. Subsequently, an NSGA-II algorithm is designed for a model solution in response to the model’s characteristics. The epidemiological dynamics-based prediction model is validated by the real case to be scientifically effective in predicting the amount of generated medical waste with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 18.08%. The constructed reverse logistics network model and the NSGA II algorithm provide a medical waste process center location, transportation routing, and vehicle selection solutions for both routine and emergency public health cases of Xi’an city with large, medium, and small scales. The above results indicate that the research scheme proposed in this paper could significantly reduce the medical waste logistics-related risks and costs and provide decision makers with more safe and reliable logistical solutions.
Between Global Expectations for Sustainability and Local Feasibility—A Comparative Analysis of Three Biosphere Reserves in Germany and France
Authors: Dittel Julia , Weber Florian
Published: April 2024

As “learning places for sustainable development”, UNESCO biosphere reserves are specifically dedicated to sustainability. The Lima Action Plan of 2016 resolved to position the biosphere reserves more prominently as model regions in order to fulfill UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the question remains how and to what extent this resolution has been implemented and the ideal of sustainability filled with life at the local level. Based on surveys of municipal actors and fifteen in-depth interviews with political decision-makers, this article compares three adjacent Western European biosphere reserves, the Palatinate Forest, Northern Vosges, and Bliesgau, with regard to local initiatives aimed at fulfilling the overall task of sustainable development. The results show—besides generalized statements on the relevance of sustainability—that municipal politics is only, to a limited extent, guided by the requirements of concrete SDGs. Nevertheless, many of the measures implemented do ultimately reflect these goals. Along with specific ecological and climatic projects, these comprise future-oriented settlement policies and educational activities undertaken by the biosphere reserves and their municipalities. In this context, improved communication with local councils and residents might well lead to more effectively structured implementation of SDGs.
Flood Risk Mapping during the Extreme February 2021 Flood in the Juruá River, Western Brazilian Amazonia, State of Acre
Authors: Mantovani José , Alcântara Enner , Marengo José A. , Londe Luciana , Park Edward , Cunha Ana Paula , Tomasella Javier
Published: April 2024

Cruzeiro do Sul, a municipality in Northwestern Brazil is recurrently impacted by floods, particularly along the Juruá River. This study presents a comprehensive flood risk analysis by integrating geoprocessing, remote sensing, and hydraulic modeling techniques. Our objectives are to simulate flood extents, identify high-risk areas, and guide sustainable territorial management. Our findings illustrate that the flood impacts are distributed across urban (27%), agricultural (55%), and forest/grassland (17%) landscapes. Historical records and literature reviews also underscore a recurring pattern of extreme floods in the municipality, notably during February’s La Niña events. Some vulnerable urban neighborhoods were identified: Vila Cruzeirinho, Centro, Miritizal, and Da Várzea. These areas are especially susceptible due to their proximity to the river and increased surface runoff during high flood events. By amalgamating various data sources and methods, this research aids decision making for flood mitigation and urban development, fostering resilience against recurrent flooding events in Cruzeiro do Sul.
LW-YOLO: Lightweight Deep Learning Model for Fast and Precise Defect Detection in Printed Circuit Boards
Authors: Yuan Zhaohui , Tang Xiangyang , Ning Hao , Yang Zhengzhe
Published: April 2024

Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly complex, where even minor defects can impair product performance and yield rates. Precisely identifying PCB defects is critical but remains challenging. Traditional PCB defect detection methods, such as visual inspection and automated technologies, have limitations. While defects can be readily identified based on symmetry, the operational aspect proves to be quite challenging. Deep learning has shown promise in defect detection; however, current deep learning models for PCB defect detection still face issues like large model size, slow detection speed, and suboptimal accuracy. This paper proposes a lightweight YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once version 8)-based model called LW-YOLO (Lightweight You Only Look Once) to address these limitations. Specifically, LW-YOLO incorporates a bidirectional feature pyramid network for multiscale feature fusion, a Partial Convolution module to reduce redundant calculations, and a Minimum Point Distance Intersection over Union loss function to simplify optimization and improve accuracy. Based on the experimental data, LW-YOLO achieved an mAP0.5 of 96.4%, which is 2.2 percentage points higher than YOLOv8; the precision reached 97.1%, surpassing YOLOv8 by 1.7 percentage points; and at the same time, LW-YOLO achieved an FPS of 141.5. The proposed strategies effectively enhance efficiency and accuracy for deep-learning-based PCB defect detection.
Revealing Crack Propagation and Mechanical Behavior of Corroded Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wang Andong , Fang Qihong , Yang Wenfei , Fan Weijie , Li Jia
Published: April 2024

The mechanical properties and crack propagation behavior of aluminum alloys, both with and without corroded surfaces, were thoroughly investigated through molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The study delved into the effects of corrosion depth and width on the mechanical properties of corroded aluminum alloys. It was found that as the corrosion depth increases, the yield strength experiences an initial decrease followed by a subsequent increase. This can be attributed to the impact of increased corrosion depth on the healing of surface roughness, which ultimately leads to significant changes in yield strength. Furthermore, the presence of corrosion pits was identified as a key factor in regulating the local microstructure evolution within the material, leading to pronounced differences in stress distribution localization. This, in turn, influenced the path of crack propagation within the material. These findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the behavior of aluminum alloys under corrosion, but also provide valuable insights for the development of aluminum alloys with enhanced mechanical properties.
MHD Time-Periodic Plane Poiseuille Flow of Generalized Burgers Fluids through a Porous Medium
Authors: Fetecau Constantin , Akhtar Shehraz , Moroşanu Costică
Published: April 2024

The time-periodic plane Poiseuille flow of electrically conducting incompressible generalized Burgers fluids through a porous medium is analytically and numerically investigated in the presence of a transverse uniform magnetic field. The main purpose is to provide analytical expressions for the dimensionless steady-state fluid velocity, non-trivial shear stress and Darcy’s resistance, which can be used to bring to light important characteristics concerning fluid behavior. Similar solutions corresponding to the Poiseuille flow of the same fluids induced by a constant pressure gradient are obtained as limiting cases of previous results. The present results reduce to known solutions from the literature when magnetic and porous effects are neglected, and their validation is graphically proved. The needed time to reach a steady state has been graphically determined. It was found that the steady state is later obtained in the absence of a magnetic field and porous medium. The impact of a magnetic field and porous medium on the fluid velocity, shear stress and flow resistance has been systematically examined and elucidated through graphical representations. The findings reveal that the presence of a magnetic field or porous medium results in a reduction in the fluid velocity, accompanied by an increase in the flow resistance.
Pricing Models for Crowdsourced Logistics Platforms: A Two-Sided Market Perspective
Authors: Song Xingshuo , Li Shiyong , Liu Hengli , Zhao Guoping
Published: April 2024

The application of the crowdsourcing model to instant delivery has achieved remarkable success. Various crowdsourced logistics platforms have successfully addressed the challenges of last-mile delivery in urban areas by eliciting the active involvement of the public. This study takes a dual-market perspective and, considering the high requirements of instant delivery for timeliness, introduces two crucial factors: platform subsidies and the degree of public involvement. We establish a pricing model based on the Hotelling model and conduct in-depth research on the platform’s maximum profit and equilibrium pricing under different user attribution conditions. This study reveals that when the dispatching party has a single attribution, the platform can increase profits by reducing the intensity of cross-network externalities or increasing user transfer costs. In cases where the dispatching party has partial multiple attributions and the receiving party has a single attribution, lowering network externalities, increasing platform subsidies, enhancing public involvement, improving platform technical matching rates, and increasing the expected order quantity of the dispatching party all effectively increase the platform’s maximum profit. When both sides of users have partial multiple attributions, increasing public involvement increases the platform’s maximum profit. This research provides new theoretical support for the pricing strategy of crowdsourced logistics platforms.
RETRACTED: Nobel et al. Modern Subtype Classification and Outlier Detection Using the Attention Embedder to Transform Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis. Tomography 2024, 10, 105–132
Authors: Nobel S. M. Nuruzzaman , Swapno S M Masfequier Rahman , Hossain Md. Ashraful , Safran Mejdl , Alfarhood Sultan , Kabir Md. Mohsin , Mridha M. F.
Published: April 2024

The Tomography Editorial Office retracts the article “Modern Subtype Classification and Outlier Detection Using the Attention Embedder to Transform Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis” [...]
The Gene vepN Regulated by Global Regulatory Factor veA That Affects Aflatoxin Production, Morphological Development and Pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Xu Jia , Jiang Mengqi , Wang Peng , Kong Qing
Published: April 2024

Velvet (VeA), a light-regulated protein that shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus, serves as a key global regulator of secondary metabolism in various Aspergillus species and plays a pivotal role in controlling multiple developmental processes. The gene vepN was chosen for further investigation through CHIP-seq analysis due to significant alterations in its interaction with VeA under varying conditions. This gene (AFLA_006970) contains a Septin-type guanine nucleotide-binding (G) domain, which has not been previously reported in Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). The functional role of vepN in A. flavus was elucidated through the creation of a gene knockout mutant and a gene overexpression strain using a well-established dual-crossover recombinational technique. A comparison between the wild type (WT) and the ΔvepN mutant revealed distinct differences in morphology, reproductive capacity, colonization efficiency, and aflatoxin production. The mutant displayed reduced growth rate; dispersion of conidial heads; impaired cell wall integrity; and decreased sclerotia formation, colonization capacity, and aflatoxin levels. Notably, ΔvepN exhibited complete growth inhibition under specific stress conditions, highlighting the essential role of vepN in A. flavus. This study provides evidence that vepN positively influences aflatoxin production, morphological development, and pathogenicity in A. flavus.
Single-Dose First-Generation Cephalosporin for Extremity Gunshot Wounds Offers Sufficient Infection Prophylaxis
Authors: Bijwadia Shefali R. , Flagstad Ilexa R. , Sinkler Margaret A. , Davidson Samuel T. , Vang Sandy , Vallier Heather A. , Nguyen Mai P.
Published: April 2024

Antibiotic prophylaxis for extremity gunshot wounds (GSWs) is highly variable. The objective of the present study is to quantify the adherence rate to a protocol for single-dose cephalosporin prophylaxis for extremity GSWs and the impacts on post-injury infection rates. We reviewed patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center with an extremity gunshot wound between 2019 and 2021. Infection rates were compared for patients following the protocol or not, and for patients presenting before or after the protocol’s implementation. Overall, 94% of patients received antibiotic treatment at presentation, but only 34% followed the single-dose antibiotic protocol. The rate of protocol adherence increased from 15% to 39% after the protocol was implemented in the hospital in January 2020 (p = 0.081). Infection rates were not different before and after the protocol implementation (25% vs. 18%, p = 0.45). Infection rates were also not different between patients who did and did not follow the protocol (15% vs. 20%, p = 0.52). The implementation of a single-dose cephalosporin protocol increased adherence to the protocol in a level 1 trauma center without increasing infection rates. These findings support conservative treatment along with a single dose of first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic for uncomplicated extremity GSWs in order to decrease healthcare costs without compromising infection risk.
Quantum Field Theory of Neutrino Mixing in Spacetimes with Torsion
Authors: Capolupo Antonio , De Maria Giuseppe , Monda Simone , Quaranta Aniello , Serao Raoul
Published: April 2024

In the framework of quantum field theory, we analyze the neutrino oscillations in the presence of a torsion background. We consider the Einstein–Cartan theory and we study the cases of constant torsion and of linearly time-dependent torsion. We derive new neutrino oscillation formulae which depend on the spin orientation. Indeed, the energy splitting induced by the torsion influences oscillation amplitudes and frequencies. This effect is maximal for values of torsion of the same order of the neutrino masses and for very low momenta, and disappears for large values of torsion. Moreover, neutrino oscillation is inhibited for intensities of torsion term much larger than neutrino masses and momentum. The modifications induced by torsion on the CP-asymmetry are also presented. Future experiments, such as PTOLEMY, which have as a goal the analysis of the cosmological background of neutrino (which have very low momenta), can provide insights into the effect shown here.
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha6 Contributes to Antiviral Immunity via IMD Pathway in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Wang Zhiying , Lin Xiaoju , Shi Wangpeng , Cao Chuan
Published: April 2024

Currently, insecticides that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are widely used. Studies on the sublethal effects of insecticides have found that they can affect the amount of virus in insects. The mechanism by which insecticides affect insect virus load remain unclear. Here, we show that nAChR targeting insecticide can affect viral replication through the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway. We demonstrate that a low dose of spinosad (6.8 ng/mL), acting as an antagonist to Drosophila melanogaster nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α6 (Dα6), significantly elevates Drosophila melanogaster sigmavirus (DMelSV) virus titers in adults of Drosophila melanogaster. Conversely, a high dose of spinosad (50 ng/mL), acting as an agonist to Dα6, substantially decreases viral load. This bidirectional regulation of virus levels is absent in Dα6-knockout flies, signifying the specificity of spinosad’s action through Dα6. Furthermore, the knockdown of Dα6 results in decreased expression of genes in the IMD pathway, including dredd, imd, relish, and downstream antimicrobial peptide genes AttA and AttB, indicating a reduced innate immune response. Subsequent investigations reveal no significant difference in viral titers between relish mutant flies and Dα6-relish double mutants, suggesting that the IMD pathway’s role in antiviral defense is dependent on Dα6. Collectively, our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between nAChR signaling and the IMD pathway in mediating antiviral immunity, highlighting the potential for nAChR-targeting compounds to inadvertently influence viral dynamics in insect hosts. This knowledge may inform the development of integrated pest management strategies that consider the broader ecological impact of insecticide use.
Use of Ozone in Veterinary Dentistry as an Alternative to Conventional Antibiotics and Antiseptics
Authors: Melanie Pierre , Niola Carlotta , Plataroti Ilaria , Mancini Simone , Fratini Filippo
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to assess the disinfecting capacity of a double-distilled ozonated water solution as an alternative to common antibiotic and antiseptic devices. Seventy-five dogs were subjected to the surgical procedures of scaling and dental extraction and included in three study groups: Group 1 subjected to antibiotic pre-treatment (association amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and ampicillin + metronidazole) and disinfection with chlorhexidine, and Group 2 and 3 devoid of preventive anti-microbial treatment in which disinfection was performed, respectively, with ozonated water and chlorhexidine. Sampling by bacteriological buffer was carried out to evaluate the bacterial count in the oral cavity. The analysis of the samples determined the total mesophilic bacterial count by seeding on the culture medium via the inclusion of PCA (Plate Count Agar). The results highlighted the anti-bacterial efficacy of intra-operative ozone as an alternative to pre-surgical antibiotic treatment.
Approximate Solutions for Horizontal Unconfined Aquifers in the Buildup Phase
Authors: Gravanis Elias , Akylas Evangelos , Sarris Ernestos Nikolas
Published: April 2024

We construct approximate analytical solutions of the Boussinesq equation for horizontal unconfined aquifers in the buildup phase under constant recharge and zero-inflow conditions. We employ a variety of methods, which include wave solutions, self-similar solutions, and two classical linear approximations of the Boussinesq equation (linear and quadratic), to explore the behavior and performance of the solutions derived from each method against the Boussinesq equation and the exact (non-closed form) analytical solutions. We find that the wave approximation, which is of a conceptual nature, encapsulates quite faithfully the characteristics of the nonlinear Boussinesq equation solution and, overall, performs much better than the other methods, for which the relatively low performance can be attributed to the specific mathematical features of their construction. These endeavors might be useful for theoretical and modeling purposes related to this problem.
Research on Intelligent Platoon Formation Control Based on Kalman Filtering and Model Predictive Control
Authors: Sun Ning , Liu Jinqiang , Wang Peng , Xiao Guangbing
Published: April 2024

Recently, the intelligent platoon has attracted a lot of attention in both academic and industrial research. For each intelligent platoon, all vehicles drive sequentially in a line, which helps to improve fuel economy and road capacity. Consider two adjacent vehicles in the intelligent platoon, and there is no mechanical boundary between them. However, an intelligent platoon may still suffer from the issues of poor vehicle-following performance during the process of vehicle-following, especially when it obtains its own position and other parameters inaccurately. To address this issue, this paper proposes a model predictive control method based on an improved version of Kalman filtering, aiming to enhance the anti-interference capacity of intelligent platoons in scenarios where the following vehicles have acquired inaccurate parameters resulting from environmental disturbances and sensor noise. Firstly, this paper establishes a three-degree-of-freedom single-track model for the following vehicle, conducting dynamic analysis of its lateral, longitudinal, and yaw movements. Then, this paper develops a horizontal and longitudinal formation driving control frame of the intelligent vehicle platoon. Moreover, this paper also has employed Kalman filtering for interference reduction of state parameters and designs an improved model predictive controller. The proposed scheme is verified and evaluated through a joint simulation within Carsim and MATLAB/Simulink, and the results demonstrate that the longitudinal following error is reduced by 37% and the lateral following error is reduced by 51% compared to traditional algorithms, effectively improving the stability of intelligent vehicle platoons during following driving.
Performance Assessment of Two-Wheeler Electric Vehicle Batteries Using Multi-Mode Drive Cycles
Authors: Lakshmanan Padmavathi , Abhishek Anand , Verma Brijendra Kumar , Ram Subhash Kumar
Published: April 2024

This article presents a model-based approach to assess the battery performance of a two-wheeler EV drive train system for various user driving patterns using the selected urban drive cycles. The battery pack is one of the most expensive parts of an EV, and its life is heavily dependent on its usage pattern. The impact of the user’s driving behaviour on the performance parameters of the EV battery pack needs to be investigated. Thus, a two-wheeler EV drive train model was developed in MATLAB with a 5 kW motor, a 4.32 kWh battery, vehicle dynamics, and the power train control algorithms for in-depth analysis of battery performance. The validity of the developed model was tested against various state-of-the-art drive cycles for a duration of 3600 s. Numerous user driving behaviours, such as aggressive, moderate, and slow driving behaviours, were modelled with modified drive cycles, which were used to assess the two-wheeler battery pack performance. An optimum speed range, which ranges from 21 km/h to 34 km/h for different drive cycles, was identified, and these speed ranges minimised the battery energy consumption for the selected drive cycles with the modified drive cycle models.
Research on Thermal Runaway Characteristics of High-Capacity Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhu Qing , Liang Kunfeng , Zhou Xun
Published: April 2024

With the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry, the widespread utilization of lithium-ion batteries has made it imperative to address their safety issues. This paper focuses on the thermal safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries during usage by specifically investigating high-capacity lithium iron phosphate batteries. To this end, thermal runaway (TR) experiments were conducted to investigate the temperature characteristics on the battery surface during TR, as well as the changes in battery mass and expansion rate before and after TR. Meanwhile, by constructing a TR simulation model tailored to lithium iron phosphate batteries, an analysis was performed to explore the variations in internal material content, the proportion of heat generation from each exothermic reaction, and the influence of the heat transfer coefficient during the TR process. The results indicate that as the heating power increases, the response time of lithium-ion batteries to TR advances. Furthermore, the heat released from the negative electrode–electrolyte reaction emerges as the primary heat source throughout the entire TR process, contributing to 63.1% of the total heat generation.
WETLANDS NO TRATAMENTO DE EFLUENTES AGROINDUSTRIAIS: UMA PROSPECÇÃO CIENTÍFICA ACERCA DAS VINÍCOLAS
Authors: Nunes da Silva Ana Laura , Suzano Isabela Ribeiro , Cavalcante de Amorim Miriam Cleide
Published: April 2024

Os efluentes originários da agroindústria representam um desafio significativo no contexto da gestão ambiental devido à presença de elevadas concentrações de nutrientes e contaminantes. Diante dessa problemática, Wetlands, ou zonas úmidas, têm sido objeto de estudos como uma alternativa sustentável e eficaz para o tratamento destes. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma prospecção de estudos sobre a temática, focado na aplicação de Wetlands para o tratamento de efluentes agrícolas. Para o levantamento, utilizou-se as bases de dados Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct utilizando descritores, para buscas refinadas dos últimos dez anos (2013-2023). A prospecção bibliográfica revelou variação significativa na quantidade de artigos nas bases Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) e ScienceDirect ao aplicar critérios de seleção. A ScienceDirect apresentou maior número de artigos em diferentes pesquisas. A escolha da base de dados exerceu uma influência na disponibilidade de informações. No que diz respeito à quantificação de estudos por países, a ScienceDirect não apresentou viabilidade, portanto, os resultados foram baseados nas demais bases, Scopus e Web of Science. Entre os países destacados ao explorar pesquisas relacionadas, destacam-se a África do Sul e a Índia. Por outro lado, os resultados referentes ao Brasil foram escassos, sugerindo oportunidade de pesquisa nacional.