bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Structuring of Activity Scheduling Choices with Consideration of Intrazonal Tours: A Case Study of Motorcycle-Based Cities
Authors: Hoang Thuy Linh , Adnan Muhammad , Vu Anh Tuan , Hoang-Tung Nguyen , Kochan Bruno , Bellemans Tom
Published: May 2022

The travel demand prediction of an activity-based travel demand model (ABM) is based on a hierarchical structure of multiple choices related to an individual’s activity scheduling. This structure has, however, not been investigated for motorcycle-based cities. The coarseness of the traffic analysis zoning system combined with mixed land use results in a large proportion of intrazonal trips, which demands model enhancement in ABMs for these cities. Using large-scale household travel survey data from Ho Chi Minh City, a major motorcycle-based city in Vietnam, this study investigated the hierarchical structure for non-work activity scheduling, with consideration of three dimensions: (1) activity starting time, (2) travel mode, and (3) destination choices at the tour level with attention given to the impacts of intrazonal tours. Multinomial logit and nested logit models were adopted for model development. Results showed that work durations in the schedule strongly affected the scheduling of non-work activities. The estimated logsum parameters showed empirical evidence that hierarchy could be different for different activity types. Our findings also suggested a significant impact of intrazonal tours on the structuring and modeling of activity scheduling choices. The validation result indicated that our proposed models’ predictive capability is acceptable.
Mediation-Moderation Model: An Empirical Examination of Sustainable Women Entrepreneurial Performance towards Agricultural SMEs in Ivory Coast
Authors: Epezagne Assamala Ingrid R. , Li Wenyuan , Ashraf Sheikh Farhan , Syed Nausheen , Di He , Nazir Mehrab
Published: May 2022

The consistent finding of knowledge management practices with women’s entrepreneurial performance is one of the gaps intended to fill in this paper. Several previous research studies on knowledge management practices (KMPs) with sustainable women’s entrepreneurial performance (SWEP) have been drawing the attention of many researchers, and this study includes the mediating role of opportunity recognition (OR) and moderating role of family interference (FI). Smart-PLS software was used to test the proposed hypotheses with gathered data of 450 women-entrepreneur respondents. The findings show a positive and significant impact of KMPs on women’s entrepreneurship and partial mediation of opportunity recognition between sustainable women’s entrepreneurial performance and KMPs. Moreover, family interference strengthens the relationship between opportunity recognition and women’s entrepreneurial performance. The study results proposed that in Ivory Coast, entrepreneurial women face several challenges in running their businesses. Therefore, it is suggested that a combined effort of women entrepreneurs, family interference, society, market opportunities, and researchers can overcome their challenges. Discussion is based on the study findings, and suggestions have been made for researchers and practitioners.
A Study on the Mechanism of Environmental Information Disclosure Oriented to the Construction of Ecological Civilization in China
Authors: Lu Bowen , Yue Shangzhi
Published: May 2022

In the construction of ecological civilization, China has been paying attention to environmental issues, and environmental information in sustainability reports has become an essential element in the construction of ecological civilization. The study of environmental information disclosure is beneficial to the construction-of-ecological civilization system and contributes to the “double carbon” goal. This paper constructs a theoretical system based on the Pigou tax, Coase’s theorem and labor value theory. By analyzing the “rights, responsibilities and benefits” of different stakeholders and defining the supply and demand for environmental information disclosure, we obtain a logical framework for environmental information disclosure in the construction of ecological civilization in China, laying a theoretical foundation for subsequent research and facilitating the prospect of carbon-information-disclosure theoretical research.
Rural Futures and the Future of the Rural
Authors: McDonagh John
Published: May 2022

To talk of rural and the future in the same sentence was described by Shucksmith [...]
Corporate Social Responsibility of SMEs: Learning Orientation and Performance Outcomes
Authors: Torkkeli Lasse , Durst Susanne
Published: May 2022

Responsibility and sustainability are today a key part of doing business globally. However, the attention of scholars and policymakers has mainly been on large multinational enterprises, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) receiving less attention. Recent studies have noted the importance of learning for SMEs to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR), but it is not yet known how the learning orientation of SMEs impacts their CSR, and how the development impacts the internationalization and performance of SMEs, which are research gaps that recent studies have noted. Shedding light on those dynamics is also important from a practical perspective since in most countries SMEs constitute a large majority of firms in both amounts and total employment. The present study contributes by illustrating how CSR impacts different types of performance in SMEs, and how the learning orientation of SMEs predetermines their CSR. Regression analyses conducted on an empirical sample of Finnish SMEs indicate that CSR in SMEs has an impact on certain types of performance and that their learning orientation determines their CSR. Therefore, the study contributes to the literature on responsibility and sustainability in SMEs, and to that SME internationalization, by shedding light on the antecedents and outcomes of CSR for SMEs.
Comparison between Synthetic and Biodegradable Polymer Matrices on the Development of Quartzite Waste-Based Artificial Stone
Authors: Agrizzi Carlos Paulino , Carvalho Elaine Aparecida Santos , Borlini Gadioli Mônica Castoldi , Barreto Gabriela Nunes Sales , de Azevedo Afonso R. G. , Monteiro Sérgio Neves , Vieira Carlos Maurício Fontes
Published: May 2022

The development of artificial stone from the agglutination of polymeric resin using industrial wastes can be a viable alternative from a technical, economic, and sustainable point of view. The main objective of the present work was to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and structural properties of artificial stones based on quartzite waste added into a synthetic, epoxy, or biodegradable polyurethane polymer matrix. Artificial stone plates were produced through the vacuum vibration and compression method, using 85 wt% of quartzite waste. The material was manufactured under the following conditions: 3 MPa compaction pressure and 90 and 80 °C curing temperature. The samples were characterized to evaluate physical and mechanical parameters and microstructure properties. As a result, the artificial stone plates developed obtained ≤0.16% water absorption, ≤0.38% porosity, and 26.96 and 10.7 MPa flexural strength (epoxy and polyurethane resin, respectively). A wear test established both artificial quartzite stone with epoxy resin (AS-EP) and vegetable polyurethane resin (AS-PU) high traffic materials. Hard body impact resistance classified AS-EP as a low height material and AS-PU as a very high height material. The petrographic slides analysis revealed that AS-EP has the best load distribution. We concluded the feasibility of manufacturing artificial stone, which would minimize the environmental impacts that would be caused by this waste disposal. We concluded that the production of artificial rock shows the potential and that it also helps to reduce environmental impacts.
Digital Information Services Needed for a Sustainable Inland Waterway Transportation Business
Authors: Specht Patrick , Bamler Jan-Niklas , Jović Marija , Meyer-Larsen Nils
Published: May 2022

Inland waterway transportation (IWT) is highly efficient in terms of greenhouse gas emissions but lacks economic competitiveness when compared to other modes of transport. Digital information services that foster efficiency and sustainability of IWT are considered important elements for improving its attractiveness and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions of the transportation sector as a whole. Therefore, this paper addresses the question of what kind of digital information services are actually needed and should be provided, e.g., by port and waterway authorities, to stimulate a modal shift in favour of IWT. Though the concept of river information services (RIS) already provides a harmonised approach to information services in the sector, the current political and scientific discourse still lacks insight into what degree the currently available information services actually meet industry needs. Equally, possibilities to provide practical recommendations are limited. Therefore, this contribution fills this knowledge gap by providing data from the field gathered through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. After elaborating on the underlying problem as well as the current state of research and practice, we will lay out observed information-relevant challenges to business actors and their respective needs. Based on this, practical recommendations for improvements of digital services and further avenues for research are derived.
Sustainable Governance and Green Innovation: A Perspective from Gender Diversity in China’s Listed Companies
Authors: Ma Zhong , Shu Guang , Wang Qi , Wang Longfeng
Published: May 2022

Sustainable governance has become essential in corporate sustainable development. As female executives bring diversity to corporate governance, their impact on the corporate sustainability has attracted wide attention. Using the evidence from China’s listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares between 2010 and 2019, this paper examines the impact of gender diversity of executives on corporate green innovation. We find that the proportion of female executives has a significant negative impact on corporate green innovation. The results show: (1) Considering the heterogeneity of corporate risks, the negative impact of female executives on green innovation exists when the company is exposed to high risks, that is, in the subsample of firms with high risk-taking level and financial constraints; (2) considering the heterogeneity of corporate characteristics, female executives have a negative impact on green innovation in small non-state-owned companies with high separation of ownership and control; (3) considering the heterogeneity of industries, the effect of female executives on green innovation is significant in non-heavy pollution industries; (4) the mechanism test shows that patriarchy culture weakens the influence of female executives. In an environment where men are in power, the impact of female executives on green innovation is not significant; (5) taking the 2018 environmental fee-to-tax policy as a quasi-experiment, we find that female executives will instead promote corporate green innovation in areas where the environmental tax burden has increased significantly. The results imply that since corporate green innovation is a high-risk investment, female executives will make green innovation decisions more prudently based on corporate operating characteristics. This research provides a new perspective for understanding the role of female executives in corporate governance and corporate sustainable development.
U.S. Almond Exports and Retaliatory Trade Tariffs
Authors: Ajibade Abraham , Saghaian Sayed
Published: May 2022

The U.S. is the top producer, exporter, and consumer of tree nuts in the world. Tree nuts are a significant part of U.S. agricultural exports to the world. In 2019, the U.S. exported about USD 9.1 billion worth of tree nuts, just behind soybean exports at USD 18.7 billion. Tree nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, are mostly produced in the state of California. California produces 100% of U.S. commercial almonds. Globally, almonds are the leading U.S. tree nut export in both value and volume. Almonds are shipped to over 90 countries annually. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting the export demand function for U.S. almonds in major destination countries and evaluate the impact of the retaliatory trade tariffs policy by some of the importing countries on the U.S. almond exports. The currently available literature does not fully address these issues. We identified the top five almond export destinations, which were in Europe and Asia, namely, China/Hong Kong, Germany, India, Japan, and Spain, which account for more than 50% of U.S. almond imports. We used a double-log export demand equation that is well referenced in the literature and economic theory to identify the significant explanatory variables affecting the U.S. almonds export demand function. We also tried to estimate the impact of retaliatory tariffs on almond exports imposed by the major importing countries. Our results showed that U.S. almond and pistachio prices, real exchange rates, and gross domestic products of importing countries were significant factors that affected U.S. almond exports. The results showed that the imposed retaliatory tariffs had no negative effect on U.S. almond exports. This could have been because the study ended in 2019 and did not involve enough data to fully evaluate the impact of the retaliatory trade tariffs policy. U.S. almond exports have market concentration and strong market power in international markets. The efforts toward more sustainable production of almonds to solidify an already established market share in the world almond markets and against substitutes, such as pistachios, seem to be a sound strategy and focus of the U.S. almond agribusinesses and exporters.
Assessing Africa’s Agricultural TFP for Food Security and Effects on Human Development: Evidence from 35 Countries
Authors: Bernard Boima M. , Song Yanping , Hena Sehresh , Ahmad Fayyaz , Wang Xin
Published: May 2022

Population growth, food shortages, and low levels of human development have been longstanding issues confronting many African countries. Agricultural productivity remains a critical goal for mitigating these challenges and ensuring overall economic development. Total factor productivity (TFP) is a crucial metric for determining a sector’s overall growth. However, due to a lack of comprehensive assessments of the trends and determinants of TFP growth in African agriculture, there are disagreements. Within the context of inclusive human development, the impact of agricultural productivity is frequently misrepresented in the current literature. This paper estimated TFP growth and assessed its impact on human development in Africa. Due to technological improvement, TFP increased moderately at a 5.4% growth rate across African countries over the period (2001–2019). Empirical evidence indicates that TFP growth enhances human development in the long run, but the effect varies according to levels of human development (HDI) and the nature of growth over time. For instance, higher levels of human development tend to mitigate the impact of TFP. Further analysis revealed that technical efficiency improvement is critical for enhancing food safety and human development. Policy recommendations for improving TFP for food security and human development in Africa are provided. Further investigation into agricultural TFP’s impact beyond the poverty measure in Africa is encouraged.
Research on the Influence of Risk on Construction Project Performance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Su Guiliang , Khallaf Rana
Published: May 2022

Knowledge on the influence of risk on project performance is an important part of risk management. Previous studies have concentrated on this area to identify risks in aspects of project performance such as cost and schedule. However, rare reviews have been conducted to fully report on the research on the influence of risk on project performance. For this reason, to identify and analyze such researches in these areas a systematic review was conducted in this paper. More specifically, 54 relevant articles were identified and classified into three groups according to their research contents; the research contents in each article and the research methods were reviewed, and the 13 most frequent research methods were also identified and discussed. It was found that most of the previous researches concentrated on developing tools or approaches to assess the influence of risk on project performance. Additionally, researches focused on risk factors’ identification or risk interdependency modeling were also common, along with researches that investigated the cause of poor project performance, evaluated risk impact on cost contingency, discussed the risk response actions, and discussed what enables high-risk projects to yield a high return. However, four gaps were identified from these researches, namely: a need for improving the accuracy in quantitative research of the influence of risk on project performance; a need for novel research methodologies for conducting more accurate risk influence assessments; taking into consideration project participants’ decision-making in their researches; and creating a framework that treats the risk influence assessment as a whole system. Besides that, since this research only focused on two project objectives (cost and schedule), recommendations for future research include expanding the focus to more project objectives.
Innovativeness as the Key to MSMEs’ Performances
Authors: Octasylva Annuridya Rosyidta Pratiwi , Yuliati Lilik Noor , Hartoyo Hartoyo , Soehadi Agus W.
Published: May 2022

Research on Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) has always been an exciting area of study because of its crucial role; however, it turns out that MSMEs have many problems. The problems, such as human resources and their abilities, are rarely discussed. MSMEs tend to be formed because of a compulsion to do so, whereas companies are created by opportunities; therefore, it is essential to include entrepreneur orientation and dynamic capability elements in making MSME performance models. This study used SEM analysis with 333 respondents spread across six provinces in Indonesia. The results showed that innovativeness, which is part of entrepreneur orientation, is critical in the formation of MSMEs’ performances. Moreover, based on the calculation of indirect effects, it revealed that innovativeness through marketing capabilities has a significant influence on the performance of MSMEs.
Use of Natural Sorbents in the Processes of Removing Biogenic Compounds from the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Smol Marzena , Włóka Dariusz
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the results of the evaluation of the possibility of using a selected sorbent of natural origin, mineral (opoka rock), for the removal of biogenic compounds from aqueous solutions. The analyzed opoka rock contains approximately 70% calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and from 26 to 27% silicon dioxide (SiO2) and has been classified as heavy opoka rock. The experiment focused on the sorption of organic components, including phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and carbon (C). It was carried out for two treatment systems, column tests and batch tests, for three samples of water—water from a water supply system, water from a fish pond and water from a garden pond—located in the region of Silesia (Poland). The results showed that the P removal efficiency was equal to 96.6% for the fine-grained sorbent (grain size <2 mm) and 90.8% for the coarse-grained sorbent (2–4 mm) in the batch tests, while lower effectiveness was observed for the column tests, reaching 67.8% and 54%, respectively. The efficiency of N (NH4+) removal was equal to 84% for both types of sorbents in the batch tests, while it was 47.7% for the fine-grained sorbent and 26.3% for the coarse-grained sorbent in the column tests. The efficiency of the removal of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−) was higher for the fine-grained sorbent in all analyzed water samples. The use of materials of natural origin in industrial applications is a recommended direction, part of the green transition. The analyzed samples of opoka rock come from deposits, and opoka rock has so far not been analyzed in terms of its possible use in water and sewage treatment technology. Therefore, further research is recommended for this low-cost sorbent, which may be a competitive material for commercial products.
Meet Your Digital Twin in Space? Profiling International Expat’s Readiness for Metaverse Space Travel, Tech-Savviness, COVID-19 Travel Anxiety, and Travel Fear of Missing Out
Authors: Zaman Umer , Koo Inhyouk , Abbasi Saba , Raza Syed Hassan , Qureshi Madeeha Gohar
Published: May 2022

The metaverse promises an unimaginable future for digital travelers by enabling them to gain unique experiences (e.g., space travel) that would otherwise be impossible in non-virtual reality. Moreover, COVID-19 travel anxiety has triggered growing interest in virtual environments (e.g., metaverse travel) in the aftermath of the pandemic. The cost-conscious and tech-savvy behavior of travelers has been resurrected in the ‘new normal’; however, the fear of missing out (FOMO) is now dictating travelers’ choices for newness, immersive and rewarding travel experiences. To address these emerging trends, promising new technologies, and untested relationships, the present study explored the effects of COVID-19 travel anxiety on the readiness for metaverse space travel. In addition, the moderating influence of tech savviness and travel FOMO was tested on this relationship. Drawing on data of international expats (N = 386) in UAE, the finding based on structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that the international expat’s readiness for metaverse space travel is positively influenced by their COVID-19 travel anxiety. Moreover, expats with high tendencies of travel FOMO and tech savviness will experience a stronger impact of COVID-19 travel anxiety on their readiness for metaverse space travel. These novel findings guided by prominent theories (e.g., self-determination, SOR, and protection motivation) offer new insights for policy makers and practitioners to strategically achieve digital-tourism transformation and sustainability through emerging and immersive metaverse technologies.
The Role of Pedagogical Agents in Personalised Adaptive Learning: A Review
Authors: Apoki Ufuoma Chima , Hussein Aqeel M. Ali , Al-Chalabi Humam K. Majeed , Badica Costin , Mocanu Mihai L.
Published: May 2022

Personalised adaptive learning is becoming increasingly popular as a method of providing each student on an online platform with learning experiences that are tailored to their own requirements and peculiarities. This enables learners to go along many learning routes with the shared objective of information and skill development. In such systems, adaptivity and intelligence play distinct roles, with adaptivity being a more data-driven decision-making approach and intelligence being the emulation of human traits in a learning setting. Pedagogical agents, as defined in the field of artificial intelligence, are virtual characters with anthropomorphic features that are introduced for educational reasons. Because e-learning is a continuously growing area, the responsibilities of pedagogical agents change based on the goals that have been established for them. This article provides a systematic evaluation of pedagogical agents’ research and empirical data in e-learning from 2015 to 2022. Their responsibilities will be examined specifically in terms of flexibility and variety, realistic simulation, and their influence on learning: performance improvement, improved motivation, and engagement. The article finishes with a discussion and recommendations on pedagogical agents’ future directions in this ever-changing world of individualised adaptive e-learning.
Evaluating Tourist Experience of Rural Homestays in Coastal Areas by Importance–Performance Analysis: A Case Study of Homestay in Dapeng New District, Shenzhen, China
Authors: Ma Hang , Huang Siyu , Wang Mohan , Chan Chungshing , Lin Xiaoyu
Published: May 2022

In recent years, the rural homestay has developed rapidly against the background of rural-revitalization policies. However, in early 2020, COVID-19 broke out in China, and the homestay industry was faced with a great challenge. It was difficult for self-employed homestays to resist the risks of the pandemic. As a result, defective operation and business failure occurred in some regions. However, rural homestays with a background in the brand, chain and cluster development mode persisted in the market with a diversity of operation principles. This paper tries to set up an evaluation system for understanding the occupancy needs of tourists, in order to improve the ability of rural homestays to resist risks. The article offers a methodology for assessing the tourist experience of rural homestays in coastal areas, with homestays in Dapeng New District of Shenzhen taken as the research objectives. Then, the evaluation system of rural homestays is set up from the perspective of tourist experience. Based on the results of a questionnaire survey and interviews of operators, this paper proposes the tourist experience–importance analysis in Jiaochangwei and Xichong by the importance–performance analysis (IPA) method. Finally, it suggests policy recommendations that can resist high risk based on tourist experience, for the sustainable development of rural homestays in China.
Modeling of Non-Characteristic Third Harmonics Produced by Voltage Source Converter under Unbalanced Condition
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhi Huiqiang , Zhang Shifeng , Fan Rui , Li Ran , Wang Jinhao
Published: May 2022

A three-phase three-wire voltage source converter (VSC) can produce third harmonics when it is operated under an unbalanced condition. It is essential to understand the mechanism of the production of this third harmonic and to assess its impact on power systems. Therefore, this paper presents an analytical model of the VSC under the unbalanced condition through mathematical derivations, and the final model is a coupled Thevenin circuit. The proposed model allows for direct computation of the non-characteristic third harmonics through harmonic power flow studies. The results show that VSC under unbalanced conditions emits both positive-sequence and negative-sequence third harmonics, and that the positive-sequence third harmonic is much larger than the negative-sequence third harmonic. It also shows that the unbalanced level and the size of the dc-link capacitor are critical to the level of non-characteristic third harmonics. The correctness of the proposed model and its application on noncharacteristic third harmonic evaluations have been verified using EMT simulations.
Potential of Renewable Energy in Jamaica’s Power Sector: Feasibility Analysis of Biogas Production for Electricity Generation
Authors: Richards Delmaria , Yabar Helmut
Published: May 2022

Jamaica is heavily dependent on fossil fuels to meet its energy demand and is currently seeking to reduce consumption. Accordingly, it is essential to investigate the expansion of renewable energy systems to achieve its 2030 renewable energy goal of 50%, with 70% diversification in energy types, as outlined in the National Energy Policy 2009–2030. This study explores biogas feasibility in Jamaica and discusses the potential for electricity generation from combinations of dairy cow and Swine feces with sugarcane bagasse. The study’s primary purpose is to assess the feasibility of biogas production from livestock manure and sugarcane bagasse for electricity generation and manure treatment. Findings reveal that biogas anaerobic digestion and the co-digestion of different varieties of animal manure with sugarcane bagasse can generate up to 122,607.68 MWh or 2.49% of Jamaica’s total electrical energy generation in 2019. The findings indicate a high potential for the installation of community-based plants. Moreover, considering all scenarios and the remaining feedstock, potential electrical energy increases to 222,868.60 MWh (4.53% of total energy generation). This power may be fed to the electrical grid network or consumed by local producers. In addition, electric power generation from animal manure and sugarcane bagasse is feasible with improved technical capability and human development. Additionally, anaerobic digestion and co-digestion of sugarcane bagasse plus animal manure offer an excellent solution to mitigate climate change.
Does Sex, Skeletal Class and Mandibular Asymmetry Affect Tooth Length and Asymmetry in Tooth Length?
Authors: Warnecki Maciej , Żak Małgorzata , Szkoda-Poliszuk Klaudia , Kawala Beata , Sarul Michał
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The aim of our cross-sectional study is to determine whether there is a link between sex, skeletal class and mandibular asymmetry in orthodontic patients, with tooth length and asymmetry in tooth length on contralateral sides of the mandible. Methods: As the source for relevant data to answer this question, 3D cone-beam tomography (CBCT) images of a total of 95 future orthodontic patients were retrospectively selected from private practice records and were analyzed. The CBCT images were part of routine orthodontic diagnosis. Patients were divided into three groups (Class I, Class III with asymmetry and Class III without asymmetry) based on skeletal variables assessed on orthodontic cephalometric images and frontal photos of the face. Three null hypotheses were developed, and a series of statistical tests was performed in order to support or reject them. Results: We have established that there exists a sexual dimorphism in some of the teeth’s lengths in our sample. Furthermore, we failed to find a link between mandibular asymmetry and asymmetry in tooth length. We have also found a link between skeletal class and tooth length differences in some of the analyzed measurements. Conclusions: Computational models used to design orthodontic appliances and to plan orthodontic treatment should be more individualized to consider a patient’s sex and skeletal class.
Optimizing Multi-Objective Federated Learning on Non-IID Data with Improved NSGA-III and Hierarchical Clustering
Authors: Zhong Jialin , Wu Yahui , Ma Wubin , Deng Su , Zhou Haohao
Published: May 2022

Federated learning (FL) can tackle the problem of data silos of asymmetric information and privacy leakage; however, it still has shortcomings, such as data heterogeneity, high communication cost and uneven distribution of performance. To overcome these issues and achieve parameter optimization of FL on non-Independent Identically Distributed (non-IID) data, a multi-objective FL parameter optimization method based on hierarchical clustering and the third-generation non-dominated sorted genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III) algorithm is proposed, which aims to simultaneously minimize the global model error rate, global model accuracy distribution variance and communication cost. The introduction of a hierarchical clustering algorithm on non-IID data can accelerate convergence so that FL can employ an evolutionary algorithm with a low FL client participation ratio, reducing the overall communication cost of the NSGA-III algorithm. Meanwhile, the NSGA-III algorithm, with fast greedy initialization and a strategy of discarding low-quality individuals (named NSGA-III-FD), is proposed to improve the convergence efficiency and the quality of Pareto-optimal solutions. Under two non-IID data settings, the CNN experiments on both MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets show that our approach can obtain better Pareto-optimal solutions than classical evolutionary algorithms, and the selected solutions with an optimized model can achieve better multi-objective equilibrium than the standard federated averaging (FedAvg) algorithm and the Clustering-based FedAvg algorithm.
Patient Comfort in Modern Computed Tomography: What Really Counts
Authors: Niehoff Julius Henning , Heuser Andreas , Michael Arwed Elias , Lennartz Simon , Borggrefe Jan , Kroeger Jan Robert
Published: May 2022

Background: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the patient comfort during CT examinations with a modern CT scanner (Photon-Counting CT (PCCT)) and to compare the perceived patient comfort with a standard CT scanner. Methods: A total of 157 patients participated in this study and completed a questionnaire on their subjective perceptions after their CT examination. The following aspects of comfort were rated on a 5-point Likert scale: (1) claustrophobia in general and during the examination, (2) the effort to lie down and to get up from the CT table, (3) the speed and comfort of the CT table, (4) the difficulty of holding the breath during the CT scan, and (5) the communication during the examination. Results: Patients rated the modern CT scanner significantly better in terms of speed and comfort of the CT table and in terms of difficulty of holding their breath during the CT scan. The answers regarding the other aspects of comfort did not reveal significant differences. When asked for a comparison, patients who did perceive a difference between both scanners rated the modern CT scanner as more comfortable in all aspects of comfort. Conclusions: The survey did not reveal any major deficits in terms of comfort on the standard CT scanner. However, patients perceived the structural changes positively and appreciated the comfort of a modern CT scanner.
Removal of the Homolog Tellurium of Polonium by SiO2 Nanofiber Filter for Lead Alloy-Cooled Reactors
Authors: Chen Xujie , Chen Xiyong , Zeng Xian , Zhao Yuan , Li Xiaoping , Huang Xi , Fujita Toyohisa , Wang Xinpeng
Published: May 2022

The lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) can be easily activated by neutron radiation to produce the radionuclide 210Po. It is therefore necessary to establish an effective method to remove vaporized polonium in the cover gas to prevent its release into the air in scenarios of reactor maintenance and coolant leakage accidents. This paper presents a SiO2 nanofiber membrane prepared based on the electrostatic spinning and calcination process. The SiO2 nanofiber membrane had the advantages of good flexibility, high-temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance. In the trapping experiments, the SiO2 nanofiber membrane filters showed excellent filtration performance at 300~400 °C, and the filtration efficiencies for Te, Pb, and Bi could reach 99%, 99%, and 98%, respectively. Proper filtration temperature and gas flow rate are important to maintain high filtration efficiency. After five cycles, the SiO2 nanofiber membrane filter still exhibited excellent cycle-use performance. In the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, PbPo and PbTe had strong interactions with amorphous SiO2, having adhesion energies of −2.96 to −2.83 eV/molecule.
Evaluation of Growth Performance, Nitrogen Balance and Blood Metabolites of Mutton Sheep Fed an Ammonia-Treated Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diet
Authors: Zhang Meimei , Jiao Peixin , Wang Xue , Sun Youran , Liang Gege , Xie Xiaolai , Zhang Yonggen
Published: May 2022

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of an aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-contaminated diet treated with ammonia on the diet detoxification and growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites in sheep. Twenty-four female mutton sheep with an initial body weight of 50 ± 2.5 kg were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) control diet (C); (2) aflatoxin diet (T; control diet supplemented with 75 μg of AFB1/kg of dry matter); and (3) ammoniated diet (AT; ammoniated aflatoxin diet). The results showed decreases (p < 0.05) in average daily feed intake, nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract, and retained nitrogen, and an increase (p < 0.05) in urine nitrogen excretion in sheep fed diet T compared with those fed the other diets. In comparison to C and AT, feeding T decreased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of total protein, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidants and increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of alanine amino transferase, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-6. In summary, ammonia treatment has the potential to decrease the concentration of AFB1 and alleviate the adverse effects of AFB1.
Introduction to the Toxins Special Issue: “Antibodies for Toxins: From Detection to Therapeutics”
Authors: Ezan Eric , Simon Stéphanie
Published: May 2022

This Special Issue aims to provide an up-to-date investigation and reviews linked to antibody-based technologies for medical countermeasures and detection/diagnosis tools for toxins [...]
Regulatory Networks Controlling Neurotoxin Synthesis in Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani
Authors: Popoff Michel R. , Brüggemann Holger
Published: May 2022

Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani are Gram-positive, spore-forming, and anaerobic bacteria that produce the most potent neurotoxins, botulinum toxin (BoNT) and tetanus toxin (TeNT), responsible for flaccid and spastic paralysis, respectively. The main habitat of these toxigenic bacteria is the environment (soil, sediments, cadavers, decayed plants, intestinal content of healthy carrier animals). C. botulinum can grow and produce BoNT in food, leading to food-borne botulism, and in some circumstances, C. botulinum can colonize the intestinal tract and induce infant botulism or adult intestinal toxemia botulism. More rarely, C. botulinum colonizes wounds, whereas tetanus is always a result of wound contamination by C. tetani. The synthesis of neurotoxins is strictly regulated by complex regulatory networks. The highest levels of neurotoxins are produced at the end of the exponential growth and in the early stationary growth phase. Both microorganisms, except C. botulinum E, share an alternative sigma factor, BotR and TetR, respectively, the genes of which are located upstream of the neurotoxin genes. These factors are essential for neurotoxin gene expression. C. botulinum and C. tetani share also a two-component system (TCS) that negatively regulates neurotoxin synthesis, but each microorganism uses additional distinct sets of TCSs. Neurotoxin synthesis is interlocked with the general metabolism, and CodY, a master regulator of metabolism in Gram-positive bacteria, is involved in both clostridial species. The environmental and nutritional factors controlling neurotoxin synthesis are still poorly understood. The transition from amino acid to peptide metabolism seems to be an important factor. Moreover, a small non-coding RNA in C. tetani, and quorum-sensing systems in C. botulinum and possibly in C. tetani, also control toxin synthesis. However, both species use also distinct regulatory pathways; this reflects the adaptation of C. botulinum and C. tetani to different ecological niches.
Bounce Universe with Finite-Time Singularity
Authors: Odintsov Sergei , Paul Tanmoy
Published: May 2022

This work explains how the presence of a Type-IV singularity (a mild singularity) can influence the dynamics of a bouncing universe. In particular, we examine the bounce cosmology that appears with a Type-IV singularity in the context of a ghost-free Gauss–Bonnet theory of gravity. Depending on the time of occurrence of the Type-IV singularity, three different cases may arise—when the singularity occurs before the bounce, after the bounce, or at the instant of the bounce. However, in all of these cases, we find that in the case when the singularity “globally” affects the spacetime, the scalar power spectrum becomes red-tilted, and the tensor-to-scalar ratio is too large to be consistent with the observational data. Based on these findings, we investigate a different bouncing scenario which also appears with a Type-IV singularity, and wherein the singularity affects the spacetime “locally” around the time when it occurs. As a result, and unlike the previous scenario, the perturbation modes in the second bouncing scenario are likely to be generated far away from the bounce in the deep contracting phase. This finally results in the simultaneous compatibility of the observable quantities with the Planck data and ensures the viability of the bounce model where the Type-IV singularity has local effects on the spacetime around the time of the singularity.
Positive Energy and Non-SUSY Flows in ISO(7) Gauged Supergravity
Authors: Dibitetto Giuseppe
Published: May 2022

We consider maximal gauged supergravity in 4D with the ISO(7) gauge group, which arises from a consistent truncation of massive IIA supergravity on a six-sphere. Within its G2-invariant sector, the theory is known to possess a supersymmetric AdS extremum, as well as two non-supersymmetric ones. In this context, we provide a first-order formulation of the theory by making use of the Hamilton–Jacobi (HJ) formalism. This allows us to derive a positive energy theorem for both non-supersymmetric extrema. Subsequently, we also find novel non-supersymmetric domain walls (DWs) interpolating between the supersymmetric extremum and each of the other two. Finally, we discuss a perturbative HJ technique that may be used in order to solve for curved DW geometries.
Circulating MicroRNAs as a Tool for Diagnosis of Liver Disease Progression in People Living with HIV-1
Authors: Martinez Miguel Angel , Tural Cristina , Franco Sandra
Published: May 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by binding specific cell mRNA targets, preventing their translation. miRNAs are implicated in the regulation of important physiological and pathological pathways. Liver disease, including injury, fibrosis, metabolism dysregulation, and tumor development disrupts liver-associated miRNAs. In addition to their effect in the originating tissue, miRNAs can also circulate in body fluids. miRNA release is an important form of intercellular communication that plays a role in the physiological and pathological processes underlying multiple diseases. Circulating plasma levels of miRNAs have been identified as potential disease biomarkers. One of the main challenges clinics face is the lack of available noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting the different stages of liver disease (e.g., nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), particularly among individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Liver disease is a leading cause of death unrelated to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among people living with HIV-1 (PLWH). Here, we review and discuss the utility of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of liver disease in PLWH. Remarkably, the identification of dysregulated miRNA expression may also identify targets for new therapeutics.
The Virus–Host Interplay in Junín Mammarenavirus Infection
Authors: Gallo Giovanna Lucrecia , López Nora , Loureiro María Eugenia
Published: May 2022

Junín virus (JUNV) belongs to the Arenaviridae family and is the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF), a severe human disease endemic to agricultural areas in Argentina. At this moment, there are no effective antiviral therapeutics to battle pathogenic arenaviruses. Cumulative reports from recent years have widely provided information on cellular factors playing key roles during JUNV infection. In this review, we summarize research on host molecular determinants that intervene in the different stages of the viral life cycle: viral entry, replication, assembly and budding. Alongside, we describe JUNV tight interplay with the innate immune system. We also review the development of different reverse genetics systems and their use as tools to study JUNV biology and its close teamwork with the host. Elucidating relevant interactions of the virus with the host cell machinery is highly necessary to better understand the mechanistic basis beyond virus multiplication, disease pathogenesis and viral subversion of the immune response. Altogether, this knowledge becomes essential for identifying potential targets for the rational design of novel antiviral treatments to combat JUNV as well as other pathogenic arenaviruses.
Coastal and Continental Shelf Dynamics in a Changing Climate
Authors: Poulos Serafeim E. , Kapsimalis Vasilios , Panagiotopoulos Ioannis P.
Published: May 2022

The coastal and associated shelf environments constitute the interface between the land and ocean regime [...]
Salt Accumulation during Cropping Season in an Arid Irrigation Area with Shallow Water Table Depth: A 10-Year Regional Monitoring
Authors: Wang Chaozi , Luo Yuanyuan , Huo Zailin , Liu Zhongyi , Liu Geng , Wang Shuai , Lin Yifan , Wu Peijin
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, irrigation takes up about 35% of agricultural water consumption worldwide, and irrigation induced secondary soil salinizationsalinization affects the crop production and sustainable development of arid irrigation areas globally. However, the regular pattern of salt accumulation in the root zone during the cropping season and the contributions of its attribute factors are still unclear. Therefore, a 10-year monitoring was conducted in the Hetao Irrigation District to reveal the soil salt accumulation during the cropping season and to relate it to influential factors, including potential crop evapotranspiration, water input (field irrigation + precipitation) and water table depth. It was found that under the climate conditions and water-saving irrigation measures of the investigated 10-year period, (1) the salt accumulated during the cropping season could be effectively leached by autumn irrigation and the root zone soil could remain suitable for crop germination, (2) the cropping season water deficit (potential crop evapotranspiration − field irrigation − precipitation) showed strong correlation with the cropping season salt accumulation, and (3) maintaining the cropping season average water table depth larger than a critical depth (roughly 3 m) might be the most economical way to alleviate salt accumulation. Therefore, it is recommended to balance the salt leaching and the water table depth controlling in the future water-saving irrigation management practices.
Estimation of Soil Erosion and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Benefit in Terraces under Extreme Precipitation
Authors: Jia Hao , Wang Xidong , Sun Wenyi , Mu Xingmin , Gao Peng , Zhao Guangju , Li Zixuan
Published: May 2022

In recent years, soil erosion caused by water erosion has gradually increased due to the increase of extreme precipitation. In order to reduce soil erosion caused by extreme precipitation, it is necessary to monitor soil erosion and found out the factors that affect soil erosion under extreme precipitation. The objective of this study was to assess the amount of soil erosion, the damage degree of soil and water conservation measures and benefit evaluation under extreme precipitation in Henan Province. The results indicated that the ridges of terraces in two small watersheds had been damaged to varying degrees. Terraces, as one of soil and water conservation measures, can better preserve soil and water erosion under extreme precipitation. The amount of soil preserved in two small watersheds were 744.50t and 1121.01t. The amount of soil loss in two small watersheds were reduced by 67.67% and 78.63% when terraces existed. The soil conservation amount of vegetation restoration measures in two small watersheds were 2960.23t and 3320.36t. The amount of soil loss in two small watersheds were reduced by 89.27% and 90.98%, when vegetation restoration measures exist. Compared with soil and water conservation engineering measures, vegetation restoration measures can better reduce soil erosion caused by water erosion under extreme precipitation. In addition to the amount of rainfall, the soil and water conservation benefits of terraces were also affected by the width of the terrace, the slope of the terrace, and whether there were vegetation restoration measures in the terrace.