bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Connectivity Analysis Using Adaptive Window Size
Authors: Šverko Zoran , Vrankic Miroslav , Vlahinić Saša , Rogelj Peter
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we propose a new method to study and evaluate the time-varying brain network dynamics. The proposed RICI-imCPCC method (relative intersection of confidence intervals for the imaginary component of the complex Pearson correlation coefficient) is based on an adaptive window size and the imaginary part of the complex Pearson correlation coefficient. It reduces the weaknesses of the existing method of constant sliding window analysis with narrow and wide windows. These are the low temporal precision and low reliability for short connectivity periods for wide windows, and high susceptibility to noise for narrow windows, all resulting in low estimation accuracy. The proposed method overcomes these shortcomings by dynamically adjusting the window width using the RICI rule, which is based on the statistical properties of the area around the observed sample. In this paper, we compare the RICI-imCPCC with the existing constant sliding window analysis method and describe its advantages. First, the mathematical principles are established. Then, the comparison between the existing and the proposed method using synthetic and real electroencephalography (EEG) data is presented. The results show that the proposed RICI-imCPCC method has improved temporal resolution and estimation accuracy compared to the existing method and is less affected by the noise. The estimation error energy calculated for the RICI-imCPCC method on synthetic signals was lower by a factor of 1.22 compared to the error of the constant sliding window analysis using narrow window size imCPCC, by a factor of 2.87 compared to using wide window size imCPCC, by a factor of 6.69 compared to using narrow window size wPLI, and by a factor of 4.72 compared to using wide window size wPLI. Analysis of the real signals shows the ability of the proposed method to detect a P300 response and to detect a decrease in dynamic connectivity due to desynchronization and blockage of mu-rhythms.
Research on Multi-Level Scheduling of Mine Water Reuse Based on Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Bo Lei , Li Zhihan , Liu Yang , Yue Yuangan , Zhang Zihang , Wang Yiying
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the problem of the inefficiency of coal mine water reuse, a multi-level scheduling method for mine water reuse based on an improved whale optimization algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the optimization objects of mine water reuse time and reuse cost are used to establish the optimal scheduling model of mine water. Secondly, in order to overcome the defect that the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is prone to local convergence, the opposition-based learning strategy is introduced to speed up the convergence speed, the Levy flight strategy is used to enhance the ability of the algorithm to jump out of the local optimization, the nonlinear convergence factor is used to balance the global and local search ability, and the adaptive inertia weight is used to improve the optimization accuracy of the algorithm. Finally, the improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA) is applied to the mine water optimization scheduling model with multiple objects and constraints. The results show that the reuse efficiency of the multi-level scheduling method of mine water reuse is increased by 30.2% and 31.9%, respectively, in the heating and nonheating seasons, which can significantly improve the reuse efficiency of mine water and realize the efficient utilization of mine water reuse deployment. At the same time, experiments show that the improved whale optimization algorithm has higher convergence accuracy and speed, which proves the feasibility and superiority of its improvement strategies.
Intra- and Inter-Day Reliability of the NIRS Portamon Device after Three Induced Muscle Ischemias
Authors: Desanlis Julien , Gordon Dan , Calveyrac Camille , Cottin François , Gernigon Marie
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an innovative and non-invasive technology used to investigate muscular oxygenation. The aim of this study is to assess the within- and between-session reliability of the NIRS Portamon (Artinis, Elst, Netherlands) device following three sets of induced muscle ischemia. (2) Methods: Depending on the experimental group (G1, G2 or G3), a cuff was inflated three times on the left upper arm to 50 mmHg (G1), systolic blood pressure (SBP) + 50 mmHg (G2) or 250 mmHg (G3). Maximum, minimum and reoxygenation rate values were assessed after each occlusion phase, using a Portamon device placed on the left brachioradialis. Reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value and ICC 95% confidence interval (CI-95%), coefficient of variation (CV) and standard error of measurement (SEM) (3) Results: Our results showed a good to excellent reliability for maximums and minimums within-session. However, the reoxygenation rate within sessions as well as measurements between sessions cannot predominantly show good reliability. (4) Conclusions: Multiple measurements of maximums and minimums within a single session appeared to be reliable which shows that only one measurement is necessary to assess these parameters. However, it is necessary to be cautious with a comparison of maximum, minimum and reoxygenation rate values between sessions.
Model Predictive Regulation on Manifolds in Euclidean Space
Authors: Phogat Karmvir Singh , Chang Dong Eui
Published: July 2022

One of the crucial problems in control theory is the tracking of exogenous signals by controlled systems. In general, such exogenous signals are generated by exosystems. These tracking problems are formulated as optimal regulation problems for designing optimal tracking control laws. For such a class of optimal regulation problems, we derive a reduced set of novel Francis–Byrnes–Isidori partial differential equations that achieve output regulation asymptotically and are computationally efficient. Moreover, the optimal regulation for systems on Euclidean space is generalized to systems on manifolds. In the proposed technique, the system dynamics on manifolds is stably embedded into Euclidean space, and an optimal feedback control law is designed by employing well studied, output regulation techniques in Euclidean space. The proposed technique is demonstrated with two representative examples: The quadcopter tracking control and the rigid body tracking control. It is concluded from the numerical studies that the proposed technique achieves output regulation asymptotically in contrast to classical approaches.
Intelligent Labeling of Tumor Lesions Based on Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Ye Shiping , Chen Chaoxiang , Bai Zhican , Wang Jinming , Yao Xiaoxaio , Nedzvedz Olga
Published: July 2022

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) plays a vital role in diagnosing tumors. However, PET/CT imaging relies primarily on manual interpretation and labeling by medical professionals. An enormous workload will affect the training samples’ construction for deep learning. The labeling of tumor lesions in PET/CT images involves the intersection of computer graphics and medicine, such as registration, a fusion of medical images, and labeling of lesions. This paper extends the linear interpolation, enhances it in a specific area of the PET image, and uses the outer frame scaling of the PET/CT image and the least-squares residual affine method. The PET and CT images are subjected to wavelet transformation and then synthesized in proportion to form a PET/CT fusion image. According to the absorption of 18F-FDG (fluoro deoxy glucose) SUV in the PET image, the professionals randomly select a point in the focus area in the fusion image, and the system will automatically select the seed point of the focus area to delineate the tumor focus with the regional growth method. Finally, the focus delineated on the PET and CT fusion images is automatically mapped to CT images in the form of polygons, and rectangular segmentation and labeling are formed. This study took the actual PET/CT of patients with lymphatic cancer as an example. The semiautomatic labeling of the system and the manual labeling of imaging specialists were compared and verified. The recognition rate was 93.35%, and the misjudgment rate was 6.52%.
Screening and Estimation of Bioactive Compounds of Azanza garckeana (Jakjak) Fruit Using GC-MS, UV–Visible Spectroscopy, and HPLC Analysis
Authors: Salih Abdalrhaman M. , Al-Qurainy Fahad , Tarroum Mohamed , Shaikhaldein Hassan O. , Hashimi Abdulrahman
Published: July 2022

Azanza garckeana (F. Hoffm). Exell and Hillc. is an important food and medicinal plant that has been used in tropical Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the nutritional value of jakjak fruit using different analytical techniques. The obtained results have demonstrated that jakjak fruit is very rich in total soluble sugar, constituting about 48% of the dry weight. Moreover, the chromatographic analysis revealed that jakjak fruit contained a high amount of glucose, fructose, maltose, and ascorbic acid. Further, GC-MS analysis detected four compounds related to secondary metabolites. Some of these detected constituents have medicinal value. For example, phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) has been reported to have many functions such as antioxidant activity, anticancer, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of different concentrations of deionized water and methanolic extracts was estimated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The results showed that the scavenging activity of the DPPH radical was found to be raised with increasing concentrations of fruit extracts. The concentration (50%) of both methanol and deionized water gave the best inhibition percentage (91.7 and 84.4%), respectively. In contrast, the methanolic extract has shown significant results compared to deionized water. This study concluded that jakjak fruit is very rich in total soluble sugar and phenolic compounds, which can be used as a source of polysaccharides and antioxidants for the human diet as well as raw materials for downstream industries.
Who Did Spanish Politicians Start Following on Twitter? Homophilic Tendencies among the Political Elite
Authors: Israel-Turim Verónica , Micó-Sanz Josep Lluís , Diez Bosch Miriam
Published: July 2022

Political communication has undergone transformations since the advent of digital networks, but do these new platforms promote interactivity and a public sphere with a more democratic political debate or do they function as echo chambers of the elites? In this research, we study the accounts that Spanish politicians started following on Twitter from 2017 to 2020, with the aim of understanding whether they reproduce patterns of homophilic tendencies or if they give space to new voices. To do so, we selected a sample from the deputies that were in the Spanish parliament during the four years of the study and through a big data and machine learning software, we identified the accounts they started following as a network and categorized them. We combined manual and computational data analysis methods and used data visualization techniques to look for patterns and trends. The results suggest that the Spanish political elites exhibit homophilic behaviors in terms of account types and geographic proximity and present a gender balance among the accounts. This study also suggests that the behavior of the political elite presented particularities during the electoral period, where we can observe an intensification of the homophilic patterns.
Protecting Trafficked Persons through Refugee Protection
Authors: Gauci Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2022

This paper critically engages with the long-term protection of trafficked persons. In particular, it assesses whether, and the conditions under which, trafficked persons can be considered as refugees under Article 1A of the Geneva Refugee Convention. The importance of international refugee law in this context is highlighted both by the number of trafficked persons seeking international protection and by its suitability to overcome the shortcomings of existing protection provisions in anti-trafficking instruments, which remain discretionary, conditional, and limited in scope. The paper begins by discussing the relevance of refugee protection for trafficked persons. It then applies the various components of the refugee definition to trafficked persons, focusing on the concepts of persecution and membership of a particular social group. Within these, it focuses on aspects of the debate that are currently missing from the broader literature. This includes the question of whether trafficking qua trafficking meets the threshold of persecution and the value of developments in international law in that regard, the merit of using race as a convention ground in cases of trafficked persons, and the contribution of legislative developments recognizing former victims of trafficked persons as members of a particular social group. It then concludes by highlighting the benefits of refugee protection for trafficked persons and indicating the challenges on the road to that protection.
Sustainable Marketing and Consumers’ Food Preference
Authors: Scozzafava Gabriele , Mauracher Christine , Gerini Francesca
Published: July 2022

Consumers can contribute to the sustainability of the agri-food system by choosing products and performing behaviors that are environmentally, socially, and economically friendly [...]
Functional Diversity in Woody Organs of Tropical Dry Forests and Implications for Restoration
Authors: Rosell Julieta A. , Olson Mark E. , Martínez-Garza Cristina , Martínez-Méndez Norberto
Published: July 2022

Tropical dry forests (TDFs) represent one of the most diverse and, at the same time, most threatened ecosystems on earth. Restoration of TDFs is thus crucial but is hindered by a limited understanding of the functional diversity (FD) of original communities. We examine the FD of TDFs based on wood (vessel diameter and wood density) and bark traits (total, inner, and outer bark thicknesses) measured on ~500 species from 24 plant communities and compare this diversity with that of seven other major vegetation types. Along with other seasonally dry sites, TDFs had the highest FD, as indicated by the widest ranges, highest variances, and largest trait hypervolumes. Warm temperatures and seasonal drought seem to drive diverse ecological strategies in these ecosystems, which include a continuum from deciduous species with low-density wood, thick bark, and wide vessels to evergreen species with high-density wood, thin bark, and narrow vessels. The very high FD of TDFs represents a challenge to restoring the likely widest trait ranges of any habitat on earth. Understanding this diversity is essential for monitoring successional changes in minimal intervention restoration and guiding species selection for resilient restoration plantings in the context of climate change.
Application of Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) for Pharmaceutical Wastewater Treatment: An Overview and Future Perspectives
Authors: Thapa Bhim Sen , Pandit Soumya , Patwardhan Sanchita Bipin , Tripathi Sakshi , Mathuriya Abhilasha Singh , Gupta Piyush Kumar , Lal Ram Bharosay , Tusher Tanmoy Roy
Published: July 2022

Pharmaceutical wastewater (PWW) is rapidly growing into one of the world’s most serious environmental and public health issues. Existing wastewater treatment systems carry numerous loopholes in supplying the ever-increasing need for potable water resulting from rises in population, urbanization, and industrial growth, and the volume of wastewater produced is growing each day. At present, conventional treatment methods, such as coagulation, sedimentation, oxidation, membrane filtration, flocculation, etc., are used to treat PWW. In contrast to these, the application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for decontaminating PWW can be a promising technology to replace these methods. MFC technologies have become a trending research topic in recent times. MFCs have also garnered the interest of researchers worldwide as a promising environmental remediation technique. This review extensively discusses the flaws in standalone conventional processes and the integration of MFCs to enhance electricity production and contaminant removal rates, especially with respect to PWW. This article also summarizes the studies reported on various antibiotics and wastes from pharmaceutical industries treated by MFCs, and their efficiencies. Furthermore, the review explains why further research is needed to establish the actual efficiency of MFCs to achieve sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective wastewater treatment. A brief on technoeconomic impacts has also been made to provide a glimpse of the way these technologies might replace present-day conventional methods.
Preservice Teachers from Physical Education: Differences between Ireland and Spain in Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility
Authors: Manzano-Sánchez David , Belando-Pedreño Noelia , Valero-Valenzuela Alfonso
Published: July 2022

The present study aimed to analyse and contrast the experiences of six Preservice Physical Education Teachers (onwards PPET) from two different socio-demographic contexts, Spain and Ireland, regarding the use of Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (henceforth TPSR) during their work placement. The sample consisted of six students aged between 21 and 25 years (three boys and three girls), in their final year of their bachelor’s degree, who had completed their work placement within the education pathway in different schools in Ireland and Spain. Each student participated in a semistructured interview to find out about their practicum experience, the relevance of TPSR and its relation to occupational socialisation theory. After transcription of the interviews, the results show great similarity between the two contexts, with a positive assessment of the experience and its high relevance for both the teacher tutor and the teachers during their nonuniversity education. Spanish students largely described the importance of past school experiences, showing a very positive assessment of past experiences as PE teachers. On the other hand, it is the students from Ireland who placed greater value on the applicability of TPSR in other subjects. In addition to having more experience using other pedagogical models, they also emphasised the importance of planning before applying methodologies such as TPSR.TPSR is highlighted as a suitable model for the promotion of social values in the classroom, although the training received during the degree course is insufficient for the proper application of the model. It is concluded that TPSR was perceived by Spanish and Irish students as a suitable methodology for teaching undergraduate students, but the students’ previous experiences must be taken into account.
Fostering Human Wellbeing in Africa through Solar Home Systems: A Systematic and a Critical Review
Authors: Ojong Nathanael
Published: July 2022

Solar home systems are being increasingly used for energy access in Africa, and claims have been made about their ability to enhance human wellbeing. Therefore, this paper systematically and critically assesses the human wellbeing effects of these systems in Africa. According to the systematic review, these small-scale renewable energy systems have positive effects in terms of education, health, safety and security, entertainment, and social connectedness. In the realms of income and firm productivity, the results were mixed, with some studies showing that the adoption of solar home systems contributed to increases in income and firm productivity, and others finding little or no evidence to support this view. However, a critical review indicates that some of the positive effects are often based on self-reporting, and rigorous evidence regarding the nature and the magnitude of the wellbeing effects of these systems is currently scarce and at times inconclusive. These systems will continue to play a role in Africa’s energy landscape in the foreseeable future due to limited access to and uncertainties related to centralised grid electrification for a significant segment of the population; but, based on the weak evidence base, we are daydreaming if we think that solar home systems can improve human wellbeing in a significant way due to their low energy-generation capacity. Accordingly, future research opportunities are suggested, which could help to address some of the shortcomings in the evidence base.
Influences of Urban Bikeway Design and Land Use on Bike Collision Severity: Evidence from Pohang in South Korea
Authors: Lee Juseung , Seo Ducksu
Published: July 2022

Since the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted mobility patterns, bicycle use and bikeway infrastructure have been spotlighted worldwide. Even before the pandemic, the Korean government expanded bike networks by enacting a national policy. However, issues with bikeway quality have grown significantly due to the excessive installation of bike infrastructure without due consideration given to land use and road conditions. This study aims to investigate bike collision severity based on various kinds of bikeways and land use data from Pohang city, which has a remarkably expanded bikeway network. Bike collision data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The results indicate that collision severity is associated with the ineffective separation of bikeways, walkway design and pavement materials on side paths, uncleared bike lanes, and land use of planned parks and open spaces. Policymakers can consider these factors to enhance the safety of bikeway networks. These findings highlight the need for bikeway policy improvements for well-designed and managed paved bikeways, particularly on the side paths and in park areas, which ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Research on Greenhouse Gas Emission Characteristics and Emission Mitigation Potential of Municipal Solid Waste Treatment in Beijing
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Sumei , Liu Chao
Published: July 2022

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a significant cause of climate change, and municipal solid waste (MSW) is an important source of GHG emissions. In this study, GHG emissions from MSW treatment in Beijing during 2006–2019 were accounted, basing on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) inventory model; the influencing factors affecting GHG emissions were analyzed by the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model combined with the extended Kaya identity, and the GHG mitigation potential were explored based on different MSW management policy contexts. The results showed that the GHG emissions from MSW treatment in Beijing increased from 3.62 Mt CO2e in 2006 to 6.57 Mt CO2e in 2019, with an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 4.68%, of which 89.34–99.36% was CH4. Moreover, the driving factors of GHG emissions from MSW treatment were, in descending order: economic output (EO), GHG emission intensity (EI), population size (P), and urbanization rate (U). The inhibiting factors were, in descending order: MSW treatment pattern (TP) and MSW treatment intensity (TI). Furthermore, compared with the BAU (business–as–usual) scenario, the GHG mitigation potential of the MSW classification and the population control scenario were 35.79% and 0.51%, respectively, by 2030.
Private Firm Support for Circular Economy Regulation in the EU Policy Context
Authors: Pietrulla Felicitas
Published: July 2022

As an empirical investigation of firm support for circular economy regulation in the European Union (EU) context, this paper is the first to connect the research field on corporate political activity with the growing research field on the circular economy. The paper presents these two research streams, draws on theories such as the resource-based view, and employs a hierarchical regression framework to formulate and test six hypotheses on what drives firms to support circular economy regulation. We find that smaller firms show more support for circular economy regulation than larger firms do and identify two moderating effects: the stock listing seems to moderate the relationship between firm size and a firm’s support for circular economy regulation; and a firm’s supply chain position has a counterintuitive negative moderating effect on the relationship between slack resources and a firm’s support for circular economy regulation. We discuss null findings and suggest avenues for future research at this under-researched intersection of policies and firms in the circular economy context.
The Effect of COVID-19 on the Environmental Impact of Our Lifestyles and on Environmental Concern
Authors: Van Ootegem Luc , Verhofstadt Elsy , Defloor Bart , Bleys Brent
Published: July 2022

Since the beginning of 2020, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary to change our lifestyles (e.g., restrictions on transport or travelling and forced telework). This has also changed the environmental impact of our lifestyles. To quantify that impact, we used surveys to calculate the Ecological Footprint (EF) and environmental concern of Belgian respondents in 2021 and compared this to the EF-situation in 2017, before COVID-19. We observed that the EF became significantly lower during the COVID-19 crisis. Of course, this change in behaviour is the result of compulsory measures. Therefore, we asked about people’s willingness to reduce the EF permanently, particularly after COVID-19 and on a voluntary basis. We observed that, in 2021, respondents had a strong desire to return to a pre-COVID-19 lifestyle and that they are even less concerned about the environment than they were in the period before COVID-19. Moreover, these results hold after taking into account the effect of different explanatory variables in a multivariate analysis. As a general conclusion, there is little or no evidence that COVID-19 will fundamentally change the environmental impact of our behaviour or our environmental concern if there is no associated public intervention. There is a need for policies that make use of the potential created by COVID-19 (e.g., stimulate working from home and increased cycling).
Multiple Intelligence Informed Resources for Addressing Sustainable Development Goals in Management Engineering
Authors: Etxebarria Begoña , Sánchez Francisco , Rojo Naiara , Barona Astrid
Published: July 2022

The competence-based model focuses on acquiring skills and abilities, yet each student’s individual circumstances condition the way in which they learn, develop, and implement them. Accordingly, there is a growing interest in defining learning activities that consider the diverse range of intelligences, abilities, and prevailing mindsets in each individual in order to promote inclusive education and sustainable development. This article seeks to design a methodology for the teaching–learning resources associated with the nature of the prevailing intelligence in the competence-based model. Thus, the “competence-intelligence-resource triangle” was proposed for promoting inclusive education in the degree in Management Engineering at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). A total of 99 teaching–learning resources, 11 competences, and 9 types of intelligence were combined. As far as the multiple intelligence approach is concerned, the 50 students surveyed prioritized logical–mathematical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, and spatial intelligences. As a conclusion, the use of teaching–learning resources designed for promoting different types of intelligence in the competence-based model constitutes an adaptive strategy for the students to successfully acquire competences.
Assessing the Quality and Efficiency of Education in Rural Schools through the Models of Integration and the Cooperation of Educational Institutions: A Case Study of Russia and Indonesia
Authors: Turwelis  , Komariah Aan , Rykova Inna , Shestakov Dmitry , Hasan Munther , Kurniady Dedy Achmad , Grebennikova Veronica , Shcherbatykh Lyudmila , Kosov Mikhail , Dudnik Olesya
Published: July 2022

Education is an important part of life that helps people improve their socio-economic conditions. However, unequal resource allocation affects education efficiency and quality in urban and rural areas. In this regard, this research aimed to study the implementation of integration and cooperation models amongst educational institutions to improve the quality and efficiency of education in the rural areas of Russia and Indonesia. The study has used primary data collection based on a questionnaire to accomplish its goals. Different factors such as the working environment, vocational education, financial incentives, integrated curriculum, and webbed network system are examined. The results show that an integrated curriculum and webbed network system are the most critical factors for enhancing education quality and efficiency in the educational institutes of rural Russia and Indonesia.
The Impact of Spatial Changes of Shiraz’s Historic District on Perceived Anti-Social Behavior
Authors: Moqadam Sadrodin , Nubani Linda
Published: July 2022

As cities grow, their spatial configurations may undergo some changes over time. This study attempted to examine the impact of the changes that occurred to the spatial configuration of the historical district of Shiraz on perceived anti-social behavior (ASB). Space syntax techniques were used to assess whether they can explain the extent to which perceived levels of anti-social behavior were impacted by these changes. Historical and present maps of the city were obtained and spatially analyzed using DepthmapX. The perceived ASB was assessed using seven groups of factors identified from the existing literature. These factors were evaluated using questionnaires distributed to long-term residents living in the area; in total, 98 respondents responded to the questions using a five-point Likert scale. Findings demonstrated that the perceived ASB was concentrated along highly integrated street segments. The unplanned transformations also introduced a large number of fragmented street segments, making it a challenge to connect the inner streets to the rest of the city. The spatial metrics used in this study could provide a useful tool for planners, urban designers, and policymakers, who can thereby measure the impact of proposed city modifications on social behavior and the residents’ quality of life.
The Relationship between Soil Particle Size Fractions, Associated Carbon Distribution and Physicochemical Properties of Historical Land-Use Types in Newly Formed Reservoir Buffer Strips
Authors: Yan Tengfei , Kremenetska Yevheniia , Zhang Biyang , He Songlin , Wang Xinfa , Yu Zelong , Hu Qiang , Liang Xiangpeng , Fu Manyi , Wang Zhen
Published: July 2022

Water impoundment reshapes the ecological environment around the bank-line of newly built reservoirs. Therefore, reservoir buffer strips play a disproportionately large role in the maintenance of ecosystem functions and environmental benefits during the early stage of reservoir formation. However, there are gaps in the research on soil particle-size-associated carbon distribution characteristics within different historical land-use types in newly formed reservoir buffer strips. In this study, we focused on soil particle size fractions, aggregate stability, and particle-size-associated carbon distribution characteristics of different historical land-use types of reservoir buffer strips at distance scale (i.e., different distance from the water) after reservoir impoundment in the Chushandian Reservoir, China, and explored the relationship between them. The results showed that the soil texture of abandoned cropland and grassland are classified as silt loam and woodland are classified as sandy loam; different historical land-use types in newly formed reservoir buffer strips showed significant differences in soil aggregate stability after reservoir impoundment; a distance scale was used to measure these differences, which were mainly due to the dry-wet cycles and water submerged condition caused by the buffers’ different distances from water. The newly formed reservoir buffer strips underwent corresponding changes in the particle-size-associated carbon distribution characteristics after reservoir impoundment, mainly due to the turnover property of different soil particles combined with organic carbon. Reservoir impoundment accelerates the turnover of silt particle and associated nutrients in soils of historical land-use types in newly formed reservoir buffer strips; turnover may be mediated mainly by microbial biomass.
Phytoremediation Using Willow in Industrial Contaminated Soil
Authors: Landberg Tommy , Greger Maria
Published: July 2022

In our previous work, we used Salix viminalis in the field to decontaminate agricultural soils containing cadmium. Our aim in the current study was to determine whether S. viminalis could decrease the levels of heavy metals, arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in industrial soil at a former workshop site. The site was planted with S. viminalis cuttings in July 2003. Soil samples were collected yearly from 2005 to 2015 and analysed for heavy metals, arsenic, PCBs and PAHs. The results showed that 21% of chromium, 30% of arsenic, 54% of cadmium, 61% of zinc, 62% of copper, 63% of lead, 87% of nickel, 53% of PCBs and up to 73% of PAHs were removed from the soil after 10 years of S. viminalis treatment. After just 1 year of Salix cultivation, a significant decrease was observed in most of the contaminants in the soil. The reduction in contaminants was linear at first but slowed down after a few years. The number of years prior to a slow-down in rate of removal differed between the contaminants. This study concludes that S. viminalis can be used for the phytoremediation of contaminated industrial soil and that the rate of decontamination differs between substances.
Identification of Novel Drugs Targeting Cell Cycle Regulators for the Treatment of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer via Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yuanchun , Zuo Jiachen , Shen Yiming , Yan Donghui , Chen Jiajia , Qi Xin
Published: July 2022

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC), the most common and aggressive histological type of ovarian cancer, remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females. It is important to develop novel drugs to improve the therapeutic outcomes of HGSC patients, thereby reducing their mortality. Symmetry is one of the most important properties of the biological network, which determines the stability of a biological system. As aberrant gene expression is a critical symmetry-breaking event that perturbs the stability of biological networks and triggers tumor progression, we aim in this study to discover new candidate drugs and predict their targets for HGSC therapy based on differentially expressed genes involved in HGSC pathogenesis. Firstly, 98 up-regulated genes and 108 down-regulated genes were identified from three independent transcriptome datasets. Then, the small-molecule compounds PHA-793887, pidorubicine and lestaurtinib, which target cell-cycle-related processes, were identified as novel candidate drugs for HGSC treatment by adopting the connectivity map (CMap)-based drug repositioning approach. Furthermore, through a topological analysis of the protein–protein interaction network, cell cycle regulators CDK1, TOP2A and AURKA were identified as bottleneck nodes, and their expression patterns were validated at the mRNA and protein expression levels. Moreover, the results of molecular docking analysis showed that PHA-793887, pidorubicine and lestaurtinib had a strong binding affinity for CDK1, TOP2A and AURKA, respectively. Therefore, our study repositioned PHA-793887, pidorubicine and lestaurtinib, which can inhibit cell cycle regulators, as novel agents for HGSC treatment, thereby helping to optimize the therapeutic strategy for HGSC.
Building Trusted Federated Learning on Blockchain
Authors: Oktian Yustus Eko , Stanley Brian , Lee Sang-Gon
Published: July 2022

Federated learning enables multiple users to collaboratively train a global model using the users’ private data on users’ local machines. This way, users are not required to share their training data with other parties, maintaining user privacy; however, the vanilla federated learning proposal is mainly assumed to be run in a trusted environment, while the actual implementation of federated learning is expected to be performed in untrusted domains. This paper aims to use blockchain as a trusted federated learning platform to realize the missing “running on untrusted domain” requirement. First, we investigate vanilla federate learning issues such as client’s low motivation, client dropouts, model poisoning, model stealing, and unauthorized access. From those issues, we design building block solutions such as incentive mechanism, reputation system, peer-reviewed model, commitment hash, and model encryption. We then construct the full-fledged blockchain-based federated learning protocol, including client registration, training, aggregation, and reward distribution. Our evaluations show that the proposed solutions made federated learning more reliable. Moreover, the proposed system can motivate participants to be honest and perform best-effort training to obtain higher rewards while punishing malicious behaviors. Hence, running federated learning in an untrusted environment becomes possible.
Hopf Bifurcation and Control of a Fractional-Order Delay Stage Structure Prey-Predator Model with Two Fear Effects and Prey Refuge
Authors: Lan Yongzhong , Shi Jianping , Fang Hui
Published: July 2022

A generalized delay stage structure prey-predator model with fear effect and prey refuge is considered in this paper via introducing fractional-order and fear effect induced by immature predators. Hopf bifurcation and control of this system are investigated though regarding the delay as the parameter. Firstly, by using the method of linearization and Laplace transform, the roots of the characteristic equation of the linearized system of the original system are discussed, and the sufficient conditions for the system exhibits an unstable state of symmetrical periodic oscillation (Hopf bifurcation) are explored. Secondly, a linear delay feedback controller is added to the system to increase the stability domain successfully. Thirdly, numerical simulations are performed to validate the theoretical analysis, and the various impacts on the dynamical behavior of the system occurring by fear effects, prey refuge, and each fractional-order are illustrated, respectively. Furthermore, the influence of feedback gain on the bifurcation critical point is analyzed. Finally, an analysis based on the results and in-depth research about this system under the biological background is stated in the conclusion.
A Numerical Approach for Analysing the Moving Sofa Problem
Authors: Batsch Michał
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a method for obtaining the shape and area of a sofa. The proposed approach is based on a discrete solution to the equation, which states the necessary conditions for the existence of envelopes. Based on provided examples, it was proved that the method can be used for deriving the solutions of the posed problem. The method offers an area calculation accuracy of 1.5×10−8.
A Generalization of Szasz Operators by Using the Appell Polynomials of Class A(2)
Authors: Varma Serhan , Sucu Sezgin
Published: July 2022

In this paper, as a generalization of Szasz operators, a brand-new sequence of operators including the Appell polynomials of class A2 is introduced. First, the convergence of this new sequence of operators is obtained, and then, some approximation results are presented by using the tools of approximation theory. In addition, an explicit example for this kind of sequence of operators containing Gould–Hopper polynomials is introduced. The error of the approximation of this new sequence of operators to a function is established.
Distance Antimagic Product Graphs
Authors: Simanjuntak Rinovia , Tritama Aholiab
Published: July 2022

A distance antimagic graph is a graph G admitting a bijection f:V(G)→{1,2,…,|V(G)|} such that for two distinct vertices x and y, ω(x)≠ω(y), where ω(x)=∑y∈N(x)f(y), for N(x) the open neighborhood of x. It was conjectured that a graph G is distance antimagic if and only if G contains no two vertices with the same open neighborhood. In this paper, we study several distance antimagic product graphs. The products under consideration are the three fundamental graph products (Cartesian, strong, direct), the lexicographic product, and the corona product. We investigate the consequence of the non-commutative (or sometimes called non-symmetric) property of the last two products to the antimagicness of the product graphs.
Symmetric Toeplitz Matrices for a New Family of Prestarlike Functions
Authors: Cotîrlă Luminiţa-Ioana , Wanas Abbas Kareem
Published: July 2022

By making use of prestarlike functions, we introduce in this paper a certain family of normalized holomorphic functions defined in the open unit disk, and we establish coefficient estimates for the first four determinants of the symmetric Toeplitz matrices T2(2), T2(3), T3(2) and T3(1) for the functions belonging to this family. We also mention some known and new results that follow as special cases of our results.
Fractional Frequency Reuse Optimal SINR Threshold Selection Using NIR and ISODATA
Authors: Kihato Peter , Musyoki Stephen , Onim Antony
Published: July 2022

A vital part of cellular network evolution has been long-term evolution networks. In these networks, it is important to mitigate inter-cell interference. Fractional frequency re-use has been proposed to address this. The method involves the division of cells into two regions based on a signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio threshold value. The inner region adopts a frequency re-use of one (1), while the outer region uses a higher frequency re-use factor. Setting the threshold value is a critical problem addressed in this paper. The proposed approach adapts techniques used in image processing called global-thresholding techniques. The approaches considered are iterative self-organizing data analysis and native integral ratio. Mobile stations in a cell continuously report their signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio values to the base station. These reported values are used to determine a threshold which dictates which subscribers fall in the inner and outer regions. The threshold value is periodically updated based on the new reported values over time. Simulations are used to assess the performance using throughput and fairness metrics. By setting the threshold optimally, better throughputs and fairness are then achieved. We concluded that native integral ratio marginally outperformed the iterative self-organizing data analysis method, and it significantly outperformed static fractional frequency reuse techniques.
Metabolomics: A New Approach in the Evaluation of Effects in Human Beings and Wildlife Associated with Environmental Exposition to POPs
Authors: Acosta-Tlapalamatl Miriam , Romo-Gómez Claudia , Anaya-Hernández Arely , Juárez-Santacruz Libertad , Gaytán-Oyarzún Juan Carlos , Acevedo-Sandoval Otilio Arturo , García-Nieto Edelmira
Published: July 2022

Human beings and wild organisms are exposed daily to a broad range of environmental stressors. Among them are the persistent organic pollutants that can trigger adverse effects on these organisms due to their toxicity properties. There is evidence that metabolomics can be used to identify biomarkers of effect by altering the profiles of endogenous metabolites in biological fluids or tissues. This approach is relatively new and has been used in vitro studies mainly. Therefore, this review addresses those that have used metabolomics as a key tool to identify metabolites associated with environmental exposure to POPs in wildlife and human populations and that can be used as biomarkers of effect. The published results suggest that the metabolic pathways that produce energy, fatty acids, and amino acids are commonly affected by POPs. Furthermore, these pathways can be promoters of additional effects. In the future, metabolomics combined with other omics will improve understanding of the origin, development, and progression of the effects caused by environmental exposure.
New Insights into Chemical and Biological Properties of Funicone-like Compounds
Authors: Salvatore Maria Michela , DellaGreca Marina , Andolfi Anna , Nicoletti Rosario
Published: July 2022

Funicone-like compounds are a homogeneous group of polyketides that, so far, have only been reported as fungal secondary metabolites. In particular, species in the genus Talaromyces seem to be the most typical producers of this group of secondary metabolites. The molecular structure of funicone, the archetype of these products, is characterized by a γ-pyrone ring linked through a ketone group to a α-resorcylic acid nucleus. This review provides an update on the current knowledge on the chemistry of funicone-like compounds, with special emphasis on their classification, occurrence, and diverse biological activities. In addition, their potential relevance as mycotoxins is discussed.
Altered RNome expression in Murine Gastrocnemius Muscle following Exposure to Jararhagin, a Metalloproteinase from Bothrops jararaca Venom
Authors: Nascimento Andrezza , Zychar Bianca Cestari , Pessôa Rodrigo , Duarte Alberto José da Silva , Clissa Patricia Bianca , Sanabani Sabri Saeed
Published: July 2022

Small RNAs (sRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding single-stranded RNAs that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. Experiments in mice and humans have revealed that a typical small RNA can affect the expression of a wide range of genes, implying that small RNAs function as global regulators. Here, we used small RNA deep sequencing to investigate how jararhagin, a metalloproteinase toxin produced from the venom of Bothrops jararaca, affected mmu-miRNAs expression in mice 2 hours (Jar 2hrs) and 24 hours (Jar 24hrs) after injection compared to PBS control. The findings revealed that seven mmu-miRNAs were substantially differentially expressed (p value (p (Corr) cut-off 0.05, fold change ≥ 2) at 2 hrs after jararhagin exposure and that the majority of them were upregulated when compared to PBS. In contrast to these findings, a comparison of Jar 24hrs vs. PBS 24hrs demonstrated that the majority of identified mmu-miRNAs were downregulated. Furthermore, the studies demonstrated that mmu-miRNAs can target the expression of several genes involved in the MAPK signaling pathway. The steady antithetical regulation of mmu-miRNAs may correlate with the expression of genes that trigger apoptosis via MAPK in the early stages, and this effect intensifies with time. The findings expand our understanding of the effects of jararhagin on local tissue lesions at the molecular level.