bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacogenetics of Metformin Transporters Suggests No Association with Therapeutic Inefficacy among Diabetes Type 2 Mexican Patients
Authors: Ortega-Ayala Adiel , Rodríguez-Rivera Nidia Samara , Andrés Fernando de , LLerena Adrián , Pérez-Silva Eliseo , Espinosa-Sánchez Adriana Guadalupe , Molina-Guarneros Juan Arcadio
Published: June 2022

Mexico has been under official epidemiological alert due to diabetes since 2016. This study presents new information on the frequency and variants of metformin transporters OCT1, OCT2, OCT3, ABCB1, and CYP2C9 variants as well. It also reports the association with HbA1c control on 103 DMT2 patients. They were genotyped through real-time PCR (TaqMan assays) and grouped according to treatment: metformin and metformin + glibenclamide. Metformin plasmatic levels were determined through mass spectrometry. The analysis of HbA1c showed statistical significance across genotypes in polymorphisms rs72552763 (p = 0.022), rs622342 (p = 0.009), rs1128503 (p = 0.021), and rs2032582 (p = 0.009) within the monotherapy group. Bivariate analysis found no association between any polymorphism and HbA1c control. Two logistic regression models accounted for two diplotypes in OCT1 and ABCB1, including statistically significant covariates. The first model yielded significance in age (p = 0.026), treatment period [p = 0.001], BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.043), and combined therapy (p < 0.001). There was no association with GAT/GAT of rs72552763 or A/A rs622342 in OCT1. The second model yielded significance in age (p = 0.017), treatment period (p = 0.001), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.042), and combined therapy (p < 0.001), finding no association with C/C of rs1128503 or G/G of rs2032582 in ABCB1. Our multinomial logistic regression results may benefit future predictive analyses in diabetic populations.
Exploring the Anticancer Effects of Brominated Plastoquinone Analogs with Promising Cytotoxic Activity in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells via Cell Cycle Arrest and Oxidative Stress Induction
Authors: Jannuzzi Ayse Tarbin , Yilmaz Goler Ayse Mine , Bayrak Nilüfer , Yıldız Mahmut , Yıldırım Hatice , Karademir Yilmaz Betul , Shilkar Deepak , Venkatesan Raghusrinivasan Jayaprakash , Jayaprakash Venkatesan , TuYuN Amaç Fatih
Published: June 2022

Plastoquinone analogs are privileged structures among the known antiproliferative natural product-based compound families. Exploiting one of these analogs as a lead structure, we report the investigation of the brominated PQ analogs (BrPQ) in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute of Bethesda within the Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP). These analogs exhibited growth inhibition in the micromolar range across leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer (EKVX, HOP-92, and NCI-H522), colon cancer (HCT-116, HOP-92), melanoma (LOX IMVI), and ovarian cancer (OVCAR-4) cell lines. One brominated PQ analog (BrPQ5) was selected for a full panel five-dose in vitro assay by the NCI’s Development Therapeutic Program (DTP) division to determine GI50, TGI, and LC50 parameters. The brominated PQ analog (BrPQ5) displayed remarkable activity against most tested cell lines, with GI50 values ranging from 1.55 to 4.41 µM. The designed molecules (BrPQ analogs) obeyed drug-likeness rules, displayed a favorable predictive Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) profile, and an in silico simulation predicted a possible BrPQ5 interaction with proteasome catalytic subunits. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxic activity of BrPQ5 was assessed, and IC50 values for U-251 glioma, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancers, DU145 prostate cancer, HCT-116 colon cancer, and VHF93 fibroblast cell lines were evaluated using an MTT assay. MCF-7 was the most affected cell line, and the effects of BrPQ5 on cell proliferation, cell cycle, oxidative stress, apoptosis/necrosis induction, and proteasome activity were further investigated in MCF-7 cells. The in vitro assay results showed that BrPQ5 caused cytotoxicity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells via cell cycle arrest and oxidative stress induction. However, BrPQ5 did not inhibit the catalytic activity of the proteasome. These results provide valuable insights for further discovery of novel antiproliferative agents.
Antibacterial Activity of In Situ Generated Silver Nanoparticles in Hybrid Silica Films
Authors: Pal Sudipto , Nisi Rossella , Licciulli Antonio
Published: June 2022

Herein we present silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-doped inorganic–organic hybrid silica films on glass and polypropylene substrates. A hybrid inorganic–organic silica sol in alcoholic medium was prepared at room temperature using TEOS, GLYMO, and APTES. Silver nanoparticles were generated in situ within the hybrid silica sol. AgNPs-SiO2 film was obtained by dip coating method following drying at 80 °C. FTIR spectra shows several vibrational bands of the hybrid silica network and amine functionalization. AgNPs formation was observed from the XRD spectra of the dried film. UV–Visible spectra show sharp surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band centered at 412 nm arising from the evenly distributed silver nanoparticle inside the silica film that was supported by morphological characterization. Both the coated films showed good antibacterial activity against E. coli bacterial strain by forming a zone of inhibition in the agar diffusion test. The antibacterial efficiency for coated glass and polypropylene was 72.5% and 83.75%. This coating approach provides a straight-forward solution to prepare antibacterial coatings on various substrates especially on plastics, where low temperature processing is necessary.
Jean Cleymans: Scientist, Mentor, and Friend Extraordinaire
Authors: Srivastava Dinesh Kumar
Published: June 2022

When in 1988, I decided to start working on the physics of quark-gluon plasma and relativistic heavy-ion collisions, I was reasonably well-entrenched in my chosen field of low-energy nuclear reactions and break-up of light nuclei, having worked for over 17 years in that field [...]
Developmental Differences between Anthers of Diploid and Autotetraploid Rice at Meiosis
Authors: Ku Tianya , Gu Huihui , Li Zishuang , Tian Baoming , Xie Zhengqing , Shi Gongyao , Chen Weiwei , Wei Fang , Cao Gangqiang
Published: June 2022

Newly synthetic autotetraploid rice shows lower pollen fertility and seed setting rate relative to diploid rice, which hinders its domestication and breeding. In this study, cytological analysis showed that at meiosis I stage, an unbalanced segregation of homologous chromosomes, occurred as well as an early degeneration of tapetal cells in autotetraploid rice. We identified 941 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in anthers (meiosis I), including 489 upregulated and 452 downregulated proteins. The DEPs identified were related to post-translational modifications such as protein ubiquitination. These modifications are related to chromatin remodeling and homologous recombination abnormalities during meiosis. In addition, proteins related to the pentose phosphate pathway (BGIOSGA016558, BGIOSGA022166, and BGIOSGA028743) were downregulated. This may be related to the failure of autotetraploid rice to provide the energy needed for cell development after polyploidization, which then ultimately leads to the early degradation of the tapetum. Moreover, we also found that proteins (BGIOSGA017346 and BGIOSGA027368) related to glutenin degradation were upregulated, indicating that a large loss of glutenin cannot provide nutrition for the development of tapetum, resulting in early degradation of tapetum. Taken together, these evidences may help to understand the differences in anther development between diploid and autotetraploid rice during meiosis.
Airflow Distributions in a Z Type Centripetal Radial Flow Reactor: Effects of Opening Strategy and Opening Rate
Authors: Xing Yuchen , Zhang Chuanzhao , Wang Haoyu , Li Ziyi , Liu Yingshu
Published: June 2022

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was adopted to investigate the influence of the three-section opening strategy in the Z type centripetal radial flow reactor on the uniformity of the gas flow, which aimed to optimize the opening rate of the reactor. The simulation results showed that as the pore-opening ratio of are 10%, 16% and 29% for three sections from top to bottom of the central channel, the opening rate of the circular channel perforated plate is 10–12%, 21–25% and 30–40% from top to bottom, respectively; the uniformity of the reactor was then achieved. Through the simulation results, it was also found that the change in the opening rate at the center pipe perforated plate had a greater contribution to the gas flow mal-distribution inside the reactor. The contribution of the change in the opening rate of the annular channel perforated plate to the uniformity of the gas flow inside the reactor was smaller than that of the center pipe. Annular channel width should not be smaller, such that gas flow malfunction inside the reactor could be avoided, although high-speed velocity cases were encountered.
Through-Ice Acoustic Source Tracking Using Vision Transformers with Ordinal Classification
Authors: Whitaker Steven , Barnard Andrew , Anderson George D. , Havens Timothy C.
Published: June 2022

Ice environments pose challenges for conventional underwater acoustic localization techniques due to their multipath and non-linear nature. In this paper, we compare different deep learning networks, such as Transformers, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, and Vision Transformers (ViTs), for passive localization and tracking of single moving, on-ice acoustic sources using two underwater acoustic vector sensors. We incorporate ordinal classification as a localization approach and compare the results with other standard methods. We conduct experiments passively recording the acoustic signature of an anthropogenic source on the ice and analyze these data. The results demonstrate that Vision Transformers are a strong contender for tracking moving acoustic sources on ice. Additionally, we show that classification as a localization technique can outperform regression for networks more suited for classification, such as the CNN and ViTs.
Inertia–Acoustophoresis Hybrid Microfluidic Device for Rapid and Efficient Cell Separation
Authors: Kim Uihwan , Oh Byeolnim , Ahn Jiyeon , Lee Sangwook , Cho Younghak
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we proposed an integrated microfluidic device that could demonstrate the non-contact, label-free separation of particles and cells through the combination of inertial microfluidics and acoustophoresis. The proposed device integrated two microfluidic chips which were a PDMS channel chip on top of the silicon-based acoustofluidic chip. The PDMS chip worked by prefocusing the particles/cells through inducing the inertial force of the channel structure. The connected acoustofluidic chips separated particles based on their size through an acoustic radiation force. In the serpentine-shaped PDMS chip, particles formed two lines focusing in the channel, and a trifugal-shaped acoustofluidic chip displaced and separated particles, in which larger particles focused on the central channel and smaller ones moved to the side channels. The simultaneous fluidic works allowed high-efficiency particle separation. Using this novel acoustofluidic device with an inertial microchannel, the separation of particles and cells based on their size was presented and analyzed, and the efficiency of the device was shown. The device demonstrated excellent separation performance with a high recovery ratio (up to 96.3%), separation efficiency (up to 99%), and high volume rate (>100 µL/min). Our results showed that integrated devices could be a viable alternative to current cell separation based on their low cost, reduced sample consumption and high throughput capability.
Continuous Authentication against Collusion Attacks
Authors: Lyu Pin , Cai Wandong , Wang Yao
Published: June 2022

As mobile devices become more and more popular, users gain many conveniences. It has also made smartphone makers install new software and prebuilt hardware on their products, including many kinds of sensors. With improved storage and computing power, users also become accustomed to storing and interacting with personally sensitive information. Due to convenience and efficiency, mobile devices use gait authentication widely. In recent years, protecting the information security of mobile devices has become increasingly important. It has become a hot research area because smartphones are vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access. This paper proposes a novel attack model called a collusion attack. Firstly, we study the imitation attack in the general state and its results and propose and verify the feasibility of our attack. We propose a collusion attack model and train participants with quantified action specifications. The results demonstrate that our attack increases the attacker’s false match rate only using an acceleration sensor in some systems sensor. Furthermore, we propose a multi-cycle defense model based on acceleration direction changes to improve the robustness of smartphone-based gait authentication methods against such attacks. Experimental results show that our defense model can significantly reduce the attacker’s success rate.
ARG-Mask RCNN: An Infrared Insulator Fault-Detection Network Based on Improved Mask RCNN
Authors: Zhou Ming , Wang Jue , Li Bo
Published: June 2022

Traditional power equipment defect-detection relies on manual verification, which places a high demand on the verifier’s experience, as well as a high workload and low efficiency, which can lead to false detection and missed detection. The Mask of the regions with CNN features (Mask RCNN) deep learning model is used to provide a defect-detection approach based on the Mask RCNN of Attention, Rotation, Genetic algorithm (ARG-Mask RCNN), which employs infrared imaging as the data source to assess the features of damaged insulators. For the backbone network of Mask RCNN, the structure of Residual Network 101 (ResNet101) is improved and the attention mechanism is added, which makes the model more alert to small targets and can quickly identify the location of small targets, improve the loss function, integrate the rotation mechanism into the loss function formula, and generate an anchor frame where a rotation angle is used to accurately locate the fault location. The initial hyperparameters of the network are improved, and the Genetic Algorithm Combined with Gradient Descent (GA-GD) algorithm is used to optimize the model hyperparameters, so that the model training results are as close to the global best as possible. The experimental results show that the average accuracy of the insulator fault-detection method proposed in this paper is as high as 98%, and the number of frames per second (FPS) is 5.75, which provides a guarantee of the safe, stable, and reliable operation of our country’s power system.
Employing Eye Tracking to Study Visual Attention to Live Streaming: A Case Study of Facebook Live
Authors: Chen Hsuan-Chu , Wang Chun-Chia , Hung Jason C. , Hsueh Cheng-Yu
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development of a new business model, “Live Streaming + Ecommerce”, which is a new method for commercial sales that shares the goal of sustainable economic growth (SDG 8). As information technology finds its way into the digital lives of internet users, the real-time and interactive nature of live streaming has overturned the traditional entertainment experience of audio and video content, moving towards a more nuanced division of labor with multiple applications. This study used a portable eye tracker to collect eye movement information from participants watching Facebook Live, with 31 participants who had experience using the live streaming platform. The four eye movement indicators, namely, latency of first fixation (LFF), duration of first fixation (DFF), total fixation durations (TFD), and the number of fixations (NOF), were used to analyze the distribution of the visual attention in each region of interest (ROI) and explore the study questions based on the ROIs. The findings of this study were as follows: (1) the fixation order of the ROIs in the live ecommerce platform differed between participants of different sexes; (2) the DFF of the ROIs in the live ecommerce platform differed among participants of different sexes; and (3) regarding the ROIs of participants on the live ecommerce platform, participants of different sexes showed the same attention to the live products according to the TFD and NOF eye movement indicators. This study explored the visual search behaviors of existing consumers watching live ecommerce and provides the results as a reference for operators and researchers of live streaming platforms.
Developing a 3D Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model for Floating Treatment Wetlands to Study the Flow Structure and Nutrient Removal Performance of Different Configurations
Authors: Wang Yan , Gao Xueping , Sun Bowen , Liu Yuan
Published: June 2022

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are widely used in surface water. The nutrient removal performance depends on both physical processes and chemical/biological transformations in FTWs. However, research describing the coupling processes of hydrodynamic and water quality in the system remains limited. Therefore, a coupled three-dimensional model of hydrodynamic and water quality for FTWs was developed based on the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC). Additional plant drag terms were added to the momentum equations to simulate the suspended canopy effect, and the chemical/biological processes occurring in FTWs were integrated into the original water quality equations simultaneously. The fully calibrated model was used to compare the hydrodynamic characteristics and nutrient removal performance of seven FTW configurations. The modeling results showed that the main stream would turn to the bottom and side of the plant root zone because of the block in FTWs. The differences in the hydrodynamic characteristics among the seven configurations led to a difference in water quality improvement effects. Segmenting a single FTW into a pair of parallel FTWs could achieve the maximum nitrogen and phosphorus mass removal. The results of the study are useful for designing an optimal FTW configuration in surface water.
Can Digital Transformation Promote Green Technology Innovation?
Authors: Xue Long , Zhang Qianyu , Zhang Xuemang , Li Chengyu
Published: June 2022

Using the index of the degree of digital transformation of enterprises constructed based on text analysis, and combining the data of Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2020, a panel data model was established to empirically study the impact of digital transformation on green technology innovation and the mechanism of action and to further analyze the impact of heterogeneity. The results show that digital transformation can significantly promote green technology innovation, and its internal mechanism is that digital transformation can improve the level of green technology innovation by alleviating financing constraints and attracting government subsidies. Compared with nonstate-owned enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises, digital transformation plays a more significant role in promoting green technology innovation in state-owned enterprises and large-scale enterprises. Therefore, the government should regulate the market order and formulate reasonable financial policies to provide policy and financial support for enterprises to carry out digital transformation, mobilize the willingness of enterprises to carry out green technology innovation and improve the level of green technology innovation in China.
Pistol Shooting Performance Correlates with Respiratory Muscle Strength and Pulmonary Function in Police Cadets
Authors: Karaduman Emre , Bostancı Özgür , Karakaş Fatih , Kabadayı Menderes , Yılmaz Ali Kerim , Akyildiz Zeki , Badicu Georgian , Cataldi Stefania , Fischetti Francesco
Published: June 2022

Breathing patterns play a crucial role in shooting performance; however, little is known about the respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary capacities that control these patterns. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between shooting performance, respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary function and to determine differences in respiratory capacities according to the shooting performance categories in police cadets. One hundred sixty-seven police cadets were recruited to assess respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and shooting performance in a well-controlled environment. Measurements included maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity (SVC), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), and pistol shooting scores. The shooting score had a moderate positive correlation with MIP (ρ = 0.33) and MEP (ρ = 0.45). FVC (ρ = 0.25), FEV1 (ρ = 0.26), SVC (ρ = 0.26) (p < 0.001) and MVV (ρ = 0.21) (p < 0.05) were slightly correlated with shooting score. There were differences between shooting performance categories in MIP, MEP, FVC, FEV1, SVC, and MVV (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). The results imply that both strong respiratory muscles and optimal pulmonary function may be one of the necessary prerequisites for superior shooting performance in police.
Numerical Simulation of the Liquefaction Phenomenon by MPSM-DEM Coupled CAES
Authors: Nakao Koki , Inazumi Shinya , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Nontananandh Supakij
Published: June 2022

The mechanism of liquefaction and the factors that cause liquefaction behavior have previously been examined and evaluated, both analytically and experimentally; construction including liquefaction countermeasures is being implemented, based on these findings. This study presents a theoretical visualization of the mechanism of liquefaction generation and evaluates the behavior of particles in the ground. Specifically, an MPSM-DEM coupled CAE system (CAES) is employed to view the events beneath the ground, modeled three-dimensionally when an external acceleration is applied to simulate seismic waves and reveals the behavior below the surface. The numerical simulation of the liquefaction phenomenon, as represented by an MPSM-DEM coupled CAES system, clearly showed the mechanism of liquefaction generation and contributed to the design and accountability of more economical and sustainable liquefaction countermeasures, regardless of the field of specialization.
Surface Deformation Monitoring and Risk Mapping in the Surroundings of the Solotvyno Salt Mine (Ukraine) between 1992 and 2021
Authors: Dobos Endre , Kovács István Péter , Kovács Dániel Márton , Ronczyk Levente , Szűcs Péter , Perger László , Mikita Viktória
Published: June 2022

The historical Ukrainian rock-salt mining town of Solotvyno and its environmentally related problems are well-known. A complex monitoring system is needed to evaluate the current situation in order to revitalize the investigated area. In addition to other risks, surface deformation due to undermining is one of the major risks endangering building infrastructure in the inhabited area of the town. These processes are well-known in the area, and damages caused by the surface movement are often recognized. Measurement of the process’s intensity and identification of the impacted area are crucial for any revitalization work. Information on these processes is the most important element of the hazard management and spatial-developmental planning of the town. This study aimed to characterize the long-term surface deformation processes and to identify the spatial and temporal trends and changes of these processes to assist spatial planning. The first step was to understand the surface deformation history from 1992. An InSAR-based assessment of the surface displacement of the undermined Solotvyno area was performed using data from three satellites, namely the ERS, Envisat, and the Sentinel-1, covering the time period between 1992 and 2021. The derived quantitative analysis indicated an intensive surface displacement and subsidence over the mining area. However, these displacements have not been even in the last 30 years of the investigation. The identification of the stabilized areas and recently started movements indicated the dislocation of the processes, which requires adequate actions for geohazard management and strategic planning. The demonstrated technology (InSAR) has the potential to set up an appropriate alarm system and provides an automated mechanism for continuous risk detection. A complex systems development is able to significantly reduce the geohazards over the unstable built-up zones.
Charapa Turtles (Podocnemis unifilis), an Opportunity to Improve Community Tourism and Contribute to Their Conservation in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador
Authors: Mestanza-Ramón Carlos , Lara-Váscones Rita , Mora-Silva Demmy , Milanes Celene B. , Saeteros-Hernández Angélica , Sánchez-Capa Maritza , Cunalata-Garcia Angel
Published: June 2022

Biodiversity at the species and ecosystem level is an important basis for tourism, especially for tourism economies in landscapes optimal for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, which are addressed under the Convention on Biological Diversity. In the last two decades, the Podocnemis Unifilis turtle has presented problems represented in a decrease of individuals in their populations in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The objective of the study was to describe the characteristics and current situation of the charapa turtle (Podocnemis Unifilis), to analyze the perception of the community of the Indillama River towards this species and finally to establish a proposal for its conservation with a socio-economic contribution from the community tourism segment. The methodology used consisted of a bibliographic review, semi-structured interviews and expert judgment. The main results indicate that the charapa turtle has had population problems in the last 30 years due to various anthropogenic pressures. The inhabitants of the Río Indillama community perceive this species mainly as a source of economic income (sale of individuals and their eggs) and food by consuming their eggs and adult individuals. Finally, we present a proposal for conservation through tourism that provides experiential activities for the collection of P. unifilis eggs, nesting and release (sponsorship) of individuals, providing economic benefits to local communities. This will contribute to its conservation and local socioeconomic development.
Public, Private, or Inter-Municipal Organizations: Actors’ Preferences in the Swiss Water Sector
Authors: Lieberherr Eva , Ingold Karin
Published: June 2022

To improve sustainable service provision, the public sector has been repeatedly subject to administrative reforms. Yet, the question arises of which types of organizations might be preferred. To address this, we systematically analyze which water supply organizations decision-makers and stakeholders, across different levels of government in Switzerland, prefer. We find that the actors prefer public organizations that involve coordination between municipalities and reject private organizations. Distinguishing between different actor levels reveals a distinct pattern, mainly related to the level of responsibility: the national (confederation) and regional (cantonal) actors only prefer coordination across municipalities, where local politicians lose a degree of control. In contrast, the local actors prefer those organizations where they can maintain democratic control the most. However, such organizations are not expected to perform sustainably, mainly because of lengthy decision-making processes, lack of access to external funds, and short-term financial planning. We, thus, conclude that, at the local level, there is potentially a trade-off between democratic values and performance.
New Characteristics in the Fermentation Process of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) “Super Árbol” in La Joya de los Sachas, Ecuador
Authors: Sanchez-Capa Maritza , Viteri-Sanchez Samuel , Burbano-Cachiguango Armando , Abril-Donoso Mauricio , Vargas-Tierras Tannia , Suarez-Cedillo Sandra , Mestanza-Ramón Carlos
Published: June 2022

In Ecuador, since 2005 in the northern Amazon, trinitario hybrid cacao mother plants characterized by early and abundant fruiting, known as “Super árbol”, have been identified. This genetic material was disseminated in the region, but most of the available information corresponds to empirical knowledge. In this sense, the present study aimed to evaluate different fermentation techniques in the “Super árbol” cocoa by analyzing physical and chemical variables in the climatic conditions of the Joya de Los Sachas canton to establish differences between the group of genetic material of the “Super árbol” cocoa with respect to the “Arriba” variety, which is considered a reference in Ecuador. The physical and chemical parameters evaluated were: fermentation rate, weight of 100 beans, pH cotyledon, beans shell, protein, ash, lipid, and total polyphenols. The study was conducted under a completely randomized design with three factors. A Spearman correlation analysis was performed, followed by the establishment of a model for each variable and the use of Tukey’s test to establish the difference between means of treatments and a Levene’s test to test homogeneity. The “Super árbol” cocoa reported fermentation percentages between 64.33 and 95%, testa percentages between 13.28 and 18.08%, and polyphenol content between 48.46–55.54 GAE/g DW. Thus, this genetic material of the “Super árbol” trinity group has characteristics that reach higher fermentation percentages compared with the “Arriba” variety. In addition, it has a lower polyphenol content (less bitter and astringent), which leads to a better-quality raw chocolate material.
The Spatial Distribution and Optimization of Medical and Health Land from the Perspective of Public Service Equalization: A Case Study of Urumqi City
Authors: Xu Jing , Yan Zhiming , Hu Sai , Pu Chunling
Published: June 2022

From the two aspects of land quantity and spatial distribution, this article studies the existing problems and ideas for optimizing the supply of medical and health (M&H) land for municipal units to promote an equal supply of urban public services. Method: The existing problems were explored with the help of the kernel density, the spatial gravity model and the buffer zone analysis method, and the key optimization areas of M&H land under the trends of population flow were explored by constructing a suitability evaluation system for the natural, social and ecological elements. Results: The total amount of M&H land in the study area was lower than the standard. The characteristics of land supply that support hospitals and primary medical care are different, which makes it difficult for the population in different regions to obtain services from the two types of medical facilities. The supply of both types of land has room for improvement. Conclusion: The effect of public M&H supply is greatly affected by the factors of land supply, which directly causes the problem of uneven medical services in different regions. The land-use layout should be scientifically planned according to the characteristics of different regions.
Sustaining Higher Education Quality by Building an Educational Innovation Ecosystem in China—Policies, Implementations and Effects
Authors: Zhuang Tengteng , Liu Baocun
Published: June 2022

This article analyzes how China has worked to develop and build a higher education innovation ecosystem in the past decade. Binding its analysis to three types of data, namely clusters of national policies issued by important Chinese government bodies, dozens of articles in an internal journal of the Ministry of Education, and various Chinese media accounts, the article unravels how resources are mobilized and the direction chartered for unprecedented engagement between different stakeholders for education purposes. The findings reveal that the establishment of a higher education innovation ecosystem derives from the need to improve the overall higher education quality in full swing and has been realized as a strategic consensus among the government, enterprises, higher education, and social forces. The ecosystem is underpinned by the assigning of different roles to different stakeholders based on collaboration and division of labor. At the same time, there is also substantive capital, resource mobility, and the infusion of industrial technological expertise underpinning such an innovation ecosystem that involves six categories of collaboration at macro and micro levels. The impact of the higher education innovation ecosystem thus far includes deepened and extensive participation in higher education quality improvement by multiple types of stakeholders and the same type of stakeholders across different tiers. Instructors’ teaching and students’ learning have experienced changes due to the ecosystem’s impact at a micro level, and many institutions have increased shared governance practices to better cater to the synergy among different sides. At the same time, there is an unevenness in the innovation ecosystem in terms of participating higher education institutions and enterprises.
Correction: Barnsley et al. Lifetime Climate Impacts of Diet Transitions: A Novel Climate Change Accounting Perspective. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5568
Authors: Barnsley Jonathan E. , Chandrakumar Chanjief , Gonzalez-Fischer Carlos , Eme Paul E. , Bourke Bridget E. P. , Smith Nick W. , Dave Lakshmi A. , McNabb Warren C. , Clark Harry , Frame David J. , Lynch John , Roche John R.
Published: June 2022

The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...]
Identify the Impacts of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on Watershed Sediment and Water Yields Dynamics
Authors: Li Peng , He Zhen , Cai Jianwu , Zhang Jing , Belete Marye , Deng Jinsong , Wang Shizong
Published: June 2022

The construction of large-scale water reservoir facilities in transboundary river basins always arouses intense concern and controversy. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) under construction in Ethiopia is perceived to affect water security in Egypt and Sudan. Therefore, this study investigated the water and sediment balance of the Blue Nile River (BNR) basin and identified the spatio-temporal variation in sediment and water yields along with the construction of GERD using Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) sediment and water yield models. The BNR basin experienced increasing water and sediment yields between 1992 and 2020 and has shown a growth trend since 2020. The lion’s share of water and sediment yields come from upstream of the GERD. Taken together, these results imply that the construction of the GERD will serve as a water storage and silt trap for Sudan and Egypt.
Field-Scale Evaluation of the Soil Quality Index as Influenced by Dairy Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers
Authors: Ozlu Ekrem , Gozukara Gafur , Acar Mert , Bilen Serdar , Babur Emre
Published: June 2022

Long-term addition of manure increases soil organic carbon (SOC), provides nutrient supply, enhances soil quality and crop yield (CY), but may also increase global warming potential (GWP). In this study, a long-term experiment was conducted to investigate impacts of organic dairy manure and inorganic fertilizer on the spatial distribution of soil quality indicators in field scale. The experiment was initiated in 2008 (seven years), and includes three manure and two inorganic fertilizer treatments along with a control (no manure or no inorganic fertilizer addition). The study was set into a randomized complete block design with six treatments and four replications in a total of 24 plots with an equal size each of 6 × 18 m (108 m2). Soil physical, chemical and biological properties (total 26 properties) were considered as the total data set and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine long-term organic and inorganic fertilizer-induced changes in soil quality. Ordinary kriging interpolation methods were used to predict the spatial distributions of soil quality index (SQI) and mean soil quality values were compared with fertilization treatments by using Duncan’s test. Results showed that most measured soil quality index parameters showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The long-term dairy manure applications had positive impacts on soil quality index parameters where overall SQI scores were higher under high manure (HM) compared to medium manure (MM), low manure (LM), medium fertilizer (MF), high fertilizer (HF), control (CK) by 25%, 27%, 47%, 55% and 92%. A similar trend was observed for CY and GWP. This indicates that long-term dairy manure can be an option to increase SQI values and provide higher CY, however, this may lead to greater GWP.
A New Approach to Dynamic Anthropometry for the Ergonomic Design of a Fashionable Personalised Garment
Authors: Avadanei Manuela Lacramioara , Olaru Sabina , Dulgheriu Ionut , Ionesi Savin Dorin , Loghin Emil Constantin , Ionescu Irina
Published: June 2022

Background: A challenge for designers is to create fashionable and very well-fitting personalised garments (multi-layered) that have a suitable shape (balance and size) and provide the wearer with the desired degree of freedom. In this paper, the authors have developed an ergonomic solution for designing the pattern of a business casual men’s jacket by integrating the dynamic data of the body into the design process. Methodology: The pattern was elaborated by interactive design process based on mathematical relationships and the use of specific input data. The 3D virtual prototype was created in Clo3D (the static and typical dynamic positions of the mannequin). The dynamic data needed for the study were measured directly on 50 male subjects. These values were analysed by using the statistical method and then integrated into the design scenario in a specific way. The shapes of the new 3D prototypes were evaluated by examining the relationships between the constructive and longitudinal allowance along the back region as independent variables and sleeve angle and upper back tension as dependent variables. Results: By allowing a certain degree of dynamic effect in the design process, one can see that the personalized model of the casual business jacket with Ab (constructive allowance) = 4.5 cm and Aars (longitudinal allowance distributed along with the back height) = 3.6 cm is well balanced and fits the body. Conclusions: This design method can be used and further developed for other garment categories and customers by any design department that has the right IT tools to facilitate the personalized design process.
Psychological Features and Entrepreneurial Intention among Saudi Small Entrepreneurs during Adverse Times
Authors: Alshebami Ali Saleh
Published: June 2022

This study’s objective is to examine the influence of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and internal locus of control on the entrepreneurial intention of small Saudi entrepreneurs during adverse times, with entrepreneurial resilience as a moderator. The study, which targeted a sample of 207 small entrepreneurs working in various sectors in Saudi Arabia, gathered data through an online questionnaire sent to respondents and analysed the results using PLS-SEM. The study revealed intriguing findings, such as the existence of a positive significant relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy, internal locus of control and entrepreneurial intention amongst small Saudi entrepreneurs. It also demonstrated that in times of adversity, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic and other environmental challenges, entrepreneurial resilience can act as a moderator between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Entrepreneurial resilience, in particular, has the potential to strengthen the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. Accordingly, the government, along with other sectors and stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, should continue to support the psychological characteristics of small Saudi entrepreneurs, notably their internal locus of control, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial resilience to ensure greater sustainability and the continuity of their small businesses.
Evaluating a Business Ecosystem of Open Data Services Using the Fuzzy DEMATEL-AHP Approach
Authors: Chang Ya-Ting , Chen Ming-Kuen , Kung Yi-Chun
Published: June 2022

The government has formulated and implemented an open data policy to promote administrative transparency and economic development in recent years. Therefore, most previous studies on open data have focused on e-government. Consequently, an open data service industry committed to providing innovative value-added data application services has emerged in Taiwan, with small- and medium-sized enterprises being the driving force. However, in a complex industrial environment, enterprises need to promote efficient data services development by developing a cross-disciplinary business ecosystem cooperatively. Nevertheless, few studies have discussed the open data service industry from the perspective of business ecosystems, making it impossible for enterprises to evaluate the business ecosystem of open data services built by them. In this study, we used the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy decision-making and trial evaluation laboratory methods to construct five evaluation dimensions and thirty-one evaluation criteria. We organized them into an evaluation scale to measure the business ecosystem’s performance of open data services built by enterprises. Then, using the case analysis method, we tested the applicability of the evaluation scale. This study examined the assessment scale of ecosystem construction in the open data industry, from the perspective of a business ecosystem, and analyzed the importance of each key criterion.
Are We Ready for a Sustainable Development? A Survey among Young Geoscientists in Italy
Authors: Gerbaudo Andrea , Lozar Francesca , Lasagna Manuela , Tonon Marco Davide , Egidio Elena
Published: June 2022

The United Nations 2030 Agenda is a plan designed to encourage prosperity that is respectful of the planet and its inhabitants. The Agenda will help introduce the concept of education for sustainability (EfS) to a wider population in order to promote inter- and trans-disciplinary knowledge about sustainability. Connecting Earth Sciences (ES) with sustainability allows us to deal with the ethical dimensions and the social implications of this field. The belief is that improving the delivery of knowledge around sustainability issues will make visible the potential of ES education as a key component of EfS. The aim of this paper is to understand whether the young Italian ES community has sufficient knowledge of and a shared interest in, sustainability. The conviction is that awareness of these topics among the younger generations is fundamental to building a new pedagogical paradigm. This study shows the results of a survey taken by participants of BeGeo 2021, the Italian national congress dedicated to young geoscientists, held in Napoli in October 2021. The majority of respondents had limited knowledge about sustainability, and only a few had attended academic activities that included these topics. Nonetheless, the importance of sustainability is well recognized and there is a great need to increase the number of activities connected to EfS.
The Moderator Effect of Communicative Rational Action in the Relationship between Emotional Labor and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Çamlı Ahmet Yavuz , Palamutçuoğlu Türker B. , Bărbuță-Mișu Nicoleta , Çavuşoğlu Selin , Virlanuta Florina Oana , Alkan Yaşar , David Sofia , Manea Ludmila Daniela
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to determine whether emotional labor behavior has an effect on job satisfaction, and if there is an effect, to reveal whether communicative rational action has a moderator effect. This research was carried out in the banking sector. The sample group consisted of administrators of foreign capital bank managers (427) at all levels in Turkey. The collected data were analyzed with the IBM SPSS 21 program. Multiple regression analysis and SPSS PROCESS v3.5 (model1) methods were used in the analysis. According to the analysis, the three sub-dimensions of communicative rational action (practical-rational action, rational communication, and rational action) have a moderator role in the effect of emotional labor and job satisfaction. The other two sub dimensions (value–rational–action and firm family) do not have a moderator role in this effect. In the analysis made according to the total score of communicative rational action, the moderator role of communicative rational action in the effect of emotional labor and job satisfaction was determined. As a result of the research and analysis, it was determined that emotional labor has a positive effect on the phenomenon of job satisfaction.
A Survey on Mixed Traffic Flow Characteristics in Connected Vehicle Environments
Authors: Chang Xin , Zhang Xingjian , Li Haichao , Wang Chang , Liu Zhe
Published: June 2022

Intelligent transportation has become a hot research field in recent years The development direction of road traffic construction in the future, the relevant technologies and methods in the process of gradual promotion and application of intelligent connected vehicles continue to attract the attention of scholars and engineers. There are more and more relevant theories, methods and systems. This paper summarizes the current state of microscopic and macroscopic traffic models, characteristic analysis methods of mixed traffic flow, and lane management methods in connected vehicle environments. At the end of this paper, the conclusions of this work are presented, and possible future directions for safety warning research under connected vehicle environments are discussed. This paper represents the current research status of traffic flow characteristics under connected vehicle environments to some extent, which can provide references for future traffic flow characteristic research in terms of framework, methods and technologies, etc.
A New Framework for Sustainable Resilient Houses on the Coastal Areas of Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
Authors: Taki Ahmad , Doan Viet Ha Xuan
Published: June 2022

With the impacts of tropical storms on Vietnam’s residences, the aim of the study is to produce a new framework for designing sustainable resilient houses in Vietnam’s coastal areas. This study was based on the community’s need to develop a set of guidelines for improving the stability of domestic buildings in storm-prone areas. It also addresses some unresolved issues including storm-proofing techniques and sustainable development in coastal dwellings. The main findings of this study were defined by the use of mixed-method approaches. These research methods involved observational surveys, questionnaires, interviews, case studies, and computer simulations. Particularly, the case studies were simulated by the use of computational fluid dynamics to mimic the storm impacts on existing buildings. These concentrated on the solutions, techniques, benefits, and challenges of sustainable resilience in coastal residences. The results are presented by a framework for designing a sustainable resilient house and a prototype was also tested. Both the framework and the prototype can satisfy the community demands by making energy-efficient buildings and effective wind mitigation guiding other research about developing sustainable and resilient houses in the future.