bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiAMix: Enhancing Image Classification through a Multi-Stage Augmented Mixed Sample Data Augmentation Method
Authors: Liang Wen , Liang Youzhi , Jia Jianguo
Published: November 2023

Despite substantial progress in the field of deep learning, overfitting persists as a critical challenge, and data augmentation has emerged as a particularly promising approach due to its capacity to enhance model generalization in various computer vision tasks. While various strategies have been proposed, Mixed Sample Data Augmentation (MSDA) has shown great potential for enhancing model performance and generalization. We introduce a novel mixup method called MiAMix, which stands for Multi-stage Augmented Mixup. MiAMix integrates image augmentation into the mixup framework, utilizes multiple diversified mixing methods concurrently, and improves the mixing method by randomly selecting mixing mask augmentation methods. Recent methods utilize saliency information and the MiAMix is designed for computational efficiency as well, reducing additional overhead and offering easy integration into existing training pipelines. We comprehensively evaluate MiAMix using four image benchmarks and pitting it against current state-of-the-art mixed sample data augmentation techniques to demonstrate that MiAMix improves performance without heavy computational overhead.
Integrated Thermal and Metallurgical Simulation Framework for Selective Laser Melting Multi-Component and Multi-Phase Alloys
Authors: Kong Haohao , Hou Yaqing , Qin Hailong , Xie Jinli , Bi Zhongnan , Su Hang
Published: November 2023

To fully understand the impact of cyclic heating on the solid-state phase transformation behavior (SPTB) of multi-component multi-phase alloys (MCPA) during selective laser melting (SLM) and to provide possibilities for the precise customization of the material microstructure, a thermal-metallurgical coupling framework (TMCF) was developed. This framework integrates (1) an equivalent micro-zone heat source model and (2) a Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (JMA) phase transformation kinetic model. Using IN738 superalloy as an example, TMCF was effectively employed to predict the distribution and evolution of the γ′ phase during SLM. The results showed that the post-printing distribution of the γ′ phase is non-uniform, resulting from the interaction between the precipitation and dissolution behaviors occurring at varying temperatures across distinct spatial locations. Furthermore, the dependence of the γ′ phase on the SLM mode was quantitatively estimated. Specifically, the maximum volume fraction of the γ′ phase increased by a factor of 17.377, 60.780, and 5.214 when the laser power, scanning speed, and hatch spacing were modified by +50%, −25%, and −16.7%, respectively, within the process window. This finding can provide reference for the fabrication of additional MCPA. In this work, the thermal model within the TMCF was verified by the experimental data reported in the literature.
Oil Extraction and Natural Drying Kinetics of the Pulp and Seeds of Commercially Important Oleaginous Fruit from the Rainforests of Guyana
Authors: Deonarine Shaveshwar , Soodoo Navindra , Bouzidi Laziz , Narine Suresh S.
Published: November 2023

Ambient sun drying is the method most used by Indigenous communities for preserving fruits and seeds harvested from the forest. It is an effective method to increase the shelf-life of highly perishable foods and prevent spoilage until important bioactive compounds can be extracted at distant locations. The ambient sun drying kinetics and oil extraction of the pulp and seeds of commercially important oleaginous fruit directly obtained from the rainforests and swamps of Guyana, namely Astrocaryum vulgare (Awara), Astrocaryum aculeatum (Kuru), Oenocarpus bacaba (Turu), Mauritia flexuosa (Ite), Euterpe oleracea (Acai), Caryocar nuciferum (Souari), Attalea maripa (Kukrit), and Carapa guianensis (Crabwood), were studied. The fruits were dried under ambient conditions from initial moisture contents ranging from 24–71% to a final moisture content of 5%. Three models, the Lewis model, the modified Page model, and the standard logistic function (SLF) model, were utilized to model the drying kinetics and to estimate the parameters governing the drying process. These models were demonstrated to fit the experimental data with excellent goodness of fit (>0.98). The SLF, never used before to model drying kinetics, was observed to be the best-suited model overall, with the highest correlation coefficient and the least Chi-square (χ2). Depending on the fruit type, the estimated point where the maximum drying rate occurs varies from 35 min to 350 min for sun-dried fruit pulp and up to 4000 min for sun-dried kernels. The steepness of the drying curves varied from −0.5 to −3.5 g/min. The results of this work will aid in the design, development, optimization, and control of the ambient drying processes of economically and functionally important oleaginous forest fruits. This knowledge will assist in addressing the key challenge of spoilage faced by Indigenous communities in the preservation of tropical oleaginous fruits and seeds, possibly aiding in the preservation of functional characteristics of the extracted oils and adducing to the sustainable economic utilization of such fruit.
Is Spectral Unmixing Model or Nonlinear Statistical Model More Suitable for Shrub Coverage Estimation in Shrub-Encroached Grasslands Based on Earth Observation Data? A Case Study in Xilingol Grassland, China
Authors: Xu Zhengyong , Sun Bin , Zhang Wangfei , Gao Zhihai , Yue Wei , Wang Han , Wu Zhitao , Teng Sihan
Published: November 2023

Due to the effects of global climate change and altered human land-use patterns, typical shrub encroachment in grasslands has become one of the most prominent ecological problems in grassland ecosystems. Shrub coverage can quantitatively indicate the degree of shrub encroachment in grasslands; therefore, real-time and accurate monitoring of shrub coverage in large areas has important scientific significance for the protection and restoration of grassland ecosystems. As shrub-encroached grasslands (SEGs) are a type of grassland with continuous and alternating growth of shrubs and grasses, estimating shrub coverage is different from estimating vegetation coverage. It is not only necessary to consider the differences in the characteristics of vegetation and non-vegetation variables but also the differences in characteristics of shrubs and herbs, which can be a challenging estimation. There is a scientific need to estimate shrub coverage in SEGs to improve our understanding of the process of shrub encroachment in grasslands. This article discusses the spectral differences between herbs and shrubs and further points out the possibility of distinguishing between herbs and shrubs. We use Sentinel-2 and Gao Fen-6 (GF-6) Wide Field of View (WFV) as data sources to build a linear spectral mixture model and a random forest (RF) model via space–air–ground collaboration and investigate the effectiveness of different data sources, features and methods in estimating shrub coverage in SEGs, which provide promising ways to monitor the dynamics of SEGs. The results showed that (1) the linear spectral mixture model can hardly distinguish between shrubs and herbs from medium-resolution images in the SEG. (2) The RF model showed high estimation accuracy for shrub coverage in the SEG; the estimation accuracy (R2) of the Sentinel-2 image was 0.81, and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) was 0.03. The R2 of the GF6-WFV image was 0.72, and the RMSE was 0.03. (3) Texture feature introduced in RF models are helpful to estimate shrub coverage in SEGs. (4) Regardless of the linear spectral mixture model or the RF model being employed, the Sentinel-2 image presented a better estimation than the GF6-WFV image; thus, this data has great potential to monitor shrub encroachment in grasslands. This research aims to provide a scientific basis and reference for remote sensing-based monitoring of SEGs.
Dynamic Models Identification for Kinematics and Energy Consumption of Rotary-Wing UAVs during Different Flight States
Authors: Falkowski Krzysztof , Duda Michał
Published: November 2023

This article presents the method of identifying dynamic models for different flight states of a rotary-wing UAV for simulations. Experimental flights with real-life UAVs were conducted to obtain data necessary for identification. Dynamic models were identified with time series methods performed using Matlab R2022b software. Such models can later be implemented in simulations to represent the behavior of real-life objects. Simulation is the first stage of developing a real-life UAV system, where prototyping with physical models is problematic. Therefore, obtaining accurate models is crucial for the simulation process to be reliable. Presented methods do not require knowledge of UAV construction, and complex mathematical equations do not need to be derived. Also, verification of obtained models was performed to make sure that they were identified correctly. In particular, the presented method was proven effective and successfully used in some applications.
Two-Stage Pedestrian Detection Model Using a New Classification Head for Domain Generalization
Authors: Schulz Daniel , Perez Claudio A.
Published: November 2023

Pedestrian detection based on deep learning methods have reached great success in the past few years with several possible real-world applications including autonomous driving, robotic navigation, and video surveillance. In this work, a new neural network two-stage pedestrian detector with a new custom classification head, adding the triplet loss function to the standard bounding box regression and classification losses, is presented. This aims to improve the domain generalization capabilities of existing pedestrian detectors, by explicitly maximizing inter-class distance and minimizing intra-class distance. Triplet loss is applied to the features generated by the region proposal network, aimed at clustering together pedestrian samples in the features space. We used Faster R-CNN and Cascade R-CNN with the HRNet backbone pre-trained on ImageNet, changing the standard classification head for Faster R-CNN, and changing one of the three heads for Cascade R-CNN. The best results were obtained using a progressive training pipeline, starting from a dataset that is further away from the target domain, and progressively fine-tuning on datasets closer to the target domain. We obtained state-of-the-art results, MR−2 of 9.9, 11.0, and 36.2 for the reasonable, small, and heavy subsets on the CityPersons benchmark with outstanding performance on the heavy subset, the most difficult one.
Cultivation of Brackish Water Microalgae for Pig Manure Liquid Digestate Recycling
Authors: Chang Yung-Cheng , Pan Yen-Ju , Huang Tzu-Hsuan , Hsiao Ting-Hsun , Wei Liang-Yu , Hsu Te-Hua
Published: November 2023

Sustainability and recycling of agricultural and animal husbandry waste are important. Pig manure contains relatively high concentrations of organic matter, such as nitrate-nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and phosphate, and a direct discharge can cause environmental pollution. This study successfully culturing four brackish water microalgae, including Tetraselmis chuii, Isochrysis galbana, Chlorella vulgaris, and Proteomonas sulcata, by using a diluted digestate solution of pig manure (NH3 concentration is lower than 10 mg/L). These microalgae can reach their highest cell concentration within 3–7 days of cultivation. The small microalgae, C. vulgaris and I. galbana, reached a cell density of 2.5 × 107 and 1.5 × 107, respectively, whereas lower cell densities were documented for large microalgae T. chuii (1.4 × 106) and P. sulcata (1.6 × 106). Our findings highlight the feasibility of sustainable treatment of animal manure using brackish water microalgae. These results provide opportunities to reduce freshwater usage and environmental pollutions, and support microalgae production for further aquaculture application.
A Brief Overview of the Special Issue “Symmetry and Ultradense Matter in Compact Stars”
Authors: Rho Mannque
Published: November 2023

The Standard Model, comprising electroweak (EW) and strong (QCD) interactions, has been established and tested with great accuracy [...]
Genotoxic and Mutagenic Effects of the Alternaria Mycotoxin Alternariol in Combination with the Process Contaminant Acrylamide
Authors: Crudo Francesco , Hong Chenyifan , Varga Elisabeth , Del Favero Giorgia , Marko Doris
Published: November 2023

Humans are constantly exposed to mixtures of different xenobiotics through their diet. One emerging concern is the Alternaria mycotoxin alternariol (AOH), which can occur in foods typically contaminated by the process contaminant acrylamide (AA). AA is a byproduct of the Maillard reaction produced in carbohydrate-rich foods during thermal processing. Given the genotoxic properties of AOH and AA as single compounds, as well as their potential co-occurrence in food, this study aimed to assess the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects of these compounds in combination. Genotoxicity was assessed in HepG2 cells by quantifying the phosphorylation of the histone γ-H2AX, induced as a response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Mutagenicity was tested in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 by applying the Ames microplate format test. Our results showed the ability of AOH and AA to induce DSBs and increase revertant numbers in S. typhimurium TA100, with AOH being more potent than AA. However, no synergistic effects were observed during the combined treatments. Notably, the results of the study suggest that the compounds exert mutagenic effects primarily through base pair substitutions. In summary, the data indicate no immediate cause for concern regarding synergistic health risks associated with the consumption of foods co-contaminated with AOH and AA.
Design and Optimisation of Sustainable Sample Treatments Based on Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction and Strong Cation-Exchange Purification with Functionalised SBA-15 for Opium Alkaloids in Ground Poppy Seeds
Authors: Casado-Hidalgo Gema , Morante-Zarcero Sonia , Pérez-Quintanilla Damián , Sierra Isabel
Published: November 2023

An analysis methodology was optimised and validated for the quantification of opium alkaloids (OAs) in ground poppy seeds. This involved ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification before analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry detector (HPLC-MS/MS). UAE was optimised through the design of experiments with three factors and a three-level full factorial design. For SPE optimisation, a commercial material was compared with a previously synthesised material of SBA-15 silica functionalised with sulfonic groups (SBA-15-SO3−). The synthesised material demonstrated superior efficiency with only 25 mg and proved to be reusable for up to four cycles. The methodology was properly validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification, and selectivity. Matrix effects were negligible; adequate recovery values (85–100%) and inter-day and intra-day precision (≤15%) were obtained. The greenness of the method was evaluated with the AGREEprep metric scale, being more environmentally friendly compared to OA analysis methods. Finally, the method was applied to different samples of ground poppy seeds and revealed a concentration of 140 mg/kg of morphine equivalents in one of the samples, surpassing the legislatively established limits by sevenfold. This highlights the need to analyse these types of samples to mitigate potential public health issues.
Biological Specimen Banking as a Time Capsule to Explore the Temporal Dynamics of Norovirus Epidemiology
Authors: Bonura Floriana , Filizzolo Chiara , Pizzo Mariangela , Sanfilippo Giuseppa L. , Cacioppo Federica , Palazzotto Emilia , Di Bernardo Francesca , Collura Antonina , Martella Vito , De Grazia Simona , Giammanco Giovanni M.
Published: November 2023

Norovirus is recognised as a major cause of epidemic and sporadic acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in all age groups. Information on the genetic diversity of the noroviruses circulating in the 1980s and 1990s, before the development and adoption of dedicated molecular assays, is limited compared with the last decades. Between 1986 and 2020, uninterrupted viral surveillance was conducted in symptomatic children hospitalized with AGE in Palermo, Italy, providing a unique time capsule for exploring the epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics of enteric viruses. A total of 8433 stool samples were tested using real-time RT-PCR. All samples were stored at −20 or −80 °C until processing. In this 35-year long time span, noroviruses of genogroup II (GII) were detected in 15.6% of AGE requiring hospitalization, whilst GI noroviruses were detected in 1.4% of AGE. Overall, the predominant norovirus capsid (Cap) genotype was GII.4 (60.8%), followed by GII.3 (13.3%) and GII.2 (12.4%). Temporal replacement of the GII.4 Cap variants associated with different polymerase (Pol) types were observed over the study period. The chronology of emergence and circulation of the different GII.4 variants were consistent with data available in the literature. Also, for GII.3 and GII.2 NoVs, the circulation of different lineages/strains, differing in either the Cap or Pol genes or in both, was observed. This long-term study revealed the ability of noroviruses to continuously and rapidly modify their genomic makeup and highlights the importance of surveillance activities in vaccine design.
Subgenomic Flaviviral RNAs of Dengue Viruses
Authors: Liu Yi , Guan Wuxiang , Liu Haibin
Published: November 2023

Subgenomic flaviviral RNAs (sfRNAs) are produced during flavivirus infections in both arthropod and vertebrate cells. They are undegraded products originating from the viral 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR), a result of the action of the host 5′-3′ exoribonuclease, Xrn1, when it encounters specific RNA structures known as Xrn1-resistant RNAs (xrRNAs) within the viral 3′ UTR. Dengue viruses generate three to four distinct species of sfRNAs through the presence of two xrRNAs and two dumbbell structures (DBs). The tertiary structures of xrRNAs have been characterized to form a ringlike structure around the 5′ end of the viral RNA, effectively inhibiting the activity of Xrn1. The most important role of DENV sfRNAs is to inhibit host antiviral responses by interacting with viral and host proteins, thereby influencing viral pathogenicity, replicative fitness, epidemiological fitness, and transmission. In this review, we aimed to summarize the biogenesis, structures, and functions of DENV sfRNAs, exploring their implications for viral interference.
Research Progress of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus NSP2 Protein
Authors: Liu Benjin , Luo Lingzhi , Shi Ziqi , Ju Houbin , Yu Lingxue , Li Guoxin , Cui Jin
Published: November 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is globally prevalent and seriously harms the economic efficiency of pig farming. Because of its immunosuppression and high incidence of mutant recombination, PRRSV poses a great challenge for disease prevention and control. Nonstructural protein 2 (NSP2) is the most variable functional protein in the PRRSV genome and can generate NSP2N and NSP2TF variants due to programmed ribosomal frameshifts. These variants are broad and complex in function and play key roles in numerous aspects of viral protein maturation, viral particle assembly, regulation of immunity, autophagy, apoptosis, cell cycle and cell morphology. In this paper, we review the structural composition, programmed ribosomal frameshift and biological properties of NSP2 to facilitate basic research on PRRSV and to provide theoretical support for disease prevention and control and therapeutic drug development.
Mapping IgA Epitope and Cross-Reactivity between Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Associated Coronavirus 2 and DENV
Authors: De-Simone Salvatore G. , Napoleão-Pêgo Paloma , Lechuga Guilherme C. , Carvalho João P. R. S. , Monteiro Maria E. , Morel Carlos M. , Provance David W.
Published: November 2023

Background: The newly introduced COVID-19 vaccines have reduced disease severity and hospitalizations. However, they do not significantly prevent infection or transmission. In the same context, measuring IgM and IgG antibody levels is important, but it does not provide information about the status of the mucosal immune response. This article describes a comprehensive mapping of IgA epitopes of the S protein, its cross-reactivity, and the development of an ELISA-peptide assay. Methods: IgA epitope mapping was conducted using SPOT synthesis and sera from RT-qPCR COVID-19-positive patients. Specific and cross-reacting epitopes were identified, and an evolutionary analysis from the early Wuhan strain to the Omicron variant was performed using bioinformatics tools and a microarray of peptides. The selected epitopes were chemically synthesized and evaluated using ELISA-IgA. Results: A total of 40 IgA epitopes were identified with 23 in S1 and 17 in the S2 subunit. Among these, at least 23 epitopes showed cross-reactivity with DENV and other organisms and 24 showed cross-reactivity with other associated coronaviruses. Three MAP4 polypeptides were validated by ELISA, demonstrating a sensitivity of 90–99.96% and a specificity of 100%. Among the six IgA-RBD epitopes, only the SC/18 epitope of the Omicron variants (BA.2 and BA.2.12.1) presented a single IgA epitope. Conclusions: This research unveiled the IgA epitome of the S protein and identified many epitopes that exhibit cross-reactivity with DENV and other coronaviruses. The S protein of variants from Wuhan to Omicron retains many conserved IgA epitopes except for one epitope (#SCov/18). The cross-reactivity with DENV suggests limitations in using the whole S protein or the S1/S2/RBD segment for IgA serological diagnostic tests for COVID-19. The expression of these identified specific epitopes as diagnostic biomarkers could facilitate monitoring mucosal immunity to COVID-19, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and alternative mucosal vaccines.
Hepadnavirus Infection in a Cat with Chronic Liver Disease: A Multi-Disciplinary Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Capozza Paolo , Pellegrini Francesco , Camero Michele , Diakoudi Georgia , Omar Ahmed Hassan , Salvaggiulo Anna , Decaro Nicola , Elia Gabriella , Catucci Leonardo , Di Martino Barbara , Fruci Paola , Tomassini Letizia , Lepri Elvio , Martella Vito , Lanave Gianvito
Published: November 2023

A 3-year-old female stray, shorthair cat, with clinical signs and serum chemistry markers indicative of hepatic disease, was diagnosed with domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) infection. Coupling molecular and serological data, the infection was seemingly contextualized into a chronic phase, since IgM anti-core antibodies, a marker of early-stage Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection, were not detected. However, the cat possessed IgG anti-core, a common indicator of chronic HBV infection in human patients and did not show seroconversion to the anti-DCH surface antigen, considered protective during HBV infection and associated with long-term protective immunity. On genome sequencing, the DCH strain showed 98.3% nucleotide identity to strains previously identified in Italy.
A Retrospective Cohort Evaluation of Left Ventricular Remodeling, Perioperative Complications and Outcome in Medium and Large Size Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus after Percutaneous Closure
Authors: Papa Melissa , Scarpellini Lorenzo , Pradelli Danitza , Zanaboni Anna Maria , Mattia Alessia , Boz Elisabetta , Rossi Cecilia , Signorelli Stefania , Forti Viviana , Longobardi Martina , Pasquinelli Beatrice , Gendusa Maria Celeste , Gamba Davide , Bussadori Claudio Maria
Published: November 2023

This retrospective cohort study included one hundred fifty-seven medium and large-size dogs with the aim of evaluating the effect of signalment and echocardiographic features on complications, outcomes and left ventricular modifications before and after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure. The patients were divided in two groups based on the heart remodeling after closure: Group A included dogs that had a reduction in the end-systolic volume index (ESVI) after closure compared to the ESVI measured before; Group B included dogs without a reduction in ESVI after closure. Body weight, minimal ductal diameter (MDD) of PDA, end-diastolic volume index and presence of arrhythmias at presentation were significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A. The shortening fraction and ejection fraction after closure were reduced in both groups, but in Group B there was a major reduction, and the mean values indicated a possible systolic dysfunction. Complications during the procedure and death due to cardiac reasons were greater in Group B compared to Group A. In conclusion, a higher body weight, a larger MDD, a more severe heart enlargement or arrhythmias at presentation increased the risk of developing a worsening structural and functional condition after ductal closure, and this can be associated with perioperative complications and cardiac death.
Case–Control Study: Endogenous Procalcitonin and Protein Carbonylated Content as a Potential Biomarker of Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows
Authors: Sala Giulia , Orsetti Chiara , Meucci Valentina , De Marchi Lucia , Sgorbini Micaela , Bonelli Francesca
Published: November 2023

Procalcitonin (PCT) and protein carbonylated content (PCC) are promising biomarkers for bacterial infection and inflammation in veterinary medicine. This study examined plasma PCT and PCC levels in healthy cows (H) and cows with subclinical mastitis (SCM). A total of 130 cows (65 H and 65 SCM) were included in this study. Blood samples were collected, and plasma was frozen at −80 °C. PCT levels were determined using a bovine procalcitonin ELISA kit, while PCC was measured following the methodology of Levine et al. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in PCT levels between H (75.4 pg/mL) and SCM (107.3 pg/mL) cows (p < 0.001) and significantly lower concentrations of PCC in the SCM group (H: 0.102 nmol/mL/mg, SCM: 0.046 nmol/mL/mg; p < 0.001). The PCT cut-off value for distinguishing healthy and subclinical mastitis animals was >89.8 pg/mL (AUC 0.695), with a sensitivity of 66.2% and specificity of 69.2%. PCT showed potential value as a diagnostic tool to help in decision making for subclinical mastitis cases, while PCC requires further studies to investigate the trend of this biomarker during localized pathology.
Fetal Programming and Its Effects on Meat Quality of Nellore Bulls
Authors: Christofaro Fernandes Arícia , Beline Mariane , Polizel Guilherme Henrique Gebim , Cavalcante Cracco Roberta , Ferreira Dias Evandro Fernando , Furlan Édison , da Luz e Silva Saulo , de Almeida Santana Miguel Henrique
Published: November 2023

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of prenatal nutritional stimulation at different pregnancy stages on carcass traits and meat quality in bovine progeny. For this purpose, 63 Nellore bulls, born from cows submitted to three nutritional plans, were used: not programmed (NP), which did not receive protein supplementation; partially programmed (PP), which had protein-energy supplementation (0.3% of mean body weight of each batch) only in the final third of pregnancy; and full programming (FP), which received supplementation (0.3% of mean body weight of each batch) throughout pregnancy. The averages of parameters were submitted to the ANOVA, and the supplementation periods, which were different when p value < 0.05, were compared. Carcass weights and rib eye area (REA) did not differ between treatments (p > 0.05), but subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) showed a tendency (p = 0.08) between groups. For lipids and marbling, no differences were found (p > 0.05). In the analyses of maturation time and shelf life, no difference was observed between treatments. However, there was a tendency between treatments at 14 days of maturation time for cooking loss (CL) (p = 0.08). Treatments did not affect shear force in the progenies (p > 0.05). Fetal programming had no effect on the meat quality of Nellore bulls.
Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination Using Biosensors and a Multi-Branch Integrated Catchment Model in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Jin Li , Rampley Cordelia , Abebe Yosef , Bussi Gianbattista , To Trang Quynh , Ager Duane , Whitehead Paul G.
Published: November 2023

Metal pollution in rivers from untreated industrial and domestic wastewater is a major issue in economically developing countries worldwide. The Awash River Basin in Ethiopia is one of those rivers that faces rising heavy metal concentrations due to poor wastewater management and loose law enforcement controlling effluent discharge into rivers. In this study, surface water and wastewater samples were collected within the Awash River Basin, with metals analysis using ICP-MS techniques. Acute toxicity of water was determined using new molecular biosensor technology based on engineered luminescent bacteria. A multi-branch Integrated Catchment Model (INCA) for metals, including Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Manganese, and Zinc was applied to the Awash River Basin to simulate the impact of tannery discharge on the river water pollution levels and to evaluate a set of treatment scenarios for pollution control. Results show that all samples from tannery wastewater have high levels of metals, such as Chromium and Manganese with high levels of toxicities. River water samples from upper Awash near Addis Ababa showed elevated concentrations of heavy metals due to the untreated wastewater from the dense population and a large number of industries in that area. The modeling scenarios indicate that improved wastewater management will reduce the metal concentration significantly. With a 50% reduction in effluent concentrations, the mean concentrations of heavy metals (such as Chromium) over two years would be able to reach 20 to 50% reduction in river water samples.
Optimal Selection of Sampling Points for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Sewer System Using NSGA-II Algorithm
Authors: Gkatzioura Argyro , Zafeirakou Antigoni
Published: November 2023

Sampling and analysing urban wastewater are found to be a reliable indicator of the regional spread of infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several research groups around the globe sampled wastewater from treatment plants or other points throughout a sewer system and tried to identify the presence of the virus. Since infected persons are found to excrete the virus in their feces and urine, urban wastewater analysis proved to be a valuable tool for the early detection of spikes in the disease. In the present study, an effort was made to investigate several fate and transport scenarios of SARS-CoV-2 in a sewer system. USEPA’s Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was utilized for the analysis. The modelling results were then used as an input to an optimization procedure using an NSGA-II algorithm. The optimization procedure aimed to determine the appropriate number and combination of sampling points for a better assessment of the disease’s dispersion in the community. Four to six sampling points seem to offer a high likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in minimum time, representing the maximum population.
Morphological Variation between Life and Death Gastropod Populations in the Nile Delta: A Pollution-Induced Evolution
Authors: Abdelhady Ahmed Awad , Husain Ali M. , Samy-Kamal Mohamed , Ahmed Mohamed S. , Alexakis Dimitrios E. , Ali Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Wetland ecosystems of the Nile Delta face severe threats due to natural climatic changes and anthropogenic activities. Life and death assemblage comparisons can be implemented as a historical record to detect anthropogenic-induced environmental changes in the past few decades. A geometric morphometric approach was applied to quantify the pollution-induced morphological variation between life and death populations of the gastropod Melanoides tuberculata. The results indicated that life populations differ significantly from the death ones, where the first tend to be much smaller, more globular, and with a depressed aperture and whorl section. In addition, the phenetic diversity of the life populations was also decreased, and the allometric growth was shifted. These morphological changes in the life populations are well-known adaptations for reducing the cost of shell maintenance in polluted water. No distinct morphospace was found between life populations from different habitats, suggesting that habitats have no significant role in the current pollution-induced evolution.
Effects of Elevated Fe (III) on Anaerobic Ammonia Oxidation Biofilm Process: Inhibition and Recovery
Authors: Wang Shuya , Wang Fen , Li Ruying , Ji Min
Published: November 2023

To investigate the treatment performance of employing the anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) biofilm process to treat the iron-containing industrial wastewater with a low carbon–nitrogen ratio and obtain an optimal condition, the effects of elevated exposure to Fe (III) (ranging from 0 to 1.5 mM) on the anammox biofilm process were explored. The findings indicated that the performance of anammox nitrogen removal remained unaffected when exposed to low levels of Fe (III) (0.1 mM and 0.3 mM). However, high concentrations (higher than 0.5 mM) showed a negative effect. The semi-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Fe (III) was 1.32 mM. Additionally, under exposure to high levels of Fe (III), a remarkable accumulation of Fe (III) was observed within the anammox system. The total iron concentration increased from 30 mgFe·gVSS−1 to a saturation point of approximately 300 mgFe·gVSS−1. This accumulation led to a decrease in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) from 221.4 mg·gVSS−1 to 91.3 mg·gVSS−1 and specific anammox activity (SAA) from 0.0482 gN·(gVSS·d)−1 to 0.018 gN·(gVSS·d)−1. Consequently, the activity of anammox bacteria (AnAOB) was inhibited, leading to a decline in the average total nitrogen removal efficiency (TNRE) from 86.9% to 38.3%. However, it was discovered that the inhibitory effect of continuous Fe (III) could be reversed by introducing the ferric ion complex EDTA·2Na into the system. As a result, the TNRE recovered to 60%. The findings would be useful to optimize the anammox biofilm process by adjusting the concentration of Fe (III) in the practical industrial application.
ECONOMIC-PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCEPTUAL FUNDAMENTALS OF THE HAPPINESS PHENOMENON UNDERSTANDING WITHIN THE INTERDISCIPLINARY PARADIGM
Authors: Stepanenko S. , Teslenko M. , Nakonechna V.
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the theoretical analysis results presentation of economic and psychological principles of the happiness understanding as an interdisciplinary phenomenon. Theoretical generalizations of the happiness economy basic provisions and the state of human happiness basic characteristics in the framework of economic research are presented. It is concluded that the «happiness economy» development current areas are the study of factors influencing life satisfaction (age, gender, external attractiveness, level of education, marital status, number of children); study of the relationship between a person's level of happiness and social characteristics of his life (level of trust, number and quality of social contacts, involvement in various social groups), analysis of the public policy measures impact on public subjective well-being, etc.

The specifics of the happiness and its achievement determinants interpretation within the framework of psychological research are revealed. Psychological understanding of the happiness phenomenon involves giving more weight to the subjective characteristics of his experience, which are realized in the affective and cognitive evaluative judgments of a person about quality of life, experiencing a sense of coherence and orderliness, clarity of life goals and activities.

The happiness phenomenon research methodical means in the economic and psychological perspective are analyzed and the specifics of the use of socio-economic indicators for measuring happiness at the national and global levels of human functioning are described.
FEATURES OF LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF STUDENTS-PSYCHOLOGISTS WITH DIFFERENT SELF-ASSESSMENT
Authors: Teslenko M. , Kashpersy V.
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the leadership qualities of students-psychologists problem of theoretical and empirical analysis results. Theoretical analysis of the leadership phenomenon specifics and the role of leadership characteristics in students-psychologist’s professionally important qualities system is presented. The two areas of research related to the topic theoretical generalizations results are presented. Article present the leadership and its general characteristics phenomenon features and the leadership qualities in the context of professionally important characteristics of students-psychologists and their development.

The results of students-psychologists leadership qualities system empirical research, its impressions in groups of respondents with different levels of self-esteem are analyzed. It is established that the students-psychologist’s leadership qualities depend on their self-esteem. In particular, students with low self-esteem are characterized by a reduced level of leadership skills, have difficulty in solving problems, have a reduced level of influence on others and the ability to work with a group. Instead, students with high self-esteem are characterized by strong leadership qualities, are able to solve problems in relationships, are able to influence others and organize a group for activities.
Relación cuantitativa entre el Rendimiento Escolar en el Bachillerato y el Rendimiento Académico Universitario en Estudiantes de Investigación Científica en la Facultad Integral del Norte Carrera de Veterinaria y Zootecnia U.A.G.R.M.
Authors: Durán Flores Lorgio
Published: November 2023

Con el propósito de determinar la correlación entre variables, esta investigación estudió la relación del rendimiento escolar en el bachillerato con el rendimiento académico universitario de estudiantes de Investigación Científica que ingresaron a la Carrera de Veterinaria y ZootecniaFacultad Integral del Norte - Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno. Para lo cual se elaboró una ficha de recolección de datos que fue aplicada y respondido por medio de una encuesta a todos los estudiantes del primer semestre de la carrera gestión 2019. Por los resultados obtenidos y analizados por el SPSS prueba de correlación de Pearson, se confirma la hipótesis planteada en el sentido de que existe una correlación positiva, sin embargo esta es baja entre el rendimiento escolar en el bachillerato y el rendimiento académico universitario.
Compromiso académico en contextos virtuales e inéditos. Adaptabilidad frente al cambio en el ámbito universitario
Authors: Rigo Daiana Yamila , Amaya Stefania , Guarido Guadalupe
Published: November 2023

La pandemia por COVID-19 instó a los estudiantes y al resto de agentes educativos a cambiar repentinamente de formatos tradicionales y familiares a formatos de aprendizaje a distancia en gran parte improvisados. En ese marco, el estudio que se presenta exploró el compromiso académico vinculado al proceso de adaptación que los estudiantes desarrollaron a lo largo de la pandemia por COVID-19, en términos de recursos cognitivos, afectivos, comportamentales y agénticos que desplegaron frente al aprendizaje en contextos educativos virtuales e inéditos. Metodológicamente fue exploratoria descriptiva de corte cualitativo para indagar a partir de narraciones breves solicitadas a 61 estudiantes universitarios de Argentina acerca de sus percepciones sobre el compromiso académico vinculado a la adaptabilidad durante los dos años de cursado virtual -2020 y 2021-. Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes despliegan una variedad interesante de recursos digitales para adaptarse ante situaciones novedosas e inciertas. En segundo término, se observa un resaltante estrés hacia los recursos digitales, cansancio y un mayor sentido de desvinculación académica, unido a alternativas que se co-crean desde la agencia personal y colaborativa para organizar nuevas comunidades de aprendizaje virtual. Lo encontrado motiva a re pensar la vuelta a la presencialidad, para reflexionar la clase universitaria como un entorno híbrido donde la presencia se complemente con lo virtual y promoviera el compromiso de los educandos.
Assessing the Potential Role of Dark Fermentation of Waste Streams and Its Related Business Models in Future Circular Economy
Authors: Gassner Dipl Techn.Vesela Tanaskovic , Symeonidis Msc Dimitris
Published: November 2023

The global community is facing an unprecedented perfect storm battling with the Grand Challenge of climate change, with economic, societal and environmental ramifications being felt as much as never before, with South Asia at the epicenter. With greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions as the main driver of climate change, special attention is put into decarbonizing sectors that are the main contributors of these gasses. These include obvious ones, such as the energy sector, but also less obvious like waste. Nonetheless, numerous challenges lie on that end. For the former, intermittency of renewable energy is the biggest obstacle, whereas for the latter waste management and valorization are the key challenges to overcome. Dark fermentation has the potential to be the process that connects these seemingly irrelevant sectors through the solution of bio hydrogen. Hydrogen has been touted by many as the most promising alternative as an energy carrier and means of storage, primarily due to its energy density and lack of carbon content. Dark fermentation is applied both to municipal and agricultural waste, using easy to cultivate bacteria such as clostridium combined with E.coli. With the organic acids that remain, bio stimulants can be generated to benefit the rural communities, whereas with residue remaining from the lower hydrocarbon chains, useful bio methane can be channeled towards heating and cooking. This study initially examines sustainability, circularity and economic functionality of such a business model. It also assesses the implications, opportunities and challenges of a business model around dark fermentation for stakeholders, including farmers, distribution operators, energy storage companies and renewable energy communities. Finally, this study emphasizes on the public private partnership (PPP) possibilities and the strategies and policies. Multiple methods will be utilized, including empirical evidence/knowledge and literature research, but also interviewing methods will be included, if time allows, to the stakeholders involved, such as municipal workers, grid distribution/transmission professionals, regular citizens - members of renewable energy communities and farmers. The outcomes expected from this research are to identify the best and most cost-efficient dark fermentation practices, including the most cost-effective and least energy intensive byproducts, but also make a painstaking stakeholder map. In this way, the economic, social and ethical costs and benefits will also be identified.
Starch-based edible protective coating obtained from sweet potato waste.
Authors: Real Ana , Galante Raquel , Medeiros Rogério , Pais Vânia , Bessa João , Cardoso Sandra , Cunh Fernando , Fangueir Raul
Published: November 2023

There is a need for sustainable solutions to increase shelf time and ensure food safety. The use of edible protective coatings in the food industry is and simple and innovative alternative, even more, when the coating is combined with active agents that confer additional functional attributes. Natural polymers such as polysaccharides are very interesting given their edibility, biodegradability, and easy access, among other aspects. Starch is one of the most widely used polysaccharides mainly due to its low cost and simplicity of processing technologies. In this work, sweet potato wastes were used to extract starch. This biopolymer was combined to develop an edible film, by gelation process. The edible coating was characterized in terms of surface morphology (SEM), chemical composition (FTIR) and wettability. For the protective effect, different fruits (bananas, apples, passion fruit, tomato and guava) were coated with 1 or 2 layers of this film. The results showed, in general, that the coated samples revealed better results regarding, texture, color, odor and delayed maturation when compared to the uncoated controls. This is indicative of the potential for increased shelf-time of fruits without significant alterations to their intrinsic properties. Moreover, the extraction process, based on food waste recovery and circularity combined with the protective effect shows the importance of this work and its alignment with several sustainable development goal.
Green Marketing:- A Step Towards Sustainability
Authors: Kashyap Ritu , Sahni Stuti , Padval Bhushan , Shahid Md. Nasir , Sawant Samruddhi
Published: November 2023

With the ecological issues getting worse day by day and sustainability becoming major concern, the time has come when we need to focus our thoughts and action son reviving our resources and utilizing the existing ones in a much more sensible manner.It is a need of an hour to work towards sustainability and safeguard our MOTHEREARTH. Environmentalists, business units, corporates, and people all need to work toward the cause. In this, a shift to GREEN MARKETING is a holistic approach. Marketers and consumers today are well aware of the importance of the GO-GREEN concept. Green marketing and green product development can be recognized as a paradigm in such a situation. This paper addresses the importance in such a scenario. Although the concept is still in its infancy stage, but the start toward a better and sustainable move is there. This paper is an attempt in identifying the concerns about selling and buying green products, consumers changing attitudes, and the promising benefits
Challenges for The Circular Economy in Manufacturing
Authors: Mohapatra Rashmi Ranjan
Published: November 2023

The introduction of the circular economy (CE) in production, minimizing waste, maximizing resource use, reducing environmental impact, conservation, and safety for society. The main objective is to choose appropriate methods that influence product design, process design, service design, and production design. 1.5 °C Supply chain leaders have taken the initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain, halving them by 2030 and reducing emissions to zero by 2050. Achieving a circular economy requires the integration of the three critical elements of products, processes, and systems across the three dimensions of environment, economy and social. CE has become a major paradigm shift in the way companies interact with society and the environment. The implementation of CE initiatives aims to conserve scarce resources, close energy, and material loops, and enable sustainable development at various levels of business processes. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target 12.5 aims to significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse by 2030, which will require actions and strategies from various stakeholders to achieve the goals. It may take time to see the impact on the organization and society, but the timeline has already begun.