bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic Nitrate Contamination Impacts Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Microbial Communities in the Marchica Lagoon (Morocco)
Authors: El Hamouti Chahrazade , Castellano-Hinojosa Antonio , Mabrouki Youness , Chaouni Bouchra , Ghazal Hassan , Boukhatem Noureddine , Chahboune Rajaa , Bedmar Eulogio J.
Published: February 2023

Lagoon systems are often confined, and their waters are poorly renewed, which makes them vulnerable to pollutants’ accumulation. Here, the impact of different sources of anthropogenic contamination (domestic, urban, industrial, and agricultural) on the nitrate (NO3−) content, emission of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O), abundance of total bacterial archaeal, nitrifying, and denitrifying communities, and diversity and composition of bacterial communities in the sediments of the RAMSAR-protected Marchica lagoon (Nador, Morocco) was investigated. Six lake sites differing in NO3− concentration were selected. Wastewater coming from industrial activities results in the greatest concentration of NO3− in sediments and emissions of N2O. Increased carbon to nitrogen content in sites near domestic activities resulted in an increase in the abundance of total bacterial and archaeal communities, as well as nitrification and denitrification genes, but low N2O emissions due to a greater presence of microorganisms involved in N2O production over those able to reduce N2O. Significant differences in bacterial community composition between sites were observed, with the NO3− content being the main driver of these changes. Increased NO3− content in the sampling sites significantly reduced bacterial diversity. Bacterial genera involved in the degradation of organic and inorganic pollutants and nitrous oxide reduction, such as Robiginitalea, Symbiobacterium, Bacillus, Fusibacter, Neptunomonas, Colwellia, and Alteromonas, were the most abundant in the lagoon. The results suggest that the type of anthropogenic contamination directly impacts the nitrate content in the sediments of the Marchica lagoon, which determines variations in nitrous oxide emissions, nitrogen-cycling gene abundances, and bacterial diversity.
A Data-Driven Approach to W-Beam Barrier Monitoring Data Processing: A Case Study of Highway Congestion Mitigation Strategy
Authors: Mu Weiguang , Gong Chengzhu
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a data-driven approach is used to process W-Beam Barrier monitoring data, expecting to achieve online estimation of the number of trucks and accurate identification of barrier impact events. By analyzing the data features, significant noise was found in the original data, hiding the useful information, so this paper proposes an improved wavelet thresholding algorithm to achieve data denoising. As there is no study of the same application, this paper compares three commonly used data fault diagnosis algorithms: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares (PLS) and Fisher Discrimination Analysis (FDA). By designing and conducting comparison experiments, the results show that the PCA model is more suitable for estimating the number of trucks and the FDA model is more suitable for identifying barrier impact events. The data processing results are shared with the highway operation management system as a trigger condition to enable the strategy of forbidden truck overtaking. Through long-term application, the results show that highway capacity is improved by 12.7% and the congestion index and emissions are slightly reduced after adopting this paper’s method.
Sustainable Death? Promoting Adoption of Green Passing
Authors: Forstmann Anne Charlotte , Martin George Edward , Valdez Orezzoli Mariafernanda Valdez , Xu Jia Ying (Gloria) , Heitmayer Maxi
Published: February 2023

Death practices are a highly individual and sensitive, but also strongly social and socially regulated issue. Passing rituals and types of burials have developed over centuries, and their significant environmental cost is rarely discussed. In this paper, we propose an intervention that aims to open up the conversation about green passing practices and help reduce the environmental impact of current death practices in the United Kingdom. We used the multilayered installation design approach, leveraging activity theory and installation theory to identify relevant stakeholders and entry points for intervention. We then developed a holistic intervention strategy subsumed under the green passer Initiative, which proposes intervention into burial practices at the physical, social, and embodied level. We illustrate the intervention strategy with three ideal-type journeys of future green passers and outline relevant implications for policy makers, researchers, and the general public.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and Bank Stability: An Analysis Based on the Intermediary Effects of Opacity
Authors: Zhang Ruiwen , Wang Shujun
Published: February 2023

With the background of deepening uncertainty about global and Chinese economic policy, the stability of the banking industry is of great strategic significance for promoting the high-quality development of the real economy and maintaining the order of the financial market. This paper uses the panel data of 32 commercial banks in China during the period of 2007–2020 to test the impact of economic policy uncertainty on bank stability and the mediating role of opacity. The research results show that the economic policy uncertainty has a negative impact on bank stability. Opacity plays a partial intermediary role between economic policy uncertainty and bank stability: economic policy uncertainty indirectly affects bank stability by stimulating banks to reduce market exposure and improve earnings opacity.
Analyzing the Flexural Performance of Cold-Formed Steel Sigma Section Using ABAQUS Software
Authors: Selvam Janani , Vajravelu Ashok , Nagapan Sasitharan , Arumugham Bala Kumaran
Published: February 2023

Cold-formed steel structures are a type of steel fabrication that is commonly employed in building construction. Before manufacture, they are designed precisely to the appropriate dimensions using the ABAQUS software. Both the strength of the cross-section and distortional buckling determine the load-carrying capability of the section. It was found that thin walls in some cold-formed sections suffered distortional buckling under light loads, and that these elements continued to be strong even after the members buckled. To prevent local buckling, stiffness is offered by the web part. There are several methods for determining the modes and elastic buckling stress. They are finite element analysis, finite strip analysis, and conventional Fourier series solutions. The thickness of the specimen and types of stiffener selection which influence the ultimate strength and deflection should be the issue in the design of the appropriate sigma section. The non-linear numerical analysis of the web-stiffened triangular section was performed using ABAQUS v6.4. It has been demonstrated that sections with height-to-thickness (h/t) ratios have load-bearing capacities. When compared to the lower h/t ratio sections, they demonstrated an improvement in load-carrying capability from 35.13% to 37.2%.
Pricing Decision Models of Manufacturer-Led Dual-Channel Supply Chain with Free-Rider Problem
Authors: Zhang Xuelong , Xu Yuxin , Chen Xiaofan , Liang Jiuying
Published: February 2023

We study the strategic pricing decision models of manufacture-led dual-channel supply chains with the free-rider problem under the service level and cost. We use the Stackelberg model to study the impact of the degree with the free-rider problem of consumers on the optimal pricing strategy and the optimal service level of the dual-channel supply chain under various decision-making modes and carry out a numerical simulation. The main conclusions are as follows: In the retailer’s dual-channel supply chain, the deepening of consumer free-riding behavior will reduce the enthusiasm of retailers, but the weak position of the channel will lead to improved service levels and reduced prices, as well as to increase the wholesale price to cover costs. In the manufacturer’s dual-channel supply chain, the deepening of consumer free-riding behavior will lead to a decline in the retailers’ service level and enthusiasm, as well as to a decrease in the wholesale prices and retailers’ pricing. In the two types of dual-channel supply chains, the demand of manufacturers’ network channels increases, the price increases first and then decreases, and the profits of all supply chain members decrease with the increase in the free-rider coefficient of consumers. Finally, we use numerical simulation to verify the validity of the above conclusions, which provides a scientific basis to make optimal pricing decisions in the manufacturer-led dual-channel supply chain.
How Renewable Energy and CO2 Emissions Contribute to Economic Growth, and Sustainability—An Extensive Analysis
Authors: Madaleno Mara , Nogueira Manuel Carlos
Published: February 2023

Using energy efficiently is crucial for economic development and sustainability. However, excessive use of fossil fuels impedes sustainable economic growth, and the released emissions have a negative impact on the environment. Still, there is no consensus in the literature as to the side effects or even regarding the determinants used to assess this relationship. As such, this article explores the effects that CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions and renewable energy consumption have on economic growth, using fixed assets, human capital, research and development, foreign direct investment, labor force, and international trade as controls, on a sample of 27 EU (European Union) countries between 1994 and 2019. Four different methodologies were applied to the sample, namely ordinary least squares, fixed effects, random effects, and the generalized method of moments in first differences, allowing endogeneity to be accounted for. Results show that gross fixed capital, human development, and trade contribute positively to economic growth; however, even though these contributions increase due to renewable energy consumption, that increase occurs at the expense of more CO2 emissions. This expense may be justified by the high dependency on fossil fuels in the EU 27 group. Policy implications are presented for policymakers, namely governments, in light of sustainability and climate change.
Consumers’ Attitudes towards Online Advertising: A Model of Personalization, Informativeness, Privacy Concern and Flow Experience
Authors: Mo Li , Zhang Xiaosan , Lin Yabin , Yuan Zhenghui , Peng Zengjun
Published: February 2023

Online personalized advertising has been widely adopted in China in the recent years, leading to both positive and negative results. This study endeavors to examine the impact of perceived personalization of online advertising on consumers’ attitudes toward advertising. A total of 472 questionnaires were administered and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The results show that perceived personalization exerts a positive impact through perceived informativeness, and a negative impact through privacy concerns. However, the positive effect was determined to be stronger and thus perceived personalization had an overall positive impact. Additionally, the results showed that both effects were mediated by flow experience. The practical and theoretical implications of the findings were discussed.
Increasing Millet Planting Density with Appropriate Fertilizer to Enhance Productivity and System Resilience in Senegal
Authors: Faye Aliou , Akplo Tobi Moriaque , Stewart Zachary P. , Min Doohong , Obour Augustine K. , Assefa Yared , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: February 2023

Climate forecasts show increased frequency and intensity of drought in the semi-arid regions of west Africa, which negatively impacts food and nutrition security. Developing and improving resilient cropping systems will require adequate varieties with improved agronomic practices. The purpose of the study was to evaluate grain and biomass production of newly released dual-purpose millet varieties under different fertilizer rates and planting densities across the millet-cropping regions of Senegal with different rainfall regimes (Bambey: 600 mm, Boulel: 700 mm, Nioro: 650 mm, and Sinthiou Malème: 800 mm). The experimental design was a split-split-plot with three replicates using one traditional variety (Souna 3) and four dual-purpose varieties (Thialack 2, SL28, SL 169, and SL423) as the main factor; two planting densities (E1: 12,500 seed hills ha−1 and E2: 25,000 seed hills ha−1) as second factor; and eight fertilizer combination as sub-sub-plots. Results showed that variety yield response differed with environments. Regardless of variety, increasing sowing density increased grain yields (1600 kg ha−1 for E2 vs. 1000 kg ha−1 for E1) and fodder yields (4200 kg ha−1 for E2 vs. 3100 kg ha−1 for E1). Fertilizer response differed between environments, but the application of 70N–10P–19K + 2.5 t ha−1 cow manure produced appreciable yields in all the environments. The dual-purpose varieties (SL 28, SL 169, and Thialack 2) sown at E2 produced the best grain and fodder yields. Soil water content was greater for all varieties (Thialack 2: 12.32%; Souna 3: 5.32%; SL28: 6.32%; and SL423: 9.23%) at higher planting density compared with normal density (Thialack 2: 9.25%; Souna 3: 3.21%; SL28: 5.43%; and SL423: 7.47%). The highest agronomic-use efficiency (AEg) of inorganic fertilizer applied was observed at 25,000 seed hill ha−1 and averaged 6.63 kg kg−1 at Boulel, 9.20 kg kg−1 at Sinthiou Malème, 4.67 kg kg−1 at Bambey, and 8.32 at Nioro kg kg−1. The AEg significantly varied among fertilizer combinations, with greatest AEg obtained with 70N–22.5P–22.5K (5.53 kg kg−1) at Boulel and with 95N–17P–27K (4.66 kg kg−1) at Bambey. This study provides crop-management options for millet-cropping systems in the semi-arid regions of west Africa for improving millet productivity while enhancing system resilience through better conservation and utilizing of soil water.
PFT: A Novel Time-Frequency Decomposition of BOLD fMRI Signals for Autism Spectrum Disorder Detection
Authors: Belhaouari Samir Brahim , Talbi Abdelhamid , Hassan Saima , Al-Thani Dena , Qaraqe Marwa
Published: February 2023

Diagnosing Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a challenging task for clinicians due to the inconsistencies in existing medical tests. The Internet of things (IoT) has been used in several medical applications to realize advancements in the healthcare industry. Using machine learning in tandem IoT can enhance the monitoring and detection of ASD. To date, most ASD studies have relied primarily on the operational connectivity and structural metrics of fMRI data processing while neglecting the temporal dynamics components. Our research proposes Progressive Fourier Transform (PFT), a novel time-frequency decomposition, together with a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), as a preferred alternative to available ASD detection systems. We use the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange dataset for model validation, demonstrating better results of the proposed PFT model compared to the existing models, including an increase in accuracy to 96.7%. These results show that the proposed technique is capable of analyzing rs-fMRI data from different brain diseases of the same type.
Prediction of Micro- and Small-Sized Enterprise Default Risk Based on a Logistic Model: Evidence from a Bank of China
Authors: Zhao Yuetong , Lin Deqin
Published: February 2023

This study selected factors influencing the default risk of micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) from the perspective of both financial and non-financial indicators and constructed an identification model of the influencing factors for the default risk of MSEs by logistic regression, using the data on loans borrowed by 2492 MSEs from a city commercial bank in Gansu Province as the sample. In addition, the robustness and prediction effect of the model were tested. The empirical results showed that the logistic model has good robustness and high predictive ability. The quick ratio, total asset turnover, return on net assets, sales growth rate and total assets growth rate had significant negative impacts on the default risk for the loans taken out by MSEs; the loan maturity and loan amount had remarkable positive impacts on the default risk; non-financial indicators (e.g., the nature of the enterprise, method of obtaining the loan and educational background of the person in charge) had significant impacts on the default risk. Based on the results, this manuscript provides solutions to address the default risk of MSEs and makes suggestions from the perspectives of database building, full-cycle management and dynamic assessment of guarantee capacity.
How Does the Digital Economy Affect Sustainable Urban Development? Empirical Evidence from Chinese Cities
Authors: Guo Qiuqiu , Ma Xiaoyu
Published: February 2023

The rapid development of modern information technology has promoted the emergence of a new economic form: the digital economy, which has effectively changed economic development patterns and has become an important engine for economic growth in the new era. At the same time, sustainable development is the focus of the world today. Based on the panel data of 280 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2019, this study used the entropy method to measure levels of sustainable urban development while constructing an evaluation system for sustainable urban development levels. In addition, various econometric models were used to empirically analyze the impact, influence mechanisms and spatial effect of the digital economy on sustainable urban development. The results show that (1) the development of the digital economy has effectively promoted the level of sustainable urban development by enhancing the level of green technology innovation and accelerating the upgrading of industrial structures; (2) spatial econometrics regression results indicate that the development of the digital economy is not only an important boost to the sustainable development of local cities, but it also effectively promotes the sustainable development process of surrounding areas; (3) heterogeneity analysis shows that the promoting effect of the digital economy on sustainable urban development is more prominent in the eastern region, in cities larger than medium-size and in non-resource-based cities.
Coupling Coordination Development of Urbanization and Ecological Environment in the Urban Agglomeration on the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains, China
Authors: Helili Pariha , Zan Mei
Published: February 2023

With rapid urbanization and increasingly prominent environmental issues, objective evaluation of the quality of the ecological environment is crucial for environmental protection and sustainable development. Most remote sensing ecological indices (RSEI) used for ecological environmental quality evaluation include only four indicators (greenness, humidity, heat, and dryness), and many studies have ignored the impact of air quality on urban ecological environmental quality in arid areas. This study used the urban agglomeration on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (UANSTM), China, as the research area based on the Google Earth Engine platform via Landsat remote sensing images and NPP/VIIRS data to establish a new remote sensing ecological index (RSEInew) and compounded night light index of urbanization level. The coupling coordination degree model was used to quantitatively analyze the characteristics of the coordinated development of the ecological environment and urbanization in UANSTM and major cities from 2015 to 2020. The results showed that: (1) compared to RSEI, RSEInew is more suitable for assessing the ecological quality of arid zones because it accounts for air quality; (2) the RSEInew value for the eco-environmental quality of UANSTM from 2015 to 2020 improved and then deteriorated with an overall declining trend. The variation in the RSEInew rating was between “strongly bad” and “neutral,” and there were differences in the quality of the ecological environments among cities; (3) the level of urbanization in the economic zone of UANSTM from 2015 to 2020 increased significantly, and the degree of coordination between urbanization and ecological environmental quality coupling steadily increased but remained moderately imbalanced. The results of this study provide a scientific reference for the economic development and ecological environmental protection of the study area.
Improving Tourism Industry Performance through Support System Facilities and Stakeholders: The Role of Environmental Dynamism
Authors: Achmad Fandi , Prambudia Yudha , Rumanti Augustina Asih
Published: February 2023

Success in improving the tourism industry’s performance depends on support system facilities and the role of stakeholders. However, the role of stakeholders in increasing tourism potential to support tourism industry activities, especially in a dynamic environment, still needs further elucidation. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify the factors that influence the improvement of the tourism industry and to produce strategies for the tourism industry. In this study, we conducted empirical research that elaborated the impact of support system facilities, stakeholders, and environmental dynamism on how the tourism industry achieves optimal performance in environmental dynamism. Support system facilities factors include telecommunication, power sources, transportation, waste management, location, clean water sources, supporting industries, spatial factors, hospitality, safety, and security. This research was based on data from 203 respondents from SMEs located around the tourist area of Rembang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. This research shows that the tourism industry in Rembang Regency can achieve optimal performance by utilizing and improving spatial factors, clean water sources, and telecommunication. Therefore, stakeholders and SMEs will benefit from support system facilities that can improve their performance in a dynamic tourism industry environment.
Analysis of the Ecosystem Structure and Energy Flow in the Waters of the Wangjiadao Islands
Authors: Zhao Zhongfang , Sun Jiaqi , Yin Zengqiang , Cui Jiuru , Gu Haifeng , Wang Yan , Li Jiaxing , Xu Min , Yang Jisong , Tian Tao
Published: February 2023

Marine islands play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. The waters of the Wangjiadao islands, which are located in the Northern Yellow Sea, are one of the typical island ecosystems. Sea cucumbers and shellfish are important target species, but information on ecological capacity is lacking. Using the EWE model, a food web model was constructed for the waters of Wangjiadao Island in order to estimate the potential biomass of selected species that could proliferate without destabilizing the ecosystem. The model consists of 22 functional groups that were selected for their functional roles within the ecosystem and the availability of data. The potential for fishery biomass enhancement is significant, with sea cucumber biomass increasing by 242%, Mizuhopecten yessoensis biomass increasing by 42%, Chlamys farreri biomass increasing by 1.6%, Ruditapes philippinarum biomass increasing by 0.5% and Portunus trituberculatus biomass increasing by 134%, reflecting the development of the Wangjiadao Islands water’s ecosystem, and the results can be used as a reference for fisheries resource management.
Professional Training of Employees in Media Organizations in Serbia and Its Implications on Career Development
Authors: Sokolović Bojana , Šiđanin Iva , Duđak Ljubica , Kokotović Sonja
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the existence of the need and willingness of media companies in Serbia to organize professional training for their employees, with the aim of improving their knowledge and skills and for the sake of their career growth, analyzed in the context of business sustainability, as well as the sustainability of human resources in a very competitive media industry. The main purpose of the paper is to determine the relationship between professional training for media professionals and their career growth. It looks into the subjective assessment of the need for training, the subjective assessment of the usefulness of training, and organizational support related to training and development in order for media professionals to achieve career growth. A correlation study was conducted on a sample of 150 media professionals using three scales of a job training and job satisfaction survey questionnaire to determine the subjective assessment of the need for professional training, the subjective assessment of the usefulness of professional training and organizational support to training, while a modified organizational career growth scales questionnaire was used to determine career growth. Research results confirmed that employees believe that additional training has an impact on the development of their career, as well as that attending additional training has a positive effect on their career growth. This paper provides useful guidelines for company management regarding professional training and its implications on career growth, theoretical and practical implications, as well as suggestions for future research.
What Keeps Social Entrepreneurs Happy? Exploring Personality, Work Design, External Support, and Social Impact as Resources of Social Entrepreneurs’ Mental Well-Being
Authors: Kruse Philipp , Chipeta Eleanor Meda , Ueberschär Imke
Published: February 2023

Social entrepreneurship (SE) is a new form of entrepreneurship dedicated to the creation of social value for its beneficiaries, either as a for-profit or not-for-profit enterprise. While, over the years, research has yielded notable insights regarding, e.g., social entrepreneurial nascence and motivations or contextual factors (dis-)favoring SE activity, not much is known about the resources social entrepreneurs have to maintain their mental well-being (MWB), which is essential for successfully accomplishing their social missions. The current study takes a psychological view, identifies four resource clusters (personality, work design, external support, and provision of social impact), and integrates these to empirically explore their predictive values for job-specific and general MWB. Building on a representative sample of South African social entrepreneurs from Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces, we apply structural equation modeling and find positive effects on social entrepreneur’s MWB in all resource clusters. Moreover, comparing for-profit and not-for profit social entrepreneurs yields differences in the levels and mechanisms of their MWB resources. Despite notable limitations, such as using cross-sectional data and a limited sample generalizability, our work offers the first framework shedding light on social entrepreneurs’ MWB-resources that can serve as a basis for future research and help SE-support programs to sustainably promote social entrepreneurs’ MWB.
A Systematic Review of Emerging Ventilated Acoustic Metamaterials for Noise Control
Authors: Ang Linus Yinn Leng , Cui Fangsen , Lim Kian-Meng , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: February 2023

As sustainability is one of the main pillars in developing future cities, adopting natural ventilation whenever possible is one way to reduce energy consumption, thus indirectly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Lately, ventilated acoustic metamaterials have started to receive more research attention because of how they can provide both ventilation and noise control. Motivated by this research attention, we present this timely systematic review of emerging ventilated acoustic metamaterials for noise control. By limiting the review to a five-year coverage (2018–2023), three kinds of ventilated acoustic metamaterials were identified—metamufflers, metapanels, and metacages. Based on the studies included in this review, we discuss the present challenges of metacages. More research efforts are still needed to see real-world applications of metacages as a novel ventilated noise control measure in the future.
Social Acceptance of a Thermal Architectural Implementation Proposal
Authors: García López Esperanza , Heard Christopher
Published: February 2023

The social acceptance of introducing an improved and sustainable roofing material in multicultural communities in Mexico was addressed. A case history of a community “La Cañada” in Huixquilucan, State of Mexico (19°19′02.81″ N, 99°22′23.21″ W, 3025 m above mean sea level), a village very close to the eastern edge of Mexico City and representative of strong social and transcultural pressures similar to surrounding communities in Mexico City, is reported. The approach considered developing a double-layered roof to reduce the energy demand for space heating in this predominantly cold region, thus significantly contributing to indoor thermal comfort, reducing the need for cutting wood and helping to alleviate the accelerating impacts of deforestation in the area. Two parallel studies were used, whereby the then-current awareness levels of citizens and the factors impacting their commitment to energy sustainability were analysed using multicriteria social parameters, while the second study focused on the analysis of improved comfort when the proposed double roof was implemented, based on the feedback received from a pool of citizens who experienced living in the improved prototype dwellings. Results showed that while the level of awareness on energy efficiency was still low, the influence of media on their decisions and aspirations was strong and this could be constructively used to support the shift towards a more sustainable society and a “solar culture”. Moreover, the developed sustainable double-roof prototype has significantly improved indoor comfort and energy savings for heating, while demonstrating a fast and easy replicability potential in similar dwellings.
Numerical Investigation on Flow Characteristics in a Mildly Meandering Channel with a Series of Groynes
Authors: Ding Changfeng , Li Chunguang , Song Lulu , Chen Shaozhuo
Published: February 2023

In single-bend channels or meandering channels, groynes are widely used as a river-training structure. Geometric factor is an important principle of groyne design. In this paper, the numerical method based on the Renormalization Group (RNG) k-ε turbulence model is used to study the effects of groynes with different lengths and orientations on the mean flow pattern and turbulence characteristics in a mildly meandering channel. The analysis shows that compared with equal-length groynes, the groynes arranged in descending order perform well in improving the flow velocity of the main channel, and the maximum longitudinal velocity at the channel center can be increased by 1.57 times the average velocity. However, at the same time, they bring higher Normalized Turbulent Kinetic Energy (NTKE) and Normalized Bed Shear Stress (NBSS) values. The attracting groynes arranged in descending order help to reduce scouring. The groynes arranged in ascending order reduce the velocity of the riverbank in some downstream areas and are suitable for bank protection. It effectively decreases the NTKE and NBSS around the groyne fields and can reduce the inner bank scouring of the mildly meandering channel. The findings are helpful for the management of meandering rivers.
Prediction Model of a Generative Adversarial Network Using the Concept of Complex Picture Fuzzy Soft Information
Authors: Khan Sami Ullah , Al-Sabri Esmail Hassan Abdullatif , Ismail Rashad , Mohammed Maha Mohammed Saeed , Hussain Shoukat , Mehmood Arif
Published: February 2023

A computer vision model known as a generative adversarial network (GAN) creates all the visuals, including images, movies, and sounds. One of the most well-known subfields of deep learning and machine learning is generative adversarial networks. It is employed for text-to-image translations, as well as image-to-image and conceptual image-to-image translations. Different techniques are used in the processing and generation of visual data, which can lead to confusion and uncertainty. With this in mind, we define some solid mathematical concepts to model and solve the aforementioned problem. Complex picture fuzzy soft relations are defined in this study by taking the Cartesian product of two complex picture fuzzy soft sets. Furthermore, the types of complex picture fuzzy soft relations are explained, and their results are also discussed. The complex picture fuzzy soft relation has an extensive structure comprising membership, abstinence, and non-membership degrees with multidimensional variables. Therefore, this paper provides modeling methodologies based on complex picture fuzzy soft relations, which are used for the analysis of generative adversarial networks. In the process, the score functions are also formulated. Finally, a comparative analysis of existing techniques was performed to show the validity of the proposed work.
Hydrodynamic Permeability in Axisymmetric Flows of Viscous Fluids through an Annular Domains with Porous Layer
Authors: Fetecau Constantin , Mirza Itrat Abbas , Vieru Dumitru
Published: February 2023

Mass, energy, and momentum transfer processes between fluid-saturated porous media and the adjacent free flow occur in many natural and technical systems. The flow dynamics in the porous region and the adjacent free flow is strongly controlled by the mechanisms at the common interface and conditions on the outer surface of the free-flow. The present paper considers unsteady axisymmetric flows of viscous fluids through an annular domain with a porous layer covering a cylindrical solid core. Fluid flow in the domain filled with porous material and in transparent domain is described by Brinkman model and Navier Stokes equations, respectively. Analytical solutions for the dimensionless velocity fields in the Laplace domain are determined using Bessel functions, Laplace transform, and the appropriate interface and boundary conditions. The inversion of the Laplace transforms is done with the help of a numerical algorithm. In addition, the hydrodynamic permeability is determined. The dependence of the dimensionless velocity fields and of hydrodynamic permeability on characteristic parameters of the porous layer is numerically and graphically discussed. Since the velocity on the outer surface is given by an arbitrary function of time, the results in this paper could be used to study various filtration problems.
Statistical Inference for the Kavya–Manoharan Kumaraswamy Model under Ranked Set Sampling with Applications
Authors: Alotaibi Naif , Elbatal Ibrahim , Shrahili Mansour , Al-Moisheer A. S. , Elgarhy Mohammed , Almetwally Ehab M.
Published: February 2023

In this article, we introduce a new extension of the Kumaraswamy (Ku) model, which is called the Kavya Manoharan Kumaraswamy (KMKu) model. The shape forms of the pdf for the KMKu model for various values of parameters are similar to the Ku model. It can be asymmetric, such as bathtub, unimodal, increasing and decreasing. In addition, the shape forms of the hrf for the KMKu model can be bathtub, U-shaped, J-shaped and increasing. Several statistical and computational properties were computed. Four different measures of entropy were studied. The maximum likelihood approach was employed to estimate the parameters for the KMKu model under simple and ranked set sampling. A simulation experiment was conducted in order to calculate the model parameters of the KMKu model utilizing simple and ranked set sampling and show the efficiency of the ranked set sampling more than the simple random sampling. The KMKu has more flexibility than the Ku model and other well-known models, and we proved this using three real-world data sets.
Mycotoxins in Raw Bovine Milk: UHPLC-QTrap-MS/MS Method as a Biosafety Control Tool
Authors: Leite Marta , Freitas Andreia , Barbosa Jorge , Ramos Fernando
Published: February 2023

Mycotoxins are compounds produced by several fungi that contaminate agricultural fields and, either directly or by carry-over, final food products. Animal exposure to these compounds through contaminated feed can lead to their excretion into milk, posing threats to public health. Currently, aflatoxin M1 is the sole mycotoxin with a maximum level set in milk by the European Union, as well as the most studied. Nonetheless, animal feed is known to be contaminated by several groups of mycotoxins with relevance from the food safety point of view that can be carried over into milk. To evaluate the multi-mycotoxin occurrence in this highly consumed food product it is crucial to develop precise and robust analytical methodologies towards their determination. In this sense, an analytical method for the simultaneous identification of 23 regulated, non-regulated, and emerging mycotoxins in raw bovine milk using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was validated. A modified QuEChERS protocol for extraction purposes was used, and further validation was performed by assessing the selectivity and specificity, limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ), linearity, repeatability, reproducibility, and recovery. The performance criteria were compliant with mycotoxin-specific and general European regulations for regulated, non-regulated, and emerging mycotoxins. The LOD and LOQ ranged between 0.001 and 9.88 ng mL−1 and 0.005 and 13.54 ng mL−1, respectively. Recovery values were between 67.5 and 119.8%. The repeatability and reproducibility parameters were below 15 and 25%, respectively. The validated methodology was successfully applied to determine regulated, non-regulated, and emerging mycotoxins in raw bulk milk from Portuguese dairy farms, proving the importance of widening the monitoring scope of mycotoxins in dairy products. Additionality, this method presents itself as a new strategic and integrated biosafety control tool for dairy farms for the analysis of these natural and relevant human risks.
De Sitter Entropy in Higher Derivative Theories of Gravity
Authors: Gong An , Liu Kun , Shu Fu-Wen
Published: February 2023

A theorem on higer-order derivative theories of gravity is proved. We find that the de Sitter/anti-de Sitter metric is always a solution of any generally covariant theory of gravity. With this theorem and a general form of entropy function for de Sitter spacetimes, we show how to calculate the entropy of de Sitter spacetime in a generally covariant theory of gravity without knowing the details of the modified metric. As an example, a general formula of dS entropy in Lovelock gravity is obtained.
Incidence and Epidemiology of Citrus Viroids in Greece: Role of Host and Cultivar in Epidemiological Characteristics
Authors: Mathioudakis Matthaios M. , Tektonidis Nikolaos , Karagianni Antonia , Mikalef Louiza , Gómez Pedro , Hasiów-Jaroszewska Beata
Published: February 2023

Viroids represent a threat to the citrus industry and also display an intricate matter for citrus tristeza virus (CTV) control as most of the commercial citrus rootstocks that are resistant/tolerant to CTV appear to be highly susceptible to viroid infection. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of the viroid’s incidence and distribution, along with the assessment of unexplored epidemiological factors leading to their occurrence, are necessary to further improve control measures. Herein, a large-scale epidemiological study of citrus viroids in five districts, 38 locations and 145 fields in Greece is presented, based on the analysis of 3005 samples collected from 29 cultivars of six citrus species. We monitored the occurrence of citrus exocortis (CEVd), hop stunt (HSVd), citrus dwarfing (CDVd), citrus bark cracking (CBCVd), and citrus bent leaf (CBLVd) viroids, and addressed their epidemiological patterns and factors shaping their population structure. Our results show a high frequency and wide distribution of four viroids in all areas and in almost all hosts, whereas CBLVd occurrence was restricted to Crete. Mixed infections were found in all districts in which a wide spread of viroids was observed. We identified a potential pathogens’ different preferences that could be partially explained by the host and cultivar, including the type of infection (single or mixed) and the number of viroids in the mixed infections. Overall, this work provides the first detailed epidemiological study on citrus viroids, enriching our knowledge for the implementation, production, and distribution of certified citrus propagative material, and the development of sustainable control strategies.
Real-World Study on Effectiveness of Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir–Ritonavir in Unvaccinated Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases with Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection Managed in Out-Patient Setting
Authors: Kwok Wang Chun , Tsoi Man Fung , Leung Sze Him Isaac , Tsui Chung Ki , Tam Terence Chi Chun , Ho James Chung Man , Lam David Chi Leung , Ip Mary Sau Man , Ho Pak Leung
Published: February 2023

While molnupiravir (MOV) and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (NMV-r) were developed for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, there has been a lack of data on the efficacy among unvaccinated adult patients with chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A territory-wide retrospective cohort study was conducted in Hong Kong to investigate the efficacy of MOV and NMV-r against severe outcomes of COVID-19 in unvaccinated adult patients with chronic respiratory diseases. A total of 3267 patients were included. NMV-r was effective in preventing respiratory failure (66.6%; 95% CI, 25.6–85.0%, p = 0.007), severe respiratory failure (77.0%; 95% CI, 6.9–94.3%, p = 0.039) with statistical significance, and COVID-19 related hospitalization (43.9%; 95% CI, −1.7–69.0%, p = 0.057) and in-hospital mortality (62.7%; 95% CI, −0.6–86.2, p = 0.051) with borderline statistical significance. MOV was effective in preventing COVID-19 related severe respiratory failure (48.2%; 95% CI 0.5–73.0, p = 0.048) and in-hospital mortality (58.3%; 95% CI 22.9–77.4, p = 0.005) but not hospitalization (p = 0.16) and respiratory failure (p = 0.10). In summary, both NMV-r and MOV are effective for reducing severe outcomes in unvaccinated COVID-19 patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
Rational Use of Monoclonal Antibodies as Therapeutic Treatment in an Oncologic Patient with Long COVID
Authors: Cusi Maria Grazia , Di Giacomo Anna Maria , Anichini Gabriele , Gori Savellini Gianni , Terrosi Chiara , Gandolfo Claudia , Maio Michele
Published: February 2023

We present the case of a 76-year-old male patient persistently infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the setting of a stage IIIC cutaneous melanoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Due to the persistent coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), all cancer treatments were discontinued. Because of the worsening of his clinical state and the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 positivity for more than six months, the patient was treated with sotrovimab, which was ineffective due to resistance mutations acquired during that time. In order to resume cancer treatment and make the patient free from SARS-CoV-2, an in vitro screening of Evusheld monoclonal antibodies (tixagevumab–cilgavimab) against the viral strains isolated from the subject was performed. The promising results obtained during in vitro testing led to the authorization of the off-label use of Evusheld, which made the patient negative for SARS-CoV-2, thus, allowing him to resume his cancer treatment. This study highlights the Evusheld monoclonal antibodies’ efficacy, not only in prevention but also in successful therapy against prolonged COVID-19. Therefore, testing neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in vitro against SARS-CoV-2 mutants directly isolated from patients could provide useful information for the treatment of people affected by long COVID.
Chinese Giant Salamander Iridovirus 025L Is a Viral Essential Gene
Authors: Liu Zijing , Xie Daofa , Nong Shirong , Wu Yingzi , Huang Suxian , He Xianhui , Zhou Tianhong , Li Wei
Published: February 2023

Ranavirus is a large nucleocytoplasmic DNA virus. Chinese giant salamander iridovirus (CGSIV) belongs to the ranavirus genus, and its replication involves a series of essential viral genes. Viral PCNA is a gene closely associated with viral replication. CGSIV−025L also encodes PCNA−like genes. We have described the function of CGSIV−025L in virus replication. The promoter of CGSIV−025L is activated during viral infection, and it is an early (E) gene that can be effectively transcribed after viral infection. CGSIV−025L overexpression promoted viral replication and viral DNA replication. siRNA interfered with CGSIV−025L expression and attenuated viral replication and viral DNA replication. The Δ025L−CGSIV strain with the deletion of CGSIV−025L could not replicate normally and could be rescued by the replenishment of 025L. CGSIV−025L was proven to be an essential gene for CGSIV by overexpression, interference, and deletion mutation experiments. CGSIV−025L was found to interact with CGSIV−062L by yeast two−hybrid, CoIP, and GST pulldown. Thus, the current study demonstrated that CGSIV−025L is an essential gene of CGSIV, which may be involved in viral infection by participating in viral DNA replication and interacting with replication−related proteins.
Assessment of the Hydrological Conditions of Carps Spawning Grounds in the Sylhet Haor Basins, and the Halda River System, Bangladesh
Authors: Akther Kazi Rabeya , Schneider Petra , Mian Sohel , Hossain Mohammad Amzad , Roy Nirmal Chandra
Published: February 2023

The Halda River and Haor basins are considered unique breeding habitats for carps in Bangladesh. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the natural spawning environment of carp species, with an emphasis on the hydrological conditions of the Halda River, the Surma River, and Tanguar Haor. This study, which covers the years 2021 and 2022, considered two spawning seasons. The results revealed that temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, turbidity, conductivity, and pH were significantly different in the Halda River to the Surma River and Tanguar Haor. However, sudden rainfall and upstream runoff in 2021 were deemed as major factors causing an increment in TDS and electrical conductivity. The water pollution index was excellent in the Surma River and Tanguar Haor, and good in the Halda River. The study reported moderately reduced IMC fry production in 2021 because of inconsistent turbidity, high conductivity, and increased salinity which interrupted the ideal spawning habitat. However, in 2022, the spawning environment was favorable in the Halda River, while the Surma River and Tanguar Haor were considered to be comparatively favorable in both years. Differences were also found in the climatic and meteorological conditions, which revealed uneven rainfall, higher temperatures, decreasing water discharge, and low water levels. The meteorological data also revealed that the overall rainfall showed a decreasing trend for all sites in the last 20 years causing an interrupted water discharge. It was discovered that the amount of carp spawn obtained in the Halda River was greater than that obtained in the Surma River and Tanguar Haor. In terms of hydrological conditions and spawning performance, the Surma River and Tanguar Haor were reported to have significant differences, which may be due to their geographical location.