bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF LOCAL RESIDENT'S SUPPORT AND ATTACHMENT TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TOURISM DESTINATIONS
Authors: Podovac Milena , Alkier Romina , Milojica Vedran
Published: October 2023

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine the key factors, which influence residents’ participation in sustainable development of rural tourism destinations in Serbia, and which are related to the resident´s support and their attachment to the place of residence. Authors also examined the potential positive impact of local community attachment and resident´s support on the benefits for residents, which are realized from tourism development as well as the sustainable aspect of the rural tourism destinations in Serbia. Methodology – The research sample includes residents of rural Serbia, who filled out an online questionnaire which was defined based on the previously conducted research by Than et al. (2020). The key variables are community attachment, resident support, and perceived benefits (socioeconomic and cultural), socio-economic, cultural, and environmental sustainability. The PLS-PM analysis was performed for data analysis in the R programming language 4.2.5. Findings – The results show that the residents' perceived benefits positively affect the sustainability of rural tourist destinations in Serbia. Although this research started from the assumption that community attachment and resident's support are positively affecting the perceived benefits of rural households and sustainable development of Serbia as a tourist destination, the obtained research results did not confirm this. Contribution – This study enables a more complete understanding of the relevance of the inclusion of residents in the rural destination´s sustainable development, but also can be used as an important source of information for defining and implementing future policies and strategies of rural development.
THE READINESS FOR IMPLEMENTING ICTs IN HOTEL INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS: EVIDENCE FROM THE REGIONAL LEVEL
Authors: Stanković Marino , Portolan Ana
Published: October 2023

Purpose – Information and communication technologies (ICTs) usage is one of the key elements in the competitive struggle and achieving a competitive advantage in the hotel industry. The main goal of this paper is to empirically analyse the existence of readiness to implement ICTs in a sight of the potential challenges which hotels face due to the lack of such technology in their business. Methodology – This article, through researching the attitudes of managers at the top, middle and operational management levels, analyses the readiness of the organizations in hotel industry to implement ICTs as well as the main opportunities and advantages of their application. The data were analysed by acting the methods of descriptive and inferential statistics in order to test the significance of the examination attitudes obtained from respondent. Findings – The obtained results indicate the importance of the readiness for companies in the hotel industry to apply ICT and the inclination for digital transformation of business. There is exigency to provide an insight into the state of readiness for the implementation of digital technologies in the hotel industry, as well as a proposal for the values that these actions result. Contribution – The main contributions of this paper are fulfilling the literature gap towards the mentioned research issue for the implementation of ICT in the hotel industry at the regional level and providing insight from the viewpoints of managers rather than from technology experts.
FOREST, HEALTH AND TOURISM: DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE HEALTH TOURISM OFFERS IN LOCAL FORESTS
Authors: Steckenbauer Georg Christian , Markov Sebastian , Pippirs Corinna
Published: October 2023

Purpose – Forests are a “polyvalent space” of very broad significance and use. Especially given the ongoing shift towards being a “health space” and their increasing interpretation by society as a location for leisure activities, recreation and experiencing nature, forest-based health tourism activities and offers are springing. It is therefore crucial to take not only the demand side into account, but also those offering these forests: the forest owners. Methodology – Within the framework of a cross-border "INTERREG-V-A Austria-Bavaria 20142020" research project on the socially important topic of "Forest, Health and Tourism", an online survey of forest owners (n = 150) in the projects pilot regions of Lower Bavaria and Upper Austria was conducted and evaluated. Findings – Forest has an enormous emotional value for their owners. Indeed, they see the importance of their forests for the population and society, but primarily as a deliverer of “ecosystem services" and not as activity space. There is a basic willingness to make their forests available for health tourism use, but this requires compensation or added value. Contribution – While a forest-related, health tourism product development deals in particular with the demand side, addressing specific target groups with concrete offers, the supply side is often neglected. The survey makes clear that forest owners, despite the common right of free access to forests, must always be seriously and actively involved in product development and implementation of forest-based health tourism offers as key stakeholders in a participatory and transparent manner.
INTERDEPENDENCE OF SUSTAINABILITY FACTORS IN TOURISM IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
Authors: Čičin-Šain Dijana , Brlečić Valčić Sonja , Janković Sandra
Published: October 2023

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to determine the interdependence of factors that affect sustainability in the EU Mediterranean tourist countries with regards to priorities and requirements for tourism businesses in the context of sustainable reporting, improving the economic conditions and quality of life of the local residents and, respectively, sustainable tourism development. Methodology – On a sample of 9 countries, 16 essential Eurostat parameters of sustainability and quality of life in tourist countries were connected using method of hierarchical clustering or dendrograms to create a model for analyzing their interdependence. Findings – The main cluster that connects the share of Tourism in GDP and Share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption is dependent on two other large clusters. In the first are Share of people with good or very good perceived health and Gender employment gap, People at risk of poverty or social exclusion and General government gross debt. The second cluster consists of Circular material use rate which depends on Gross domestic expenditure on R&D by sector and Recycling rate of municipal waste. Contribution – The scientific contribution of the paper is manifested in an innovative approach to the observation of important factors that affect the sustainable development of tourist countries in order to achieve the quality goals of reporting by tourism businesses, and in order to ensure the essential assumptions of the quality of life of the local population in these countries.
EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF GREEN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN NORTH MACEDONIA
Authors: Eftimov Ljupcho , Kitanovikj Bojan
Published: October 2023

Purpose – The drive for environmentally-sustainable tourism, seen as the consideration of present and future economic, social, and environmental effects while taking care of the needs of the tourist, the sector, the environment, and the host, has recently become a focus of many researchers and managers. To achieve environmental sustainability, the management of tourism organizations can benefit from introducing green human resource management (GHRM) practices as a new managerial approach to improve organizational performance. Grounded by three theories, the paper aims to address the gap in the GHRM research as part of the environmental sustainability efforts in the tourism by exploring the opportunities and obstacles for implementing such practices. Methodology – We conducted qualitative research founded on data from semi-structured interviews with nine HR professionals and managers who are working in tourism in North Macedonia. This helped us understand their experience in the settings holistically, thus helping us better understand how GHRM can help organizations improve their sustainable practices. We choose reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) as an approach to qualitative analysis. Findings – Through this exploratory study, we address 1) the potential opportunities and challenges of implementing GHRM practices to advance the environmental performance of tourism organizations, and 2) a theoretical framework for implementing GHRM for HR managers to contribute to the development of environmentally-sustainable tourism. Contribution – The paper represents one of the first studies on GHRM in North Macedonia and its tourism sector. As such, we aim to provide insight into the current situation as well as recommendations for the business community.
L’introduction précoce d’aliment solide au début de la vie, une stratégie de pilotage du microbiote pour construire et préserver la santé du lapin
Authors: PAËS Charlotte , GIDENNE Thierry , BÉBIN Karine , DUPERRAY Joël , GOHIER Charly , GUENÉ-GRAND Emeline , REBOURS Gwénaël , AYMARD Patrick , DEBRUSSE Anne-Marie , FORTUN-LAMOTHE Laurence , BEAUMONT Martin , COMBES Sylvie
Published: October 2023

En réponse aux enjeux de durabilité des filières animales, la filière cunicole française poursuit activement ses engagements de réduction de l’usage des antimicrobiens. Les antibiotiques en particulier sont généralement utilisés pour traiter les affections digestives en post-sevrage et l’arsenal préventif permettant de garantir la qualité sanitaire des élevages reste à développer. En conséquence, les troubles digestifs survenant après le sevrage des lapereaux restent une source de préoccupation. Pour améliorer la conduite des élevages, la filière peut s’appuyer sur les résultats des recherches menées en nutrition et physiologie digestive du lapin pendant cette période de vie des animaux. Nous présentons tout d’abord dans cet article un état des lieux des connaissances relatives au fonctionnement digestif du lapereau autour du sevrage, dont découle les fondements d’une stratégie alimentaire innovante au début de la vie, détaillés par la suite. Au regard des connaissances actuelles, la prise en compte des caractéristiques d’installation du microbiote bactérien digestif apparaît fondamentale pour construire la santé digestive du lapin en croissance. Le caractère particulièrement modulable du microbiote au début de la vie offre des possibilités de pilotage, en particulier via l’alimentation. L’une des pistes identifiées pour orienter la mise en place du microbiote consiste à introduire, dès la première semaine d’âge, des aliments solides dans le régime alimentaire du lapereau, tout en maintenant l’allaitement, cette piste s’inspirant d’un comportement naturel des jeunes lapereaux. Les résultats de récentes études mettant en œuvre cette stratégie en conditions expérimentales sont présentés. Moduler l’installation du microbiote intestinal des lapins d’élevage représente une démarche prometteuse dont la mise en œuvre en élevage reste à concrétiser.
PENGEMBANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI PENGADAAN BARANG PADA SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (STUDI KASUS CV. FIPRO INDONESIA)
Authors: Salafiah Sifa
Published: October 2023

Pengadaan barang merupakan suatu aktivitas pembelian barang mentah, barang setengah jadi, atau barang jadi dari supplier. Dalam prosesnya, sistem informasi dapat digunakan untuk membantu mengoptimalkan kegiatan operasional pengadaan barang. CV. Fipro Indonesia merupakan perusahaan dagang yang bergerak di bidang makanan beku. Perusahaan ini berperan sebagai distributor untuk retailer yaitu para agen fipro. Proses pengadaan barang oleh agen kepada CV. Fipro Indonesia masih terbilang manual tanpa bantuan sistem informasi khusus sehingga dalam menjalankan prosesnya memerlukan waktu yang tidak sedikit. Artikel ini menyajikan sebuah prototype sistem informasi pengadaan barang pada supply chain management. Metode pengembangan yang digunakan adalah metode prototyping dengan tahapan pengembangan, yaitu initial requirements, design, prototyping, customer evaluation, dan review and update. Prototype yang dihasilkan diharapkan dapat menjadikan gambaran awal sebagai patokan dalam pengembangan menjadi versi kerja sistem.
ANALISIS FORENSIK PENGGUNAAN FUNGSI HASH DALAM MENENTUKAN KEASLIAN VIDEO, METADATA IMAGE DAN MAGIC NUMBER FILE
Authors: Kustian Muhammad Adil
Published: October 2023

Dalam ilmu digital forensik penggunaan nilai hash, metadata, serta magic number sangat diperlukan dalam menentukan keaslian dari sebuah file. Terdapat 3 tools untuk menganalisis dan menentukan keaslian sebuah file baik berupa video, gambar dan magic number. Ketiga tools tersebut adalah 1) Forevid yang digunakan untuk menentukan keaslian file dan metadata dari video, 2) ExifTool untuk menentukan metadata dari gambar, 3) WinHex untuk menentukan magic number atau ekstensi file asli dari sebuah file. Penggunaan tools ini memperlihatkan metadata asli dari sebuah file, nilai hash dari sebuah video untuk dicocokkan dengan video lainnya, serta magic number yang berbeda-beda untuk menentukan file signature. Eksperimen dilakukan menggunakan 2 buah file; satu dari 2 file tersebut diubah dan kemudian dicocokkan dengan nilai hash, metadata dan magic number-nya sehingga hasil yang akan didapatkan berupa perbandingan hash, metadata dan magic number file asli dengan file palsu yang sudah diedit. Dari hasil yang didapat, ketiga tools yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini dapat mengidentifikasi file-file yang diperlukan dalam proses forensik.
Pengembangan Sistem Informasi Manajemen Rumah Sakit Menggunakan Framework PHP
Authors: Susilo Joko , Mursalin Rasyad Alief
Published: October 2023

Rumah sakit menjadi tempat sangat vital bagi keberlangsungan kehidupan manusia. Rumah sakit memegang peranan penting dalam bidang kesehatan. Perkembangan teknologi dimana makin hari makin pesat tidak lepas dari peranan komputer untuk memudahkan kehidupan manusia. Perkembangan teknologi seperti sistem informasi manajemen juga dibutuhkan oleh rumah sakit untuk mengelola data mulai dari mengelola data pasien, dan data dokter yang sebelumnya menggunakan kertas. Tentunya dibutuhkan sebuah sistem untuk menjalankan berbagai fungsi manajerial pada rumah sakit agar menciptakan proses manajemen yang efektif dan efisien. Dalam konteks mengembangkan aplikasi sistem informasi manajemen rumah sakit harus memperhatikan beberapa aspek dikarenakan setiap rumah sakit memiliki kebutuhan yang berbeda. Metode yang digunakan dalam mengembangkan aplikasi sistem informasi manajemen rumah sakit adalah metode agile menggunakan framework php.  Selanjutnya pengimplementasian sistem sehingga dapat dijalankan oleh pengguna sesuai dengan kebutuhan yang telah ditentukan. Dari hasil interview terhadap pengguna dibidangnya, diperoleh kebutuhan sistem, antar muka aplikasi, dan desain basis data.
Editor’s intro
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: October 2023

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Effects of Climate Crisis on Marine Ecosystem: Mass Mortality Event of the Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in the Middle Adriatic
Authors: Bracchetti Luca , Capriotti Martina , Fazzini Massimiliano , Cocci Paolo , Palermo Francesco Alessandro
Published: October 2023

The effects of the climate crisis are affecting ecosystems at different scales and magnitudes. This paper focuses on a massive Mediterranean mussel die-off observed along the middle Italian Adriatic coast in the summer of 2022. We considered the possible environmental causes of this phenomenon and carried out a climatic analysis of the last decade. We performed field surveys in different locations along a 16 Km coastal stretch (from Martinsicuro (TE) on the South, to Grottammare (AP) on the North). The study area includes two marine Sites of Community Importance under the European Natura 2000 network. The mussels die-off has interested practically all the natural mussel-beds colonizing the study area. Mussels are sessile filter-feeding organisms inhabiting the intertidal zone, therefore, are highly exposed to variations in environmental conditions such as temperature and nutrient load. We discuss the possible causes of this die-off, proposing that high temperature and the scarce availability of food acted simultaneously as stress factors, generating local unsustainable living conditions for this species.
Effect of porosity, Ti/Ta ratio, and processing routes on the hardness and elastic modulus of TiNbZrTa alloys
Authors: González Guillén Celia , Al Hawajreh Kamel Ghaith , Degalez-Duran Eduardo , Klyatskina Elizaveta , Naeem Muhammad , Romero-Resendiz Liliana , Gonzalez Reyes Gonzalo , Amigó Borrás Vicente
Published: October 2023

TiNbZrTa alloys are promising for multidisciplinary applications, such as refractory and biomedical purposes due to their high thermal stability and non-toxicity. Hardness and elastic modulus are among the key features for their adequate industrial applications. The influence of porosity and Ti/Ta ratio were investigated on TiNbZrTa alloys produced by three different processing routes, i.e., (i) blend element and posterior press and sintering (BE + P&S), (ii) mechanical alloying with press and sintering (MA + P&S), and (iii) arc melting and casting. Atomic diffusion was improved during processing, resulting in lower porosity in the following order: casting < MA + P&S < BE + P&S. Ta offered limited atomic diffusion due to its high melting point compared to other constituent elements. Thus, the total porosity of alloys increased with increasing the Ta contents, i.e., by lowering the Ti/Ta ratio. However, the Ti/Ta ratio did not considerably affect the bonding energy or the elastic modulus. Hardness was increased significantly in dense alloys compared to the porous ones. However, porosity and Ti/Ta ratio did not show a clear trend in hardness among the porous alloys.
COVID 19 and Quality of Education: A Bibliometric Study and Narrative Review
Authors: Mawazi Saeid Mezail , Jamali Seyedh , Ebrahim Nader Ale
Published: October 2023

In the educational process, quality has long been considered a critical component. It may get impacted due to different factors especially when talking about the COVID19 pandemic. The purpose of this investigation is to explore the impact and relationship between COVID-19 and the quality of education using bibliometric analysis. As face-to-face learning shifts to online learning, this research investigates how the COVID-19 epidemic has affected education quality, concentrating on Programme Educational Outcomes (PEOs), Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs). The research covers pandemic online education, literature, and trends. There are two important steps in any bibliometric analysis selecting keywords and databases. The initial set of keywords was selected by the authors' experience and then an online survey study through Google Forms was conducted among experts in the research area. This was followed by a search of the selected keywords in the databases consisting of PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and SCOPUS. Therefore, the final data was collected from the SCOPUS database on August 24, 2021. Hence, 182 documents were considered for the current study. The document's data were analysed by using the “visualization of similarities” (VOS) Viewer software and the R-Tool of the Bibliometrix-package that was specifically designed for quantitative Bibliometrics research. Based on the obtained data, the results showed the quality of education that may get impacted by the changing of the education delivery from face-to-face to online-based learning. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of studying the correlation and impact of COVID-19 on the quality of education.
Estimation of the E/I ratio in Aquatic Systems: A Bayesian Approach in the Craig-Gordon Model
Authors: Nara Siva Naga Venkat , Ghosh Prosenjit , Muddu Sekhar , Deshpande R.D.
Published: October 2023

Understanding surface water evaporation in tropical catchments is pivotal for effective water management, but limited research exists on stable isotopic (δ2H and δ18O) assessment of water evaporation losses. Our study bridges that gap, examining stable isotopes in meteoric water and surface waters across tropical regions, both humid and semi-arid. Using the Craig-Gordon model, we calibrated evaporation-to-inflow (E/I) ratios, identifying distinct E/I variations between seasons and regions. Notably, the semi-arid region consistently exhibited higher E/I ratios due to climatic characteristics. By integrating the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo and the No-U-Turn Sampler, we were able to quantify uncertainties in isotopic and meteorological parameters, resulting in E/I estimates within 68% and 95% confidence intervals. Our Bayesian model insights are critical for freshwater resource optimization and hydrological modeling in tropical regions.
High Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among Pregnant Women after the First and Second Waves of COVID-19 in Senegal
Authors: Diouara Abou Abdallah Malick , Thiam Fatou , Coundoul Seynabou , Manga Noël Magloire , Ndiaye Halimatou Diop , Senghor Assane , Tene Sophie Deli , Sané Sarbanding , Kane Betty , Sarr Habibou , Dieye Yakhya , Lo Seynabou , Danfakha Fodé , Dieme Marie Edouard Faye , Biaye Babacar , Nguer Cheikh Momar , Peeters Martine , KANE Coumba TOURE , Ayouba Ahidjo
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women attending antenatal consultations (ANC) in Senegal. A non-redundant consecutive recruitment of participants was carried out between, March and July 2021 during the Delta wave of COVID-19. The plasma samples biobanked at -80°C were subjected to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the qualitative detection of IgG and IgM antibodies of SARS-CoV-2 using the WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Ab ELISA (Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise, Beijing). To assess factors associated with seropositivity, bivariate analysis was per-formed with JMP® Pro Version 15.0.0 software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, 1989–2021). For frequencies below 5%, chi2 or Fischer tests were performed. In all cases, significant statistical threshold was set at p-values considered to be less than 0.05. A total of 1,227 pregnant women were recruited in five health facil-ities, including two in Dakar (n=166) and one in each of the following regional capitals: Saint-Louis (n=400), Ziguinchor (n=264) and Kédougou (n=397). The median age among was 25 years [18 - 50]. The overall sero-prevalence observed was 64.9% (797/1227), with higher exposure rates in Dakar with 71.6% (119/166) and Ziguinchor with 68.1% (180/264). Kédougou and Saint-Louis reported 62.9% (250/397) and 62% (248/400), respectively. According to age group, the seroprevalence was 62.6% (331/528), 66.6% (238/357), 63.5% (148/223) and 67.2% (80/119) respectively for [18-23], [24-29], [30-35] and ≥36 years old. This variability in the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 according to the localities was not statistically significant (p=0.7024). We found no association between factors such as recruitment period, age, level of education, marital and pro-fessional status.
Diversity and Biological Activities of Marine-Derived Yeast Strains
Authors: Yu Woon-Jong , Chung Dawoon , Bae Seung Seob , Kwon Young Min , Cho Eun-Seo , Choi Grace
Published: October 2023

Marine yeasts have versatile applications in industrial, medical and environmental fields, but have received little attention compared to terrestrial yeasts and filamentous fungi. In this study, a phylogenetic analysis of 11 marine-derived yeasts was conducted using internal transcribed spacers and nuclear large subunit rDNA, and their bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and tyrosinase inhibition activities, were investigated. The 11 marine-derived yeasts were identified to belong to seven species including Geotrichum candidum, Metschnikowia bicuspidata, Papiliotrema fonsecae, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Vishniacozyma carnescens, Yamadazyma olivae, and Yarrowia lipolytica, and three strains of these were candidates for new species of the genera Aureobasidium, Rhodotorula, and Vishniacozyma. Most extracts showed antioxidant activity, whereas seven strains exhibited antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis. Only Aureobasidium sp. US-Sd3 among the 11 isolates showed tyrosinase inhibition. Metschnikowia bicuspidata BP-Up1 and Yamadazyma olivae K2-6 showed notable radical-scavenging activity, which has not been reported previously. Among the isolates, Aureobasidium sp. US-Sd3 exhibited the highest antibacterial and tyrosinase inhibitory activities. Overall, our results demonstrate the potential of marine-derived yeasts as a source of bioactive compounds for improving industrial applications.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Soil Erosion on the Chinese Loess Plateau and Strategies for Vegetation Management
Authors: Tao Wanghai , Liu Shiyao , Wang Quanjiu , Su Lijun , Sun Yan
Published: October 2023

The Chinese Loess Plateau is an ecologically fragile area in China and globally, which plays a crucial role in soil and water conservation and ecological restoration. To address the problem of soil erosion in this region, China has implemented the Grain for Green project since 2000. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Grain for Green project by analyzing the temporal and spatial changes in soil erosion on the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2021. The results indicated that the average erosion intensities of water and wind erosion from 2000 to 2021 were 16.66 and 10.73 t·ha-1·yr-1, respectively. A downward trend was observed during the study period, with change rates of -0.45 and -0.32 t·ha-1·yr-1, respectively. The Gully region showed the highest intensity of water erosion, with a decrease rate of -0.80 t·ha-1·yr-1. On the other hand, the Sandy region experienced the highest intensity of wind erosion, with a decrease rate of -1.62 t·ha-1·yr-1. When analyzing erosion intensity in different land use types, it was found that bare land has the highest average erosion intensity (water erosion: 68.74 t·ha-1·yr-1, wind erosion: 183.29 t·ha-1·yr-1), while forest land has the lowest (almost no water erosion, wind erosion less than 0.5 t·ha-1·yr-1). Regarding different landforms, water erosion generally increases with slope, while wind erosion mainly occurs in flat areas with less than 5°. Enhancing vegetation coverage in each subregion is recommended to control soil erosion. Specifically, suggested increments were 4.51% for the Gully region, 3.65% for the Hilly-gully region, 2.89% for the Valley Plain region, 2.74% for the Earth-rock Mountain region, 1.49% for the Irrigation region, and 0.87% for the Sandy region.
High Performance Detection-based Tracker for Multiple Object Tracking in UAVs
Authors: Li Xi , Zhu Ruixiang , Yu Xianguo , Cong Yirui , Wang Xiangke
Published: October 2023

Multi-Object Tracking (MOT) is a key technology for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Traditional tracking-by-detection methods firstly employ an object detector to retrieve targets in each image and then track them based on a matching algorithm. Recently, the popular multi-task learning methods has been dominating this area since they can detect targets and extract Re-Identification (Re-ID) features in a computationally efficient way. However, the detection task and the tracking task have conflicting requirements on image features, leading to the poor performance of the joint learning model compared to separate detection and tracking methods. The problem is more severe when it comes to UAV images due to the presence of irregular motion of large number of small targets. In this paper, we propose a balanced Joint Detection and Re-ID learning (JDR) network to address the MOT problem in UAV vision. To better handle the non-uniform motion of objects in UAV videos, the Set-Member Filter is applied which describes object state as a bounded set. An appearance matching cascade is then proposed based on target state set. Furthermore, a Motion-Mutation module is designed to address the challenges posed by the abrupt motion of UAV. Extensive experiments on the VisDrone-MOT2019 dataset demonstrate that our proposed model, termed as SMFMOT, outperforms state-of-the-arts by a large margin and achieves superior performance on the MOT tasks in UAV videos.
On the Compatibility Between Elastically Distorted Austenite and Martensite in NiTi
Authors: Heller Luděk , Šittner Petr
Published: October 2023

The cubic B2 to monoclinic B19’ martensitic transformation in NiTi shape memory alloys proceeds by the nucleation and propagation of habit plane interfaces that remain undistorted and unrotated by the transformation. Due to incompatibility of austenite and martensite lattices in NiTi, the interfaces form between austenite and twinned martensite as described by Phenomenological Theory of Martensite Crystallography (PTMC). This have been assumed also for stress-induced martensitic transformation where, however, interfaces with single martensite variant have been frequently reported. On this account, we propose a different solution of strain compatibile habit planes by considering the effect of elastic deformation of both lattices due to external stress. Using modified PTMC theory, we evaluate the magnitudes and orientations of the critical uniaxial stress in tension and compression for which strain compatible habit plane interfaces with a single variant of martensite can form. The calculated stress is too high, but considering the pre-transformation softening of the C’ elastic constant for the {110}A⟨110⟩A austenite shear mode, the critical stress decreases down to 500 MPa. For such situation, we analyse orientation dependence and tension-compression asymmetry of required C’ softening, and the orientations of strain compatible habit planes that are compared with available experimental results. All calculations, including source code and interactive graphs, are available for download.
Measurement and Monitoring of Brace Displacement in Bridge Swivel Construction
Authors: ZHANG Xianguo
Published: October 2023

To solve the problem of complex sensor installation and easy damage in contact displacement measurement, a non-contact measurement method of brace displacement in bridge swivel construction based on binocular vision is proposed in this study. Combined with monitoring data in a swivel construction interchange project, binocular vision system was compared and analyzed with the traditional displacement meter and total station. Results showed that force versus displacement variation plots were obtained by binocular visual measurement in the weighing test, the inflection point can be clearly distinguished, and the position of the inflection point was the same as that of the displacement meter; monitoring data of binocular vision measurement and total station were compared and analyzed in the bridge swivel process, the average error was no more than 0.18 mm, the maximum error was no more than 0.42 mm, and the standard deviation was no more than 0.12. The method proposed in this study can be used as an alternative to displacement meter and total station measurement methods in bridge swivel construction, the problem of complex sensor installation and easy damage is solved in brace displacement measurement, equipment and labor costs can be effectively saved.
A CLINICAL CASE OF TOXOCARIASIS IN AN ADULT WITH LARYNGO- AND ANGIOEDEMAS
Authors:   Izhevsk State Medical Academy, MOTYREVA ANTONINA I. , HRABROV IVAN S. ,   Izhevsk State Medical Academy, OSIPANOVA VICTORIA O. ,   Izhevsk State Medical Academy, FAYZULLINA DINARA E. ,   Izhevsk State Medical Academy
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the migration of the larvae of canids roundworm (T. canis). It is characterized by a long-term relapsing course and multiple organ lesions of an immunological nature. The core pathogenetic factor is sensitizing the body by Toxocara exo- and endoantigens formed after the larvae are destructed, which leads to the development of immediate and delayed allergic reactions. The aim of study was to review the scientific literature on toxocariasis, and to present a clinical case report of cutaneous form of toxocariasis in a 36-year-old man complicated by angioedema. Material and Methods. Review of foreign publications on this helminthiasis in the PubMed databases. Clinical case of patient E., 36 years old, with the development of a complicated cutaneous form of toxocariasis of the angioedema type. Results and Discussion. During the instrumental and laboratory studies, antibodies to Toxocara canis were detected (titer in dynamics 1:6400 and 1:400) in the patient. Noteworthy was a severe allergic reaction, which manifested itself as itching maculopapular confluent rash resembling angioedema. A peculiarity of the course of the disease was the manifestation of rash and swelling of the larynx with each meal, which required calling emergency medical help. Laboratory testing of the patient’s blood did not show eosinophilia or any other deviations of the core blood parameters in the general blood test from the reference values. Conclusions. Toxocariasis often imitates the clinical manifestations of various diseases, such as ARVI, eye damage, neurological disorders (eosinophilic meningoencephalitis), enlargement of peripheral lymph nodes, liver and spleen, and allergic reactions in form of urticaria and angioedema, which causes difficulties diagnosing it correctly. Lack of physicians’ alertness regarding allergic reactions in adults accompanied by skin manifestations may lead to an incorrect etiological diagnosis. Thus, we remind clinicians that this helminthiasis may occur in adults in cutaneous form with the development of angioedema.
Removal of a Bent Humeral Intramedullary Nail
Authors: van Oyen D.W. , Kernkamp W.A. , van Molenbroek G. , Jakma T. , Bosman W.M.P.F.
Published: October 2023

Case:

We present a case of a (65°) bent intramedullary nail (IMN) in a humerus after a pseudoarthrosis in a 65-year-old man. Bent IMNs have been described in femurs and tibias, but are considered rare. Possibly even rarer is the bending of a humeral IMN. This report provides an overview of removal techniques and our approach to this uncommon complication: open sectioning of the bent IMN and 2-piece extraction through the fracture site.

Conclusion:

Removal of a bent or broken IMN is a rare and challenging surgical problem. A bent humeral IMN requires a different and more careful approach for extraction than bent nails in the lower extremity, given the greater potential for neurovascular disruption.
Pseudoparalysis Secondary to Vitamin C Deficiency: A Rare Presentation in a Toddler
Authors: Paul Arun John
Published: October 2023

Case:

We present a 17-month-old girl with postencephalitic sequelae only on high-calorie cereal milk through a nasogastric tube. She presented with a 3-week history of swelling and decreased lower limb movements. Synovial fluid analysis ruled out septic arthritis. Plain radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were suggestive of scurvy. She was diagnosed to have pseudoparalysis secondary to scurvy. She was started on vitamin C supplements, after which she showed good clinical improvement.

Conclusion:

This case report is to re-emphasize the need for awareness of the possibility of scurvy in children with poor nutritional status due to feeding difficulties.
Decreased Peritalar Subluxation in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity with Ankle Valgus Tilting
Authors: Mansur Nacime Salomao Barbachan , Lalevee Matthieu , Shamrock Alan , Lintz Francois , de Carvalho Kepler Alencar Mendes , de Cesar Netto Cesar
Published: October 2023

Background:

Middle facet subluxation (MFS) has been established as an early indicator of peritalar subluxation. However, when progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) affects the ankle leading to a valgus talar tilt (Class E), structures and anatomic relationships distal to the ankle joint may be affected. Therefore, this study aimed to assess radiographic parameters of peritalar subluxation in patients with PCFD who either did or did not have a valgus ankle. Our hypothesis was that these parameters would differ in Class E patients, upsetting their capability to quantify deformity.

Methods:

We performed a prospective comparative study utilizing weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) images of 21 feet with PCFD and with valgus of the ankle and 64 with flexible PCFD without ankle involvement. Parameters including MFS, the medial cuneiform-to-floor distance, the forefoot arch angle, the talonavicular coverage angle, the hindfoot moment arm (HMA), the foot-ankle offset (FAO), and the talar tilt angle (TTA) were measured and compared. Variables that influence the presence of ankle valgus and overall alignment were assessed by multivariable regression models.

Results:

Patients with PCFD and ankle valgus demonstrated a higher mean HMA (20.79 mm [95% confidence interval (CI), 17.56 to 24.02 mm] versus 8.94 mm [95% CI, 7.09 to 10.79 mm]), FAO (14.89% [95% CI, 12.51% to 17.26%] versus 6.32% [95% CI, 4.96% to 7.68%]) and TTA (95% CI, 17.10° [14.75° to 19.46°] versus 2.30° [95% CI, 0.94° to 3.65°]) and lower mean MFS (21.84% [95% CI, 15.04% to 28.63%] versus 38.45% [95% CI, 34.55% to 42.34%]) compared with the group without ankle valgus (p < 0.0001 for all). The FAO was influenced by MFS in the group without ankle valgus (p <0.0001) but not in the group with ankle valgus (p = 0.9161). FAO values of ≥12.14% were a strong predictor (79.2%) of ankle valgus deformity.

Conclusions:

Subluxation of the middle facet was not as severe and did not influence the overall alignment in patients with PCFD who had valgus of the ankle (Class E). These findings suggest a distal peritalar reduction in the presence of a proximal deformity, making MFS an imprecise disease parameter in this scenario. An FAO value of ≥12.14% was a strong indicator of ankle deformity in patients with PCFD.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
An Introduction to Hydraulic Testing in Hydrogeology: Basic Pumping, Slug, and Packer Methods
Authors: Woessner William W. , Stringer A. Campbell , Poeter Eileen P.
Published: October 2023

All groundwater investigations (including resource investigations, development of water supplies, and identification and remediation of contaminated sites) require deriving field-based values of basic hydrogeologic properties such as hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity and storativity. In the earlier Groundwater Project book “Hydrogeologic Properties of Earth Materials and Principles of Groundwater Flow” (Woessner and Poeter, 2020) groundwater principles and parameters were defined. Discussion of methods to determine parameters focused on laboratory methods and referenced field hydraulic testing methods but did not provide details on application. This book is a companion to that earlier work, as well as a standalone document that provides foundational methods used to generate field-scale representations of common hydraulic parameters. The authors present a conceptual view of how hydraulic testing methods such as the pumping tests, slug tests, and testing with packers are applied, as well as the advantages and limitations of the underpinning analytical solutions. They focus on methods addressing simplified confined, leaky confined and unconfined groundwater systems. The authors explain how curve-matching of field test data to analytical models is used to interpret test results. Software for analyzing hydraulic test data is briefly discussed, some of which include choices of several additional analytical models and one-button automated analysis, which can lead to misinterpretation of the data, so this book emphasizes basic concepts, principles, and methods. The main body of text along with many illustrations, examples, and exercises with solutions provide the reader with the information needed to correctly apply hydraulic testing and analytical methods.
Optimization of unmanned aerial vehicle application for measuring in complex urban green space with rich landscape value
Authors: Jin Rongye , Huang Jinyi , Wang Xudong , Jiang Jiayi , Xiao Xiangdong , Xu Yanjie
Published: October 2023

The main tree biometric variables of urban green space can derive indicators of multiple ecological benefit values. Compared with plantations and natural forests, urban green space is usually featured with higher tree richness, more complex landscape design, and a higher degree of spatial heterogeneity. Appropriate designs for flight variable settings in complex urban space can significantly improve the quality of data, and bring large differences in economic and time costs in practical applications. However, current studies have a limited understanding of flight variables setting for UAV applications in complex urban green spaces. We carried out rigorous and practical designs for flight variable settings with high-frequency UAV oblique image measurements. We tested and quantified the effect of the settings of main flight variables (i.e., flight altitude, image overlap, gimbal pitch and solar elevation) on the process data and final data quality in a representative complex urban green space. In the limited range of flight variable settings, the data accuracy is significantly different in the complex urban green space. We found that solar elevation is the most important factor affecting the data quality. Specifically, flight operations with a lower solar elevation provided a higher measurement accuracy and outstanding cost-effectiveness which is significantly different from the solar elevation setting for measuring in plantations. Our results (which are different from the previous study on homogenous green spaces) also suggested to avoid strong sunlight during flight operations and to ensure that the flight altitude is three to four times higher than the tallest tree at least to improve data quality. The settings of the image overlap and the gimbal pitch should take more time cost and economic benefits into consideration. This study demonstrated the feasibility of UAV applications in complex urban green spaces, and the impact and importance of each flight variable on the dataset quality. The systematic analysis, quantitative results, and exact visualizations can facilitate a wider application space (i.e., urban forestry, landscape ecology, urban planning and urban design) and higher application quality of UAV oblique in urban green space.
Traditional Medicine Regulatory Framework and Legal Basis in Ethiopia: A Critical Evaluation of Challenges and Opportunities for policy Implementation
Authors: Dubale Sileshi , Edris Rashed , Abebe Endegena , Kebebe Dereje , Abdissa Negera , Debela Asfaw , Zeynudin Ahmed , Suleman Sultan
Published: October 2023

Background
The efficacy, quality and safety of traditional medicine used by the Ethiopian population may be questionable. The strict regulation is crucial to protect the public from unsafe and inefficacious traditional medicine.
Objective
The primary aim of the study was to assess the legal framework and its practical implementation status for the regulation of traditional medicine in Ethiopia.
Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to March 2022. Archival review, literature search, and survey of regulatory personnel and traditional medicine practitioners were applied for data collection. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS version 25.0, USA. The result was presented using descriptive and inferential statistics at < 0.05 significance level and 95% confidence interval.
Results
Ethiopia is regulating traditional medicines based on the Medicine Policy of 1993 and the Food and Drug Authority of Ethiopia's Proclamation No. 1112/2019. About 70.2% of federal regulatory officers and 41.7% of regional regulatory officers responded that a traditional medicine regulatory activity in Ethiopia is weak. The study found that there is no registered traditional medicine manufacturing firms, products, or pharmacovigilance systems in Ethiopia, Barriers include poor governance, resource limitations, lack of stakeholder cooperation, and weak legal enforcement. Weak legal enforcement (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.10–0.47) and resource constraints (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13–0.59) have had the most significant associations with weak regulatory implementation.
Conclusion
The current Ethiopian traditional medicine regulation framework is inadequate to ensure quality, safety, efficacy, and rational use of traditional medicine. Enhancing the framework is crucial for a more effective and accessible implementation of regulation.
Seasonal Dominance of Exotic Ambrosia Beetles Compared to Native Species within Deciduous and Coniferous Woodlots
Authors: Baniszewski Julie , Barnett Jenny , Reding Michael E. , Ranger Christopher
Published: October 2023

Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are among the most successful invaders of trees on a global scale. Exotic species can establish large populations within forested habitats and disperse into tree nurseries and orchards with the potential for substantial economic losses. Our objective was to assess the seasonal dominance of exotic ambrosia beetles compared to native species by characterizing their flight phenology, abundance and species diversity. Weekly sampling using ethanol-baited traps was conducted within deciduous and coniferous woodlots in Ohio, USA from March/April to September/October in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019. Over the course of the study, 16 native and 11 exotic species of Scolytinae were identified. No difference was detected in the number of exotic Scolytinae species or their abundance, Shannon’s index (H), and evenness (Eh) between the coniferous vs. deciduous woodlots. On average, initial flight occurred at 188 degree days (DD) for exotic species compared to 273 DD for native species. Seasonal flight duration of exotic species averaged 49 days compared to 10 days for native species. Of the 145,882 total Scolytinae captured over the four years, only 622 were native beetles. Captures of exotic Scolytinae were 341-times greater than native species across the four trapping seasons, including captures of the exotic ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus being 450-times greater than the most common native species Xyloborinus politus. These results provide insight into the invasion success of ambrosia beetles and will aid in predicting and monitoring key species.
Circadian clocks in the brain-rectum axis regulate the rhythmic production of sex pheromones originating from rectal bacteria
Authors: Daifeng Cheng , Li Xinlian , Ye Long , Yang Xiaorui , Jiang Yanling , Chen Huimin , Teng Hebo , Lu Yongyue
Published: October 2023

Studies have shown that intestinal bacteria have profound effects on the neurophysiological development of their hosts via the gut-brain axis. However, it is still unclear whether and how host neurophysiological activities can affect the activity of intestinal bacteria. Here, we examined the molecular basis for the rhythmic production of sex pheromones by rectal bacteria in flies and demonstrated that a series of genes in the brain-rectum axis were activated for rhythmic production of sex pheromones. By comparative transcriptome analysis, we identified clock genes (cryptochrome 1 (CRY1), timeless (TIM) and pigment-dispersing factor (PDF)) in the brain-rectum axis and showed that genetic silencing of these genes abolished the rhythmic production of sex pheromones. Moreover, we identified the genes downstream (glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) and alpha-galactosidase (GLA)) of the clock genes and showed that they are responsible for producing rectal glucose and glycine (or threonine), which are the precursors of bacteria-originated sex pheromones. Together, these findings reveal distinct genes and targets that lie in the brain-rectum axis as a fundamental conduit for the rhythmical production of sex pheromones by rectal bacteria.