bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dashboard as a Platform for Community Engagement in a City Development—A Review of Techniques, Tools and Methods
Authors: Pluto-Kossakowska Joanna , Fijałkowska Anna , Denis Małgorzata , Jaroszewicz Joanna , Krzysztofowicz Sylwia
Published: August 2022

A city should be planned to provide an appropriate amount and quality of public spaces, services, and mobility for any life activity. For citizens to be actively involved in improving the quality of the space around them and thus participate in shaping the place they live in, they need knowledge about the city and its strengths and weaknesses. They need access to data about the city in an easy-to-use and interpretable form through specific tools. An example is indicators, which present data about the city in different categories important for city development. Excellent tools for transferring information between a city and its citizens are new web-based solutions such as dashboards. This article reviews selected dashboards in terms of their thematic scope, the number of indicators presented, data sources and tools for data analysis and visualization. In the discussion, the main problems related to data publication, analytical tools and cartographic presentation are identified. The recommendations propose two dashboard models: simple and complex, depending on the purpose and needs of the user. Comparing the values of indicators in different areas of the city can contribute to increased active participation of residents and their involvement in decision making about their surroundings. A review of dashboards showed little use of the potential of IT and geo-analytical tools in building a real dialog with residents.
Multi-Aircraft Cooperative Strategic Trajectory-Planning Method Considering Wind Forecast Uncertainty
Authors: Xu Man , Hu Minghua , Zhou Yi , Ding Wenhao , Wu Qiuqi
Published: August 2022

We address the issue of multi-aircraft cooperative strategic trajectory planning in free-route airspace (FRA) in this study, taking into consideration the impact of time-varying and altitude-varying wind forecast uncertainty. A bi-level planning model was established in response to the properties of the wind. The upper level focused on minimizing the flight time, while the lower level aimed to reduce potential conflicts. Meanwhile, a heuristic approach based on conflict severity (CS) within the framework of a cooperative co-evolution evolutionary algorithm (CCEA) was proposed to accelerate the convergence speed in view of the complexity of this optimization issue. In order to conduct the experiments, historical data of 1479 flights over western Chinese airspace were retrieved. The number of conflicts, total flight time, total flight time variance, and deviation were used as indicators to evaluate the safety, efficiency, and predictability of the trajectory. When compared to a trajectory in the structured airspace, the optimal solution was conflict-free and reduced the total flight time by about 17.7%, the variance by 11.7%, and the deviation by 37.5%. Additionally, the contrast with the two-stage model demonstrated that the proposed method was entirely meaningful. The outcome of this survey can provide an effective trajectory-planning method, which is crucial for the sustainable development of future air traffic management (ATM).
Aggregate Evaluation and Geochemical Investigation of Limestone for Construction Industries in Pakistan: An Approach for Sustainable Economic Development
Authors: Kamran Asad , Ali Liaqat , Ahmed Waqas , Zoreen Sobia , Jehan Shah , Janjuhah Hammad Tariq , Vasilatos Charalampos , Kontakiotis George
Published: August 2022

The present study investigates the aggregate suitability and geochemical characteristics of limestone (LS) from the Samana Suk Formation, Pakistan, for the construction industry. With the advent of CPEC, the demand for construction materials has seen a manifold increase. The Sheikh Budin Hills and Trans Indus Ranges comprise huge deposits of limestone and provide great potential for source rocks for construction materials in the region. In the Upper Indus Basin of Pakistan, the Samana Suk Formation is acknowledged as the most significant carbonate deposits of Mesozoic strata. The results of aggregate parameters reveal that specific gravity (SG = 2.6); water absorption (WA = 0.47%); bulk density (BD = 1.58 g/cm3); flakiness index (FI = 16.8%); elongation index (EI = 16.39%); soundness (S = 1.6%); aggregate impact value (AIV = 14%); Los Angeles Abrasion value (LAAV = 23.51%); clay lumps (CL = 0.35%); uniaxial compressive strength (UCS = 86.7 MPa); point load test (PLT = 5.18 MPa); ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV = 5290 m/s); and Schmidt hammer rebound test (SHRT = 49 N) are in accordance with the ASTM, ISRM, and BSI. Petrographically, the LS is dominantly composed of ooids, peloids, bioclasts, and calcite mineral (CaCO3) with a trace concentration of dolomite [(Ca,Mg)CO3]. The mineralogical and geochemical study (n = 18) revealed that the LS is dominantly composed of calcite (95.81%); on average, it is composed of 52.08 wt.% CaO; 1.13 wt.% SiO2; 0.66 wt.% MgO; 0.80 wt.% Al2O3; and 0.76 wt.% Fe2O3, and loss on ignition (LOI) was recorded as 42.13 wt.%. On the other hand, P2O5, TiO2, MnO, K2O and Na2O were found in trace amounts. The regression analysis demonstrated that the empirical correlation equation for estimating uniaxial compressive strength with ultrasonic pulse velocity is more reliable than the Schmidt hammer rebound test and point load test. Consequently, the feasibility of using LS of the Samana Suk Formation as an aggregate for construction materials and cement manufacturing is recommended based on the testing results of mechanical, physical, and geochemical properties.
Managerial Practices and (Post) Pandemic Consumption of Private Labels: Online and Offline Retail Perspective in a Portuguese Context
Authors: Pinto Juliana Pires , Veloso Cláudia Miranda , Sousa Bruno Barbosa , Valeri Marco , Walter Cicero Eduardo , Lopes Eunice
Published: August 2022

Currently, given the different dynamics of competition, food retailers are increasingly betting on private labels as a strategy of differentiation and retention of competitive advantages. To this extent, this study aims to assess the antecedents of the purchase intention of food retailers’ private labels, as well as to understand the managerial practices and (post) pandemic consumption retail perspective in a Portuguese context. The results obtained, through a quantitative analysis by means of multiple linear regressions, on a random sample of customers (n = 300) indicate that customer satisfaction and attitude towards his/her own brand are quite favourable, as demonstrated by the existence of a high loyalty to his/her own brand. Additionally, they reveal that the purchase experience, the private-label image, the perceived risk, and the COVID-19 pandemic are prior attitudes towards the private label and its mediation in the purchase intention and recommendation of its products. Finally, loyalty to the private label, store satisfaction and, through these, also the shopping experience were confirmed as determinants of loyalty. These results provide insights to food retailers on aspects to be improved and considered in the design of commercial strategies that promote the intention to purchase private-label products and that win and retain customers and achieve competitive advantages and profitability. Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the study reveals that some consumers changed their purchasing patterns, choosing to buy more private-label products at this stage.
Experimental Study of Phase Change Microcapsule Suspensions Applied in BIPV Construction
Authors: Zheng Yu , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Wenjie , Wang Kuan , Han Feng , Li Xiaoge , Zhao Yuqiang
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a phase change microcapsule suspension MPCMS25 with a mass fraction of 10% was prepared with TH-ME25 as the phase change microcapsule particles and deionized water as the base fluid. The experimental benches of the Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system and BIPV-MPCMS system were set up, and the comparative tests were carried out in Nanjing to study the optimization effect of phase change microcapsule suspension on the thermal and electrical properties of the BIPV system. The results show that MPCMS25 reduces the component temperature of the system by 8.8 °C and the backplane temperature by 11.1 °C. The optimization time of the component operating temperature and the backplane temperature is 9.5 h and 9.75 h, respectively. Delay appearance of peak module operating temperature by 114 min and peak backplane temperature by 125 min. In addition, the suspension can also improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of photovoltaic modules by 0~5%. After a simulation study on the energy consumption of a high-speed railway station, it is found that using the BIPV-MPCMS system as the building envelope can achieve an energy saving rate of about 8.5%.
How New Urbanization Affects Tourism Eco-Efficiency in China: An Analysis Considering the Undesired Outputs
Authors: Zhang Fengtai , Yang Xingyu , Wu Jianfeng , Ma Dalai , Xiao Yuedong , Gong Guofang , Zhang Junyi
Published: August 2022

In the context of the global Sustainable Development Goals, the study of tourism eco-efficiency (TE) becomes particularly important for the balance between environmental protection and economic development in tourist destinations. This paper improves the measurement method of tourism carbon emissions, uses the Super-SBM model of undesired output to measure China’s TE, and then explores the impact of new urbanization (NU) on TE. The results show that TE in China is in dynamic equilibrium in general, the agglomeration characteristics of efficiency changed from high in the east and low in the west to low in the south and high in the north, and developmental differences first increased and then decreased. NU development has a significant one-way positive impact on TE at the national level and in the eastern region. As far as impact, economic urbanization plays a great role, and ecological factors become more and more important. NU has a rapid and long-term impact on TE, and its contribution rate to developed economic regions can reach 35%. This study will provide an important reference for sustainable development of tourism under the trend of urbanization.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Ecosystem Service Value of Urban Agglomeration in Central Yunnan
Authors: Yang Lei , Liu Fenglian
Published: August 2022

Urbanization and human activity have recently resulted in land use/cover change (LUCC), which has had a detrimental effect on the biological environment, on keeping the ecosystem’s sustainable growth and on comprehending the ecosystem’s quality and changes over the past 20 years in the central Yunnan urban agglomeration. The equivalent factor method and hotspot analysis were used to analyze the spatio-temporal changes in land use and ecosystem service value (ESV) in the urban agglomerations of central Yunnan province, and the effects of land use change on ESV were then examined. This study is based on the grid data of land use in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Finally, Geodetector was used to investigate the possible causes of ESV. The results showed that: (1) The urban agglomerations in central Yunnan’s land-use structure and pattern clearly changed between 2000 and 2020, with continual declines in grassland, cultivated land, and woodland, and constant increases in construction land. There was significant growth in both speed and area. (2) The average ESV of the land decreased consistently, the hotspot areas shrank, and the cold-spot areas grew as the ecosystem service function declined and the total amount of ESV decreased by 1.517 billion Yuan. These events were mostly explained by an increase in construction land and a decrease in grassland, cultivated land, and woodland. (3) The synergistic effect of numerous factors is what causes the change in ESV in the urban agglomerations of central Yunnan. The key forces behind ESV change in the research area were land-use intensity, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), slope, and people density. The results can help decision makers establish policies for ecological conservation and land use.
Novel Ecosystems in the Urban-Industrial Landscape–Interesting Aspects of Environmental Knowledge Requiring Broadening: A Review
Authors: Chmura Damian , Jagodziński Andrzej M. , Hutniczak Agnieszka , Dyczko Artur , Woźniak Gabriela
Published: August 2022

Human activity is affecting and transforming the natural environment, changing the ecosystem mosaic and natural biogeochemical processes in urban-industrial landscapes. Among the anthropogenic ecosystems, there are many present features of Novel Ecosystems (NE), e.g., the de novo created habitats on post-mineral excavation sites. The biological nature of the functional mechanisms of Novel Ecosystems is mostly unknown. In natural and semi-natural ecosystems, biodiversity is considered as the primary element influencing ecosystem processes and functioning. The preliminary studies conducted on post-mineral excavation sites have shown that, in poor oligotrophic habitats, the species composition of the assembled vascular plants is non-analogous, distinctive, and not found in natural and semi-natural habitats. This paper aims to present the gaps between scientific identification of the biological mechanisms driving ecosystem processes and functioning (including the expanding areas of Novel Ecosystems created de novo). Among the identified gaps, the following issues should be listed. The detailed identification and understanding of the processes and biodiversity-dependent functioning of Novel Ecosystems is crucial for proper environmental management, particularly when facing the challenges of ecological constraints and of global change. The ecology of Novel Ecosystems is a social and economic issue because of the relationships with densely populated urban-industrial areas.
Personalized Route Recommendation Using F-AHP-Express
Authors: Nasution Surya Michrandi , Husni Emir , Kuspriyanto Kuspriyanto , Yusuf Rahadian
Published: August 2022

The route recommendation system helps the driver find the best route between origin and destination. A recommendation system often suggests its decision without considering some criteria. This paper proposes a multicriteria decision-making method, namely Fuzzy—Analytic Hierarchy Process—Express (F-AHP-Express) for recommending a personal travel route from several alternative routes. It is calculated based on the driving preferences of a driver and road conditions for each road segment. We compare the F-AHP-Express to others; Fuzzy—Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) and Fuzzy—Analytic Hierarchy Process—Technique for Others Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-AHP-TOPSIS), for its recommendation results, time processing, agility, and complexity. Our experiments show that F-AHP-Express could deliver similar recommendation results compared to other methods, and it is additionally the fastest method. F-AHP-Express is 45% and 23% faster than F-AHP and F-AHP-TOPSIS, respectively. F-AHP-Express not only has the fastest time processing among the others but also has the least judgments in agility testing. It needs 37.5% and 16.67% fewer judgments from F-AHP and F-AHP-TOPSIS, respectively. Moreover, AHP-Express has a complexity of O(n), meanwhile, the others have O(n2) for their complexity. Thus, the results show that F-AHP-Express is the best method for recommending a personal route.
Evaluation of Water Quality of Collected Rainwater in the Northeastern Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Xiao Menglin , Dai Yanyan , Zhang Zhaorui , Liu Geng , Zhao Jingbo
Published: August 2022

Water resources are scarce in the Northeastern Loess Plateau, and water cellar water (WCW) is a vital water resource available in the vast rural areas of the region. The quality of WCW was assessed by principal component analysis (PCA) and Nemerow’s pollution index (NPI) for different rainfall catchment areas, depths, and storage times. Eleven indicators were measured, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), F−, Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, Na+, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+. The results show that the tap water quality in the rural areas of the Northeastern Loess Plateau is above the second level and meets the drinking water standard (DWS), which is similar to the tap water quality in the region. The main component score of water quality from tile roof + cement ground (I) is 0.32, and the Nemero index is 0.41; the principal component score of water quality from cement ground (I) is 0.45, and the Nemero index is 0.29; the principal component score of water quality from trampled land (I) is 0.59, and the Nemero index is 0.44; the principal component score of water quality from tile roof + trampled land (II) is 1.87, and the Nemero index is 1.10. The rainwater harvesting catchment area of tile roof + cement ground (I) ensured the highest water quality, followed by cement ground (I), trampled ground (I), and tile roof + trampled ground (II). The water quality of the catchment area for artificially collected rainwater (roof tile surface, cement ground, etc.) was better than that of the original soil (trampled ground). The highest water quality was found at a storage time of 1 year (I), followed by 2.5 years (I), and 2 months (II). A depth of 4 m (I) contributed to the highest water quality, followed by 2 m (II), 3 m (II), and 1 m (II). Water quality improved with the increasing depth of WCW. The rainfall and WCW in the area were weakly alkaline, and the groundwater was contaminated with NO3−. PCA’s water quality assessment results were similar to the NPI method, indicating that both methods can be used in combination for unconventional water quality assessment.
A Sectoral Approach of Adaptation Finance in Developing Countries: Does Climate Justice Apply?
Authors: Basty Nadia , Azouz Ghachem Dorsaf
Published: August 2022

In this study, we explore climate justice with specific reference to vulnerability at the level of different sectors in 90 developing countries in Asia, Africa and Europe, over a period from 2010 to 2019. The paper seeks to advance the discussion on the idea that adaptation financing is allocated according to the level of need in the recipient country and sector. By considering five crucial sectors (food, water, health, infrastructure and habitat), we explore the linear and quadratic effect of the vulnerability of each sector on the allocated endowment. The study is based on a dynamic panel regression method based on the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) in the system model. Our findings reveal that vulnerability is an important consideration in funding allocation. The results suggest that the relationship between adaptation funding and vulnerability is sector-dependent. We also observe that this relationship is non-linear, providing further evidence of distributive justice in terms of allocating more funding to the most vulnerable sectors. Climate justice begins to emerge when vulnerability reaches a certain threshold. However, it appears that the infrastructure sector is dysfunctional in terms of adaptation financing needs and investments undertaken. Overall, the regulations put in place should further integrate climate risk parameters into technical and procedural standards to make projects more effective and climate justice more widespread.
Ostrowski–Trapezoid–Grüss-Type on (q, ω)-Hahn Difference Operator
Authors: El-Deeb Ahmed A. , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: August 2022

We use two parameters for functions whose second (q, ω)-derivatives are bounded in order to prove several recent extensions of the Ostrowski inequality and its companion inequalities on (q, ω)-Hahn difference operator. Furthermore, we procure some q-integral and continuous inequalities as special cases of the main results as well these generalizations. Symmetry plays an essential role in determining the correct methods to solve dynamic inequalities.
Polyadization of Algebraic Structures
Authors: Duplij Steven
Published: August 2022

A generalization of the semisimplicity concept for polyadic algebraic structures is proposed. If semisimple structures can be presented as block diagonal matrices (resulting in the Wedderburn decomposition), general forms of polyadic structures are given by block-shift matrices. We combine these forms to get a general shape of semisimple nonderived polyadic structures (“double” decomposition of two kinds). We then introduce the polyadization concept (a “polyadic constructor”), according to which one can construct a nonderived polyadic algebraic structure of any arity from a given binary structure. The polyadization of supersymmetric structures is also discussed. The “deformation” by shifts of operations on the direct power of binary structures is defined and used to obtain a nonderived polyadic multiplication. Illustrative concrete examples for the new constructions are given.
Persistent Homology Analysis for Dense QCD Effective Model with Heavy Quarks
Authors: Kashiwa Kouji , Hirakida Takehiro , Kouno Hiroaki
Published: August 2022

The isospin chemical potential region is known as the sign-problem-free region of quantum chromodynamics (QCD). In this paper, we introduce the isospin chemical potential to the three-dimensional three-state Potts model to mimic dense QCD; e.g., the QCD effective model with heavy quarks at finite density. We call it the QCD-like Potts model. The QCD-like Potts model does not have a sign problem, but we expect it to share some properties with QCD. Since we can obtain the non-approximated Potts spin configuration at finite isospin chemical potential, where the simple Metropolis algorithm can work, we perform the persistent homology analysis toward exploring the dense spatial structure of QCD. We show that the averaged birth-death ratio has the same information with the Polyakov loop, but the maximum birth-death ratio has additional information near the phase transition where the birth-death ratio means the ratio of the creation time of a hole and its vanishing time based on the persistent homology.
Bivariate Step-Stress Accelerated Life Tests for the Kavya–Manoharan Exponentiated Weibull Model under Progressive Censoring with Applications
Authors: Alotaibi Naif , Elbatal Ibrahim , Almetwally Ehab M. , Alyami Salem A. , Al-Moisheer A. S. , Elgarhy Mohammed
Published: August 2022

A new three-parameter survival model is proposed using the Kavya–Manoharan (KM) transformation family and the exponentiated Weibull (EW) distribution. The shapes of the pdf for the new model can be asymmetric and symmetric shapes, such as unimodal, decreasing, right-skewed and symmetric. In addition, the shapes of the hrf for the suggested model can be increasing, decreasing, constant and J-shaped. Statistical properties are obtained: quantile function, mode, moments, incomplete moments, residual life time, reversed residual life time, probability weighted moments, order statistics and entropy. We discuss the maximum likelihood estimation for the model. The relevance and flexibility of the model are demonstrated using two real datasets. The distribution is very flexible, and it outperforms many known distributions, such as the three-parameter exponentiated Weibull, the modified Weibull model, the Kavya–Manoharan Weibull, the extended Weibull, the odd Weibull inverse Topp–Leone and the extended odd Weibull inverse Nadarajah–Haghigh model. A bivariate step-stress accelerated life test based on progressive type-I censoring (PTIC) using the model is presented. This pattern is noticed when a particular number of lifetime test units are routinely eliminated from the test at the conclusion of each post-test period of time. Minimizing the asymptotic variance of the MLE of the log of the scale parameter at design stress under PTIC yields an expression for the ideal test plan under PTIC.
Response Adjustability Analysis of Partial and Ordinary Differential Coupling System for Visco-Elastomer Sandwich Plate Coupled with Distributed Masses under Random Excitation via Spatial Periodicity Strategy
Authors: Ying Zu-Guang , Ruan Zhi-Gang , Ni Yi-Qing
Published: August 2022

Vibration control of composite structures coupled with distributed masses under random excitations is a significant issue. In this paper, partial and ordinary differential coupling equations are obtained from a periodic sandwich plate coupled with supported masses under random excitation. An analytical solution to the coupling equations is proposed, and the stochastic response adjustability of the system with various periodic distributions of geometrical and physical parameters is studied. Spatial periodic layer thickness and core modulus of the sandwich plate are considered based on the active‐passive periodicity strategy. The periodically distributed masses are supported on the plate by coupling springs and dampers. Partial and ordinary differential coupling equations for the system including the periodic sandwich plate and supported masses are derived and then converted into unified ordinary differential equations for multi-mode coupling vibration. Generalized system stiffness, damping and mass are functions of the periodic parameters. Expressions of frequency response function and response spectral density of the system are obtained. Numerical results show the response adjustability via the spatially periodic geometrical and physical parameters. The results have the potential for application to dynamic control or optimization of sandwich structure systems.
Application of Wavelet Characteristics and GMDH Neural Networks for Precise Estimation of Oil Product Types and Volume Fractions
Authors: Mayet Abdulilah Mohammad , Alizadeh Seyed Mehdi , Hamakarim Karwan Mohammad , Al-Qahtani Ali Awadh , Alanazi Abdullah K. , Grimaldo Guerrero John William , Alhashim Hala H. , Eftekhari-Zadeh Ehsan
Published: August 2022

Given that one of the most critical operations in the oil and gas industry is to instantly determine the volume and type of product passing through the pipelines, in this research, a detection system for monitoring oil pipelines is proposed. The proposed system works in such a way that the radiation from the dual-energy source which symmetrically emits radiation, was received by the NaI detector after passing through the shield window and test pipeline. In the test pipe, four petroleum products—ethylene glycol, crude oil, gasoil, and gasoline—were simulated in pairs in different volume fractions. A total of 118 simulations were performed, and their signals were categorized. Then, feature extraction operations were started to reduce the volume of data, increase accuracy, increase the learning speed of the neural network, and better interpret the data. Wavelet features were extracted from the recorded signal and used as GMDH neural network input. The signals of each test were divided into details and approximation sections and characteristics with the names STD of A3, D3, D2 and were extracted. This described structure is modelled in the Monte Carlo N Particle code (MCNP). In fact, precise estimation of oil product types and volume fractions were done using a combination of symmetrical source and asymmetrical neural network. Four GMDH neural networks were trained to estimate the volumetric ratio of each product, and the maximum RMSE was 0.63. In addition to this high accuracy, the low implementation and computational cost compared to previous detection methods are among the advantages of present investigation, which increases its application in the oil industry.
Holistic Symmetry Assessment Using Pedobarography after Treatment of Pertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients
Authors: Gawronska Karolina , Lorkowski Jacek
Published: August 2022

Pertrochanteric fractures (PFs) are life threatening due to the prolonged immobilization of the elderly patient that affects, indirectly, the function of most organs. PFs may have an impact on the symmetry of the human body and contribute to poor global alignment. The aim of the study is to evaluate the functional, pedobarographic and radiological outcomes in a group of subjects with PFs treated with either a dynamic hip screw (DHS) or an intramedullary gamma nail fixation. A study group of 40 patients, admitted to hospital for pertrochanteric fractures between 2015 and 2019, at a mean age of 74.87 (range 65–99), were enrolled. A control group included 20 subjects free from significant disorders of the musculoskeletal system and any other disorders that might induce a compensatory abnormal gait pattern. Functional results were assessed by the Harris Hip Score, and the plantar pressure distribution and arch index were measured with a pedobarographic examination. Radiographic parameters were assessed based on the preoperative and postoperative standing AP pelvic radiographs and axial projection of the hip. The obtained results were evaluated at 9-month follow-up. The obtained results showed no significant difference between both study groups within the scope of the variables under study. To sum up, surgical treatment, either with DHS or intramedullary gamma nail fixation, and rehabilitation treatment support the symmetry of the musculoskeletal system. However, the full return of symmetry was not achieved at 9-month follow-up compared to the control group.
Vocabulary Acquisition through Viewing Captioned and Subtitled Video: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Reynolds Barry Lee , Cui Yanwen , Kao Chian-Wen , Thomas Nathan
Published: August 2022

As access to video-viewing technology has increased, so has researchers’ interest in understanding how the viewing of captioned and subtitled videos can lead to effective vocabulary learning outcomes. Previously, there has been one meta-analysis on the effects of this type of video-viewing on vocabulary acquisition. However, the variables investigated and types of vocabulary knowledge analyzed were limited. To address these issues, we conducted a mixed review that combined a scoping review and meta-analysis. We identified 139 studies in major databases, of which 34 aligned with our inclusion criteria. Results from the scoping review found that researchers have assessed productive knowledge more than receptive knowledge, and knowledge of form and meaning more than knowledge of use. Participants were given TV series to view more than any other media type. Results from the meta-analysis found that viewing any type of captioned or subtitled videos had a positive effect on vocabulary acquisition. Among all the captioned and subtitled video types, viewing videos with intralingual captions had the largest effect on vocabulary learning outcomes. Furthermore, the viewing of animations had the largest effect on vocabulary learning outcomes compared with all the other types of video viewing investigated. No statistically significant difference between intentional or incidental learning conditions was found, indicating that both conditions are suitable for developing vocabulary learning through video viewing. Additional findings and implications for teaching and research are discussed.
Hydrophilic Antimicrobial Coatings for Medical Leathers from Silica-Dendritic Polymer-Silver Nanoparticle Composite Xerogels
Authors: Arkas Michael , Kythreoti Georgia , Favvas Evangelos , Giannakopoulos Konstantinos , Mouti Nafsika , Arvanitopoulou Marina , Athanasiou Ariadne , Douloudi Marilina , Nikoli Eleni , Vardavoulias Michail , Dimitriou Marios , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Ballén Victoria , González Sara
Published: August 2022

Hybrid organic-inorganic (dendritic polymer-silica) xerogels containing silver nanoparticles (Ag Nps) were developed as antibacterial leather coatings. The preparation method is environmentally friendly and is based on two biomimetic reactions. Silica gelation and spontaneous Ag Nps formation were both mediated by hyperbranched poly (ethylene imine) (PEI) scaffolds of variable Mw (2000–750,000). The formation of precursor hydrogels was monitored by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The chemical composition of the xerogels was assessed by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), while the uniformity of the coatings was established by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The release properties of coated leather samples and their overall behavior in water in comparison to untreated analogs were investigated by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, and antibiofilm properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterococcus faecalis, while the SARS-CoV-2 clinical isolate was employed for the first estimation of their antiviral potential. Toxicity was evaluated using the Jurkat E6.1 cell line. Finally, water-contact angle measurements were implemented to determine the enhancement of the leather surface hydrophilicity caused by these composite layers. The final advanced products are intended for use in medical applications.
Analytical Model for Thermoregulation of the Human Body in Contact with a Phase Change Material (PCM) Cooling Vest
Authors: Jansen Kaspar M. B. , Teunissen Lennart
Published: August 2022

Cooling vests containing phase change materials (PCMs) are used to reduce heat stress in hot environments and maintain the body core temperature within a safe range. The performance of such cooling vests depends in a complicated way on the PCM material and mass, the insulation value of the clothing layers and heat loss to the environment. Conventionally, these performance parameters are evaluated experimentally or using a numerical model, both of which do need a certain amount of evaluation time. The objective of this paper is to develop a transient heat transfer model which includes metabolic heat production in the human body, as well as clothing and PCM layers and radiation to the environment but which is presented as a series of closed-form equations that can be evaluated without the need of a numerical solver. We present solutions for the body and PCM temperature as well as for the heat flux, cooling power and cooling duration. The model equations are validated by comparing them with experiments of ice PCM packs on a hotplate, as well as with published experimental and numerical data for the core temperature, heat flux and percentage of environmental heat loss using a Glauber salt type of PCM. Both the hotplate experiments and the model predictions show that the cooling power during PCM melting drops from about 70 to 32 W for increasing insulation layer thicknesses. In addition, the model is seen to compare well with experimental and simulation data in the literature. In a parametric study, we show how the equations can be used to evaluate the effects of PCM melting temperature and PCM thickness on cooling performance. The paper, therefore, can be considered as a practical means to help select the best cooling vest configuration for workers in a hot and humid environment.
Non-Covalent Interactions in Triglycerides: Vaporisation Thermodynamics for Quantification of Dispersion Forces
Authors: Verevkin Sergey P. , Nagrimanov Ruslan N.
Published: August 2022

Qualitatively, the non-covalent interactions are well-known and help to explain many phenomena in chemistry and biochemistry. Quantitatively, determination of strength this force is a challenging task. The vaporization enthalpy is a reliable measure not only for the intermolecular interactions in the liquid phase, but also as the measure of intermolecular non-covalent interactions in the gas phase for the specific group of compounds, e.g., for the triglycerides. The vaporisation thermodynamics of four triglycerides were studied by using transpiration method, quartz crystal microbalance, and thermogravimetric analysis. Vapour pressure–temperature dependences were used to derive the enthalpies of vaporisation of these very low volatile liquids. Vaporisation enthalpies of the triglycerides available in the literature were collected and uniformly adjusted to the reference temperature 298.15 K and validated using structure–property relationships (chain-length dependence, correlation with retention indices, and correlation with normal boiling points). The consistent sets of evaluated vaporisation enthalpies for the linear and branched triglycerides were used to develop the “centerpiece” based group-additivity method for predicting enthalpies of vaporisation of triglycerides. It has turned out that the family of triglycerides do not obey the group-additivity rules. The reason for that is that the evaporated in the gas phase triglycerides exhibit intensive non-covalent attractive dispersion interactions strongly dependent on the alkyl-chain length. For the first time the intensity of the dispersion interactions was quantified for the family of aliphatic linear triglycerides with the chain length from 3 to 18 carbon atoms. The influence of the branching and unsaturation of the alkyl chains to the strength of the non-covalent interactions was also discussed.
Examining the Impact of China’s Corruption Crackdown: A Forecast for Macau’s Tourism and Gaming Industry
Authors: Zhou Fanli , Zheng Tianshu , Schrier Thomas , Farrish John
Published: August 2022

Using the ARIMA time-series analysis technique, this study measured the impact China’s anti-corruption campaign had on Macau’s casino gaming industry and forecasted future gaming revenue. This study also analyzed current trends and proposed future strategies for the Macau tourism and gaming industry. The results suggest China’s anti-corruption campaign did not significantly affect Macau’s non-VIP gaming revenue. Instead, the campaign has triggered positive changes for Macau’s tourism and gaming industry by transforming it from an unbalanced development model relying solely on VIP business to a diversified healthy development, which would potentially bring positive impact to Macau’s overall economy in the future. The findings of this study echo the revisions of gaming laws proposed by the Macau Special Administrative Region Government in September 2021 and provide new insights into the impact of the anti-corruption policy with focus on the outlook of Macau’s tourism and gaming industry.
Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungal Formulations against Elasmolomus pallens (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) and Their Extracellular Enzymatic Activities
Authors: Umaru Fredrick Fidelis , Simarani Khanom
Published: August 2022

Elasmolomus pallens are post-harvest insect pests of peanuts that are becoming resistant to chemical insecticides. In this, we study evaluated the effect of conidial formulations on entomopathogenic fungi against E. pallens to reduce the adverse effects. Fungal conidia were formulated and applied on sterile filter papers at varying concentrations (1 × 104–1 × 108 conidia mL−1) inside plastic containers. The test insects were exposed and maintained in a relative humidity of 80 ± 10% for 10 d at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). Mortality was recorded every 24 h. Dose–response bioassay (LC50 and LC90) values for Aspergillus flavus formulated in oil were 1.95 × 106 and 3.66 × 109 conidia/mL, whereas formulations in Tween 80 had 9.36 × 107 and 6.50 × 109 conidia/mL. However, oil-formulated Metarhizium anisopliae had 3.92 × 106 and 2.57 × 108 conidia/mL, with 6.85 × 106 and 5.37 × 108, for formulations in Tween 80. A. flavus had LT50 values of 3.3 and 6.6 days, whereas M. anisopliae had LT50 values of 3.6 and 5.7 d. Maximum protease, chitinase, and lipase activities of 2.51, 0.98, and 3.22 U/mL, respectively, were recorded for A. flavus, whereas values of 2.43, 0.93, and 3.46 were recorded for M. anisopliae. The investigated pathogens demonstrate potential against E. pallens; therefore, their applicability under field conditions requires further investigation.
Protein/Fiber Index Modulates Uremic Toxin Concentrations in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ebersolt Manon , Santana Machado Tacy , Mallmann Cecilia , Mc-Kay Nathalie , Dou Laetitia , Bouchouareb Dammar , Brunet Philippe , Burtey Stéphane , Sallée Marion
Published: August 2022

Background: Indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), two uremic toxins (UTs), are associated with increased mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These toxins are produced by the microbiota from the diet and excreted by the kidney. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of diet on IS and PCS concentration in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: We performed a prospective monocentric study using a seven-day diet record and determination of serum IS and PCS levels in HD patients. We tested the association between toxin concentrations and nutritional data. Results: A total of 58/75 patients (77%) completed the diet record. Mean caloric intake was 22 ± 9.2 kcal/kg/day. The protein/fiber index was 4.9 ± 1.8. No correlation between IS or PCS concentration and protein/fiber index was highlighted. In the 18 anuric patients (31%) in whom residual renal function could not affect toxin concentrations, IS and PCS concentrations were negatively correlated with fiber intake and positively correlated with the protein/fiber index. In a multivariate analysis, IS serum concentration was positively associated with the protein/fiber index (p = 0.03). Conclusions: A low protein/fiber index is associated with low concentrations of uremic toxins in anuric HD patients. Diets with an increased fiber intake must be tested to determine whether they reduce PCS and IS serum concentrations.
Elimination of Deoxynivalenol, Aflatoxin B1, and Zearalenone by Gram-Positive Microbes (Firmicutes)
Authors: Adácsi Cintia , Kovács Szilvia , Pócsi István , Pusztahelyi Tünde
Published: August 2022

Mycotoxin contaminations in the feed and food chain are common. Either directly or indirectly, mycotoxins enter the human body through the consumption of food of plant and animal origin. Bacteria with a high mycotoxin elimination capability can reduce mycotoxin contamination in feed and food. Four Gram-positive endospore-forming bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis AMK10/1, Lysinibacillus boronitolerans AMK9/1, Lysinibacillus fusiformis AMK10/2, and Rummeliibacillus suwonensis AMK9/2) were isolated from fermented forages and tested for their deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and zearalenone (ZEA) elimination potentials. Notably, the contribution of bacterial cell wall fractions to the observed outstanding ZEA elimination rates was demonstrated; however, the ZEA elimination differed considerably within the tested group of Gram-positive bacteria. It is worth noting that the purified cell wall of L. boronitolerans AMK9/1, L. fusiformis AMK10/2 and B. thuringiensis AMK10/1 were highly efficient in eliminating ZEA and the teichoic acid fractions of B. thuringiensis AMK10/1, and L. fusiformis AMK10/2 could also be successfully used in ZEA binding. The ZEA elimination capacity of viable R. suwonensis AMK9/2 cells was outstanding (40%). Meanwhile, R. suwonensis AMK9/2 and L. boronitolerans AMK9/1 cells produced significant esterase activities, and ZEA elimination of the cell wall fractions of that species did not correlate with esterase activity. DON and AFB1 binding capabilities of the tested bacterial cells and their cell wall fractions were low, except for B. thuringiensis AMK10/1, where the observed high 64% AFB1 elimination could be linked to the surface layer (S-layer) fraction of the cell wall.
Seasonal Variation of Aflatoxin Levels in Selected Spices Available in Retail Markets: Estimation of Exposure and Risk Assessment
Authors: Naz Farah , Verpoort Francis , Iqbal Shahzad Zafar , Naheed Nadia , Asi Muhammad Rafique
Published: August 2022

A total of 603 samples of selected spices from different seasons (winter and summer) were analyzed for the occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), total AFs, and tocopherols. The findings revealed that 120 (38.7%) samples from the summer and 136 (46.4%) samples from the winter season were observed to be infected with AFB1 and a large amount of AFs. The highest means of both AFB1 and total Afs were observed in red pepper, i.e., 15.5 ± 3.90 µg/kg and 22.90 ± 4.10 µg/kg, respectively. The minimum averages of AFB1 and total AFs were observed in cloves of 6.32 ± 1.8 and 8.40 ± 1.60 µg/kg, respectively (from the winter season). The seasonal variations in the levels of the total AFs in selected spices were observed to be nonsignificant (p ≥ 0.05), except for the levels in red pepper and ginger samples, which showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). The maximum average of the dietary intake of Afs, 4.80 µg/day/kg, was found in ginger from the winter season in individual females. Furthermore, the findings document that the maximum level of total tocopherol, i.e., 44.8 ± 9.3 mg/100 g, was observed in black pepper from the winter season. A significant difference in the concentration of total tocopherols was observed in selected spices from the summer and the winter seasons (p ≤ 0.05).
Epidemiological Characteristics and the Dynamic Transmission Model of Dengue Fever in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province in 2018
Authors: Zhang Meng , Huang Jie-Feng , Kang Min , Liu Xing-Chun , Lin Hong-Yan , Zhao Ze-Yu , Ye Guo-Qiang , Lin Sheng-Nan , Rui Jia , Xu Jing-Wen , Zhu Yuan-Zhao , Wang Yao , Yang Meng , Tang Shi-Xing , Cheng Qu , Chen Tian-Mu
Published: August 2022

Background: With the progress of urbanization, the mobility of people has gradually increased, which has led to the further spread of dengue fever. This study evaluated the transmissibility of dengue fever within districts and between different districts in Zhanjiang City to provide corresponding advice for cross-regional prevention and control. Methods: A mathematical model of transmission dynamics was developed to explore the transmissibility of the disease and to compare that between different regions. Results: A total of 467 DF cases (6.38 per 100,000 people) were reported in Zhanjiang City in 2018. In the model, without any intervention, the number of simulated cases in this epidemic reached about 950. The dengue fever transmissions between districts varied within and between regions. When the spread of dengue fever from Chikan Districts to other districts was cut off, the number of cases in other districts dropped significantly or even to zero. When the density of mosquitoes in Xiashan District was controlled, the dengue fever epidemic in Xiashan District was found to be significantly alleviated. Conclusions: When there is a dengue outbreak, timely measures can effectively control it from developing into an epidemic. Different prevention and control measures in different districts could efficiently reduce the risk of disease transmission.