bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Gesture Recognition for AGV Control: Preliminary Research
Authors: Budzan Sebastian , Wyżgolik Roman , Kciuk Marek , Kulik Krystian , Masłowski Radosław , Ptasiński Wojciech , Szkurłat Oskar , Szwedka Mateusz , Woźniak Łukasz
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we present our investigation of the 2D Hand Gesture Recognition (HGR) which may be suitable for the control of the Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). In real conditions, we deal with, among others, a complex background, changing lighting conditions, and different distances of the operator from the AGV. For this reason, in the article, we describe the database of 2D images created during the research. We tested classic algorithms and modified them by us ResNet50 and MobileNetV2 which were retrained partially using the transfer learning approach, as well as proposed a simple and effective Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). As part of our work, we used a closed engineering environment for rapid prototyping of vision algorithms, i.e., Adaptive Vision Studio (AVS), currently Zebra Aurora Vision, as well as an open Python programming environment. In addition, we shortly discuss the results of preliminary work on 3D HGR, which seems to be very promising for future work. The results show that, in our case, from the point of view of implementing the gesture recognition methods in AGVs, better results may be expected for RGB images than grayscale ones. Also using 3D imaging and a depth map may give better results.
Urbanization in Algeria: Toward a More Balanced and Sustainable Urban Network?
Authors: Saidi Feyrouz Ahlam , Phinzi Kwanele , Molnár Ernő
Published: March 2023

Before colonization, Algeria was primarily a rural country with a nomadic and semi-nomadic population. However, significant changes occurred during and after the colonial era as modernization efforts were implemented. This paper provides a regional overview of Algeria’s pre-and post-millennium urban development based on census population data expressing the quantitative side of urbanization. Our analysis focuses on three aspects: regional structural tendencies of urbanization, sources of urban growth, and the current state of Algeria’s urban network. We contextualize our findings by comparing them with the existing literature and the priorities outlined in the country’s National Spatial Development Plan 2025. Our research suggests that: (1) First-stage (concentration) and second-stage (suburbanization) urbanization features, as well as internally and externally determined development, characterize Algeria’s urban network. (2) A decreasing and regionally differentiated urban growth rate indicating a moderate shift towards non-coastal regions and the above-average dynamics of large cities and smaller towns can be observed. (3) The significance of natural growth as a source of urbanization is higher than the contributions of rural-urban migration and new “de jure” towns. However, these factors are differentiated among the regions, highlighting the secondary role of rural-urban migration in the internal peripheries and the importance of new “de jure” towns in the densely populated and urbanized northern regions. (4) Algeria’s urban network is divided into three sharply differentiated zones that have experienced only moderate changes. We regard this shift toward a spatially more balanced urban network as a factor supporting but not guaranteeing sustainable development.
Oxidative Stress in Antibiotic Toxic Optic Neuropathy Mimicking Acute LHON in a Patient with Exacerbation of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Kovač Lea , Volk Marija , Šuštar Habjan Maja , Hawlina Marko
Published: March 2023

The striking similarity of disc edema without leakage on fluorescein angiography, which is pathognomonic of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), was present in a patient with cystic fibrosis with antibiotic toxic optic neuropathy. This similarity suggested the common effect of oxidative stress on retinal ganglion cells in inherited mitochondrial and antibiotic optic neuropathies. We present the case of a patient with advanced cystic fibrosis on chronic antibiotic treatment who experienced a rapid painless bilateral visual decline over a course of a few weeks. At examination, his corrected visual acuity was reduced to 0.3 in both eyes, with dyschromatopsia and central scotoma. The appearance of the fundus resembled the typical clinical features of acute LHON with hyperemic optic discs and tortuous vessels with no dye leakage from the optic discs on fluorescein angiography. Ganglion cell layer loss was seen on optic coherence tomography, with all findings pointing to LHON. Genetic testing did not reveal any LHON-specific mutations. After extended genetic testing, a heterozygous variant c.209C>T in the OPA3 gene on chromosome 19, g.46032648G>A, classified as a variant of unknown significance, was also found. After discontinuing antibiotics and general improvements in his health, surprisingly, his visual function completely improved. Later, he also received a bilateral lung transplant that further improved his general condition, and his vision remained normal. Excluding LHON, the transient optic neuropathy in our patient could be mainly due to antibiotic toxicity of linezolid and ciprofloxacin, which have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and advanced cystic fibrosis with hypoxic status. We suggest the possibility that patients with cystic fibrosis may be more prone to developing mitochondrial optic neuropathy, especially with additional risk factors such as chronic antibiotic therapy, which affect mitochondrial function, and can perhaps serve as a model for LHON.
Sustainability Challenges to Springshed Water Management in India and Bangladesh: A Bird’s Eye View
Authors: Nowreen Sara , Misra Anil Kumar , Zzaman Rashed Uz , Sharma Lalit Pokhrel , Abdullah Md. Sadaf
Published: March 2023

Springshed management across mountainous states, such as India and Nepal, has paved the way for the groundwater recharge process. In contrast, despite introducing several interventions, the Bangladeshi government has never been officially exposed to such sustainable ideas for a spring revival. Therefore, this study aims to diagnose water security for the Himalayan region by applying an environmental security framework. Community perceptions documented through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, as well as water sample testing, helped highlight the existing issues of water scarcity, accessibility, quality, and governance structure. Exemplifying the condition of Bandarban in Bangladesh, notable gaps were found in spring-related scientific understanding. Specifically, the lack of adequate reservoirs, institutional coordination, water supply, utility maintenance, and accessibility hurdles were identified as areas requiring immediate attention. As a recovery route, a six-step protocol of springshed management shows more promising outcomes. However, Sikkim communities in India raised questions over its efficacy due to the improper execution of said protocols. A limited understanding of hill science, including inventory and inadequate inspections before implementation, were found to result in only partial success. Upgrading remains a challenge as maladaptation might increase landslides. Therefore, development plans demand rigorous science-based investigation, consideration of local community knowledge, and (pilot) monitoring before the upscaling of springshed projects can be successfully conducted.
A Quantitative and Qualitative Review of Blockchain Research from 2015 to 2021
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Jiao Hongbo , Cheng Liming , Yin Yilin , Li Huimin , Mu Wenqing , Zhang Ruirui
Published: March 2023

Blockchain has the potential to reconfigure the contemporary economic, legal, political and cultural landscape, causing a flood of research on this topic. However, limited efforts have been made to conduct retrospective research to appraise the blockchain studies in the recent period, easily leading to a neglect of new technological trends. Consequently, the present research designs a quantitative- and qualitative-analysis procedure to review the latest research status. Adopting a four-step workflow, six research hotspots (i.e., the specific application areas of blockchain technology, the integration of blockchain and other technologies, the driving factors of blockchain, the values of blockchain technology, the types of blockchain and the core technologies of blockchain) and five research frontiers (i.e., entrepreneurship, contract, industrial internet, data management and distributed ledger technology) were detected using quantitative analysis. Furthermore, three other topics (i.e., the Internet of things, access control and trust) and two research gaps (i.e., the true effect of blockchain technology on firms’ operational efficiency and the regulation of the “dark sides” of blockchain technology) were also identified, using qualitative analysis. Finally, the evolutionary paths were qualitatively analyzed, and then three phases of blockchain research were summarized. The conclusions are able to provide a more comprehensive enlightenment regarding blockchain’s research hotspots, research frontiers, evolutionary paths and research gaps in the recent period, from 2015 to 2021, and to provide a reference for future research.
In-Flight Infection Prevention and Control Training for Cabin Crew in China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Mohamad Nasri Nurfaradilla , Jamaludin Khairul Azhar
Published: March 2023

Specific in-flight infection prevention and control (IPC) training was deemed an essential strategy for ensuring the implementation of appropriate measures to protect the health of passengers and crew sustainably during COVID-19 and the post-pandemic period. This study aims to identify cabin crew’s IPC duties and investigate the current status of the in-flight IPC training for cabin crew in China. The snowballing technique was employed with purposeful sampling. A total of 15 participants, including cabin crew of various positions, inspectors, and trainers from eight airlines in China were invited to attend the in-depth semi-structured interview between September and November of 2022. Cabin crew IPC duties can be classified into four phases based on a thematic analysis: before flight, passenger boarding, during flight, and after flight. The findings indicated airlines in China required their cabin crew to carry out strict IPC measures onboard throughout all stages of flight, including in-flight IPC training before flight, being aware of COVID symptoms and monitoring passengers’ conditions during boarding, the standard operating procedure (SOP) of handling suspicious carriers during flight, and so on. Meanwhile, six major themes concerning cabin crew’s in-flight IPC training were extracted: COVID-19 information, IPC Supplies and usage, IPC measures onboard, communication and explanation, information collection and report up, attitude and perceptions toward COVID-19, and IPC measures. Cabin crew were regularly trained on in-flight IPC through online learning, with face-to-face training used as reinforcement. Although training for knowledge and technical skills was deemed comprehensive, non-technical skills such as communication and explanation were viewed as a weak link. Moreover, airlines should make greater efforts to help cabin crew develop a positive attitude towards COVID-19 and overcome their internal fears. This study pointed out the shortcomings of the in-flight IPC training for cabin crew in China and can help the airlines improve the training program so that cabin crew can perform their duties correctly. Furthermore, the result can inform the development of future cabin crew training programs for the post-pandemic period.
Impacts of Renewable Energy Generation on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Al-Ismail Fahad Saleh , Alam Md Shafiul , Shafiullah Md , Hossain Md Ismail , Rahman Syed Masiur
Published: March 2023

Over the last few years, the electric energy demand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has increased many folds due to several factors including increased population, industrialization, economic activities, and urbanization. The main source of electric power generation in KSA is the burning of petroleum products. Almost one third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are contributed from the electric power generation sector, mainly, by burning diesel and natural gas. As a result, it makes it necessary to consider alternate forms of electricity generation in order to cut down emissions and to keep sustainable growth alive. The government has planned to diversify energy sources and suppliers. In recent years, energy generation from renewable sources including solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, concentrated solar power (CSP), biomass, geothermal, and tidal, has been given more importance. The ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 targets of 58.7 GW of power generation from renewable energy sources will cause a significant reduction in GHG emissions from the energy sector. This article systematically reviews the impact of renewable energy generation on GHG emissions. The detailed breakdown of GHG emission is discussed. Then, the status of renewable energy generation is investigated, focusing on the technical and economic potentials. The correlation of renewable energy generation and GHG emissions is then explained. The most distinguishing feature of this review is that it provides a comprehensive list of recommendations to reduce GHG emissions. The discussions and recommendations of this article will support decision makers, system planners, industry personnel, researchers, and academics to develop sustainable energy pathways for the Kingdom.
SDAFA: Secure Data Aggregation in Fog-Assisted Smart Grid Environment
Authors: Shruti  , Rani Shalli , Singh Aman , Alkanhel Reem , Hassan Dina S. M.
Published: March 2023

The tremendous growth of about 8 billion devices connected to each other in various domains of Internet of Things (IoT)-based applications have attracted researchers from both industry and academia. IoT is a network of several devices connected with each other to provide sensing capabilities, particularly in smart grid (SG) environment. Various challenges such as the efficient handling of massive IoT data can be addressed with advances in fog computing. The secure data aggregation challenge is one such issue in IoT-based smart grid systems, which include millions of smart meters. Typical SG-based data aggregation approaches have high computation and communication costs, however, many efforts have been made to overcome these limitations while leveraging fog computing but no satisfactory results have been obtained. Moreover, existing solutions also suffer from high storage requirements. The traditional data aggregation schemes such as GCEDA (Grouping of Clusters for Efficient Data Aggregation) and SPPDA (Secure Privacy-Preserving Data Aggregation) also suffer from a few shortcomings. SPPDA follows a mixed aggregation architecture that includes trees and clusters which can lead to some performance complexities and is not energy-efficient, whereas GCEDA does not support heterogeneity. To overcome these problems, this research provides a fog-assisted strategy for secure and efficient data aggregation in smart grid. The concept of smart grid is implemented in fog environment, which was not the case in previous schemes. We used communication between smart meters (SMs) and fog nodes (FNs) to transmit confidential data in compressed form towards FN. The FN further aggregates the received data which can then be updated in cloud repositories later. We presented two algorithms—data aggregation and data extraction at FN and cloud, respectively, to achieve secure communication. The performance of the proposed strategy has been evaluated against existing data aggregation techniques GCEDA and SPPDA for various performance parameters such as storage, communication cost and transmission cost. The proposed scheme overcomes the limitation of heterogeneity and mixed aggregation which was faced in GCEDA and SPPDA and the results revealed outstanding performance in comparison with both, so the proposed solution can be used in a smart grid environment for efficient and secure data transmission.
Green Low-Carbon Extraction Behavior and Realization of Carbon Rebalancing Evolution
Authors: Fu Min , Ye Xinyu , Tian Lixin , Wan Bingyue
Published: March 2023

Within the background of carbon rebalancing, this paper introduces the absorption input of goods and the natural environment rebalancing input to study an endogenous growth model driven by green behavior, divides goods into three different types of green low-carbon goods based on their different absorption proportion of carbon, and introduces the environmental function, the rebalancing capacity of the natural environment, the absorption input of goods, carbon reduction research and development, and scientific and technological progress as special production factors into the endogenous growth model, and then studies a production model driven by special production factors. Through system analysis and optimization, this paper determines effective carbon rebalancing regulations for the economic system and obtains new endogenous growth laws. Empirical analysis based on the China Statistical Yearbook finds that the boundary number of the necessary conditions for absorption input at the economic level is 3.47848. When the absorption input is greater than or equal to the boundary number, regulations promoting carbon rebalancing are fully effective. In order to realize green development, it is important to strengthen the absorption input of goods and the rebalancing input of the natural environment.
The Evolution of Green Development, Spatial Differentiation Pattern and Its Influencing Factors in Characteristic Chinese Towns
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Huang Xinjian , Li Jiujun
Published: March 2023

Characteristic Chinese towns are “green ecology” innovation space units based on the background of the ‘Beautiful China Initiative’ (BCI), new urbanization, supply-side structural reform and the implementation of rural revitalization strategies. In this paper, spatial analysis models such as kernel density analysis, spatial autocorrelation analysis, the local correlation index and ArcGIS 10.5 are used to analyze the spatial layout and structural characteristics of the green development evolution of characteristic towns and to explore their spatial differentiation characteristics and laws, internal influencing factors and mechanisms. The analysis of the spatial distribution kernel density shows that regional economic development is an important influencing factor that affects the layout of the characteristic towns. Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates that the spatial distribution of the characteristic towns does not have random distribution characteristics but is clustered in areas of similar scale. The results show the following: (1) The spatial layout of characteristic towns is generally a cohesive distribution with obvious agglomeration trends and differences, showing the characteristics of “dense in the southeast, sparse in the northwest” and “overall agglomeration, relying on economy, along the coast and along traffic arteries, spreading around cities, and differentiating by scenery”. (2) The high-density core area and sub-high-density area of characteristic towns are situated along the coast and along traffic arteries, are characterized by resource endowments and economic development, and are distributed along urban agglomerations and metropolitan areas. (3) The spatial pattern of green development evolution is organically coupled across three dimensions: location, industry and community. Our research results will help improve the level of green development in characteristic towns; coordinate the spatial layout of new urbanization; improve regional, high-quality, and coordinated development; and realize Chinese-style modernization for common prosperity.
Study on the Coupling Relationship between Thermal Comfort and Urban Center Spatial Morphology in Summer
Authors: Yi Pei , Liu Luyun , Huang Yu , Zhang Minhuan , Liu Huaiwan , Bedra Komi Bernard
Published: March 2023

The high-density development of urban centers has worsened outdoor thermal comfort in many cities. In this study, ENVI-met was used to simulate thermal comfort, and the universal thermal climate index (UTCI) and eight urban morphological indicators were calculated at 348 sampling points in the urban center. The correlation results are shown as follows: (1) Thermal comfort is significantly and positively correlated with impervious surface, green area ratio, and sky openness, showing a strong negative correlation with building density, floor area ratio, and shadow hours. (2) The UTCI value decreases by 0.998 °C for every 1 h increase in shadow hours, increases by 0.746 °C for every 10% increase in sky view factor, decreases by 0.462 °C when the building density increases by 10%, and decreases by 0.596 °C for every 10% increase in the impervious area ratio. (3) The sampling points with better thermal comfort have similar spatial characteristics such as higher building density, higher volume ratio, smaller green area ratio, longer shadow hours, and smaller sky openness. (4) In the planning and design of urban centers, increasing shade can improve the shadow hours in the environment. Specifically, large open sites should be avoided.
Carbon Emission Reduction Effects of the Smart City Pilot Policy in China
Authors: Qian Long , Xu Xiaolin , Zhou Yunjie , Sun Ying , Ma Duoliang
Published: March 2023

Carbon emission reduction is an important goal of China’s sustainable economic development. As a new urbanization construction model, the importance of smart city construction for economic growth and innovation is recognized by the academic community. The impact of smart cities on the environment, especially on carbon emission reductions, has yet to be verified. This has implications for the green and low-carbon transformation of China, the realization of the peak carbon and carbon neutrality goals and the effectiveness of smart city pilot policies. For these reasons, this paper utilizes China’s urban panel data, and using the difference-in-difference method, investigates the smart city pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment of new urbanization construction and its impact on urban carbon emission reductions. The results are summarized as follows: (1) Smart city construction has reduced the carbon emissions of pilot cities by about 4.36% compared with non-pilot cities. (2) The dynamic impact analysis found that the carbon emission reduction effect of smart city construction tends not to be effective until the third year of the implementation of the policy, that the policy effect gradually increases over time, and that its carbon emission reduction dividend has a long-term sustainability. (3) The analysis of the influence mechanisms determined that smart city construction mainly promotes urban carbon emission reduction through three paths, including improving technology innovation capacity, enhancing the attraction of foreign direct investment, and accelerating the upgrading of industrial structure. (4) The heterogeneity analysis indicates that smart city construction has stronger carbon emission reduction effects in the “two control zones”, non-old industrial bases and non-resource-based cities.
Managing Butterfly Career Attitudes: The Moderating Interplay of Organisational Career Management
Authors: Khan Muhammad Latif , Salleh Rohani , Javaid Muhammad Umair , Arshad Muhammad Zulqarnain , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Younas Samia
Published: March 2023

A protean career attitude is the most attractive and coping career adjustment attitude nowadays. Based on the social exchange theory, this study empirically analyses the association between protean career attitude and affective organisational commitment for Malaysian hotel industry employees. It also examines the COVID-19 situation’s retrospective repercussions and career uncertainty. The study also investigates the moderating role of organisational career management on the relationship between protean career attitudes and affective organisational commitment. During the pandemic, a cross-sectional survey was given to 403 hotel managers working in four- or five-star hotels. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling in Smart-PLS. The results showed that self-directed and value-driven protean career attitudes undermine affective organisational commitment. Organisational career management significantly moderated the relationship between a protean career attitude and affective organisational commitment. In light of this, organisational career management is essential when dealing with protean careers. Lastly, the person’s practical implications are significant. People should have a protean career attitude to deal with unpredictability, such as the COVID-19 epidemic and remain invincible over the long run.
Evaluation of Runoff Simulation Using the Global BROOK90-R Model for Three Sub-Basins in Türkiye
Authors: Ulker Muhammet Cafer , Buyukyildiz Meral
Published: March 2023

The use of physically based hydrological models in the observation of hydrological processes has some disadvantages as well as advantages. One of these disadvantages is the large supply of data pertaining to the study area that is required for the model to be run. However, the ability to run the Global BROOK90 R (GB90-R) model for any location and period has made a significant contribution to the science of hydrology. In this study, the GB90-R model was established in three different basins (Çarşamba, Karasu, and Körkün) in Türkiye with different drainage areas and climates, and the flow forecasting performance was comprehensively evaluated. In addition, the evaporation, ground moisture, and snowmelt outputs obtained were examined comparatively. According to the results, Karasu Basin, with the smallest drainage area, was the basin with the highest model success in flow estimation with NSE = 0.670, while Körkün Basin, with the largest drainage area, was the basin with the lowest model success with NSE = 0.337. It is thought that the increase in the drainage area is one of the important factors reducing the success of the model.
Beta-Lactam Susceptibility Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from the Ozama River in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Authors: Bonnelly Roberto , Queiroz Cavalcante Ana Lidia , Calderon Victor V. , Baraúna Rafael Azevedo , Jucá Ramos Rommel Thiago , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Yaset , De Francisco Luis Enrique Rodríguez , Maroto Martín Luis Orlando , Perdomo Omar Paino , Franco De Los Santos Edian Franklin
Published: March 2023

The spread and contamination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in ambient waters is an emerging concern in urban, rural, medical, and industrial settings. A large amount of domestic, hospital, and industrial wastewater discharged directly into the rivers through the different channels can turn them into extensive reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In the present study, surface water samples from three collection sites were analyzed, according to different levels of anthropogenic impacts, along the Ozama River, one of the most important rivers in the Dominican metropolitan area, a source of water and food for human consumption. Seventy-six bacterial isolates were selected based on resistance to beta-lactams, using culture media previously enriched with cefotaxime and imipenem. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) subsequently identified them. The isolates covered 12 genera of bacteria; more than 30% were clinically relevant, and 43% had phenotypes classified as multidrug resistance. A total of 10 (44%) presented resistance. However, only seven presented resistance to 3 or more of the 14 groups of antibiotics, considered to be a multiresistant phenotype, which was sequenced using the high-throughput sequencing technique or New Generation (NGS). This study is part of the initiative to understand the profiles of the dangers of multidrug resistance in the metropolitan and rural areas of the Dominican Republic and its possible implications for human health.
Pro-Environmental Determinants of Waste Separation: Does the Interaction of Human and Social Capital Matter? Evidence from Italian Provinces
Authors: Odoardi Iacopo , Burlina Chiara , Crociata Alessandro
Published: March 2023

Sustainable practices should include proper incentives and involve a large part of the population to achieve a significant environmental impact. Human capital is considered one of the factors that affect pro-environmental behaviours: more educated people tend to be more aware of waste management processes. Another factor is social capital, as far as the feeling of belonging to a society might involve people in adopting sustainable practices. However, these two concepts are strictly related and deserve to be studied as complementary to each other. Thus, this article investigates whether social capital might support waste recycling when interacting with the accumulation of human capital at a provincial level. Our analysis relies on a unique dataset of 103 Italian provinces for the period 2004–2017. Results suggest that while human and social capital has a negative effect on waste separation, their interaction turns out to be positive and even stronger when we consider Southern provinces with respect to the whole country. This finding might be of interest not only from an academic viewpoint, but also from a policymaker’s perspective to alleviate the pledge of waste separation, which has affected the South of Italy in recent decades.
Evaluation of the Smart Indonesia Program as a Policy to Improve Equality in Education
Authors: Ninghardjanti Patni , Murtini Wiedy , Hindrayani Aniek , Sangka Khresna B.
Published: March 2023

Inequality of access to education is still a major challenge faced by the Indonesian government and is caused by cost-related issues. Therefore, the government implements the Smart Indonesia Program (SIP) to overcome problems related to costs and increase equitable access to education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the SIP in the Central Java province, Indonesia by examining samples obtained from 20 vocational schools consisting of 1413 students as respondents and 50 informants. The key informant was the school superintendent of the Regional Education Office VII of the Central Java province, which was analyzed with a context, input, process, and product (CIPP) evaluation. The results of this study found that in the sampling area, the implementation of the Smart Indonesia Card (SIC) program was considered to be very good, with an average context point of 82.3% (very good), an input point of 83.4% (very good), a process point of 87.7% (very good), and a product point of 90% (very good). However, two main obstacles that were identified have the potential to affect the effectiveness of (SIC) distribution, including (1) data synchronization between relevant stakeholders and (2) evaluation and reporting systems that did not refer to the principle of accountability. It is concluded that the current scheme does not refer to the principle of accountability.
Study on Mine Earthquakes Mechanism and Ground Vertical Well Hydraulic Fracturing Shock Absorption in Thick Hard Rock Mine
Authors: Shang Xiaoguang , Zhu Sitao , Jiang Fuxing , Liu Jinhai , Zhang Xiufeng , Sun Xiang , Wang Chao , Chen Yang , Xu Bo , Li Jiajie , Qu Xiaocheng
Published: March 2023

Mine earthquakes are serious disasters in coal mines, especially in extremely thick hard strata. This study investigates the occurrence mechanism of fracture-type mine earthquakes in thick hard strata. Hydraulic fracturing by ground vertical well was used for shock absorption. Dongtan coal mine was taken as a case study. Field investigation, theoretical analysis, industrial tests, and field monitoring were used for revealing the mechanism. First, the mechanical model of extremely thick, hard strata under horizontal concentrated stress was established. The fracture step equation and energy release equation of extremely thick hard rock were derived by semi-inverse solution and variational method. Then, the mechanical model of extremely thick hard rock after hydraulic fracturing by ground vertical well was established. The relationship between the spacing of the ground vertical well and the maximum magnitude of mine earthquakes was deduced. The fracturing well in the 6306 working face was designed for controlling the maximum mine earthquake magnitude. Results show that the increases in the breaking distance of the thick hard rock layer led to an increase in the released energy during the fracture, and an enhancement of the magnitude of the mine earthquake. By applying hydraulic fracturing technology using the ground vertical shaft, the occurrence frequency and total energy of mine earthquakes above 1.5 ML in the 6306 working face decreased by 54.55% and 81.22% than that in 6304 working face, and reduced by 70% and 84.98% than that in 6305 working face. Hydraulic fracturing technology by ground vertical well can significantly reduce the frequency of fracture-type and the total energy of mine earthquakes in extremely thick and hard strata. However, it can not prevent and control the occurrence of back-transition mine earthquakes and slip-type mine earthquakes. The obtained results can provide a basis for the fracture-type mine earthquake mechanism and fracturing shock absorption technology in coal mines with super-thick hard strata.
Effects of Social Support on Professional Identity of Secondary Vocational Students Major in Preschool Nursery Teacher Program: A Chain Mediating Model of Psychological Adjustment and School Belonging
Authors: Chen Yingxin , He Huihua , Yang Yan
Published: March 2023

Background: In the context of the high turnover rate of preschool nursery teachers, the preschool nursery teacher program in secondary vocational schools has been an important channel for sending qualified nursery teachers to early education institutions, and fostering students’ professional identity, which is key to their future career construction and development; therefore, this study aims to investigate the mechanism of social support on professional identity, with a chain mediating effect of psychological adjustment and school belonging. Methods: 377 third-year students from secondary vocational schools majoring in nursery and preschool teaching were surveyed with the Social Support Scale, Professional Identity Scale, School Belonging Scale, Well-being Scale, Discrimination Perception Scale and Self-Identity Scale. Results: (1) Correlation analysis showed that social support, professional identity, school belonging, and psychological adjustment (well-being, self-identity) were significantly and positively correlated with each other. A significant negative correlation was found between discrimination perception and other variables. (2) School belonging played a partially mediating role between social support and professional identity, and psychological adjustment and school belonging showed chain mediating effects between social support and professional identity. Conclusions: Social support not only directly influences professional identity, but also indirectly affects professional identity through the chain mediating effect of psychological adjustment and school belonging.
Linking Informative and Factual CSR Communication to Reputation: Understanding CSR Motives and Organizational Identification
Authors: Luo Yi , Jiang Hua , Zeng Linzhi
Published: March 2023

The way corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication relates to corporate reputation has attracted an increasing amount of attention from communication and business researchers and practitioners. To place our study in the context of CSR and employee communication, we proposed a CSR communication—motives—organizational identification—corporate reputation model. Data collected from an online Qualtrics survey (n = 811) supported all the proposed hypotheses linking informativeness and factual tone in CSR communication, employee-perceived intrinsic/other-serving motives of their organizations’ CSR activities, organizational identification, and corporate reputation. Specifically, informativeness and a factual tone in CSR communication were positively related to employee-perceived intrinsic/other-serving motives of their organizations’ CSR activities. Employee-perceived intrinsic/other-serving motives of their organizations’ CSR activities were positively associated with employee organizational identification. Employee organizational identification was positively related to corporate reputation. In addition, employee-perceived intrinsic/other-serving motives of their organizations’ CSR activities and employee organizational identification turned out to be two significant mediators in the proposed model between CSR communication and corporate reputation. We conducted a two-step structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis to analyze the collected data. The theoretical and practical implications of the study were discussed.
An Appraisal on China’s Feed-In Tariff Policies for PV and Wind Power: Implementation Effects and Optimization
Authors: Song Xiaohua , Huang Yamin , Zhang Yulin , Zhang Wen , Ge Zeqi
Published: March 2023

China’s FIT policies for PV and wind power are leading policies to promote the low-carbon transformation of the power system. We design composite models based on real options and the cost–benefit analysis, using the Evaluation Model of Implementation Effects and the Optimization Model for Policy Design to evaluate the design and implementation effects of FIT policies for PV and wind power. The results of the Evaluation Model of Implementation Effects are the following: (1) The economic and environmental competitiveness of developing PV and wind power projects under the parity policy raised significantly (2.524 to 3.136 times increase). (2) The last two-phase FIT policies fail to encourage power generation enterprises to carry out R&D activities, and supporting policies can be considered to offer incentives for R&D activities in upstream industries of power generation. (3) The substitution effect of green certificates on government subsidies is limited, and new market compensation mechanisms such as CCER can be introduced nationwide. The results of the Optimization Model for Policy Design are the following: (1) There is still space for a 10.306% to 22.981% reduction in feed-in tariffs during the parity policy. (2) Due to the risk of the mismatch in the cost attribute and uneven investment across regions, the parity policy is not suitable for long-term implementation, so the feed-in tariffs for PV and wind power should progressively be disconnected from feed-in tariffs for thermal power.
Advances in the Rheology of Synthetic Binder for Sustainable Road Pavements: An Improved Protocol for DSR Testing
Authors: Pasetto Marco , Baliello Andrea , Giacomello Giovanni , Pasquini Emiliano
Published: March 2023

Bituminous binders are thermal-dependent visco-elastic materials commonly used in pavement engineering. However, synthetic binders represent quite a new family of products that can be used in the substitution of conventional binders with various purposes. Among them, clear synthetic resins recently experienced a quick diffusion since they can be employed in the production of sustainable road pavements (which address aesthetic concerns, thermal aspects, etc.). Since specific studies addressing the rheological modeling of clear synthetic binders cannot be found in the literature, the purpose of this research is setting up an advanced rheological protocol to characterize such materials, bridging the existing knowledge gap. An extensive laboratory investigation with the dynamic shear rheometer was carried out in oscillatory mode (amplitude and frequency sweeps) to analyze the stress–strain state of such binders. An innovative test at a constant strain rate was used to construct non-linear master curves, overcoming various criticisms about the stress state of the binder when subjected to time-dependent deformations. Results indicated that, using non-linear data, horizontal and vertical shift factors (functions of temperature and strain rate) can be modeled through power law equations to obtain the master curves. This method was considered suitable for depicting the rheological response of the binders displaying such complex behaviors.
Photo-Induced Relief in Rheology of Liquid Crystals
Authors: Shmeliova Dina , Pasechnik Sergey , Kharlamov Semen , Dubtsov Alexander , Zakharov Alexandre , Loebner Sarah , Santer Svetlana
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we report the first experimental results on capillary shear flows of a nematic liquid crystal 5CB (4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl), arising due to interaction of the anisotropic liquid, correspondent to the continuous rotational symmetry, with photo-profiled polymer surfaces. The regular surface relief was obtained due to opto-mechanical deformation of azobenzene containing potoresponsive polymer film (PAZO) during irradiation with two-beam interference. Such surface treatment makes it possible to obtain a regular submicron profile with well-defined characteristics (direction, period, and height). The polarizing microscopy (PM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques were used to determine the direction of the surface orientation of LC and anchoring strength, which characterize the interaction of LC with the photo-profiled polymer surface. Two types of shear flows—spreading of LC droplets and capillary flow in a plane capillary, induced by the interaction of LC with one or two photo-profiled surfaces—were investigated for different directions of the flow relative to the direction of the relief. Strong anisotropy in the dynamics of the precursor film and contact line motion, as well as in the dynamical contact angle, was established. The experimental results were analyzed and compared with those previously obtained at the investigation of the spreading of LC droplets over a mechanically stamped submicron profile and capillary flows in plane capillaries with photo-aligned surfaces.
Investigation of Dengue Infection in Asymptomatic Individuals during a Recent Outbreak in La Réunion
Authors: De Santis Olga , Pothin Emilie , Bouscaren Nicolas , Irish Seth R. , Jaffar-Bandjee Marie-Christine , Menudier Luce , Ramis Julie , Schultz Cédric , Lamaurt Florence , Wisniak Ania , Bertolotti Antoine , Hafsia Sarah , Dussart Philippe , Baril Laurence , Mavingui Patrick , Flahault Antoine
Published: March 2023

The number of dengue cases has increased dramatically over the past 20 years and is an important concern, particularly as the trends toward urbanization continue. While the majority of dengue cases are thought to be asymptomatic, it is unknown to what extent these contribute to transmission. A better understanding of their importance would help to guide control efforts. In 2019, a dengue outbreak in La Reunion resulted in more than 18,000 confirmed cases. Between October 2019 and August 2020, 19 clusters were investigated in the south, west, and east of the island, enabling the recruitment of 605 participants from 368 households within a 200 m radius of the home of the index cases (ICs). No active asymptomatic infections confirmed by RT-PCR were detected. Only 15% were possible asymptomatic dengue infections detected by the presence of anti-dengue IgM antibodies. Only 5.3% of the participants had a recent dengue infection confirmed by RT-PCR. Although the resurgence of dengue in La Réunion is very recent (2016), the rate of anti-dengue IgG positivity, a marker of past infections, was already high at 43% in this study. Dengue transmission was focal in time and space, as most cases were detected within a 100-m radius of the ICs, and within a time interval of less than 7 days between infections detected in a same cluster. No particular demographic or socio-cultural characteristics were associated with dengue infections. On the other hand, environmental risk factors such as type of housing or presence of rubbish in the streets were associated with dengue infections.
Genome Characterisation of the CGMMV Virus Population in Australia—Informing Plant Biosecurity Policy
Authors: Mackie Joanne , Campbell Paul R. , Kehoe Monica A. , Tran-Nguyen Lucy T. T. , Rodoni Brendan C. , Constable Fiona E.
Published: March 2023

The detection of cucumber green mottle mosaic (CGMMV) in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia, in 2014 led to the introduction of strict quarantine measures for the importation of cucurbit seeds by the Australian federal government. Further detections in Queensland, Western Australia (WA), New South Wales and South Australia occurred in the period 2015–2020. To explore the diversity of the current Australian CGMMV population, 35 new coding sequence complete genomes for CGMMV isolates from Australian incursions and surveys were prepared for this study. In conjunction with published genomes from the NT and WA, sequence, phylogenetic, and genetic variation and variant analyses were performed, and the data were compared with those for international CGMMV isolates. Based on these analyses, it can be inferred that the Australian CGMMV population resulted from a single virus source via multiple introductions.
Risks and Preventions for Pregnant Women and Their Preterm Infants in a World with COVID-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ahmed Abdulrahman K. , Sijercic Victor Coll , Sayad Reem , Ruthig Gregory R. , Abdelwahab Sayed F. , El-Mokhtar Mohamed A. , Sayed Ibrahim M.
Published: March 2023

(1) Background and Aim: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is linked to increasing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) around the world. COVID-19 infections have an important impact on pregnancy, preterm birth (PTB) and delivery. Although several complications have been reported in infected pregnant women, the effect of infection on PTB is controversial. The purpose of this study was to summarize the existing literature on the effects and complications of COVID-19 on the health of pregnant women and preterm babies and its impact on the incidence of PTB. We also discuss the effect of current COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy. (2) Methods: We carried out a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed for studies on preterm births associated with COVID-19. (3) Results and Conclusions: We discovered contradictory results regarding the prevalence of PTB during the pandemic compared to earlier years. While most studies indicated an increase in PTBs with COVID-19, some indicated a decline in the preterm delivery rate during this time. During pregnancy, COVID-19 infection can increase the incidence of cesarean section, stillbirth, ICU admission, preeclampsia/eclampsia, and mortality rates. In the treatment of pregnant women with severe COVID-19, methylprednisolone was favored over prednisolone, and a brief course of dexamethasone is advised for pregnant women with anticipated PTB to accelerate the development of the fetal lung. Generally, vaccination for COVID-19 in pregnant and lactating women stimulates anti-SARS-CoV2 immune responses, and it does not result in any noteworthy negative reactions or outcomes for the mother or baby.