bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Aided Prediction of Glass-Forming Ability of Metallic Glass
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Wang Xuandong , Cai Weidong , He Yazhou , Su Hang
Published: September 2023

The prediction of the glass-forming ability (GFA) of metallic glasses (MGs) can accelerate the efficiency of their development. In this paper, a dataset was constructed using experimental data collected from the literature and books, and a machine learning-based predictive model was established to predict the GFA. Firstly, a classification model based on the size of the critical diameter (Dmax) was established to determine whether an alloy system could form a glass state, with an accuracy rating of 0.98. Then, regression models were established to predict the crystallization temperature (Tx), glass transition temperature (Tg), and liquidus temperature (Tl) of MGs. The R2 of the prediction model obtained in the test set was greater than 0.89, which showed that the model had good prediction accuracy. The key features used by the regression models were analyzed using variance, correlation, embedding, recursive, and exhaustive methods to select the most important features. Furthermore, to improve the interpretability of the prediction model, feature importance, partial dependence plot (PDP), and individual conditional expectation (ICE) methods were used for visualization analysis, demonstrating how features affect the target variables. Finally, taking Zr-Cu-Ni-Al system MGs as an example, a prediction model was established using a genetic algorithm to optimize the alloy composition for high GFA in the compositional space, achieving the optimal design of alloy composition.
Accuracy of FDM PLA Polymer 3D Printing Technology Based on Tolerance Fields
Authors: Grgić Ivan , Karakašić Mirko , Glavaš Hrvoje , Konjatić Pejo
Published: September 2023

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printers have the highest annual growth of 21.15% in the field of 3D printing. FDM desktop 3D printers account for 23.69% of FDM printers. The major drawback of FDM desktop printers is product accuracy, which is particularly pronounced when dimensionally inaccurate and multi-part printed products need to be fit together into a functional assembly. The research presented in this paper aims to determine the accuracy limits of FDM 3D printers when producing elements for assembly using a 3D printer in a tolerance-fit system. A novel method of computer-aided design (CAD) based on ISO 286 and the systematic calibration procedure of 3D printers were presented to achieve the dimensional accuracy of 3D printed parts. For this purpose, a set of nominal dimensions within the clearance fit was selected, and various CAD models were created according to the ISO 286 system of limits and fits. The CAD Slicer software–3D printer interaction was systematically examined for the best hardware and software features. It was found that the Horizontal Expansion parameter should be 0.0 mm and the Hole Horizontal Expansion parameter should be 0.13 mm. The Linear Advance factor was found to be 25. The measurement results showed that the desired tolerance ranges, system, and type of clearance fit could be achieved with a desktop 3D printer. The roundness tolerance for all clearance fits and shaft tolerance ranges in the hole base system was determined to join the parts into a clearance fit.
Two Mediterranean Church Mothers: Their Presence and Importance in Patristic Philosophy
Authors: Kaynak Iltar Ekin , Akçoru Rabia , Atmaca Emine , Kubilay Pınar Nihal , Öztürk Ali Bilge
Published: September 2023

There are many debates concerning the existence and possibility of Christian philosophy, as well as Jewish and Islamic philosophy. Starting from the debates in France in the 1930s, some philosophers, such as Bréhier, have argued that Christian philosophy, especially in the patristic era, did not operate through reason, as philosophy requires, for religion is a system full of dogmas, interpretations based on strict approaches and alleged facts. However, patristic philosophers, especially some pro-philosophy apologetic writers, suggested that pagan philosophy, which is assumed to operate through reason, took its doctrines from Christianity and distorted them. Thus, for them, Christianity was the true philosophy. If one takes the patristic philosophers’ view and considers Christianity a philosophy through their writings, one should acknowledge that, at the basis of their views, lies the meaning of φιλοσοφία, that is, the love of wisdom. Our consideration of early Christian philosophy as a way of life is best understood through the lens of the Church mothers since they are portrayed as the best examples among Christians. In this study, we aim to discuss patristic philosophy as the basic form of philosophizing and then go on to specify prominent female Christian philosophers from the Mediterranean Region, the crucible for many long-lasting civilizations, and finally examine the ways they were philosophizing. Our method of research is mainly based on document and content analysis since it is qualitative research in the philosophical literature. Based on the findings of this research, we demonstrate the core endeavor of philosophy as the love of wisdom through the ideas of two of the prominent women in early Christian philosophy.
COVID-19-Omics Report: From Individual Omics Approaches to Precision Medicine
Authors: Vlasova-St. Louis Irina , Fang Daniel , Amer Yara , Mohei Hesham
Published: September 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent that precision medicine relies heavily on biological multi-omics discoveries. High throughput omics technologies, such as host genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, metabolomics/lipidomics, and microbiomics, have become an integral part of precision diagnostics. The large number of data generated by omics technologies allows for the identification of vulnerable demographic populations that are susceptible to poor disease outcomes. Additionally, these data help to pinpoint the omics-based biomarkers that are currently driving advancements in precision and preventive medicine, such as early diagnosis and disease prognosis, individualized treatments, and vaccination. This report summarizes COVID-19-omic studies, highlights the results of completed and ongoing omics investigations in individuals who have experienced severe disease outcomes, and examines the impact that repurposed/novel antiviral drugs, targeted immunotherapeutics, and vaccines have had on individual and public health.
Simplified and High Accessibility Approach for the Rapid Assessment of Deforestation in Developing Countries: A Case of Timor-Leste
Authors: Cho Wonhee , Lim Chul-Hee
Published: September 2023

Forests are essential for sustaining ecosystems, regulating the climate, and providing economic benefits to human society. However, activities such as commercial practices, fuelwood collection, and land use changes have resulted in severe forest degradation and deforestation. Timor-Leste, a small island nation, faces environmental sustainability challenges due to land use changes, limited infrastructure, and agricultural practices. This study proposes a simplified and highly accessible approach to assess deforestation (SHAD) nationally using limited human and non-human resources such as experts, software, and hardware facilities. To assess deforestation in developing countries, we utilize open-source software (Dryad), employ the U-Net deep learning algorithm, and utilize open-source data generated from the Google Earth Engine platform to construct a time-series land cover classification model for Timor-Leste. In addition, we utilize the open-source land cover map as label data and satellite imagery as model training inputs, and our model demonstrates satisfactory performance in classifying time-series land cover. Next, we classify the land cover in Timor-Leste for 2016 and 2021, and verified that the forest classification achieved high accuracy ranging from 0.79 to 0.89. Thereafter, we produced a deforestation map by comparing the two land cover maps. The estimated deforestation rate was 1.9% annually with a primary concentration in the northwestern municipalities of Timor-Leste with dense population and human activities. This study demonstrates the potential of the SHAD approach to assess deforestation nationwide, particularly in countries with limited scientific experts and infrastructure. We anticipate that our study will support the development of management strategies for ecosystem sustainability, climate adaptation, and the conservation of economic benefits in various fields.
GLF-Net: A Semantic Segmentation Model Fusing Global and Local Features for High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Song Wanying , Zhou Xinwei , Zhang Shiru , Wu Yan , Zhang Peng
Published: September 2023

Semantic segmentation of high-resolution remote sensing images holds paramount importance in the field of remote sensing. To better excavate and fully fuse the features in high-resolution remote sensing images, this paper introduces a novel Global and Local Feature Fusion Network, abbreviated as GLF-Net, by incorporating the extensive contextual information and refined fine-grained features. The proposed GLF-Net, devised as an encoder–decoder network, employs the powerful ResNet50 as its baseline model. It incorporates two pivotal components within the encoder phase: a Covariance Attention Module (CAM) and a Local Fine-Grained Extraction Module (LFM). And an additional wavelet self-attention module (WST) is integrated into the decoder stage. The CAM effectively extracts the features of different scales from various stages of the ResNet and then encodes them with graph convolutions. In this way, the proposed GLF-Net model can well capture the global contextual information with both universality and consistency. Additionally, the local feature extraction module refines the feature map by encoding the semantic and spatial information, thereby capturing the local fine-grained features in images. Furthermore, the WST maximizes the synergy between the high-frequency and the low-frequency information, facilitating the fusion of global and local features for better performance in semantic segmentation. The effectiveness of the proposed GLF-Net model is validated through experiments conducted on the ISPRS Potsdam and Vaihingen datasets. The results verify that it can greatly improve segmentation accuracy.
Effect of Ambient Environment on Laser Reduction of Graphene Oxide for Applications in Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Faqihi Abdullah A. , Keegan Neil , Šiller Lidija , Hedley John
Published: September 2023

Electrochemical sensors play an important role in a variety of applications. With the potential for enhanced performance, much of the focus has been on developing nanomaterials, in particular graphene, for such sensors. Recent work has looked towards laser scribing technology for the reduction of graphene oxide as an easy and cost-effective option for sensor fabrication. This work looks to develop this approach by assessing the quality of sensors produced with the effect of different ambient atmospheres during the laser scribing process. The graphene oxide was reduced using a laser writing system in a range of atmospheres and sensors characterised with Raman spectroscopy, XPS and cyclic voltammetry. Although providing a slightly higher defect density, sensors fabricated under argon and nitrogen atmospheres exhibited the highest average electron transfer rates of approximately 2 × 10−3 cms−1. Issues of sensor reproducibility using this approach are discussed.
Exploring the Full Potentials of IoT for Better Financial Growth and Stability: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Allioui Hanane , Mourdi Youssef
Published: September 2023

Cutting-edge technologies, with a special emphasis on the Internet of Things (IoT), tend to operate as game changers, generating enormous alterations in both traditional and modern enterprises. Understanding multiple uses of IoT has become vital for effective financial management, given the ever-changing nature of organizations and the technological disruptions that come with this paradigm change. IoT has proven to be a powerful tool for improving operational efficiency, decision-making processes, overall productivity, and data management. As a result of the continuously expanding data volume, there is an increasing demand for a robust IT system capable of adeptly handling all enterprise processes. Consequently, businesses must develop suitable IoT architectures that can efficiently address these continually evolving requirements. This research adopts an incremental explanatory approach, guided by the principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A rigorous examination of 84 research papers has allowed us to delve deeply into the current landscape of IoT research. This research aims to provide a complete and cohesive overview of the existing body of knowledge on IoT. This is accomplished by combining a rigorous empirical approach to categorization with ideas from specialized literature in the IoT sector. This study actively contributes to the ongoing conversation around IoT by recognizing and critically examining current difficulties. This, consequently, opens new research possibilities and promotes future developments in this ever-changing sector.
Semi-Supervised Anomaly Detection of Dissolved Oxygen Sensor in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Ghinea Liliana Maria , Miron Mihaela , Barbu Marian
Published: September 2023

As the world progresses toward a digitally connected and sustainable future, the integration of semi-supervised anomaly detection in wastewater treatment processes (WWTPs) promises to become an essential tool in preserving water resources and assuring the continuous effectiveness of plants. When these complex and dynamic systems are coupled with limited historical anomaly data or complex anomalies, it is crucial to have powerful tools capable of detecting subtle deviations from normal behavior to enable the early detection of equipment malfunctions. To address this challenge, in this study, we analyzed five semi-supervised machine learning techniques (SSLs) such as Isolation Forest (IF), Local Outlier Factor (LOF), One-Class Support Vector Machine (OCSVM), Multilayer Perceptron Autoencoder (MLP-AE), and Convolutional Autoencoder (Conv-AE) for detecting different anomalies (complete, concurrent, and complex) of the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) sensor and aeration valve in the WWTP. The best results are obtained in the case of Conv-AE algorithm, with an accuracy of 98.36 for complete faults, 97.81% for concurrent faults, and 98.64% for complex faults (a combination of incipient and concurrent faults). Additionally, we developed an anomaly detection system for the most effective semi-supervised technique, which can provide the detection of delay time and generate a fault alarm for each considered anomaly.
Central Compartment Atopic Disease as a Pathophysiologically Distinct Subtype of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Davies Camron , Wu Franklin , Huang Emily Y. , Takashima Masayoshi , Rowan Nicholas R. , Ahmed Omar G.
Published: September 2023

Central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) is a distinct phenotype within chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) with a pathophysiology that bridges the gap between allergy and CRSwNP, an association that was previously ambiguous. Understanding this endotype and its link to allergic disease is crucial for improved CCAD management. Using a systematic search and an independent dual-reviewer evaluation and data extraction process, this scoping review examines the clinical features, management options, and treatment outcomes of CCAD. Central compartment (CC) polypoid changes of the MT predominantly correlate with allergic rhinitis, increased septal inflammation, oblique MT orientation, and decreased nasal cavity opacification and Lund–Mackay scores compared to other CRSwNP subtypes. CCAD patients also exhibit higher rates of asthma, allergen sensitization, and hyposmia or anosmia. Surgical outcomes, including revision rate and SNOT-22 improvement, are favorable in CCAD as well. In conclusion, CCAD primarily affects atopic individuals and is managed using endoscopic sinus surgery combined with treating the underlying allergy. Continued research is needed to further refine understanding and develop optimal treatment strategies of this emerging CRS subtype.
Pollution Characteristics and Risk Evaluation of PAHs in Subsidence Water Bodies in Huainan Coal Mining Area, China
Authors: Deng Xinyue , Chen Guangzhou , Wang Hua , Sun Hui
Published: September 2023

As a class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects, so they can pose a greater threat to the natural environment and human health. Most of the PAHs in coal mining areas originate from the mining and utilization process of coal resources, which has a variety of carriers in the environment: atmosphere, water bodies, soil, sediments, etc. To study their pollution status in the subsidence waters of the Huainan coal mining area, sixteen priority control PAHs of sixteen surface water samples from seven subsidence water bodies were tested using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and their pollution characteristics were analyzed. Overall, the concentration of PAHs ranged from 212 to 283 ng·L−1, and benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) had the highest average concentration. In addition, the concentration of PAHs above four rings was relatively high. After statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient calculation showed a highly significant positive correlation between PAHs with the same number of rings. Three principal factors were selected using factor analysis, which could explain 88.37% of the total variance, to conduct the source identification. Coal combustion was found to be the main source of PAH pollution in the area. Then, ecological risk using the risk quotient (RQ) method was carried out. The results showed that PAH contamination was medium risk, among which, benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) and BbF had a high ecological risk. In addition, the results of biological toxicity evaluation using the species sensitivity distribution model (SSD) showed that benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) had a high proportion of potential effects on aquatic organisms. By using the response addition model, the evaluation results showed that the ecological risk of the subsidence water bodies in the Panyi mine was the highest. Finally, human health risks were evaluated from two pathways: dermal contact and ingestion. The carcinogenic health risks from the dermal contact exceeded the permissible limits, while the hazard entropy of non-carcinogenic risks from the above two pathways were less than 1.
Construction and Practice of Livelihood Efficiency Index System for Herders in Typical Steppe Area of Inner Mongolia Based on Super-Efficiency Slacks-Based Measure Model
Authors: Qimuge Gerile , Tuya Wulan , Qinchaoketu Si , He Bu
Published: September 2023

Inner Mongolia is one of the main animal husbandry production bases in China, with herders being the main animal husbandry producers. A systematic analysis of the efficiency of herding households’ livelihoods and the influencing factors is of great importance to formulate effective policies to support herding households’ livelihoods, enhance their social adaptability, and alleviate the vulnerability of poor people in herding areas. This study used a typical steppe of Inner Mongolia as the research area. It used the interview data of herding households from 2021, constructed the evaluation index system of herding households’ livelihood efficiency, analyzed the redundancy of the inputs and outputs of herding households’ livelihoods, and examined the key factors affecting herding households’ livelihood efficiency. The results indicate that (1) the pure technical effectiveness of the livelihood efficiency of typical grassland herding households in Inner Mongolia is the highest; the comprehensive technical efficiency and scale efficiency are low. The scale return of most herders’ livelihoods shows a decreasing state. (2) According to the results of the model, under the premise of the output not being reduced, reducing the amount of social capital input can effectively save resources. Without increasing the input, the room for improvement in the living level is the most obvious. (3) The pasture area, the communication network, and the access to information have significant negative effects on the efficiency of herders’ livelihoods; infrastructure and water supply have significant positive impacts. In summary, we built a model for evaluating the livelihood efficiency of herders in typical grassland areas of Inner Mongolia, which can provide a reference for the revitalization work of pastoral areas and related research in the future.
Informal Commercial Seed Systems: Leave, Suppress or Support Them?
Authors: Sperling Louise , Almekinders Conny J. M.
Published: September 2023

Smallholder farmers require seed systems that can meet diverse functions: move a range of planting material; spread specialty varieties (climate-resilient or nutrient-dense varieties); reach last-mile areas; and perform in high-stress contexts. Acknowledging that smallholders use both formal and informal systems, this article focuses on the latter and on a component largely unexamined to date: informal commercial seed systems (ICSSs). Four evidence-based cases show how ICCSs contribute to varied seed system functions. In Tanzania, traders have moved multiple modern bean varieties countrywide and within just a few years. In the remote Ugandan north, traders have commercialized the sale of sweetpotato vines (produced off-season) to those lacking their own critical marshlands. In Bolivia, traders routinely sell native and modern varieties of seed tubers to farmers, along with their commerce in ware potatoes. In central Mali, a cluster of villages produces and sells pearl millet seed that is specially adapted to extreme drought conditions. All four cases share key characteristics: they distinguish seed vs. grain, serve local, regional, and international customers, and, perhaps most importantly, are sustained without subsidy or project support. As ICSSs meet farmers’ demands for seed that is not supplied by other actors, a question remains as to whether ICSSs should be left alone, leveraged, or improved further. Recognizing possible legal and operational challenges, this article suggests that ICSSs first be studied in-depth—characterizing their variations, locales, and system functions—so that future debates on possible support can be grounded in concrete evidence of ICSSs’ strengths, weaknesses, and unique benefits.
Cross-Case Analysis of the Energy Communities in Spain, Italy, and Greece: Progress, Barriers, and the Road Ahead
Authors: Losada-Puente Luisa , Blanco José Antonio , Dumitru Adina , Sebos Ioannis , Tsakanikas Aggelos , Liosi Ioanna , Psomas Stelios , Merrone Mariangela , Quiñoy Diego , Rodríguez Eduardo
Published: September 2023

The current regulatory context for the energy sector and in which Energy Communities operate is fragmented and unclear in most EU countries. Although some initiatives have existed in Northern Europe for some time, this concept is considered relatively new. Indeed, EU legislation has only recently recognised Energy Communities through EU Directives 2018/2001 and 2019/944. In the framework of the Erasmus+ EU project EU-NETs (Grant Number KA220-VET-62435110), this qualitative research gathered information regarding the current adaptability and applicability of directives within national legislation, together with the legal and administrative frameworks in Spain, Italy, and Greece. Desk research and semi-structured interviews with 20 key informants from Spain, Italy, and Greece were conducted. Cross-case analysis was focused on the regulatory framework for ECs, its structure, and the models of governance. The results showed that the process of harmonisation of renewable energy legislation has not yet been completed in Southern Europe, with notable differences in the degree of implementation between countries.
Unboxing the Complex between Job Satisfaction and Intangible Service Quality: A Perspective of Sustainability in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Perić Goran , Slavković Marko , Gašić Marko , Đurović Boban , Dramićanin Sandra
Published: September 2023

The quality of service is one of the key assumptions of a sustainable and profitable business in the hotel industry. On the other hand, employees as direct providers of hotel services have a direct impact on the perceived quality of service. Establishing a relationship between job satisfaction and perceived intangible service quality is of great importance for customer relationship management and sustainable competitive advantage. For the collection of primary data, questionnaires were distributed to two groups of respondents, namely hotel employees and guests. Thus, 456 paired questionnaires were obtained. The testing of defined hypotheses and relations between constructs and latent variables was completed using the PLS-SEM approach. The results of the study showed that all validated constructs, namely pay, promotion, supervision, fringe benefits, contingent rewards, coworkers, communication, and the nature of work, contribute positively to job satisfaction. A positive relationship between job satisfaction and intangible service quality constructs was confirmed for reliability, assurance, and responsiveness but not for empathy. The study confirmed that perceived intangible service quality can be influenced by increasing job satisfaction and that payment and communication can achieve the most significant influence.
A Conceptual Approach to the Histosols Profile Morphology as a Risk Indicator in Assessing the Sustainability of Their Use and Impact on Climate Change
Authors: Volungevicius Jonas , Amaleviciute-Volunge Kristina
Published: September 2023

In the context of climate change, the questions of the sustainability of peat soil use are particularly relevant. The evaluation of changes in the properties of soils (including histosols) using chemical methods is expensive, thus, their application possibilities are limited. Analyzing the morphology of histosol profiles would provide effective spatial analysis opportunities for assessing the extent of their anthropogenic transformation and impact on climate change. The key diagnostic horizons and their sequences for the identification of the risk group are the main results of the study. The analysis included 12 soil profiles, whose morphological structure was characterized using the WRB 2022 system of master symbols and suffixes for soil profile horizon descriptions. The analyzed profiles were excavated in forested (relatively natural), agricultural (agrogenized) and peat mining (technogenized) areas. The insights of this article in the discussion are based on the chemical analyses (pH KCl, N, P and K, soil organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, mobile humus substance, humic and fulvo acids, C:N ratio and humification degree) of three histosol profiles. The main discussion is based on the results of the morphological analysis of the profiles. The results of this research allowed for the identification of a different structure of the histosol profile. The upper part of the histosol profile, which consists of O–H(a,e,i) horizons, indicates its naturalness. The murshic horizon (Hap) is the classic top horizon of the agricultural histosol profile, which is most affected by mineralization. The technogenized histosols have a partially destroyed profile, which is represented by the Ahτ/Haτ or only Haτ horizons at the top. The morphology of the histosol profile and the identification of the relevant horizons (Hap, Haτ and Ahτ) indicate its risks and presuppose a usage optimization solution. The most dangerous in the context of sustainable land use principles and climate change is the murshic horizon (Hap), which is uncovered after removing the horizon O. The risks of sustainable use of histosol are caused by measures that promote its microbiological activity, which is the maintenance of a drained state and cultivation. In the context of GHG emissions and sustainable use, the most favorable means would be the formation of the horizon O by applying perennial plants. Rewetting should be applied to those histosols whose removal from the agricultural or mining balance would provide maximum ecological benefits.
Nutritional Security: Carbohydrate Profile and Folk Remedies of Rare Edible Mushrooms to Diversify Food and Diet: Thailand Case Study
Authors: On-nom Nattira , Suttisansanee Uthaiwan , Chathiran Wimonphan , Charoenkiatkul Somsri , Thiyajai Parunya , Srichamnong Warangkana
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to explore the current knowledge and practice of agrobiodiversity to improve nutrition and health. The study focused on wild mushrooms commonly consumed in Northeastern Thailand in terms of ecology, cooking and preservation methods, and folk remedies. The monosaccharide, sugar alcohol, glucan, and carbohydrate polymer content and the glycemic index of these wild mushrooms were determined using the enzymatic method. The mushrooms collected belonged to three biological groups and were mostly saprotrophic and symbiotic. The most abundant mushrooms were Amanita, Boletus, and Russula, followed by Calostoma sp., Astraeus asiaticus C. Phosri, and Astraeus odoratus C. Phosri. Wild edible mushrooms can be used for food and medicinal purposes. Cooking methods utilized in the area consist of steaming, boiling, and grilling. Glucose was the major monosaccharide detected in all mushroom samples. Xylitol and inositol were found in all mushroom samples, while some contained mannitol and arabitol. Glucan was present in all mushroom samples, ranging from 8.03 to 31.1 mg/g DW. All mushrooms were classified as having a low glycemic index. These findings provide important information to potentially enhance and promote the utilization of wild mushrooms to improve the accessibility, availability, and sustainability of nutritious food.
Elasticities of Passenger Transport Demand on US Intercity Routes: Impact on Public Policies for Sustainability
Authors: Escañuela Romana Ignacio , Torres-Jiménez Mercedes , Carbonero-Ruz Mariano
Published: September 2023

Passenger transport is a key sector of the economy, and its sustainability depends on achieving the greatest possible efficiency, avoiding problems of congestion or underuse of infrastructures, and reducing the sector’s environmental impact. Knowing the elasticities of demand is critical to achieving these objectives, estimating the intensity of transport demand, and predicting the effect of different policies on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This research proposes a relatively simple model for estimating and predicting the elasticity of demand for different modes of transport at the route level. This model could be used by companies and public management to obtain a vision of the different analysed routes and the pressure of their demand, as well as a relative perspective of each of them. Such a model is used to estimate the price and income demand elasticities of passenger transport modes in domestic routes in the United States (2003–2019), where there is competition between road, rail, and air transport. Series of passenger numbers, fares, and budget shares are reconstructed from the available data. A Rotterdam demand model (RDM) is estimated using a seemingly unrelated regression method (SUR). The estimated income elasticities imply that demand for road transport increases somewhat more proportionally than the increase in income, somewhat less than proportionally for air transport, and with very low proportionality for rail transport. This indicates the need to target investment and service improvement efforts, as well as technological solutions, according to this difference in demand pressures. Finally, the demand response of the three modes of transport to price increases is inelastic, and there is little or no pass-through from one mode to another. This implies that fiscal or carbon pricing actions could have a very limited impact and high social costs. Again, strategies based on investments in technological progress, infrastructure development, and normative interventions could be more effective.
Robust Optimization Model for Sustainable Supply Chain Design Integrating LCA
Authors: Flores-Siguenza Pablo , Marmolejo-Saucedo Jose Antonio , Niembro-Garcia Joaquina
Published: September 2023

Supply chain management is the basis for the operations in an organization. The development of realistic supply chain designs that work effectively in the presence of disturbances in a stochastic environment and incorporate sustainability factors, is a complex challenge being investigated in recent years. However, the inclusion of a methodological structured framework to evaluate environmental impacts constitutes a knowledge gap in the literature on supply chain design. This study developed a model for sustainable supply chain design, integrating Life Cycle Assessment and based on a robust optimization approach. The study follows a 4-stage methodology beginning with data collection and the execution of a Life Cycle Assessment. Then, the deterministic modeling is proposed, concluding with a robust model. A bi-objective model is proposed to maximize utility and minimize environmental impact based on demand scenarios. The model was validated with real data from a medium-sized enterprise that produces antibacterial gel, generating as a result, different configuration alternatives for the supply chain to transport the products and raw materials between its elements. The conclusions of this work highlight the importance of including sustainability factors during supply chain design, the consequences and costs of its inclusion, as well as the priority actions that promote sustainable designs.
Meaningful Sports Consumption Behavior Influences the Production of Individual Eudaimonic Well-Being: The Chain-Mediated Role of Perceived Social Support and Perceived Self-Esteem
Authors: Guo Kai , Wang Zhigang , Li Chenya , Guo Chengdan
Published: September 2023

Well-being is an ordinary life goal that many people strive to achieve. Recently, there has been a growing interest in academic research on how consumption can enhance well-being. Hedonic sports consumption, which is associated with positive emotions, can positively impact an individual’s subjective well-being by providing both physical and mental enjoyment and relieving the stresses of everyday life. However, there is a need for more comprehensive research on the mechanisms that connect meaningful sports consumption behaviors, which may also be accompanied by negative emotions, to the mental health of individuals. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to explore the potential mechanisms of meaningful sports consumption behaviors and eudaimonic well-being in individual mental health. Based on the SOR theory, this study develops a comprehensive conceptual model to examine the impact of sports consumption behavior on individuals’ eudaimonic well-being. The study’s results indicate that engaging in meaningful sports consumption behaviors can positively influence individuals’ eudaimonic well-being. Additionally, the study finds that perceived social support and perceived self-esteem among sports consumers significantly and positively impact their eudaimonic well-being. Finally, the study reveals that perceived social support and perceived self-esteem mediate the pathway through which meaningful sports consumption behaviors affect eudaimonic well-being. These findings contribute to our understanding of how to enhance sports consumers’ eudaimonic well-being and promote meaningful sports consumption behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended that sports marketers focus on providing meaningful sports service offerings, fostering consumer–society connections, and increasing respect and appreciation for consumers. These marketing insights can be valuable in promoting positive sports consumption experiences.
Multidimensional Evaluation of Consumers’ Shopping Risks under Live-Streaming Commerce
Authors: Li Hongbo , Wang Zhenzhen , Yuan Zhijie , Yan Xin
Published: September 2023

As a new e-commerce model, live-streaming commerce enhances consumers’ shopping experiences by providing deeply involved online interaction. However, in live-streaming commerce, consumers are also faced with many shopping risks, such as fake products, poor after-sales service, etc. Therefore, we propose an analysis framework to evaluate consumers’ shopping risks on live-streaming commerce platforms. In our framework, we first construct a multidimensional consumer shopping risk evaluation index system by considering different stakeholders involved in live-streaming commerce. Then, we assess consumer shopping risks based on an intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and cloud model. Our framework is applied to evaluate consumers’ shopping risks on four typical live streaming commerce platforms in China, i.e., Taobao, Douyin, Kuaishou, and JD.com. Our research results provide decision support for different parties involved in live-streaming commerce and thus promote the sustainable development of the live-streaming commerce industry.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties and Permeability of Cement-Stabilized Permeable Recycle Aggregate Materials
Authors: Zhi Xiao , Yang Tao , Zhang Xun , Ren Yi , Deng Pin , Chen Yuliang , Xiao Yuanjie
Published: September 2023

This paper designed cement-stabilized permeable road subgrade materials. Construction demolition waste with recycled aggregate replaced natural aggregate in cement-stabilized materials to utilize recycled resources for construction solid waste. This paper tests the compressive strength, water permeability, bending strength, and compressive resilience modulus of cement-stabilized permeable recycled aggregate materials under different cementitious additive ratios. The results show that at a recycled aggregate proportion of 30% in cement-stabilized permeable recycled aggregate material, the 7-d unconfined compressive strength exceeds 3.5 MPa, and the permeability coefficient surpasses 3.5 mm/s, which can meet the roadbed requirements in China. The incorporation of recycled aggregates significantly reduces the mechanical properties and water permeability of cement-stabilized permeable recycled aggregate materials, while cementitious additives improve the mechanical properties. Specifically, red brick, old concrete, and ceramics in recycled aggregates weaken the mechanical properties of the skeleton structure of cement-stabilized permeable recycled aggregate materials, and the compressive strength, bending strength, and compressive resilience modulus decrease with the recycled aggregate content. Cementitious additives can fill the micro-pores of the interface transition zone of cement-stabilized permeable recycled aggregate materials to improve the cementation strength between aggregates.
Generalized Split Quaternions and Their Applications on Non-Parabolic Conical Rotations
Authors: Duru Mehmet , Çolakoğlu Harun Barış
Published: September 2023

In this study, we first generalize the Lorentzian inner and vector products, and then we define the generalized split quaternions by means of the generalized Lorentzian inner and vector products. Next, on any hyperboloid of one or two sheets, which is a generalized Lorentzian sphere, non-parabolic conical rotations with nonnull axes are expressed using the generalized split quaternions with supporting numerical examples.
Risk Assessment of Mercury-Contaminated Fish Consumption in the Brazilian Amazon: An Ecological Study
Authors: Basta Paulo , de Vasconcellos Ana , Hallwass Gustavo , Yokota Decio , Pinto Daniel , de Aguiar Danicley , de Souza Ciro , Oliveira-da-Costa Marcelo
Published: September 2023

Mercury is one of the most dangerous contaminants on the planet. In recent years, evidence of mercury contamination in the Amazon has significantly increased, notably due to gold-mining activities. Although mercury contamination in fish has consistently been documented, little is known about the risk associated with fish consumption by populations in urban areas of the Amazon. We sampled 1010 fish sold in public markets in six state capitals and 11 additional cities. Mercury levels were determined for each specimen, and the evaluation of the health risks associated with consuming mercury-contaminated fish was conducted according to the methodology proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Our study reveals that more than one-fifth (21.3%) of the fish sold in urban centers had mercury levels above the safe limits (≥0.5 µg/g) established by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). The prevalence of Hg contamination ≥0.5 µg/g was approximately 14 times higher in carnivorous than in noncarnivorous fish. The analysis of the risk attributable to fish consumption reveals that daily mercury intake exceeded the reference dose recommended by the U.S. EPA in all population groups analyzed, reaching up to 7 and 31 times in women of childbearing age and children from 2 to 4 years old, respectively. However, these risks are diverse depending on the type of fish consumed and must be considered to formulate appropriate nutritional guidelines for safe fish consumption by the local community.
Diagnostic Challenge in Renal Transplantation: Splenosis vs. Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder—A Case Report
Authors: Sanders Jes M. , Galvez Daniel , Lin Xiaoqi , Leventhal Joseph
Published: September 2023

Splenosis is a benign, acquired condition characterized by the auto-implantation of focal deposits of splenic tissue throughout the peritoneal cavity, most commonly occurring after splenic injury and/or splenectomy. Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) is a well-known complication of solid organ transplantation that results from unregulated B-cell proliferation due to chronic immunosuppression. Given their clinical and radiologic similarities, these two entities may pose a diagnostic dilemma in select solid-organ transplant recipients. We present the case of a 54-year-old kidney-transplant recipient presenting with abdominal pain and found to have a retroperitoneal soft-tissue mass concerning for PTLD. He underwent a CT-guided biopsy of the mass, and histopathological studies revealed lymphoid tissue consistent with splenic tissue, thus ruling out PTLD. The patient subsequently underwent symptomatic management, with the eventual resolution of his symptoms. The early diagnosis of PTLD is paramount, as prompt intervention has a substantial impact on the high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. Additionally, the diagnosis of splenosis in the setting of a retroperitoneal mass is critical in order to avoid invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that may result in significant complications. A detailed surgical history, including prior splenic trauma and/or splenectomy, should raise clinical suspicion for splenosis and guide further diagnostic and therapeutic decision making.
Schistosoma Infection Burden and Risk Factors among School-Aged Children in a Rural Area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Linsuke Sylvie , Ilombe Gillon , Disonama Michel , Nzita Jean Deny , Mbala Placide , Lutumba Pascal , Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2023

Despite continuous efforts to control schistosomiasis (SCH) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it still poses a significant challenge. In order to enhance control measures, additional research is necessary. This study documents the burden of SCH infection and its predictors in a rural area of the DRC. We conducted a household cross-sectional study from June to August 2021 among 480 school-aged children (SAC) aged 5–15 years living in a rural area of Kisangi, in the southwest DRC. We collected and examined stool, urine, and blood samples of each child. Additionally, we obtained data on anthropometry, socio-demographics, household information, and individual water contact behaviors. The overall prevalence of SCH infection was 55.8% (95% CI: 51.4–60.3), with prevalences of 41% (95% CI: 36.6–45.5), 36.3% (95% CI: 31.9–40.6), and 38.4% (95% CI: 32.6–44.3) for S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections and both infections, respectively. Among those with SCH infection, most had a light (67.5%) or heavy (51.7%) infection intensity. The geometric mean egg count was 16.6 EP 10 mL (95% CI: 12.9–21.3) for S. haematobium and 390.2 EPG (95% CI: 300.2–507.3) for S. mansoni. However, age (10 years and above (aOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5–3.1; p < 0.001)) was an independent risk factor for SCH infection. The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 16.9% (95% CI: 13.5–20.2), that of stunting was 28.7% (95% CI: 24.7–32.8), that of underweight was 17.1% (95% CI: 12.8–21.4), and that of thinness was 7.1% (95% CI: 4.8–9.4). Anemia was prevalent at 49.4% (95% CI: 44.9–5), and the median Hb level of all participants was 11.6 g/dL (IQR: 10.5–12.6 g/dL). Anemia was strongly associated with SCH infection (aOR: 3.4; 95% CI: 2.3–5.1; p < 0.001) yet there was no association with the risk for malaria infection (aOR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.6–1.8; p = 0.563). In addition, the risk of anemia increased with heavy infection intensities (p < 0.026 and p < 0.013 for S. haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively). However, stunting had a protective factor for anemia (aOR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.4; p < 0.001). To conclude, SCH infection was widespread among the SAC and strongly linked to anemia. These results provide evidence of the hyperendemicity of infection in the study area, which requires preventative measures such as chemotherapy to reduce the schistosomiasis-associated morbidity, and micronutrient supplements to avoid anemia.
DPQP: A Detection Pipeline for Quasar Pair Candidates Based on QSO Photometric Images and Spectra
Authors: Liu Yuanbo , Qiu Bo , Luo A-li , Jiang Xia , Yao Lin , Wang Kun , Zhao Guiyu
Published: September 2023

Quasars have an important role in the studies of galaxy evolution and star formation. The rare close projection of two quasars in the sky allows us to study the environment and matter exchange around the foreground quasar (QSOfg) and the background quasar (QSObg). This paper proposes a pipeline DPQP for quasar pair (QP) candidates’ detection based on photometric images and the corresponding spectra. The pipeline consists of three main parts: a target source detector, a regressor, and a discriminator. In the first part, the target source detection network–YOLOv4 (TSD-YOLOv4) and the target source classification network (TSCNet) are used in sequence to detect quasars in SDSS photometric images. In the second part, a depth feature extraction network of quasar images (DE-QNet) is constructed to estimate the redshifts of quasars from photometric images. In the third part, a quasar pair score (Q-Score) metric is proposed based on the spectral analysis. The larger the Q-Score, the greater the possibility of two pairs being a quasar pair. The experimental results show that between redshift 1.0 and 4.0, the MAE of DE-QNet is 0.316, which is 16.1% lower than the existing method. Samples with |Δz| < 0.15 account for 77.1% of the test dataset. A new table with 1025 QP candidates is provided by traversing 50,000 SDSS photometric images.