bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Morlino Delia , Marra Maurizio , Cioffi Iolanda , Santarpia Lidia , De Placido Pietro , Giuliano Mario , De Angelis Carmine , Carrano Simone , Verrazzo Annarita , Buono Giuseppe , Naccarato Marianna , Di Vincenzo Olivia , Speranza Enza , De Placido Sabino , Arpino Grazia , Pasanisi Fabrizio
Published: April 2022

Sarcopenia is a common finding in patients with cancer and potentially influences the patient’s outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia, according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, in a sample of women with breast cancer (BC) and a BMI lower than 30 kg/m2. This cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with BC, stage 0-III, and receiving therapy for BC; the women were recruited at the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy. A control group with similar age and BMI was selected from the internal database. Anthropometry, bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and hand grip strength (HGS) were measured to detect sarcopenia. A total of 122 patients (mean age 49.3 ± 11.0 years, BMI 24.6 ± 3.0 kg/m2) and 80 healthy controls were analyzed. Sarcopenia was found in 13.9% patients with BC, while none of the subjects in the control group was sarcopenic. By comparing BC patients with and without sarcopenia and the control group, the fat-free mass of sarcopenic BC patients were significantly lower than those of both non-sarcopenic BC patients and the control (p < 0.05). The phase angle was also significantly lower in sarcopenic patients (−0.5 degrees, p = 0.048) than in the control group. Considering the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with BC, our findings suggest the usefulness of body composition and HGS evaluation for early screening of sarcopenia to reduce the risk of associated complications.
Do Probiotics in Pregnancy Reduce Allergies and Asthma in Infancy and Childhood? A Systematic Review
Authors: Colquitt Alexander S. , Miles Elizabeth A. , Calder Philip C.
Published: April 2022

The maternal immune system is very important in the development of the foetal immune system. Probiotics have been shown to help regulate immune responses. Therefore, it is possible that the administration of probiotics to pregnant women could influence the development of the foetal immune system, reducing the likelihood of infants and children developing an allergic condition. The aim of this research was to conduct a systematic review to determine whether administering probiotics to pregnant women can reduce the incidence of allergic disease in their children. Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared supplementation of probiotics to pregnant women to a placebo control and recorded the presentation of allergic conditions in their children. Data extracted from the study reports included their characteristics and findings. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed. From a total of 850 articles identified in the search, 6 were eligible for inclusion in this review. Two studies found no effect of maternal probiotics on the outcomes measured, two studies found that the incidence of eczema or atopic dermatitis (AD) was reduced by maternal probiotics, one study found no effect on the overall incidence of atopic sensitisation, but a reduction in a subgroup of children at high hereditary risk of allergic disease, and one study found no effect in an intention to treat analysis, but a reduction in AD in complete case analysis. The results of these studies are inconsistent but demonstrate that probiotics may have the potential to reduce infant allergies when administered prenatally, particularly in children at high risk of allergy development. There is a need for further larger-scale studies to be performed in order to provide a more definitive answer. Such studies should focus on at-risk groups.
Barriers to Implementing Evidence-Based Practice among Primary Healthcare Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alqahtani Jamaan M. , Carsula Rene P. , Alharbi Homood A. , Alyousef Seham M. , Baker Omar G. , Tumala Regie B.
Published: April 2022

Several studies have been conducted to investigate the barriers to implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, a few studies were conducted in hospital and mental health settings, and no study has explored the topic in primary healthcare settings. This study aimed to examine the barriers perceived by primary healthcare nurses in implementing EBP. This study employed a correlational and cross-sectional design. A total of 284 nurses were surveyed using the BARRIERS scale. Regression analysis was performed to identify the effects of predictor variables on the four subscales. The overall raw score on the BARRIERS scale was 86.21 (standard deviation = 16.15). The highest mean score was reported in the organizational subscale, followed by the innovation and communication subscales, whereas the lowest mean score was reported in the adopter subscale. The findings showed that the three top-ranked barriers were: (1) results of the studies are not generalizable to nurses’ setting, (2) facilities are inadequate, and (3) physicians do not cooperate with the implementation. Findings showed that nurses encounter organizational-related barriers to a moderate extent and EBP implementation varies depending on gender, level of education, and job position. There is a need to create and implement educational interventions and programs to overcome the barriers to effective EBP implementation among primary healthcare nurses.
Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in Stray Dogs and Cats in Bangkok, Thailand: Molecular Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Phoosangwalthong Pornkamol , Luong Nam Hung , Wongwigkan Jutamas , Kamyingkird Ketsarin , Phasuk Jumnongjit , Pattanatanang Khampee , Thammasonthijarern Nipa , Kengradomkij Chanya , Chimnoi Wissanuwat , Odermatt Peter , Inpankaew Tawin
Published: April 2022

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are known as common roundworm in dogs and cats, respectively. The objective of the current study was to determine the molecular prevalence and risk factors associated with T. canis and T. cati infections in stray dogs and cats, respectively, in Bangkok, Thailand. In total, 1000 fecal samples (from 500 dogs and 500 cats) were collected from stray dogs and cats residing in Bangkok temples. DNA was extracted and screened for T. canis and T. cati using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The overall prevalence of T. canis in the stray dogs was 5.4% (27/500) and 0.6% (3/500) for T. cati in the stray cats. Toxocara canis infections were detected in stray dogs from 11 out of 48 districts (22.9%), with Bang Khen district having the highest proportion of infected dogs, whereas T. cati infections were only detected in the stray cats in Lat Krabang district. These results indicated that stray animals residing in Bangkok temples pose a considerable public health risk due to zoonotic parasites, especially T. canis.
Rabi Frequency Management of Collapsing Quasi-Two-Dimensional Bose-Einstein Condensates with Pseudospin-1/2
Authors: Mardonov Shukhrat N. , Ahmedov Bobomurat J.
Published: April 2022

The collapse of quasi-two-dimensional pseudospin-1/2 Bose-Einstein condensate of attracting atoms with intra- and cross-spin interaction is studied in the presence of the Rabi coupling. The condensate dynamics is presented as a function of the self-interaction and Rabi frequency. The evolution of two components of the condensate by using the Gross-Pitaevskii equations is investigated. The initial Gaussian ansatz for two-component wave functions is selected for the better interpretation of the numerical results. The intra-spin-coupling modifies the critical number of atoms causing the collapse while the collapse is observed only in a single pseudospin component. It is demonstrated that for cross-spin-coupling only double spin-components collapse can occur.
Investigating the Mechanisms behind the Positive Food Effect of Abiraterone Acetate: In Vitro and Rat In Situ Studies
Authors: Braeckmans Marlies , Augustijns Patrick , Mols Raf , Servais Cécile , Brouwers Joachim
Published: April 2022

The anticancer agent abiraterone suffers from an extensive positive food effect after oral intake of the prodrug abiraterone acetate (Zytiga). The underlying processes determining postprandial abiraterone absorption were investigated in this study. The impact of lipids and lipid digestion products on (i) the solubility of abiraterone acetate and abiraterone, (ii) the conversion of abiraterone acetate to abiraterone, and (iii) the passive permeation of abiraterone was determined in vitro. The interaction of abiraterone acetate and abiraterone with vesicles and colloidal structures in the simulated fed state media containing undigested lipids and lipid digestion products enhanced the solubility of both compounds but limited the esterase-mediated hydrolysis of abiraterone acetate and the potential of abiraterone to permeate. Rat in situ intestinal perfusion experiments with a suspension of abiraterone acetate in static fed state simulated media identified abiraterone concentrations in the perfusate as the main driving force for absorption. However, experiments with ongoing lipolysis in the perfusate highlighted the importance of including lipid digestion as a dynamic process when studying postprandial abiraterone absorption. Future research may employ the in situ perfusion model to study postprandial drug absorption from a dynamic lipolysis-mediated intestinal environment to provide reference data for the optimisation of relevant in vitro models to evaluate food effects.
Recent Achievements in NAA, PAA, XRF, IBA and AMS Applications for Cultural Heritage Investigations at Nuclear Physics Institute, Řež
Authors: Kučera Jan , Kameník Jan , Havránek Vladimír , Krausová Ivana , Světlík Ivo , Pachnerová Brabcová Kateřina , Fikrle Marek , Chvátil David
Published: April 2022

Five case studies are reported on the use of neutron and photon activation analysis (NAA and PAA, respectively), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, ion beam analysis (IBA), and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) for the elemental characterization or dating of various objects of cultural heritage, such as building materials, pottery, metallic artefacts, ancient decorations, or the remains of historical personalities. The use of the individual techniques or their combination proved a useful, frequently indispensable tool for revealing the provenance of the artefacts, the method and time of their manufacturing, the elucidation of ancient human activities, or the verification of various hypotheses or legends related to the artefacts.
Differential Expression of Arabinogalactan in Response to Inclination in Stem of Pinus radiata Seedlings
Authors: Méndez Tamara , Stappung Yazmina , Moya-León María A. , Herrera Raúl
Published: April 2022

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are members of a family of proteins that play important roles in cell wall dynamics. AGPs from inclined pines were determined using JIM7, LM2, and LM6 antibodies, showing a higher concentration in one side of the stem. The accumulation of AGPs in xylem and cell wall tissues is enhanced in response to loss of tree stem verticality. The differential gene expression of AGPs indicates that these proteins could be involved in the early response to inclination and also trigger signals such as lignin accumulation, as well as thicken cell wall and lamella media to restore stem vertical growth. A subfamily member of AGPs, which is Fasciclin-like has been described in angiosperm species as inducing tension wood and in some gymnosperms. A search for gene sequences of this subfamily was performed on an RNA-seq library, where 12 sequences were identified containing one or two fasciclin I domains (FAS), named PrFLA1 to PrFLA12. Four of these sequences were phylogenetically classified in group A, where PrFLA1 and PrFLA4 are differentially expressed in tilted pine trees.
Transcription Profile of Auxin Related Genes during Positively Gravitropic Hypocotyl Curvature of Brassica rapa
Authors: Ajala Chitra , Hasenstein Karl H.
Published: April 2022

Unlike typical negative gravitropic curvature, young hypocotyls of Brassica rapa and other dicots exhibit positive gravitropism. This positive curvature occurs at the base of the hypocotyl and is followed by the typical negative gravity-induced curvature. We investigated the role of auxin in both positive and negative hypocotyl curvature by examining the transcription of PIN1, PIN3, IAA5 and ARG1 in curving tissue. We compared tissue extraction of the convex and concave flank with Solid Phase Gene Extraction (SPGE). Based on Ubiquitin1 (UBQ1) as a reference gene, the log (2) fold change of all examined genes was determined. Transcription of the examined genes varied during the graviresponse suggesting that these genes affect differential elongation. The transcription of all genes was upregulated in the lower flank and downregulated in the upper flank during the initial downward curving period. After 48 h, the transcription profile reversed, suggesting that the ensuing negative gravicurvature is controlled by the same genes as the positive gravicurvature. High-spatial resolution profiling using SPGE revealed that the transcription profile of the examined genes was spatially distinct within the curving tissue. The comparison of the hypocotyl transcription profile with the root tip indicated that the tip tissue is a suitable reference for curving hypocotyls and that root and hypocotyl curvature are controlled by the same physiological processes.
Mechanism and Influence Factors of Abrasion Resistance of High-Flow Grade SEBS/PP Blended Thermoplastic Elastomer
Authors: Liu Shuwen , Qiu Jun , Han Lili , Ma Xueyan , Chen Wenquan
Published: April 2022

Hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS)/polypropylene (PP) blended thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is suitable for preparing the automotive interiors because of its excellent elasticity, softness, weather resistance, low odor, low VOC and other environmental-friendly properties. The skin of the automobile instrument panel is an appearance part, which requires excellent friction loss resistance of surface. In this paper, the high-flow SEBS/PP blended thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) suitable for the preparation of injection molding skins for automobile instrument panel was studied. By comparing the Taber abrasion and cross-scratch properties, the effects of SEBS’s molecular weight, styrene content in the molecule, molecular structure and types of lubricating agents on the friction loss properties of the material were investigated. The results show that under the same SEBS molecular structure, the higher the molecular weight within a certain range, the better the wear resistance of high-flow SEBS/PP type TPE, but the ultra-high molecular weight exhibits lower wear resistance than high molecular weight; The high-flow SEBS/PP blended TPE prepared by medium styrene content SEBS has better abrasion resistance; TPE prepared by star SEBS is better than linear SEBS; Adding silane-based lubricating agents is beneficial to improve the friction loss resistance of the material, especially combined use of high and low molecular weight silicone.
Anticorrosion Properties of a Novel Hybrid Sol–Gel Coating on Aluminum 3003 Alloy
Authors: Suleiman Rami K. , Adesina Akeem Y. , Kumar Arumugam Madhan , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Al-Badour Fadi A. , El Ali Bassam
Published: April 2022

In this study, a novel hybrid sol–gel coating on AA3003 substrate was developed and the effects of various waste material additives on the reinforcement of the sol–gel coating and the anticorrosion properties in the saline medium were investigated. Egg shell, crumb rubber, activated carbon obtained for pyrolysis of waste rubber tire, waste rubber tire, cement kiln dust, and ST100 additives were tested as reinforcement materials. The AFM characterization results of the coating formulations on AA3003 alloy revealed enhanced roughness values for the modified coatings as compared to the base coating. Similarly, no significant changes were detected in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) absorption peaks of the hybrid polymeric material upon loading it with the waste additives, while slight changes in the hydrophobic properties of the final modified coatings were observed as a result of the modification process. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results revealed that the hybrid sol–gel coating had a promising potential for the protection of the AA3003 substrate against corrosion in the saline medium. However, the loaded additives negatively affected the corrosion resistance properties of the parent hybrid sol–gel coating. For instance, the egg shell additive had the least negative effect on the barrier properties, whereas the cured coating layer of the sample loaded with cement and clay additives showed some disintegration, inhomogeneity, and low barrier properties on the metal surface.
Effect of Bio-Inspired Polymer Types on Engineering Characteristics of Cement Composites
Authors: Choi Se-Jin , Bae Sung-Ho , Lee Jae-In , Bang Eun Ji , Choi Hoe Young , Ko Haye Min
Published: April 2022

Cement concrete is the most commonly used building and construction material worldwide because of its many advantages. Over time, however, it develops cracks due to shrinkage and tension, which may lead to premature failure of the entire structure. Recently, the incorporation of polymers has been explored to improve the overall strength and durability of cement concrete. In this study, two types of chitosan-based bio-inspired polymers (a-BIP and b-BIP) were synthesized and mixed with cement mortar in different proportions (5–20%). The fluidity of the resulting mixtures and the properties of the hardened samples, such as the compressive and tensile strengths, drying shrinkage, and carbonation resistance, were evaluated. The characteristics of the polymers were tuned by varying the pH during their syntheses, and their structures were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. After 28 days of aging, all samples containing BIPs (35.9–41.4 MPa) had noticeably higher compressive strength than the control sample (33.2 MPa). The tensile strength showed a similar improvement (up to 19.1%). Overall, the mechanical properties and durability of the samples were separately dependent on the type and amount of BIP.
Fracture Resistance of Anterior Crowns Reinforced by Short-Fiber Composite
Authors: Lassila Lippo , Haapsaari Anssi , Vallittu Pekka K. , Garoushi Sufyan
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the load-bearing capacity of anterior crowns made of different commercial particulate-filled composites (PFCs) and reinforced by a core of short-fiber composite (SFC) (bilayer structure). Four groups of composite crowns were fabricated for an upper central incisor (n = 20/group). Two groups were made of chair-side PFC composites (G-aenial anterior, GC, Japan and Denfil, Vericom, Korea) with or without SFC-core (everX Flow, GC). One group was made of laboratory PFC composite (Gradia Plus, GC) with or without SFC-core. The last group was made of plain SFC composite polymerized with a hand-light curing unit only or further polymerized in a light-curing oven. Using a universal-testing device, crown restorations were statically loaded until they fractured, and failure modes were visually investigated. Analysis of variance (p = 0.05) was used to evaluate the data, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Bilayer structure crowns with SFC-core and surface PFC gave superior load-bearing capacity values compared to those made of monolayer PFC composites; however, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the chair-side composite groups. Additional polymerization has no impact on the load-bearing capacity values of SFC crowns. Using SFC as a core material with PFC veneering composite to strengthen anterior crown restorations proved to be a promising strategy for further testing.
Extraction, Biochemical Characterization, and Health Effects of Native and Degraded Fucoidans from Sargassum crispifolium
Authors: Hsiao Wei-Cheng , Hong Yong-Han , Tsai Yung-Hsiang , Lee Yi-Chen , Patel Anil Kumar , Guo Hui-Ru , Kuo Chia-Hung , Huang Chun-Yung
Published: April 2022

In the current investigation, a native crude fucoidan (Ex) was extracted from Sargassum crispifolium, pretreated by single-screw extrusion, and two degraded fucoidans, i.e., ExAh (degradation of Ex by ascorbic acid) and ExHp (degradation of Ex by hydrogen peroxide), were obtained. The extrusion pretreatment increased the extraction yield of fucoidan by approximately 1.73-fold as compared to the non-extruded sample. Among Ex, ExAh, and ExHp, their molecular weight and chemical compositions varied, but the structural features were similar. ExHp possessed the greatest antioxidant activities among the extracted fucoidans. According to the outcome, ExAh exhibited the maximum immune promoting effects via enhanced NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 secretion. Thus, both ExHp and ExAh may potentially be used as an effective antioxidant and as immunostimulant agents, which could be of great value in the development of food and nutraceutical products.
Special Issue on “New Processes: Working towards a Sustainable Society”
Authors: Chew Kit Wayne , Berenjian Aydin , Show Pau Loke
Published: April 2022

The idea of a sustainable society comprises a consumer society that considers the welfare of the planet for future generations [...]
Biodegradation of Naphthalene and Anthracene by Aspergillus glaucus Strain Isolated from Antarctic Soil
Authors: Stoyanova Katya , Gerginova Maria , Dincheva Ivayla , Peneva Nadejda , Alexieva Zlatka
Published: April 2022

Biotechnologies based on microbial species capable of destroying harmful pollutants are a successful way to solve some of the most important problems associated with a clean environment. The subject of investigation is the Antarctic fungal strain Aspergillus glaucus AL1. The culturing of the examined strain was performed with 70 mg of wet mycelium being inoculated in a Czapek Dox liquid medium containing naphthalene, anthracene, or phenanthrene (0.3 g/L) as the sole carbon source. Progressively decreasing naphthalene and anthracene concentrations were monitored in the culture medium until the 15th day of the cultivation of A. glaucus AL1. The degradation was determined through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Both decreased by 66% and 44%, respectively, for this period. The GC-MS analyses were applied to identify salicylic acid, catechol, and ketoadipic acid as intermediates in the naphthalene degradation. The intermediates identified in anthracene catabolism are 2-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid, o-phthalic acid, and protocatechuic acid. The enzyme activities for phenol 2-monooxygenase (1.14.13.7) and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (1.13.11.1) were established. A gene encoding an enzyme with catechol 1,2-dioxygenase activity was identified and sequenced (GeneBank Ac. No KM360483). The recent study provides original data on the potential of an ascomycete’s fungal strain A. glaucus strain AL 1 to degrade naphthalene and anthracene.
Coseismic Rupture Model and Tectonic Implications of the January 7 2022, Menyuan Mw 6.6 Earthquake Constraints from InSAR Observations and Field Investigation
Authors: Li Yongsheng , Jiang Wenliang , Li Yujiang , Shen Wenhao , He Zhongtai , Li Bingquan , Li Qiang , Jiao Qisong , Tian Yunfeng
Published: April 2022

A Mw 6.6 earthquake struck Menyuan, Qinghai, China, on 7 January 2022. To determine the rupture parameters of this event, the coseismic InSAR deformation fields were mapped and further employed to estimate the focal mechanism. The best-fitting solution emphasized that the 2022 Menyuan earthquake ruptured at the junction of the Tuolaishan fault and the Lenglongling fault. Both rupturing faults were dominated by sinistral strike-slip, and the main slip was concentrated on the shallow part of the rupture plane. The latter was the main rupture segment with a strike of 106° and a dip of 86°. The slip mainly occurred at depths of 0–8 km, and the rupture was exposed at the surface. The maximum slip reached ~3.5 m, which occurred mainly at a depth of 4 km. Joint analysis of the optimal slip model, relocated aftershocks, Coulomb stress change, and field observation suggested that the strain energy in the Tuolaishan fault may not have been fully released and needs further attention. Moreover, the 2022 Mw6.6 Menyuan earthquake caused a significant stress loading effect on the western Tuolaishan fault and eastern Lenglongling fault, which implies that the 2022 event increased the seismic hazard in these regions.
Composite Style Pixel and Point Convolution-Based Deep Fusion Neural Network Architecture for the Semantic Segmentation of Hyperspectral and Lidar Data
Authors: Decker Kevin T. , Borghetti Brett J.
Published: April 2022

Multimodal hyperspectral and lidar data sets provide complementary spectral and structural data. Joint processing and exploitation to produce semantically labeled pixel maps through semantic segmentation has proven useful for a variety of decision tasks. In this work, we identify two areas of improvement over previous approaches and present a proof of concept network implementing these improvements. First, rather than using a late fusion style architecture as in prior work, our approach implements a composite style fusion architecture to allow for the simultaneous generation of multimodal features and the learning of fused features during encoding. Second, our approach processes the higher information content lidar 3D point cloud data with point-based CNN layers instead of the lower information content lidar 2D DSM used in prior work. Unlike previous approaches, the proof of concept network utilizes a combination of point and pixel-based CNN layers incorporating concatenation-based fusion necessitating a novel point-to-pixel feature discretization method. We characterize our models against a modified GRSS18 data set. Our fusion model achieved 6.6% higher pixel accuracy compared to the highest-performing unimodal model. Furthermore, it achieved 13.5% higher mean accuracy against the hardest to classify samples (14% of total) and equivalent accuracy on the other test set samples.
Impacts of Assimilating CYGNSS Satellite Ocean-Surface Wind on Prediction of Landfalling Hurricanes with the HWRF Model
Authors: Pu Zhaoxia , Wang Ying , Li Xin , Ruf Christopher , Bi Li , Mehra Avichal
Published: April 2022

This study examines the impacts of assimilating ocean-surface winds derived from the NASA Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) on improving the short-range numerical simulations and forecasts of landfalling hurricanes using the NCEP operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) model. A series of data assimilation experiments are performed using HWRF and a Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI)-based hybrid 3-dimensional ensemble-variational (3DEnVar) data assimilation system. The influence of CYGNSS data on hurricane forecasts is compared with that of Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) wind products that have already been assimilated into the HWRF forecast system in a series of assimilation experiments. The effects of different versions of CYGNSS data (V2.1 vs. V3.0) on hurricane forecasts are evaluated. The results indicate that CYGNSS ocean-surface wind can lead to improved numerical simulations and forecasts of hurricane track and intensity, asymmetric wind structure, and precipitation. The impacts of CYGNSS on hurricane forecasts are comparable and complementary to the operational use of ASCAT satellite data products. The dependence of the relative impacts of different versions of CYGNSS data on optimal thinning distances is evident.
Differentiation of Six Grassland/Forage Types in Three Canadian Ecoregions Based on Spectral Characteristics
Authors: Frank Thiago , Smith Anne , Houston Bill , Lindsay Emily , Guo Xulin
Published: April 2022

Differentiation of grassland/forage types and accurate estimates of their location and extent are important for understanding their ecological processes and for applying appropriate management practices. We are aiming to reveal the different spectral characteristics of six grassland/forage land covers in three ecoregions located in the Canadian Prairies, based on field data and satellite images. Three spectral indices representing productivity (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)), moisture content (Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI)), and plant photosynthetic activity (Plant Senescence Reflectance Index (PSRI)) were used for comparison of means, comparison of coefficient of variation (CV), and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that different grassland types show distinguishable spectral characteristics in the Moist-Mixed and Mixed Ecoregions, while it was not possible to differentiate the classes in the Fescue Ecoregion. To further investigate the within-sites and between-sites heterogeneity, we calculated the CV in a 3 × 3 window and placed them in comparative triangles to demonstrate their potential separability. Results indicated that the triangles based on the CV offered greater class separability in the Fescue Ecoregion and in the Mixed Ecoregion.
Boolean Analysis of Factors Affecting Women’s Participation in Rural Tourism
Authors: Fathizadeh Farah , Azizpour Farhad , Sanati Sharghi Nader , Mair Heather L.
Published: April 2022

Women’s participation is a significant development priority in tourism, especially rural tourism. Despite their critical role in rural tourism, women face different constraints and limitations that prevent them from fully participating in local tourist activities. This study explores the most influential factors on women’s participation in rural tourism, using qualitative methods of inquiry (semi-structured interviews and observations) to collect data from 17 women who are active in rural tourism in the villages of Khorasan Razavi, Iran. Eight fundamental causes were identified and classified into macro- and micro-level factors that affect women’s participation in rural tourism, using the Boolean algebra analysis. The findings show socio-geographic proximity, a newly emerging theme, and patriarchal structure influence women’s participation at the macro-level. Similarly, self-confidence, family support, financial assistance, and the absence of role conflict at the micro-level are necessary and sufficient causes to influence women to participate and overcome challenging situations in rural tourism activities.
Understanding Housing Prices Using Geographic Big Data: A Case Study in Shenzhen
Authors: Jiang Xufeng , Jia Zelu , Li Lefei , Zhao Tianhong
Published: April 2022

Understanding the spatial pattern of urban house prices and its association with the built environment is of great significance to housing policymaking and urban planning. However, many studies on the influencing factors of urban housing prices conduct qualitative analyses using statistical data and manual survey data. In addition, traditional housing price models are mostly linear models that cannot explain the distribution of housing prices in urban areas. In this paper, we propose using geographic big data and zonal nonlinear feature machine learning models to understand housing prices. First, the housing price influencing factor system is built based on the hedonic pricing model and geographic big data, and it includes commercial development, transportation, infrastructure, location, education, environment, and residents’ consumption level. Second, a spatial exploratory analysis framework for house price data was constructed using Moran’s I tools and geographic detectors. Finally, the XGBoost model is developed to assess the importance of the variables influencing housing prices, and the zonal nonlinear feature model is built to predict housing prices based on spatial exploration results. Taking Shenzhen as an example, this paper explored the distribution law of housing prices, analyzed the influencing factors of housing prices, and compared the different housing price models. The results show that the zonal nonlinear feature model has higher accuracy than the linear model and the global model.
Drawing a Path towards Circular Construction: An Approach to Engage Stakeholders
Authors: Almeida Filipe , Vieira Castorina S. , Carneiro José Ricardo , Lopes Maria de Lurdes
Published: April 2022

The activities conducted in the building and construction sector should be guided by circular economy principles, which will result in the implementation of greener practices fostering both the development of economy and protection of the environment. This work proposes and discusses an innovative approach based on a concerted strategy between stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a circular construction paradigm, which involves, as sustainable development, the definition of three dimensions to guide the process: (a) the assignment of key roles to the government and construction professionals; (b) the improvement of the industry to perform a proper management of construction and demolition waste; and (c) the development of sustainable practices at the construction site. In addition to the discussion about the different stakeholder partnerships that must exist, key ideas that should be adopted by industry to deliver recycled materials and products to the building and construction sector are proposed in this work. Moreover, measures to assist in the management of both the traditional and innovative materials and products incorporating recycled waste at the construction site are suggested targeting the implementation of more sustainable practices within this context. A broad use of the ideas proposed in this work in the building and construction sector may lead to encouraging outcomes in the next decade.
Tri-Level Integrated Optimization Design Method of a CCHP Microgrid with Composite Energy Storage
Authors: Yan Yi , Wang Xuerui , Li Ke , Kang Xiaopeng , Kong Weizheng , Dai Hongcai
Published: April 2022

Combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) microgrids are important means of solving the energy crisis and environmental problems. Multidimensional composite energy storage systems (CESSs) are vital to promoting the absorption of distributed renewable energy using CCHP microgrids and improving the level of energy cascade utilization. In this context, this paper proposes a multi-energy coupling structure that includes a multidimensional CESS with a compressed air energy storage (CAES) connected to a CCHP microgrid. Dividing design and operation causes some problems, such as low operating efficiency and difficult energy matching of CESSs. To solve the existing problems, an integrated design method is proposed that considers the capacity configuration of the equipment and the optimal operation of the system on a multi-timescale. The optimization result of the capacity configuration level is used as the constraint of the operational control level, and the equipment output plan of the operational control level is used as the optimized operation strategy and parameters of the system. The C-NSGA-II algorithm is adopted at the capacity configuration level and day-ahead scheduling level. Rolling optimization is solved using the PSO algorithm. The final result that satisfied the output design was obtained after several iterations. The average daily cost and CO2 emission reduction rate (CO2ERR) of capacity configuration levels are $2241 and 45.02%. The best CO2ERRs of day-ahead scheduling optimization levels are 39.9% and 45.9% in summer and winter, where the operating cost saving rate (OCSR) are 30.5% and 38.3% separately. Examples show that the integrated design method presented in this paper has significant advantages in enhancing energy-grade matching and improving the economy and environmental protection of the system.
Optimization and Machine Learning Applied to Last-Mile Logistics: A Review
Authors: Giuffrida Nadia , Fajardo-Calderin Jenny , Masegosa Antonio D. , Werner Frank , Steudter Margarete , Pilla Francesco
Published: April 2022

The growth in e-commerce that our society has faced in recent years is changing the view companies have on last-mile logistics, due to its increasing impact on the whole supply chain. New technologies are raising users’ expectations with the need to develop customized delivery experiences; moreover, increasing pressure on supply chains has also created additional challenges for suppliers. At the same time, this phenomenon generates an increase in the impact on the liveability of our cities, due to traffic congestion, the occupation of public spaces, and the environmental and acoustic pollution linked to urban logistics. In this context, the optimization of last-mile deliveries is an imperative not only for companies with parcels that need to be delivered in the urban areas, but also for public administrations that want to guarantee a good quality of life for citizens. In recent years, many scholars have focused on the study of logistics optimization techniques and, in particular, the last mile. In addition to traditional optimization techniques, linked to the disciplines of operations research, the recent advances in the use of sensors and IoT, and the consequent large amount of data that derives from it, are pushing towards a greater use of big data and analytics techniques—such as machine learning and artificial intelligence—which are also in this sector. Based on this premise, the aim of this work is to provide an overview of the most recent literature advances related to last-mile delivery optimization techniques; this is to be used as a baseline for scholars who intend to explore new approaches and techniques in the study of last-mile logistics optimization. A bibliometric analysis and a critical review were conducted in order to highlight the main studied problems, the algorithms used, and the case studies. The results from the analysis allow the studies to be clustered into traditional optimization models, machine learning approaches, and mixed methods. The main research gaps and limitations of the current literature are assessed in order to identify unaddressed challenges and provide research suggestions for future approaches.
Value Creation in Platform Enterprises: A Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Du Huayong , Teng Ying , Ma Zhenzhong , Guo Xuguang
Published: April 2022

Platform enterprises have emerged as one of the most popular business models in the era of knowledge economy. The success of platform enterprises relies on continuous value creation by constructing an efficient platform and attracting more users to participate in order to create more value for the users and by the users. This study is to explore the key factors that drive value creation in platform enterprises’ ecosystem to help better understand the management of platform enterprises as the knowledge-based entrepreneurial ventures in emerging markets. This study employs a newly emerged method—a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to empirically analyze the antecedent configurations of value creation for Chinese platform enterprises. This method extends qualitative comparative analysis by integrating fuzzy-sets and fuzzy-logic principles with qualitative comparative analysis principles, which offers a more realistic approach. This paper identifies different configurations for high and non-high levels of value creation in platform enterprises. The results show that continuous user commitment is crucial to creating positive value for Chinese platform enterprises, and active user participation and knowledge sharing as well as platform construction/improvement are the key elements that determine the platform enterprises’ value creation process. The results also demonstrate a hybrid value creation logic with efficiency and innovation in platform enterprises. This study further identifies an asymmetric causality in the Chinese platform enterprises’ value creation process that is crucial for knowledge sharing and effective management of platform enterprises. The findings can shed light on the strategic management of platform enterprises for emerging markets.
Estimation of Symmetry in the Recognition System with Adaptive Application of Filters
Authors: Hrytsyk Volodymyr , Medykovskyy Mykola , Nazarkevych Mariia
Published: April 2022

The aim of this work is to study the influence of lighting on different types of filters in order to create adaptive systems of perception in the visible spectrum. This problem is solved by estimating symmetry operations (operations responsible for image/image transformations). Namely, the authors are interested in an objective assessment of the possibility of reproducing the image of the object (objective symmetry of filters) after the application of filters. This paper investigates and shows the results of the most common edge detection filters depending on the light level; that is, the behavior of the system in a room with indirect natural and standard (according to the requirements of the educational process in Ukraine) electric lighting was studied. The methods of Sobel, Sobel x, Sobel y, Prewitt, Prewitt x, Prewitt y, and Canny were used and compared in experiments. The conclusions provide a subjective assessment of the performance of each of the filters in certain conditions. Dependencies are defined that allow giving priority to certain filters (from those studied) depending on the lighting.
A Brief Overview of Energy Efficiency Resources in Emerging Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Ibhaze Augustus Ehiremen , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Okoyeigbo Obinna
Published: April 2022

It is crucial to design new communication technologies to surmount the setbacks in RF communication systems. A suitable energy-efficiency scheme helps evade needless energy consumption in wireless communication. Appropriate choice of the most suitable energy-efficiency scheme aids in selecting the most energy-efficient equipment to minimize the expense of energy towards decreasing individual network element energy consumption without affecting their unique features. This review presents the energy efficiency challenges in wireless communication by employing different technologies. The emergence of visible light communication (VLC) provides an energy-efficient wireless communication system despite the various challenges inherent in its adoption that limit its physical realization. This work seeks to harness the potential of the transmission capabilities of VLC while providing an insight into novel practical implementation techniques. The work also addresses the energy consumption problem of low-active components and idle period of active components of base stations by using sleep modes for their systematic turning off and on. The high cost of power supply and the environmental emission of gases from base stations are also addressed by integrating a renewable energy resource into the conventional standalone diesel generators. Overall, the work provides an overview of information necessary for foundational research in energy-efficient resources applied to emerging wireless communication systems.
Post-COVID-19 Lymphocytopenia and Opportunistic Pathogens Infection in a Thalassemia Major Patient
Authors: Petrungaro Annamaria , Quartarone Eugenia , Sciarrone Paolo , Rigoli Luciana
Published: April 2022

Transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients undergo transfusion immunomodulating effects, which result in a general immune response depression and, consequently, an increase in the frequency of infectious episodes and neoplastic events due to a reduction in phagocytic function. Altered natural killer functions and IL-2-mediated lymphocytic response, defects in antigen presentation due to monocyte–macrophage cells, and decreases in bone marrow precursors and HLA II+ cells all play key roles in immunodepression in thalassemia major. SARS-CoV-2 infection presents marked lymphopenia, occurring in 96.1% of severe cases. COVID-19-related lymphopenia is due to various mechanisms, which lead to an increase in lymphocytic apoptosis. Post-COVID-19 lymphocytic quantitative and functional disorders may compromise immune response and promote the onset of infections via opportunistic pathogens. Herein, we report a case of a thalassemia major patient who developed severe post-COVID-19 lymphocytopenia, which may have facilitated the onset of a severe Klebsiella Pneumoniae infection.
Rural Tourism in and after the COVID-19 Era: “Revenge Travel” or Chance for a Degrowth-Oriented Restart? Cases from Ireland and Germany
Authors: Panzer-Krause Sabine
Published: April 2022

Focusing on rural destinations and calling on the evolutionary resilience concept as a theoretical lens, this paper investigates whether COVID-19 provokes “revenge tourism” after periods of lockdown or whether the pandemic can be used as a chance for a degrowth-oriented restart that forms the foundation for a more sustainable tourism sector. Analysing tourism data and documents regarding political and economic actors’ actions in two rural destinations in Ireland (Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark) and Germany (Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve), the study reveals that so far, neither “revenge travel” nor a degrowth-oriented restart of tourism can be identified. Rather, current development indicates that the two rural destinations show resilience in the sense of bouncing back to the pre-COVID-19 era and a continuation of further growth-oriented rural tourism as far as possible under the conditions of political COVID-19 measures. As this development will not allow the sector to genuinely come to grips with the negative ecological and sociocultural effects of rural tourism, the paper pleads for initiation of a debate about influencing business realities on a supranational level, and in this context, about the value of rural tourism destinations and possible forms of financial compensation for degrowth in rural tourism.
Intramuscular Innervation of the Supraspinatus Muscle Assessed Using Sihler’s Staining: Potential Application in Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Authors: Lee Hyung-Jin , Lee Ji-Hyun , Yi Kyu-Ho , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: April 2022

Despite the positive effects of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection into the neural arborized area, there is no anatomical evidence in the literature regarding the neural arborization of the supraspinatus muscle. The present study aimed to define the intramuscular neural arborized pattern of the supraspinatus muscle using the modified Sihler’s staining method to facilitate the establishment of safe and effective injection sites in patients with myofascial pain in the supraspinatus muscle. Seventeen supraspinatus muscles from 15 embalmed cadavers were dissected. Precise suprascapular nerve entry locations were also observed. Intramuscular neural arborization was visualized by Sihler’s staining. The supraspinatus muscle was divided into four portions named A, B, C, and D. The nerve entry points were observed in 88.2% (15 of 17 cases) of section B and 76.5% (13 of 17 cases) of section C of the supraspinatus muscle, respectively. The concentration of intramuscular neural arborization was highest in section B of the supraspinatus muscle, which was the center of the supraspinatus muscle. When the clinician performs a trigger point and a BoNT injection into the supraspinatus muscle, injection within the medial 25–75% of the supraspinatus muscle will lead to optimal results when using small amounts of BoNT and prevent undesirable paralysis.