bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Integration: A Network Perspective on Popular Religious Connections in China’s Lower Yangzi, 1150–1350
Authors: Chen Song
Published: April 2023

The spread of cults from their original homelands in the Song dynasty (960–1279) created crisscrossing ties between local communities and fostered social and cultural integration in Chinese society that transcended class and geographic boundaries. Scholars have produced numerous case studies on these translocal cults and their implications, but the pattern of connections across space created by these cults is yet to be explored. Using the data collected from local gazetteers that have survived from the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties, this article takes a bird’s-eye view of the spatial distribution of popular cults in China’s Lower Yangzi region between 1150 and 1350 and employs the method of network analysis to study the pattern of connections formed through these religious ties. It reveals seven statistically significant subregional clusters of popular cults and three complementary mechanisms that tied these clusters together. It argues that integration across space was achieved not only through the spread of a cult and the attendant formation of a unified religious culture, but also through a multitude of less prominent cults which were each confined in their geographical scope of influence but collectively created a crisscrossing web of ties linking one subregional cluster to another. Host to a diversity of popular deities that were each associated with a different subregional cluster, the prefectural seats and the Southern Song capital Lin’an played a critical role in the social and cultural integration by providing a welcoming meeting ground for divergent communities of devotees.
Impacts of Water and Stress Transfers from Ground Surface on the Shallow Earthquake of 11 November 2019 at Le Teil (France)
Authors: Burnol André , Armandine Les Landes Antoine , Raucoules Daniel , Foumelis Michael , Allanic Cécile , Paquet Fabien , Maury Julie , Aochi Hideo , Guillon Théophile , Delatre Mickael , Dominique Pascal , Bitri Adnand , Lopez Simon , Pébaÿ Philippe P. , Bazargan-Sabet Behrooz
Published: April 2023

The 4.9 Mw earthquake of 11 November 2019 at Le Teil (France) occurred at a very shallow depth (about 1 km), inducing the surface rupture of La Rouvière fault. The question was raised shortly after about the potential impact of a nearby surface quarry. Thanks to satellite differential interferometry, here, we revealed the existence of a secondary surface rupture of the quasi-parallel Bayne Rocherenard fault. A newly processed seismic cross-section allowed us to shape the three-dimensional geometry of the local three-fault system. Assuming that the earthquake was triggered by the impact of meteoric water recharge, our numerical simulations show that the hydraulic pressure gradient at depth was at a maximum during the period of 2010–2019, just before the seismic event. The estimated overpressure at the intersection of the two faults, which is the most probable place of the hypocenter, was close to 1 MPa. This hydraulic effect is about two and a half times larger than the cumulative effect of mechanical stress release due to the mass removal from the surface quarry over the two past centuries. This work suggests a rapid hydraulic triggering mechanism on a network of faults at a shallow depth after a heavy rainfall episode.
Variation in Vegetation Quality of Terrestrial Ecosystems in China: Coupling Analysis Based on Remote Sensing and Typical Stations Monitoring Data
Authors: Jiang Luguang , Liu Ye , Xu Haixia
Published: April 2023

Vegetation is the most important component of the terrestrial ecosystem. Scientific and quantitative analysis of changes in vegetation quality is of great significance to the realization of ecosystem sustainability. Based on data of remote sensing and typical station monitoring, we examined dynamic NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) changes in typical ecosystems from 1998 to 2020. We found that about 1/3 of China’s regions had significantly improved vegetation quality in the past 22 years, and 10% of the region had decreased, which indicated that China’s ecological situation is continuously improving. There is a large spatial heterogeneity in the trend of NDVI changes. The NDVI of agricultural and forest stations in the north of China rose relatively slowly. The NDVI of desert stations has a significant upward trend. The large-scale implementation of ecological restoration projects had improved vegetation conditions. The NDVI of forest stations and agricultural stations in the south of China still showed growth, which already has better vegetation conditions. This research can provide theoretical support for the long-term monitoring of different ecosystem types and ecological protection in China.
Exploring Airborne LiDAR and Aerial Photographs Using Machine Learning for Land Cover Classification
Authors: Tsai Ming-Da , Tseng Kuan-Wen , Lai Chia-Cheng , Wei Chun-Ta , Cheng Ken-Fa
Published: April 2023

Airborne LiDAR is a popular measurement technology in recent years. Its feature is that it can quickly acquire high precision and high density 3D point coordinates on the surface. The reflective waveform of the radar contains the geometric structure and roughness of the surface reflector. Combined with the information from aerial photographs, it can quickly help users to interpret various surface object types and serve as a basis for land cover classification. The experiment is divided into three phases. In the phase 1, LiDAR data and decision tree classification method (DT) were used to classify the land cover and customize the geometric parameter elevation. In the phase 2, we combined aerial photographs, LiDAR data and DT method to improve the accuracy of land cover classification. In the phase 3, the support vector machine classification method (SVM) was used to compare the classification accuracy of different classification methods. The results show that customizing the geometric parameter elevation can improve the overall classification accuracy. The results of the study showed that the DT method and the SVM method had better results for the grass, building and artificial ground, and the SVM method had better results for the planted shrub and bare ground.
A Review of Quantitative Evaluation of Electromagnetic Environmental Effects: Research Progress and Trend Analysis
Authors: Li Mei , Wei Guanghui
Published: April 2023

With the increasing complexity of the electromagnetic environment, existing electronic systems and various equipment are greatly threatened. The study of the assessment of the effects of the electromagnetic environment has attracted more and more attention in the academic field and industry. In this review, the definition of the electromagnetic environmental effects assessment could be classified into two categories: objective and subjective equipment electromagnetic environmental effect assessments. Studies on both are comprehensively reviewed. The electromagnetic environmental effect assessment models are described and analyzed. The effects evaluation models mainly calculate the electromagnetic environmental effect index by various weighting, probability, and normalized interference level methods. However, each proposed model has certain limitations, so it cannot deal with all the electromagnetic interference effects. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation model for complex electromagnetic environmental effects has not yet been established. Recent studies have shown that neural networks can be used to improve the adaptability of evaluation models in electromagnetic environments. The evaluation result of the normalized interference level method is more consistent with the actual work efficiency. The combination of the two can unify the objective and subjective assessments, which is of great significance to the improvement of the consistency and accuracy of the results of the effects evaluation of the electromagnetic environment. Accordingly, challenges for future research are revealed, which plays a vital role in the development of electromagnetic environmental effects research and provides a reference for researchers.
Wearable Motion Capture Devices for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ergonomics—An Overview of Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Opportunities
Authors: Lind Carl Mikael , Abtahi Farhad , Forsman Mikael
Published: April 2023

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major contributor to disability worldwide and substantial societal costs. The use of wearable motion capture instruments has a role in preventing WMSDs by contributing to improvements in exposure and risk assessment and potentially improved effectiveness in work technique training. Given the versatile potential for wearables, this article aims to provide an overview of their application related to the prevention of WMSDs of the trunk and upper limbs and discusses challenges for the technology to support prevention measures and future opportunities, including future research needs. The relevant literature was identified from a screening of recent systematic literature reviews and overviews, and more recent studies were identified by a literature search using the Web of Science platform. Wearable technology enables continuous measurements of multiple body segments of superior accuracy and precision compared to observational tools. The technology also enables real-time visualization of exposures, automatic analyses, and real-time feedback to the user. While miniaturization and improved usability and wearability can expand the use also to more occupational settings and increase use among occupational safety and health practitioners, several fundamental challenges remain to be resolved. The future opportunities of increased usage of wearable motion capture devices for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders may require more international collaborations for creating common standards for measurements, analyses, and exposure metrics, which can be related to epidemiologically based risk categories for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
An Online Monitoring Method for Low-Frequency Dielectric Loss Angle of Mining Cables
Authors: Wang Yanwen , Chen Peng , Feng Chen , Cao Jiyuan
Published: April 2023

The dielectric loss angle can better reflect the overall insulation level of mining cables, so it is necessary to implement reliable and effective online monitoring of the dielectric loss angle of mining cables. In order to improve the monitoring accuracy of the dielectric loss angle tan δ of mining cables, a low-frequency dielectric loss angle online monitoring method combining signal injection method and double-end synchronous measurement method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the superiority of the low-frequency signal in improving the detection accuracy of dielectric loss angle is explained, and the feasibility of the low-frequency signal injection method is analyzed. Secondly, the cable leakage is calculated using the double-terminal synchronous measurement method to measure the core current at the first and last ends of the cable, and the phase sum of the voltage at the first and last ends is selected as the reference phase quantity to realize the effective calculation of the dielectric loss angle tan δ of the cable. Then, the simulation model for online monitoring of dielectric loss angle of mining cable is built, and the feasibility of the online monitoring method proposed in this paper is verified by combining the simulation results. Finally, the theoretical and simulation analysis of the monitoring error of dielectric loss angle of mining cable is carried out.
Development of a Stable Oxygen Sensor Using a 761 nm DFB Laser and Multi-Pass Absorption Spectroscopy for Field Measurements
Authors: Chang Jvqiang , He Qixin , Li Mengxin
Published: April 2023

An optical sensor system based on wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) was developed for atmospheric oxygen (O2) detection. A distributed feedback (DFB) laser with butterfly packaging was used to target the O2 absorption line at 760.89 nm. A compact multi-pass gas cell was employed to increase the effective absorption length to 3.3 m. To ensure the stability and anti-interference capability of the sensor in field measurements, the optical module was fabricated with isolation of ambient light and vibration design. A 1f normalized 2f WMS (WMS-2f/1f) technique was adopted to reduce the effect of laser power drift. In addition, a LabVIEW-based dual-channel lock-in amplifier was developed for harmonic detection, which significantly reduced the sensor volume and cost. The detailed detection principle was described, and a theoretical model was established to verify the effectiveness of the technique. Experiments were carried out to obtain the device’s sensing performances. An Allan deviation analysis yielded a minimum detection limit of 0.054% for 1 s integration time that can be further improved to 0.009% at ~60 s. Finally, the reliability and anti-interference capability of the sensor system were verified by the atmospheric O2 monitoring.
Multiple Performance Optimization for Microstrip Patch Antenna Improvement
Authors: Chen Ja-Hao , Cheng Chen-Yang , Chien Chuan-Min , Yuangyai Chumpol , Chen Ting-Hua , Chen Shuo-Tsung
Published: April 2023

As the Internet of Things (IOT) becomes more widely used in our everyday lives, an increasing number of wireless communication devices are required, meaning that an increasing number of signals are transmitted and received through antennas. Thus, the performance of antennas plays an important role in IOT applications, and increasing the efficiency of antenna design has become a crucial topic. Antenna designers have often optimized antennas by using an EM simulation tool. Although this method is feasible, a great deal of time is often spent on designing the antenna. To improve the efficiency of antenna optimization, this paper proposes a design of experiments (DOE) method for antenna optimization. The antenna length and area in each direction were the experimental parameters, and the response variables were antenna gain and return loss. Response surface methodology was used to obtain optimal parameters for the layout of the antenna. Finally, we utilized antenna simulation software to verify the optimal parameters for antenna optimization, showing how the DOE method can increase the efficiency of antenna optimization. The antenna optimized by DOE was implemented, and its measured results show that the antenna gain and return loss were 2.65 dBi and 11.2 dB, respectively.
On Dispersion Compensation for GAW-Based Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Backer Alexander , Fairuschin Viktor , Drese Klaus Stefan
Published: April 2023

Guided acoustic waves (GAW) have proven to be a useful tool for structural health monitoring (SHM). However, the dispersive nature of commonly used Lamb waves compromises the spatial resolution making it difficult to detect small or weakly reflective defects. Here we demonstrate an approach that can compensate for the dispersive effects, allowing advanced algorithms to be used with significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. In this paper, the sign coherence factor (SCF) extension of the total focusing method (TFM) algorithm is used. The effectiveness is examined by numerical simulation and experimentally demonstrated by detecting weakly reflective layers with a highly dispersive A0 mode on an aluminum plate, which are not detectable without compensating for the dispersion effects.
Estimating Fluor Emission Spectra Using Digital Image Analysis Compared to Spectrophotometer Measurements
Authors: Park Hyeon-Woo , Choi Ji-Won , Joo Kyung-Kwang , Kim Na-Ri , Shin Chang-Dong
Published: April 2023

This paper describes a practical method for obtaining the spectra of lights emitted by a fluor in a liquid scintillator (LS) using a digital camera. The emission wavelength results obtained using a digital image were compared with those obtained using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. For general users, conventional spectrophotometers are expensive and difficult to access. Moreover, their experimental measurement setup and processes are highly complicated, and they require considerable care in handling. To overcome these limitations, a feasibility study was performed to obtain the emission spectrum through image analysis. Specifically, the emission spectrum of a fluor dissolved in a liquid scintillator was obtained using digital image analysis. An image processing method was employed to convert the light irradiated during camera exposure into wavelengths. Hue (H) and wavelength (W) are closely related. Thus, we obtained an H-W response curve in the 400~450 nm wavelength region, using a light-emitting diode. Another relevant advantage of the method described in this study is its non-invasiveness in sealed LS samples. Our results showed that this method has the potential to accurately investigate the emission wavelengths of fluor within acceptable uncertainties. We envision the use of this method to perform experiments in chemistry and physics laboratories in the future.
Comparative Evaluation of Metformin and Metronidazole Release from Oral Lyophilisates with Different Methods
Authors: Timergalieva Venera R. , Gennari Chiara G. M. , Cilurzo Francesco , Selmin Francesca , Moustafine Rouslan I.
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study is to compare three different dissolution methods to assess the drug release from oral lyophilisates, based on interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs). IPECs were prepared by mixing solutions of a linear polymer, Eudragit® EPO, with a polymer with a cross-linked structure, Noveon® AA-1 or Carbopol® 10 Ultrez (in ratios of 1:2 and 1:1, respectively). Metformin or metronidazole were used as model drugs to achieve a systemic or local effect. A comparative assessment of the drug release kinetics was carried out using artificial saliva and three different set-ups: a paddle stirrer (USP apparatus 2), a flow cell (USP apparatus 4) and a Franz diffusion cell. The results demonstrated that oral lyophilisates disintegrated within 1 min. In the case of metformin, the drug release was completed in about 90 min independently of the set-up. The static conditions in the Franz diffusion cell and USP apparatus 2 permitted the aggregation of the IPEC; therefore, the release profiles show a significant difference compared to the USP apparatus 4.
A Review of Policy Framework Research on Promoting Sustainable Transformation of Digital Innovation
Authors: Xu Chenglei , Zhu Shuxin , Yang Boru , Miao Bin , Duan Yi
Published: April 2023

With the increasing demand for digital innovation scenarios, it is important to complement and improve the policy system for the governance of digital innovation activities. Combining the previous research results on the analysis of antecedent variables, basic effects and potential mechanisms of digital innovation, and based on the citation analysis of digital innovation topics based on the Citespace method, we find that in the past two decades, the topic of digital innovation policy research has gradually shifted from focusing on “constraining policies to control negative impacts” to focusing on “constructive policies to expand positive impacts”. The digital transformation has brought about multidimensional and profound impacts on the governance of innovation activities, and it is necessary to accelerate the theoretical research on policy frameworks for the new areas of technology socialization effects. Summarizing some of the important progresses, we propose a policy framework covering three aspects: policy needs for sustainable transformation of digital innovation, policy orientation and policy dimensions for sustainable transformation of digital innovation, creating R&D opportunities, optimizing R&D organization, building ecological advantages, improving R&D governance, knowledge creation, enabling applications, collaborative promotion, standardizing management, national digital innovation system, digital innovation foundation, data governance capacity, digital security and other aspects of the conceptual framework of the basic policies for sustainable transformation of digital innovation. The research viewpoints and conclusions are of theoretical reference value for further research on key policy conditions for digital innovation, major policy impact effects and digital innovation governance mechanisms.
Effect of Asphalt Pavement Base Layers on Transverse Shrinkage Cracking Characteristics
Authors: Xing Mingming , Yang Hongwei , Zhao Zhenguo , Yu Tengjiang
Published: April 2023

Transverse shrinkage cracking is considered to be one of the main factors leading to the degradation of sustainable service performance for asphalt pavement, but the effect of base layers on it is rarely studied. To investigate the effect of asphalt pavement base layers on transverse shrinkage cracking characteristics, this study analyzed and evaluated it through the test section data. The transverse shrinkage cracking test section data of four different asphalt pavement base layers were compared, and the variation characteristics of transverse shrinkage cracking under the influence of the base layer types and temperature were analyzed. Based on the conventional characteristics, the concept and calculation method of cracking area ratio (CAR) was proposed, and its rationality and accuracy were proved by calculation. It has been found that the CAR can reflect the longitudinal shrinkage performance of asphalt pavement. The shrinkage rate of a semi-rigid base is larger, while the shrinkage performance of a flexible base is better, and the shrinkage performance of the whole pavement is not affected by a small amount of cement. The research provides a practical basis for improving the anti-cracking performance of asphalt pavement and helps to enhance its sustainable service performance.
Serial Dynamics, Spatial Spillover and Common Factors of Carbon Emission Intensity in China’s Bohai Economic Rim
Authors: Gao Yan , Wang Xin , Zhang Liyan
Published: April 2023

The Bohai Economic Rim (BER) is an important economic Rim in north China. Since the implementation of the Beijing−Tianjin−Hebei Coordinated Strategy in 2014, the provinces have become more closely connected in economic development and environmental governance. This paper investigates the dynamics and spillover effects of carbon emission intensity in the BER before and after removing the common factors, and analyzes the reasons for the difference. In this study, the serial dynamics characteristics and spatial spillover effects of the carbon emission intensity of provinces were analyzed in the BER provinces between 2000 and 2019. Based on the Moran index and the spatial Durbin model, the provincial carbon emission intensity and influence factors were examined. CD (Correlation Dependence) tests were then applied, with the test results indicating that the carbon intensities had strong spatial correlation. Therefore, the dynamic spatial Durbin common factor model was introduced, characterizing the dynamic characteristics of the carbon emission intensity and the spatial spillover effect in the BER. The consequences obtained are as follows: (1) The carbon emission intensities in the BER were influenced by the energy intensity, urbanization level, economic growth, and population density. There was a significant spatial spillover effect between a province and its neighboring provinces. (2) The carbon emission intensities of the provinces exhibited a strong correlation. (3) The reason for the strong carbon emission intensity correlation is associated with environmental protection policies that are similar and the common external development environment. Combining the above findings and study conclusions, the authors offer the following policy suggestions: (1) optimize the energy structure; (2) improve the industrial structure; (3) construct a regional collaborative governance mechanism for carbon emissions; and (4) formulate a precise policy. This study is crucial for reducing regional carbon emissions, promoting the transition to a green economy and society, and achieving the “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutrality” targets in China.
Investigating the Role of Ethical Leadership on Employee Innovativeness through Bottom-Up Job Redesigning: Self-Leadership as a Catalyst
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Hussain Muhammad Ali , Humayun Shazia , Awais Muhammad , Li Mingxing
Published: April 2023

In contemporary studies, leadership has been frequently highlighted as an important aspect in facilitating innovative work behavior (IWB) in ever-changing organizations. Drawn on social learning theory, this research investigated the influence of ethical leadership (EL) on employee’s innovative behaviors (IWB). The relationship between ethical leadership (EL) and employee innovative behavior (IWB) is mediated by job crafting (JC), with the moderating role of self-leadership (SL) also being studied. In total, 370 valid responses were retrieved from the service industry of Zhejiang province in China. The study used Mplus 8.0 to run the moderated mediation model. It is found that ethical leadership (EL) is positively linked with innovative work behavior (IWB) and job crafting (JC). Subsequently, the study also found that job crafting (JC) is significantly related to innovative work behavior (IWB). Additionally, the study confirms that job crating (JC) significantly mediates the relationship between ethical leadership (EL) and innovative work behavior (IWB). Additionally, the study reveals that a high level of self-leadership (SL) strengthens the association between ethical leadership (EL) and job crafting (JC).
Automatic Coastline Extraction Based on the Improved Instantaneous Waterline Extraction Method and Correction Criteria Using SAR Imagery
Authors: Zheng Hongxia , Li Xiao , Wan Jianhua , Xu Mingming , Liu Shanwei , Yasir Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Coastlines with different morphologies form boundaries between the land and ocean, and play a vital role in tourism, integrated coastal zone management, and marine engineering. Therefore, determining how to extract the coastline from satellite images quickly, accurately, and intelligently without manual intervention has become a hot topic. However, the instantaneous waterline extracted directly from the image must be corrected to the coastline using the tide survey station data. This process is challenging due to the scarcity of tide stations. Therefore, an improved instantaneous waterline extraction method was proposed in this paper with an integrated Otsu threshold method, a region-growing algorithm, Canny edge detection, and a morphology operator. Based on SAR feature extraction and screening, the multi-scale segmentation method and KNN classification algorithms were used to achieve object-oriented automatic classification. According to different types of ground features, the correction criteria were presented and used in correcting the instantaneous waterline in biological coasts and undeveloped silty coasts. As a result, the accurate extraction of the coastline was accomplished in the area of the Yellow River Delta. The coastline was compared with that extracted from the GF-1 optical image. The result shows that the deviation degree was less than the field distance represented by three pixels.
Principal Stress Trajectories in Plasticity under Plane Strain and Axial Symmetry
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Rynkovskaya Marina , Li Yong
Published: April 2023

The two families of principal stress trajectories can be regarded as an orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system under plane strain and axial symmetry. Under plane strain, the equilibrium equations in conjunction with a yield criterion comprise a statically determinate system. Under axial symmetry, a statically determinate system results from the above equations supplemented with the hypothesis of Haar von Karman. In both cases, the compatibility equations for mapping the principal line coordinate system to a given coordinate system show that the scale factors of the former satisfy a simple algebraic or transcendental equation for many yield criteria. Using this equation, one can develop a method for reducing boundary value problems in plasticity to purely geometric problems. The method is independent of any flow rule that can be chosen to calculate displacement or velocity fields, as well as independent whether elastic strains are included. The present paper summarizes available results related to using principal stress trajectories in plasticity and emphasizes the advantages of the method above.
Absolute Structure Determination of Chiral Zinc Tartrate MOFs by 3D Electron Diffraction
Authors: Jandl Christian , Steinfeld Gunther , Li Keyao , Pang Pokka Ka Chuen , Choi Chun Lung , Wang Cengan , Simoncic Petra , Williams Ian D.
Published: April 2023

The absolute structure of the 3D MOF anhydrous zinc (II) tartrate with space group I222 has been determined for both [Zn(L-TAR)] and [Zn(D-TAR)] by electron diffraction using crystals of sub-micron dimensions. Dynamical refinement gives a strong difference in R factors for the correct and inverted structures. These anhydrous MOFs may be prepared phase pure from mild hydrothermal conditions. Powder X-ray diffraction indicates that isostructural or pseudo-isostructural phases can be similarly prepared for several other M2+ = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni and Cu. I222 is a relatively uncommon space group since it involves intersecting two-fold axes that place constraints on molecular crystals. However, in the case of MOFs the packing is dominated by satisfying the octahedral coordination centers. These MOFs are dense 3D networks with chiral octahedral metal centers that may be classed as Δ (for L-TAR) or Λ (for D-TAR).
Spatial-Temporal Differentiation and Spatial Interaction Effect Analysis of Residents’ Consumption Capacity and Consumption Upgrading in China
Authors: Xing Xiaowei , Ye Azhong
Published: April 2023

To investigate Chinese residents’ consumption capacity and consumption upgrading, this study uses the Moran index, the Dagum Gini coefficient method, and the SPVAR model to analyze the spatial-temporal differentiation and interactions between the two; the entropy method is employed to measure the development level of both factors. As per the results, from 2008 to 2020, the levels of consumption capacity and consumption upgrading have increased rapidly and are distinctly unbalanced, but there is a clear trend of convergence between the developments in each province, and both show spatial agglomeration, mainly in the “high–high” and “low–low” clusters. The “high–high” clusters are primarily concentrated in the more economically developed eastern coastal and central fast-rising regions, with inter-regional differences being the main reason for the regional differences between the two. In terms of spatial interaction, the two are Granger causalities, with positive feedback effects that promote each other, and have a “center–periphery” spatial spillover effect, where the center generates spatial spillover and also suffers reverse shocks from the periphery, while the shock effect is limited by inter-provincial economic ties and geographical distance.
Outdoor Recreation in Southeastern United States National Forests: An Investigation of the Influence of Ethnicity and Gasoline Price on Individual Participation
Authors: Jean Rosny , Naka Kozma , Christian Colmore S. , Gyawali Buddhi Raj , Bowman Troy , Hopkinson Sampson
Published: April 2023

Outdoor recreation is one of the most widely recognized ecosystem services provided by forests and grasslands in the world. This paper examined the influence of factors not related to landscape values, such as ethnicity and gasoline prices, on individual participation in outdoor recreation in the southeastern region of the U.S. The model results showed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the race groups (Caucasians and non-Caucasians) for participation in the different activities either between racial groups or among National Forest (NF). This may be due to the very high proportion of Caucasian participants in the study. The results also revealed that travel costs negatively influence the number of NF visits. The number of NF visits decreases if the gasoline price increases by 20% and more. The results of this study have practical importance for different entities such as stakeholders, tourism operators, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, and local authorities.
Toxicity Weighting for Human Biomonitoring Mixture Risk Assessment: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Loh Miranda M. , Schmidt Phillipp , Christopher de Vries Yvette , Vogel Nina , Kolossa-Gehring Marike , Vlaanderen Jelle , Lebret Erik , Luijten Mirjam
Published: April 2023

Chemical mixture risk assessment has, in the past, primarily focused on exposures quantified in the external environment. Assessing health risks using human biomonitoring (HBM) data provides information on the internal concentration, from which a dose can be derived, of chemicals to which human populations are exposed. This study describes a proof of concept for conducting mixture risk assessment with HBM data, using the population-representative German Environmental Survey (GerES) V as a case study. We first attempted to identify groups of correlated biomarkers (also known as ‘communities’, reflecting co-occurrence patterns of chemicals) using a network analysis approach (n = 515 individuals) on 51 chemical substances in urine. The underlying question is whether the combined body burden of multiple chemicals is of potential health concern. If so, subsequent questions are which chemicals and which co-occurrence patterns are driving the potential health risks. To address this, a biomonitoring hazard index was developed by summing over hazard quotients, where each biomarker concentration was weighted (divided) by the associated HBM health-based guidance value (HBM-HBGV, HBM value or equivalent). Altogether, for 17 out of the 51 substances, health-based guidance values were available. If the hazard index was higher than 1, then the community was considered of potential health concern and should be evaluated further. Overall, seven communities were identified in the GerES V data. Of the five mixture communities where a hazard index was calculated, the highest hazard community contained N-Acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-ethyl)cysteine (AAMA), but this was the only biomarker for which a guidance value was available. Of the other four communities, one included the phthalate metabolites mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) with high hazard quotients, which led to hazard indices that exceed the value of one in 5.8% of the participants included in the GerES V study. This biological index method can put forward communities of co-occurrence patterns of chemicals on a population level that need further assessment in toxicology or health effects studies. Future mixture risk assessment using HBM data will benefit from additional HBM health-based guidance values based on population studies. Additionally, accounting for different biomonitoring matrices would provide a wider range of exposures. Future hazard index analyses could also take a common mode of action approach, rather than the more agnostic and non-specific approach we have taken in this proof of concept.
Cross Sections for Coherent Elastic and Inelastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering
Authors: Van Dessel Nils , Pandey Vishvas , Ray Heather , Jachowicz Natalie
Published: April 2023

The prospects of extracting new physics signals in coherent elastic neutrino–nucleus scattering (CEνNS) processes are limited by the precision with which the underlying nuclear structure physics, embedded in the weak nuclear form factor, is known. We present calculations of charge and weak nuclear form factors and CEνNS cross sections on 12C, 16O, 40Ar, 56Fe and 208Pb nuclei. We obtain the proton and neutron densities, and charge and weak form factors by solving Hartree–Fock (HF) equations with a Skyrme (SkE2) nuclear potential. We validate our approach by comparing 208Pb and 40Ar charge form factor predictions with available elastic electron scattering data. Since CEνNS experiments at stopped-pion sources are also well suited to measure inelastic charged–current and neutral–current neutrino–nucleus cross sections, we also present calculations for these processes, incorporating a continuum Random Phase Approximation (CRPA) description on top of the HF–SkE2 picture of the nucleus. Providing both coherent as well as inelastic cross sections in a consistent framework, we aim at obtaining a reliable and detailed comparison of the strength of these processes in the energy region below 100 MeV. Furthermore, we attempt to gauge the level of theoretical uncertainty pertaining to the description of the 40Ar form factor and CEνNS cross sections by comparing relative differences between recent microscopic nuclear theory and widely-used phenomenological form factor predictions. Future precision measurements of CEνNS will potentially help in constraining these nuclear structure details that will in turn improve prospects of extracting new physics.
Study of a Minimally Deformed Anisotropic Solution for Compact Objects with Massive Scalar Field in Brans–Dicke Gravity Admitting the Karmarkar Condition
Authors: Jasim M. K. , Singh Ksh. Newton , Errehymy Abdelghani , Maurya S. K. , Mandke M. V.
Published: April 2023

In the present paper, we focused on exploring the possibility of providing a new class of exact solutions for viable anisotropic stellar systems by means of the massive Brans–Dicke (BD) theory of gravity. In this respect, we used the decoupling of gravitational sources by minimal geometric deformation (MGD) (e−η=Ψ+βh) for compact stellar objects in the realm of embedding class-one space-time to study anisotropic solutions for matter sources through the modified Einstein field equations. For this purpose, we used the ansatz for Ψ relating to the prominent, well-known and well-behaved Finch–Skea model via Karmarkar condition, and the determination scheme for deformation function h(r) was proposed via mimic requirement on radial pressure component: θ11(r)=pr(r) and matter density: θ00(r)=ρ(r) for the anisotropic sector. Moreover, we analyzed the main physical highlights of the anisotropic celestial object by executing several physical tests for the case θ11(r)=pr(r). We have clearly shown how the parameters α, β and ωBD introduced by massive BD gravity via the MGD approach incorporating the anisotropic profile of the matter distribution have an immense effect on many physical parameters of compact bodies such as LMC X-4, LMC X-4, Her X-1, 4U 1820-30, 4U 1608-52, SAX J1808.4–658 and many others that can be fitted.
Financialisation of Housing in London: Empirical Evidence on Housing Prices
Authors: Vergara-Perucich José Francisco
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to empirically review the process of housing financialisation in London, exploring a time series causal relationship between house prices and financial instruments, using the Granger method and a VAR test. In order to carry out this analysis, we use a vector autoregressive model with a monthly data series that seeks to contribute to exploring this relationship. The results are relevant to the important role that the theory of housing financialisation plays in explaining the crisis of access to secure tenure that can be seen in developed nations. The results also provide an empirical background to pursue this theory more specifically in the context of the vectors that are effectively causal to the financialisation processes that impact everyday life through housing prices. The study is original, given that this type of modelling has not previously been carried out for a major world city such as London, and adds to the findings of similar explorations that have applied other methodologies.
A Web Tool to Estimate Baseline Anti-Spike Monoclonal Antibody Efficacy Based on Regional Genomic Surveillance
Authors: Focosi Daniele
Published: April 2023

Drug appropriateness is a pillar of modern evidence-based medicine, but the turnaround times of genomic sequencing are not compatible with the urgent need to deliver treatments against microorganisms. Massive worldwide genomic surveillance has created an unprecedented landscape for exploiting viral sequencing for therapeutic purposes. When it comes to therapeutic antiviral antibodies, using IC50 against specific polymorphisms of the target antigen can be calculated in vitro, and a list of mutations leading to drug resistance (immune escape) can be compiled. The author encountered this type of knowledge (available from the Stanford University Coronavirus Antiviral Resistance Database,) in a publicly accessible repository of SARS-CoV-2 sequences. The author used a custom function of the CoV-Spectrum.org web portal to deliver up-to-date, regional prevalence estimates of baseline efficacy for each authorized anti-spike mAb across all co-circulating SARS-CoV-2 sublineages at a given time point. This publicly accessible tool can inform therapeutic choices that would otherwise be blind.
Effect of Viral Strain and Host Age on Clinical Disease and Viral Replication in Immunocompetent Mouse Models of Chikungunya Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth J. , Knight Audrey C. , Heise Mark T. , Baxter Victoria K.
Published: April 2023

The alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV) represents a reemerging public health threat as mosquito vectors spread and viruses acquire advantageous mutations. Although primarily arthritogenic in nature, CHIKV can produce neurological disease with long-lasting sequelae that are difficult to study in humans. We therefore evaluated immunocompetent mouse strains/stocks for their susceptibility to intracranial infection with three different CHIKV strains, the East/Central/South African (ECSA) lineage strain SL15649 and Asian lineage strains AF15561 and SM2013. In CD-1 mice, neurovirulence was age- and CHIKV strain-specific, with SM2013 inducing less severe disease than SL15649 and AF15561. In 4–6-week-old C57BL/6J mice, SL15649 induced more severe disease and increased viral brain and spinal cord titers compared to Asian lineage strains, further indicating that neurological disease severity is CHIKV-strain-dependent. Proinflammatory cytokine gene expression and CD4+ T cell infiltration in the brain were also increased with SL15649 infection, suggesting that like other encephalitic alphaviruses and with CHIKV-induced arthritis, the immune response contributes to CHIKV-induced neurological disease. Finally, this study helps overcome a current barrier in the alphavirus field by identifying both 4–6-week-old CD-1 and C57BL/6J mice as immunocompetent, neurodevelopmentally appropriate mouse models that can be used to examine CHIKV neuropathogenesis and immunopathogenesis following direct brain infection.
Age at Natural Menopause in Women Living with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Self-Reported and Biochemical Data
Authors: Swann Shayda A. , King Elizabeth M. , Tognazzini Shelly , Campbell Amber R. , Levy Sofia L. A. , Pick Neora , Prior Jerilynn C. , Elwood Chelsea , Loutfy Mona , Nicholson Valerie , Kaida Angela , Côté Hélène C. F. , Murray Melanie C. M.
Published: April 2023

Early menopause (<45 years) has significant impacts on bone, cardiovascular, and cognitive health. Several studies have suggested earlier menopause for women living with HIV; however, the current literature is limited by reliance on self-report data. We determined age at menopause in women living with HIV and socio-demographically similar HIV-negative women based on both self-report of menopause status (no menses for ≥12 months) and biochemical confirmation (defined as above plus follicle-stimulating hormone level ≥ 25 IU/mL). Multivariable median regression models assessed factors associated with menopause age, controlling for relevant confounders. Overall, 91 women living with HIV and 98 HIV-negative women were categorized as menopausal by self-report, compared to 83 and 92 by biochemical confirmation. Age at menopause did not differ significantly between groups, whether based on self-report (median [IQR]: 49.0 [45.3 to 53.0] vs. 50.0 [46.0 to 53.0] years; p = 0.28) or biochemical confirmation (50.0 [46.0 to 53.0] vs. 51.0 [46.0 to 53.0] years; p = 0.54). In the multivariable model, no HIV-related or psychosocial variables were associated with earlier age at menopause (all p > 0.05). Overall, HIV status per se was not statistically associated with an earlier age at menopause, emphasizing the importance of comparing socio-demographically similar women in reproductive health and HIV research.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Viral Infections in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients and Impact on Outcome
Authors: Abdullatif Hala , Dhawan Anil , Verma Anita
Published: April 2023

Infections after liver transplantation (LT) are risk factors for morbidity and mortality. Infections, especially of viral etiologies, still have an impact on the graft function and overall outcome. The aim was to review the epidemiology and risk factors of EBV, CMV and non-EBV non-CMV viral infections and their impacts on outcomes after LT. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were retrieved from patients’ electronic databases. Over 2 years, 96 patients were transplanted at the Pediatric Liver Centre at Kings College Hospital. The majority of the infections were of viral origin; 73 (76%) patients. The incidence of EBV viremia was 60.4%, CMV infection 35.4%, and other viruses 30%. Older donor age, auxiliary graft, and bacterial infections were risk factors for EBV infection. Younger recipient age, D+R− CMV IgG, and left lateral segment graft were risk factors for CMV infection. More than 70% of patients with non-EBV and CMV viral infections stayed positive post-LT but did not contribute to increased complications. Despite the high prevalence of viral infections, EBV, CMV, and non-EBV non-CMV viral infections were not associated with rejection, morbidity, or mortality. Although some of the risk factors for viral infections are unavoidable, identifying the characteristics and risk pattern will help improve the care for pediatric LT recipients.
Noncoding RNA of Zika Virus Affects Interplay between Wnt-Signaling and Pro-Apoptotic Pathways in the Developing Brain Tissue
Authors: Slonchak Andrii , Chaggar Harman , Aguado Julio , Wolvetang Ernst , Khromykh Alexander A.
Published: April 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) has a unique ability among flaviviruses to cross the placental barrier and infect the fetal brain causing severe abnormalities of neurodevelopment known collectively as congenital Zika syndrome. In our recent study, we demonstrated that the viral noncoding RNA (subgenomic flaviviral RNA, sfRNA) of the Zika virus induces apoptosis of neural progenitors and is required for ZIKV pathogenesis in the developing brain. Herein, we expanded on our initial findings and identified biological processes and signaling pathways affected by the production of ZIKV sfRNA in the developing brain tissue. We employed 3D brain organoids generated from induced human pluripotent stem cells (ihPSC) as an ex vivo model of viral infection in the developing brain and utilized wild type (WT) ZIKV (producing sfRNA) and mutant ZIKV (deficient in the production of sfRNA). Global transcriptome profiling by RNA-Seq revealed that the production of sfRNA affects the expression of >1000 genes. We uncovered that in addition to the activation of pro-apoptotic pathways, organoids infected with sfRNA-producing WT, but not sfRNA-deficient mutant ZIKV, which exhibited a strong down-regulation of genes involved in signaling pathways that control neuron differentiation and brain development, indicating the requirement of sfRNA for the suppression of neurodevelopment associated with the ZIKV infection. Using gene set enrichment analysis and gene network reconstruction, we demonstrated that the effect of sfRNA on pathways that control brain development occurs via crosstalk between Wnt-signaling and proapoptotic pathways.