bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apple Puree as a Natural Fructose Source Provides an Effective Alternative to Artificial Fructose Sources for Fuelling Endurance Cycling Performance in Males
Authors: Reynolds Kirsty M. , Juett Loris A. , Cobb James , Hulston Carl J. , Mears Stephen A. , James Lewis J.
Published: August 2022

Carbohydrate consumption during exercise enhances endurance performance. A food-focused approach may offer an alternative, ‘healthier’ approach given the potential health concerns associated with artificial fructose sources, but food-based carbohydrate sources may increase gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. This study compared the cycling performance and GI comfort of two different fructose sources (fruit and artificial) ingested during exercise. Nine trained male cyclists (age 24 ± 7 years; VO2peak 65 ± 6 mL/kg/min) completed a familiarisation and two experimental trials (60 g/h carbohydrate, 120 min at 55% Wmax and ~15 min time trial). In the two experimental trials, carbohydrate was ingested in a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio, with fructose provided as artificial crystalline fructose (GLU/FRU) or natural apple puree (APPLE PUREE) and maltodextrin added to provide sufficient glucose. Time trial (TT) performance was not different between trials (GLU/FRU 792 ± 68 s, APPLE PUREE 800 ± 65 s; p = 0.313). No GI symptoms were significantly different between trials (p ≥ 0.085). Heart rate, blood glucose/lactate concentrations, and RPE were not different between trials, but all, excluding blood glucose concentration, increased from rest to exercise and further increased post-TT. Apple puree as a natural fructose source provides an alternative to artificial fructose sources without influencing cycling performance or GI symptoms.
Plants 2022 Best Paper Award
Authors:   Plants Editorial Office
Published: August 2022

Plants is instituting the Best Paper Awards to recognize the outstanding papers published in the journal [...]
Synthesis and Mechanism Study of Temperature- and Salt-Resistant Amphoteric Polyacrylamide with MAPTAC and DTAB as Monomers
Authors: Sui Yu , Cao Guangsheng , Guo Tianyue , Zhang Zihang , Zhang Zhiqiu , Xiao Zhongmin
Published: August 2022

The failure of thickeners at high temperature results in gelled acid acidification fracturing. To solve the problem, 8 kinds of polymers were synthesized by free radical polymerization of aqueous solution using AM, AMPS, NaAMPS, MAPTAC, DTAB and NVP as raw materials. The polymer was characterized by infrared spectroscopy and viscosity-average molecular weight, and the temperature resistance, rheology, salt resistance and shear resistance of the polymer solution were compared, and the mechanism was analyzed. The results show that the viscosity of GTY−2 is 181.52 mPa·s, and the viscosity loss rate is 56.89% at 180 °C and 100 s−1, and its temperature resistance is the best. Meanwhile, the viscosity retention rate of GTY−2 is 84.58% after 160 min shear, showing the strongest shear resistance. The viscosity loss rate of GTY−1 in 20% hydrochloric acid solution is 80.88%, and its acid resistance is stronger than that of GTY−2. Moreover, due to the amphiphilicity of DTAB, the molecular hydration film becomes thicker, and the salt resistance of GTY−2 is lower than that of GTY−1. The experimental results show that GTY−1 and GTY−2 have good temperature resistance, salt resistance, acid resistance and shear resistance, and can be used as thickeners for acid fracturing with thickened acid to improve the effect of acid fracturing under high temperature conditions.
Preheating of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes as Basis for Heated Calendering—A Numerical Approach
Authors: Lippke Mark , Meister Jakob , Schilde Carsten , Kwade Arno
Published: August 2022

Lithium-ion batteries are state of the art and, still, their performance is constantly improving. To increase the energy density and electric conductivity, electrodes are usually calendered. Hereby, a higher degree of compaction, while reducing structural damage, can be reached by heating the calendering rolls. For industrially relevant line speeds, it is however questionable whether the contact time between electrode and roll is sufficient to reach the full positive effect of the increased temperature. This study shows a numerical approach based on the discrete element method to simulate the heating behavior of electrodes before and during calendering using a typical NMC-622-cathode as a model structure. To improve the results of existing, more simplified discrete element method simulations, which neglect the heat transfer through the carbon black–binder matrix, an extension with heat transfer through the carbon black–binder matrix has been implemented. Considering process parameters, such as calender roll temperature and line speed, as well as electrode parameters, such as thickness and porosity, this model can provide an individual calculation of the heating behavior to evaluate the need for a preheating device. Specifically, this study provides an in depth analysis of the influence of the mass loading on the heating time. It becomes clear that preheating can be of great relevance especially for high mass loadings, as well as high line speeds, as the required heating time increases by 116% when the basis weight is increased by 50%.
A Systematic Review on Waste as Sustainable Feedstock for Bioactive Molecules—Extraction as Isolation Technology
Authors: Drescher Adrian , Kienberger Marlene
Published: August 2022

In today’s linear economy, waste streams, environmental pollution, and social–economic differences are increasing with population growth. The need to develop towards a circular economy is obvious, especially since waste streams are composed of valuable compounds. Waste is a heterogeneous and complex matrix, the selective isolation of, for example, polyphenolic compounds, is challenging due to its energy efficiency and at least partially its selectivity. Extraction is handled as an emerging technology in biorefinery approaches. Conventional solid liquid extraction with organic solvents is hazardous and environmentally unfriendly. New extraction methods and green solvents open a wider scope of applications. This research focuses on the question of whether these methods and solvents are suitable to replace their organic counterparts and on the definition of parameters to optimize the processes. This review deals with the process development of agro-food industrial waste streams for biorefineries. It gives a short overview of the classification of waste streams and focuses on the extraction methods and important process parameters for the isolation of secondary metabolites.
Dictionary Learning- and Total Variation-Based High-Light-Efficiency Snapshot Multi-Aperture Spectral Imaging
Authors: Huang Feng , Lin Peng , Cao Rongjin , Zhou Bin , Wu Xianyu
Published: August 2022

Conventional multispectral imaging systems based on bandpass filters struggle to record multispectral videos with high spatial resolutions because of their limited light efficiencies. This paper proposes a multi-aperture multispectral imaging system based on notch filters that overcomes this limitation by allowing light from most of the spectrum to pass through. Based on this imaging principle, a prototype multi-aperture multispectral imaging system comprising notch filters was built and demonstrated. Further, a dictionary learning- and total variation-based spectral super-resolution algorithm was developed to reconstruct spectral images. The simulation results obtained using public multispectral datasets showed that, compared to the dictionary learning-based spectral super-resolution algorithm, the proposed algorithm reconstructed the spectral information with a higher accuracy and removed noise, and the verification experiments confirmed the performance efficiency of the prototype system. The experimental results showed that the proposed imaging system can capture images with high spatial and spectral resolutions under low illumination conditions. The proposed algorithm improved the spectral resolution of the acquired data from 9 to 31 bands, and the average peak signal-to-noise ratio remained above 43 dB, which is 13 dB higher than those of the state-of-the-art coded aperture snapshot spectral imaging methods. Simultaneously, the frame rate of the imaging system was up to 5000 frames/s under natural daylight.
Reduction of Species Identification Errors in Surveys of Marine Wildlife Abundance Utilising Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Authors: Bigal Eyal , Galili Ori , van Rijn Itai , Rosso Massimiliano , Cleguer Christophe , Hodgson Amanda , Scheinin Aviad , Tchernov Dan
Published: August 2022

The advent of unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs) has enhanced our capacity to survey wildlife abundance, yet new protocols are still required for collecting, processing, and analysing image-type observations. This paper presents a methodological approach to produce informative priors on species misidentification probabilities based on independent experiments. We performed focal follows of known dolphin species and distributed our imagery amongst 13 trained observers. Then, we investigated the effects of reviewer-related variables and image attributes on the accuracy of species identification and level of certainty in observations. In addition, we assessed the number of reviewers required to produce reliable identification using an agreement-based framework compared with the majority rule approach. Among-reviewer variation was an important predictor of identification accuracy, regardless of previous experience. Image resolution and sea state exhibited the most pronounced effects on the proportion of correct identifications and the reviewers’ mean level of confidence. Agreement-based identification resulted in substantial data losses but retained a broader range of image resolutions and sea states than the majority rule approach and produced considerably higher accuracy. Our findings suggest a strong dependency on reviewer-related variables and image attributes, which, unless considered, may compromise identification accuracy and produce unreliable estimators of abundance.
An Improved Coastal Marine Gravity Field Based on the Mean Sea Surface Height Constraint Factor Method
Authors: Zhang Wensong , Yan Jianguo , Li Fei
Published: August 2022

Construction of a high spatial resolution and high precision marine gravity field in coastal areas is constrained by the low quality and sparse coverage of altimetry data, except for limited shipborne and airborne gravity surveys. To address this problem, a mean sea surface height constraint factor (MSSHCF) method based on the ordinary kriging method and the remove-restore technique is proposed from the perspective of interpolation. In this method, the data is standardized during the interpolation process to reduce the error and mean sea surface as variables related to the marine gravity field are added to the semi-variance function in ordinary kriging to obtain a marine gravity field with a spatial resolution of 1′ × 1′. Validation experiments show that the MSSHCF method more closely agrees with the referenced SS V28, DTU17 global marine gravity models than the ordinary kriging method. Our results were further validated against shipborne data; the accuracy of the MSSHCF method is 0.13 and 0.33 mGal higher than that of the ordinary kriging method in two experimental areas. The effects of ocean depth and offshore distance on the results were also assessed. These results show that the proposed method is more accurate than the ordinary kriging method, when the distance and depth varied. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the MSSHCF method is an innovative and feasible tool for extracting gravity fields along coastal, beach, and island areas.
Optimal Progressive Pitch for OneWeb Constellation with Seamless Coverage
Authors: Zou Cheng , Wang Haiwang , Chang Jiachao , Shao Fengwei , Shang Lin , Li Guotong
Published: August 2022

Large-scale broadband low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems have become a possibility due to decreased launch costs and rapidly evolving technology. Preventing huge LEO satellite constellations from interfering with the geostationary earth orbit (GSO) satellite system, progressive pitch is a technique to avoid interference with the GSO satellite system that allows the LEO satellite system to maintain a certain angle of separation from the GSO satellite system. Aside from interference avoidance, there is also a need to ensure seamless coverage of the LEO constellation and to optimize the overall transmission capacity of the LEO satellite as much as possible, making it extremely complex to design an effective progressive pitch plan. This paper models an inline interference event and seamless coverage and builds an optimization problem by maximizing transmission capacity. This paper reformulates the problem and designs a genetic algorithm to solve it. From the simulation results, the strategy can avoid harmful interference to the GSO satellite system and ensure the seamless coverage of the LEO constellation, and the satellite transmission capacity is also maximized.
Dynamic Maritime Traffic Pattern Recognition with Online Cleaning, Compression, Partition, and Clustering of AIS Data
Authors: Zhang Yuanqiang , Li Weifeng
Published: August 2022

Maritime traffic pattern recognition plays a major role in intelligent transportation services, ship monitoring, route planning, and other fields. Facilitated by the establishment of terrestrial networks and satellite constellations of the automatic identification system (AIS), large quantities of spatial and temporal information make ships’ paths trackable and are useful in maritime traffic pattern research. The maritime traffic pattern may vary with changes in the traffic environment, so the recognition method of the maritime traffic pattern should be adaptable to changes in the traffic environment. To achieve this goal, a dynamic maritime traffic pattern recognition method is presented using AIS data, which are cleaned, compressed, partitioned, and clustered online. Old patterns are removed as expired trajectories are deleted, and new patterns are created as new trajectories are added. This method is suitable for processing massive stream data. Experiments show that when the marine traffic route changes due to the navigation environment, the maritime traffic pattern adjusts automatically.
Rapid Seismic Evaluation of Continuous Girder Bridges with Localized Plastic Hinges
Authors: Wei Zhaolan , Lv Mengting , Shen Minghui , Wang Haijun , You Qixuan , Hu Kai , Jia Shaomin
Published: August 2022

In seismic assessment of continuous girder bridges, plastic hinges form in bridge piers to dissipate seismic energy through nonlinear restoring forces. Considering temporal and spatial variations of ground motions, seismic evaluation of the bridges involves nonlinear stochastic vibration and expensive computation. This paper presents an approach to significantly increase the efficiency of seismic evaluation for continuous girder bridges with plastic hinges. The proposed approach converts nonlinear motion equations into quasi-linear state equations, solves the equations using an explicit time-domain dimension-reduced iterative method, and incorporates a stochastic sampling method to statistically analyze the seismic response of bridges under earthquake excitation. Taking a 3 × 30 m continuous girder bridge as an example, fiber beam-column elements are used to simulate the elastic–plastic components of the continuous girder bridge, and the elastic–plastic time history analysis of the continuous girder bridge under non-uniform seismic excitation is carried out. Results show that the computation time is only 5% of the time of the nonlinear time history approach while retaining the accuracy. This study advances the capability of rapid seismic assessment and design for bridges with localized nonlinear behaviors such as plastic hinges.
Database and AI Diagnostic Tools Improve Understanding of Lung Damage, Correlation of Pulmonary Disease and Brain Damage in COVID-19
Authors: Karpiel Ilona , Starcevic Ana , Urzeniczok Mirella
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp increase in the interest in artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool supporting the work of doctors in difficult conditions and providing early detection of the implications of the disease. Recent studies have shown that AI has been successfully applied in the healthcare sector. The objective of this paper is to perform a systematic review to summarize the electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and databases and tools used in artificial intelligence algorithms, supporting the diagnosis and correlation between lung disease and brain damage, and lung damage. Available search tools containing scientific publications, such as PubMed and Google Scholar, were comprehensively evaluated and searched with open databases and tools used in AI algorithms. This work aimed to collect papers from the period of January 2019–May 2022 including in their resources the database from which data necessary for further development of algorithms supporting the diagnosis of the respiratory system can be downloaded and the correlation between lung disease and brain damage can be evaluated. The 10 articles which show the most interesting AI algorithms, trained by using open databases and associated with lung diseases, were included for review with 12 articles related to EEGs, which have/or may be related with lung diseases.
Improving Measurement Range of a Swellable Polymer-Clad Plastic Fiber Optic Humidity Sensor by Dye Addition
Authors: Shimura Yuta , Suzuki Yutaka , Morisawa Masayuki
Published: August 2022

Humidity measurement is required in various fields. We previously developed a sensor that leverages the sudden change in the transmitted light intensity when switching from leakage mode to waveguide mode. By adjusting the low-refractive-index polymer of the cladding, we achieved measurements at 60% RH. However, for practical use, measurements at low humidity are essential. Therefore, in this study, we developed a sensor using a leakage mode that enables measurements at low humidity. To measure the leakage mode, it is necessary to increase the absorbance of the cladding and the incident angle at the core–cladding interface. Therefore, we developed a sensor in which the core was stretched, and the cladding was doped with a high concentration of dye. The experimental results confirmed that a sensor with a polymer concentration of 4% and a dye concentration of 3% could measure from 0% RH to 95% RH. The sensitivity was 0.1 dB/% RH from 0% RH to 70% RH and 0.32 dB/% RH from 70% RH to 95% RH. The estimated response time for a change from 10% to 90% light transmission for a sensor with 4% polymer concentration and 0.5% dye concentration was 22 s from 45% RH to 0% RH and 50 s from 0% RH to 45% RH.
Stakeholders’ Impact Factors of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sustainable Mixed Development Projects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Najib Nadirah Hazwani , Ismail Syuhaida , Che Amat Rohayah , Durdyev Serdar , Konečná Zdeňka , Chofreh Abdoulmohammad Gholamzadeh , Goni Feybi Ariani , Subramaniam Chitdrakantan , Klemeš Jiří Jaromír
Published: August 2022

Managing stakeholders in construction projects is crucial since stakeholders are perceived as a significant source of uncertainty because of the various stakeholders involved, especially in mixed development projects. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method was used to analyse and select the most relevant publications from two identified databases: SCOPUS and Web of Science (WoS). Only 55 of 1600 publications were identified as relevant to stakeholder impact factors in the construction projects. Towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, 10 stakeholder impact factors affecting the success of mixed development project management during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified and arranged by frequency: stakeholder engagement, stakeholder relationship, stakeholder attribute, stakeholder influence, stakeholder interest, stakeholder needs, stakeholder satisfaction, stakeholder expectation, and stakeholder behaviour. The outcome of this study would assist the construction project team in effectively managing and engaging with the relevant stakeholders to attain SDG 11 associated with sustainable cities and communities, specifically for the mixed development projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effect of Magnetic Baffles and Magnetic Nanofluid on Thermo-Hydraulic Characteristics of Dimple Mini Channel for Thermal Energy Applications
Authors: Souayeh Basma , Bhattacharyya Suvanjan , Hdhiri Najib , Hammami Fayçal , Yasin Essam , Raju S. Suresh Kumar , Alam Mir Waqas , Alsheddi Tarfa , Al Nuwairan Muneerah
Published: August 2022

The combined effect of a magnetic baffle and a dimple turbulator on the heat transfer and pressure drop is investigated computationally in a mini channel. Fe3O4 magnetic nanofluid is used as a working fluid. The Reynolds number (Re) is varied from 150 to 210 and the magnetic field intensities range from 1200 G to 2000 G. Finite-volume based commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver ANSYS-Fluent 18.1 was used for the numerical simulations. A laminar viscous model is used with pressure-velocity coupling along with second-order upwind discretization and QUICK scheme for discretizing the momentum and energy equations. The results show that there is an increase of 3.53%, 10.77%, and 25.39% in the Nusselt numbers when the magnetic fields of 1200 G, 1500 G and 2000 G, respectively, are applied at x = 15 mm, as compared to the flow without a magnetic field when the pitch = 10 mm. These values change to 1.51%, 6.14% and 18.47% for a pitch = 5 mm and 0.85%, 4.33%, and 15.25% for a pitch = 2.5 mm, when compared to the flow without a magnetic field in the respective geometries. When the two sources are placed at x = 7.5 mm and 15 mm, there is an increase of 4.52%, 13.93%, and 33.08% in the Nusselt numbers when magnetic fields of 1200 G, 1500 G, and 2000 G are applied when the pitch = 10 mm. The increment changed to 1.82%, 8.16%, and 22.31% for a pitch = 5 mm and 1.01%, 5.96%, and 21.38% for a pitch = 2.5 mm. This clearly shows that the two sources at the front have a higher increment in the Nusselt numbers compared to one source, due to higher turbulence. In addition, there is a decrease in the pressure drop of 10.82%, 16.778%, and 26.75% when magnetic fields of 1200 G, 1500 G, and 2000 G, respectively, are applied at x = 15 mm, as compared to flow without magnetic field when the pitch = 10 mm. These values change to 2.46%, 4.98%, and 8.54% for a pitch = 5 mm and 1.62%, 3.52%, and 4.78% for a pitch = 2.5 mm, when compared to flow without magnetic field in the respective geometries. When two sources are placed at x = 7.5 mm and 15 mm, there is an decrease of 19.02%, 31.3%, and 50.34% in the pressure drop when the magnetic fields of 1200 G, 1500 G and 2000 G are applied when the pitch = 10 mm. These values change to 4.18%, 9.52%, and 16.52% for a pitch = 5 mm and 3.08%, 6.88%, and 14.88% for a pitch = 2.5 mm. Hence, with the increase in the magnetic field, there is a decrease in pressure drop for both the cases and the pitches. This trend is valid only at lower magnetic field strength, because the decrease in the pressure drop dominates over the increase in pressure drop due to turbulence.
Social, Economic, Environmental, and Physical Vulnerability Assessment: An Index-Based Gender Analysis of Flood Prone Areas of Koshi River Basin in Nepal
Authors: Guragain Uddhav Prasad , Doneys Philippe
Published: August 2022

Gender analysis in vulnerability assessments is needed in disaster risk reduction (DRR). This study examined headship-based household vulnerabilities in the Koshi River Basin of Nepal. This comparative study between male-headed households (MHHs) and female-headed households (FHHs) analyzed the social, infrastructural, economic, and environmental components of vulnerability assessments. A mixed method was used to collect data, including a survey of 216 households, 15 key informant interviews, 40 in-depth interviews, and 8 focus group discussions. The results from the weightage average index (WAI) revealed that the FHHs are more vulnerable in all components. Social and physical components show greater vulnerability for FHHs compared to economic and environmental components. The t-test showed that the difference in multidimensional vulnerability is highly significant (F = 3.423, p-value = 0.000). The WAI calculation showed 42%, 51%, and 7% FHHs and 6%, 35%, 49%, and 10% of MHHs are in very high, high, moderate, and low levels of vulnerability, respectively. Sociocultural norms were the main factors driving the gap which affected households’ ability to respond to and recover from flood disasters and impacted the DRR process. The study suggests that more attention is given to FHHs through increased access to services, capacity building, awareness training, livelihood initiatives, participation in preparedness activities, and inclusion in the DRR process to minimize the impact of floods in the future, particularly for FHHs.
Does Particle Size in Nanofluid Synthesis Affect Their Performance as Heat Transfer Fluid in Flat Plate Collectors?—An Energy and Exergy Analysis
Authors: Ogungbemi Ayomide Titus , Adun Humphrey , Adedeji Michael , Kavaz Doga , Dagbasi Mustafa
Published: August 2022

A flat-plate collector is one of the most common solar collector systems due to its comparatively lower cost and maintenance. However, the performance of this type of collector is low; thus, research studies in the past decades have focused on improving its efficiency through various plate configurations and efficient working fluids. This study recognizes the research gap regarding the influence of nanoparticle shapes and their effects on improving the heat transfer properties in flat-plate collectors. In this study, fly ash nanofluid at 0.5% (with a range of nanoparticle sizes) was used as a working fluid to investigate the performance of a flat-plate collector. This study analyzed the behavior of the collector system via a range of Reynolds numbers in its laminar regime, between 800 and 2000. The results measured in this study showed that the maximum energy efficiency measured was 73.8%, which was recorded for the fly ash nanofluid at a nanoparticle size of 11.5 nm. At a Reynolds number of 2000, the fly ash nanofluid with a nanoparticle size of 11.5 nm showed a top heat loss coefficient of 4.78 W/m2K, while the top heat loss coefficient of a nanoparticle size (NPS) of 114 nm was 5.17 W/m2K. This study provides a framework for the significance of the nanoparticle size in the synthesis of nanofluids in both mono and hybrid composites and application in solar collector systems.
Flash Flood Assessment and Management for Sustainable Development Using Geospatial Technology and WMS Models in Abha City, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Mohd Yawar Ali , ElKashouty Mohamed , Subyani Ali M. , Tian Fuqiang
Published: August 2022

Abha city is distinguished by urbanization, infrastructure, deepening watercourses, and changes in runoff flow which encourage flash floods in the urban zones of many villages in the region. AlMahalah village is prone to flash flooding due to its geographic location near the outlet of convergence streams of significant flow. The Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), Water Modeling System (WMS), and Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) were used to assess the effects of flash floods on AlMahala village. Precipitation data from 1978 to 2020 was statistically processed and analysed to provide more information about flash flood hazards. With a 3-h lag time in both watersheds, the higher peak discharge in Wadi Abha than in Wadi Al Akkas indicates that flooding was a primary concern in Wadi Abha. With an average yearly rainfall of 520 mm, the hydrograph simulation from 1 to 5 April 2020 would contribute to the junction (outlet) point of AlMahala village with a peak discharge rate of 474.14 m3/s. The vegetation cover increased by 243 km2 in 2020 compared to 2016. The HEC-RAS model was used to calculate the water depth, velocity, and elevation of the water surface with and without dam installation. The study provides the administration with practical and reasonable procedures for avoiding flash flood destruction in urban areas.
Wagner’s Law vs. Keynesian Hypothesis: Dynamic Impacts
Authors: Bazán Ciro , Álvarez-Quiroz Víctor Josué , Morales Olivares Yennyfer
Published: August 2022

This study analyzes the dynamics between public expenditure and economic growth in Peru for 1980Q1–2021Q4. We used quarterly time series of real GDP, public consumption expenditure, public expenditure, and the share of public expenditure to output. The variables were transformed into natural logarithms, wherein only the logarithm of public expenditure to output ratio is stationary and the others are non-stationary I1. The study of stationary time series assesses whether Wagner’s law, the Keynesian hypothesis, the feedback hypothesis, or the neutrality hypothesis is valid for the Peruvian case according to Granger causality. We found cointegration between real GDP and public expenditure, and public consumption expenditure and real GDP. Estimating error correction and autoregressive distributed lag models, we concluded that Wagner’s law and the Keynesian hypothesis are valid in the Peruvian case, expressed as dynamic processes that allow us to obtain short-run and long-run impacts, permitting the mutual sustainability of economic growth and public expenditure.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Economic Resilience: Evidence from Resource-Based Cities in China
Authors: Li Guozhu , Liu Meichen
Published: August 2022

In the context of sustainable development, economic resilience provides a new research perspective for resource-based cities to resist external shocks and risks. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics and determinants of resource-based cities’ economic resilience in China, and to provide effective policy recommendations. This paper constructs an index system to measure the economic resilience of 114 resource-based cities in China from 2005 to 2019. This paper uses spatial analysis methods and the Theil index to reveal spatiotemporal evolution and regional disparities. Then, it uses the spatial Durbin model to reveal influencing factors from the perspective of spatial spillover effects. The conclusions are as follows: Firstly, the economic resilience of resource-based cities in China shows a growth trend. The spatial polarization of economic resilience in resource-based cities has intensified, showing a distribution pattern of high in the east and low in the west and northeast, with the cold spot of economic resilience moving from the southwest to the northeast. Secondly, the distribution of economic resilience in the eight economic regions is spatially heterogeneous. Inter-regional disparity is the main source of different economic resilience in the eight major economic regions. Thirdly, market potential and talent development potential are the direct drivers of economic resilience in resource-based cities. Nationalization, industrial specialization, and fiscal risk inhibit the development of economic resilience. Resource dependence not only hinders local innovation and transformation ability, but also negatively impacts the economic resilience of surrounding cities. Therefore, resource-based cities need to promote the diversification of industrial structures, and ensure resource allocation through the combination of the market and the government. At the same time, the government should build a new mechanism for coordinated regional development and open up the enclave economic model.
A Modeling Study on Science Teachers’ Sustainable Development Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
Authors: Pamuk Savas , Elmas Rıdvan , Saban Yakup
Published: August 2022

This study investigates possible predictors of science teachers’ education for sustainable development (ESD) practices by controlling their significant life experiences (SLE), knowledge and attitudes about sustainable development (SD), and schools’ environment. Fifty schools and 376 teachers participated in the study. A survey was conducted investigating teachers’ demographic information and their knowledge and attitude about SD and ESD practices. Their schools were examined as ESD facilitators. Teachers’ SLE was a significant predictor of their knowledge and attitude about SD and their ESD practices. Besides, teachers’ knowledge about SD predicted their attitude towards SD. Their attitude towards SD and SLE predicted their ESD practices. Also, schools’ physical environment was not a significant predictor of any teacher-related variables.
Lake Level Evolution of the Largest Freshwater Lake on the Mediterranean Islands through Drought Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Brkić Željka , Kuhta Mladen
Published: August 2022

Vrana Lake on the karst island of Cres (Croatia) is the largest freshwater lake in the Mediterranean islands. The lake cryptodepression, filled with 220 million m3 of fresh drinking water, represents a specific karst phenomenon. To better understand the impact of water level change drivers, the occurrence of meteorological and hydrological droughts was analysed. Basic machine learning methods (ML) such as the multiple linear regression (MLR), multiple nonlinear regression (MNLR), and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to simulate water levels. Modelling was carried out considering annual inputs of precipitation, air temperature, and abstraction rate as well as their influential lags which were determined by auto-correlation and cross-correlation techniques. Hydrological droughts have been recorded since 1986, and after 2006 a series of mostly mild hot to moderate hot years was recorded. All three ML models have been trained to recognize extreme conditions in the form of less precipitation, high abstraction rate, and, consequently, low water levels in the testing (predicting) period. The best statistical indicators were achieved with the MNLR model. The methodologies applied in the study were found to be useful tools for the analysis of changes in water levels. Extended monitoring of water balance elements should precede any future increase in the abstraction rate.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Life Cycle Assessment on the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.)
Authors: Boakye-Yiadom Kofi Armah , Ilari Alessio , Duca Daniele
Published: August 2022

The black soldier fly (BSF) is recognised as a valuable insect for mitigating feed and organic waste management challenges. Thus, concerted efforts are being directed toward the promotion of the BSF. Despite the numerous advantages of BSF larvae, there are several critical environmental aspects, particularly its global warming potential, that need to be considered before large-scale adoption due to the complexity of the insect’s value chain. The direct assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions from BSF larvae biotreatment is crucial for conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the insect products’ environmental performance. This article reviews the emissions of GHG from BSF larvae bioconversion activities based on different gas sensing techniques while highlighting the factors that influence these emissions. Generally, low gas emissions were reported. However, the influence of various factors influencing emissions remains unclear, especially for nitrous oxide. We also analysed LCA studies on BSFL products while emphasising the uncertainties and variabilities among the studies. The wide variation of impact scores reported in the studies suggests that standardised guidelines should be developed to streamline methodical approaches for impact assessments pertaining to system boundaries, functional units, allocation, and system expansion assumptions. We identified several aspects for future improvements to harmonise studies in order to enhance the comparative assessment of the BSFL products.
Graph Algorithms and Graph Theory-Symmetry Special Issue
Authors: Lafond Manuel
Published: August 2022

Understanding the structure of graphs and the interplay between their parameters is a fundamental question that has been actively researched over the last century [...]
Research on a Vehicle Recognition Method Based on Radar and Camera Information Fusion
Authors: Ding Fang , Wang Bo , Zhang Qianbin , Wang Aiguo
Published: August 2022

To improve the accuracy and real-time performance of vehicle recognition in an advanced driving-assistance system (ADAS), a vehicle recognition method based on radar and camera information fusion is proposed. Firstly, the millimeter-wave radar and camera are calibrated jointly, the radar recognition information is mapped on the camera image, and the region of interest is established. Then, based on operator edge detection, global threshold binarization is performed on the image of the region of interest (ROI) to obtain the contour information of the vehicle in front, and Hough transform is used to fit the vehicle contour edge straight line. Finally, a sliding window is established according to the symmetry characteristics of the fitting line, which can find the vehicle region with the highest symmetry and complete the identification of the vehicle. The experimental results show that compared to the original recognition region of the radar, the mean square error of this algorithm is reduced by 13.4 and the single frame detection time is reduced to 28 ms. It is proven that the algorithm has better accuracy and a faster detection rate, and it can solve the problem of an inaccurate recognition region caused by radar error.
Evaluating Molecular Xenomonitoring as a Tool for Lymphatic Filariasis Surveillance in Samoa, 2018–2019
Authors: McPherson Brady , Mayfield Helen J. , McLure Angus , Gass Katherine , Naseri Take , Thomsen Robert , Williams Steven A. , Pilotte Nils , Kearns Therese , Graves Patricia M. , Lau Colleen L.
Published: August 2022

Molecular xenomonitoring (MX), the detection of filarial DNA in mosquitoes using molecular methods (PCR), is a potentially useful surveillance strategy for lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination programs. Delay in filarial antigen (Ag) clearance post-treatment is a limitation of using human surveys to provide an early indicator of the impact of mass drug administration (MDA), and MX may be more useful in this setting. We compared prevalence of infected mosquitoes pre- and post-MDA (2018 and 2019) in 35 primary sampling units (PSUs) in Samoa, and investigated associations between the presence of PCR-positive mosquitoes and Ag-positive humans. We observed a statistically significant decline in estimated mosquito infection prevalence post-MDA at the national level (from 0.9% to 0.3%, OR 0.4) but no change in human Ag prevalence during this time. Ag prevalence in 2019 was higher in randomly selected PSUs where PCR-positive pools were detected (1.4% in ages 5–9; 4.8% in ages ≥10), compared to those where PCR-positive pools were not detected (0.2% in ages 5–9; 3.2% in ages ≥10). Our study provides promising evidence for MX as a complement to human surveys in post-MDA surveillance.
IHNV Infection Induces Strong Mucosal Immunity and Changes of Microbiota in Trout Intestine
Authors: Huang Zhenyu , Zhan Mengting , Cheng Gaofeng , Lin Ruiqi , Zhai Xue , Zheng Haiou , Wang Qingchao , Yu Yongyao , Xu Zhen
Published: August 2022

The fish intestinal mucosa is among the main sites through which environmental microorganisms interact with the host. Therefore, this tissue not only constitutes the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms but also plays a crucial role in commensal colonization. The interaction between the mucosal immune system, commensal microbiota, and viral pathogens has been extensively described in the mammalian intestine. However, very few studies have characterized these interactions in early vertebrates such as teleosts. In this study, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was infected with infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) via a recently developed immersion method to explore the effects of viral infection on gut immunity and microbial community structure. IHNV successfully invaded the gut mucosa of trout, resulting in severe tissue damage, inflammation, and an increase in gut mucus. Moreover, viral infection triggered a strong innate and adaptive immune response in the gut, and RNA−seq analysis indicated that both antiviral and antibacterial immune pathways were induced, suggesting that the viral infection was accompanied by secondary bacterial infection. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing also revealed that IHNV infection induced severe dysbiosis, which was characterized by large increases in the abundance of Bacteroidetes and pathobiont proliferation. Moreover, the fish that survived viral infection exhibited a reversal of tissue damage and inflammation, and their microbiome was restored to its pre−infection state. Our findings thus demonstrated that the relationships between the microbiota and gut immune system are highly sensitive to the physiological changes triggered by viral infection. Therefore, opportunistic bacterial infection must also be considered when developing strategies to control viral infection.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Mental Health Outcomes among Greek Adults in 2021: Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Souliotis Kyriakos , Peppou Lily E. , Giannouchos Theodoros V. , Samara Myrto , Sifaki-Pistolla Dimitra , Economou Marina , Maltezou Helena C.
Published: August 2022

Existing research on the association between COVID-19 vaccination and quantitatively measured mental health outcomes is scarce. We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey on a random sample of 1039 adult Greek citizens in June 2021. Among the participants, 39.6% were vaccinated with two doses, 23.1% with one dose, 21.4% were planning to become vaccinated later, and 8.1% refused vaccination. Compared to those fully vaccinated, those against vaccination (“deniers”) and those who planned to do so later on (“not vaccinated yet”) had significantly higher scores across three stress, anxiety, and depression construct scales. Our findings suggest an association between COVID-19 vaccination status and mental health.
Prevalence of metabolic disorders in the imbalance of selenium in schoolchildren of 13–14 years old
Authors:   Department of Rospotrebnadzor for the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Russia, Muhutdinova G. M. , Gomsina E. G. ,   Kazan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Kazan, Russi, Imamov A. A. ,   Kazan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Kazan, Russi, Karpova M. V. ,   Department of Rospotrebnadzor for the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Russia
Published: August 2022

In modern conditions, the need for vital nutrients, in particular, micronutrients, varies depending on age, season, physical activity. The modern diet of ordinary natural products cannot provide a sufficient level of consumption of micronutrients, which play an important role in various metabolic processes of the body. Such an element may be selenium. Seasona l manifestations of selenium deficiency in the body of schoolchildren aged 13–14 in the Leninogorsk district of the Republic of Tatarstan (RT) are associated with insufficient intake of trace elements from the environment, in particular selenium, contribute to metabolic disorders. For this purpose, a seasonal analysis of biomaterials (hair) taken from adolescents (n = 84, 50 % of them boys) aged 13–14 years [median (Me) — 13.5 years] was carried out among schoolchildren for the quantitative content of selenium. Anthropometric studies were carried out, the body composition of the examined schoolchildren was assessed, the frequency of the lack of selenium content among adolescents. The studies revealed concentrations of selenium in the hair of adolescents below the reference values: in boys in 35 % of cases, in girls — in 43 %. This fact correlates with body mass index, fat mass, active cell mass, with musculoskeletal mass, with the basic metabolism. When assessing the actual nutrition among adolescents, a lack of selenium in the diet was revealed in 55 % of boys and 64 % of girls. To correct selenium deficiency in the diet, a seasonal fortification of the school menu is proposed — fortification of food products with selenium and iodine at the same time, since these trace elements are functionally closely interrelated, the creation of accessible laboratory control for the quantitative content of selenium and iodine in local food products.
Low-Temperature Chemical Sintered TiO2 Photoanodes Based on a Binary Liquid Mixture for Flexible Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Kang Hyeong Cheol , Yoo Kicheon , Lee Jae-Joon
Published: August 2022

A chemically sintered and binder-free paste of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) was prepared using a binary-liquid mixture of 1-octanol and CCl4. The 1:1 (v/v) complex of CCl4 and 1-octanol easily interacted chemically with the TiO2 NPs and induced the formation of a highly viscous paste. The as-prepared binary-liquid paste (PBL)-based TiO2 film exhibited the complete removal of the binary-liquid and residuals with the subsequent low-temperature sintering (~150°C) and UV-O3 treatment. This facilitated the fabrication of TiO2 photoanodes for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (f-DSSCs). For comparison purposes, pure 1-octanol-based TiO2 paste (PO) with moderate viscosity was prepared. The PBL-based TiO2 film exhibited strong adhesion and high mechanical stability with the conducting oxide coated glass and plastic substrates compared to the PO-based film. The corresponding low-temperature sintered PBL-based f-DSSC showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.5%, while it was 2.0% for PO-based f-DSSC. The PBL-based low- and high-temperature (500°C) sintered glass-based rigid DSSCs exhibited the PCE of 6.0 and 6.3%, respectively, while this value was 7.1% for a 500°C sintered rigid DSSC based on a commercial (or conventional) paste.
Curso propedéutico de matemática en tiempos de COVID-19
Authors: Vitale-Alfonso Alicia María , Ramírez-Stout Orlando , Wong-Matos Bertha
Published: August 2022

El retardo en el comienzo del curso académico universitario para los alumnos de primer año causado por la pandemia de COVID-19 en Cuba, causa un incremento de la pérdida de aprendizajes por el alumno. Por esta razón, se determinó brindar un curso que ahonde en los contenidos y habilidades matemáticas de la enseñanza precedente, en la modalidad de curso no presencial -en espacio virtual- para los alumnos de la Facultad de Economía de la Universidad de La Habana. 

Este trabajo se trazó el objetivo de valorar las acciones realizadas, las experiencias e impactos del Curso Propedéutico de Matemática, así como las recomendaciones para futuros cursos. Para ello, se explicaron las acciones a realizar para para el logro del curso; posteriormente, se expusieron las experiencias al impartir el curso, puntualizando en los impactos a que se enfrentaron los profesores y alumnos. Finalmente, se recomiendan algunas medidas para la mejora del curso lo cual lleva a reducir las pérdidas de aprendizaje.