bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schröder–Catalan Matrix and Compactness of Matrix Operators on Its Associated Sequence Spaces
Authors: Erdem Sezer
Published: October 2024

In this article, the regular Schröder–Catalan matrix is constructed and acquired by benefiting Schröder and Catalan numbers. After that, two sequence spaces are introduced, described as the domain of Schröder–Catalan matrix. Additionally, some algebraic and topological properties of the spaces in question, such as completeness, inclusion relations, basis and duals, are examined. In the last two sections, the necessary and sufficient conditions of some matrix classes and compact operators related aforementioned spaces are presented.
Synchronization of Chaotic Satellite Systems with Fractional Derivatives Analysis Using Feedback Active Control Techniques
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Kumar Amit , Gupta Pooja , Prasad Ram Pravesh , Kumar Praveen
Published: October 2024

This research article introduces a novel chaotic satellite system based on fractional derivatives. The study explores the characteristics of various fractional derivative satellite systems through detailed phase portrait analysis and computational simulations, employing fractional calculus. We provide illustrations and tabulate the phase portraits of these satellite systems, highlighting the influence of different fractional derivative orders and parameter values. Notably, our findings reveal that chaos can occur even in systems with fewer than three dimensions. To validate our results, we utilize a range of analytical tools, including equilibrium point analysis, dissipative measures, Lyapunov exponents, and bifurcation diagrams. These methods confirm the presence of chaos and offer insights into the system’s dynamic behavior. Additionally, we demonstrate effective control of chaotic dynamics using feedback active control techniques, providing practical solutions for managing chaos in satellite systems.
Oxidation Potential of 2,6-Dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine Derivatives Estimated by Structure Descriptors
Authors: Jäntschi Lorentz
Published: October 2024

Linear relationships, expressing the electrochemical properties of molecules as functions of structure, give insight into the associated electrochemical process and are a tool for prediction. Many biological activities rely on water-based dissociation, making electrochemical properties a bridge between structure and activity. Motivated by a previous study, a replica is made here on a different dataset in order to validate/invalidate the previously reported results. There are several methods for obtaining structure-based descriptors. Some of the methods have been devised to account for molecular topology, some to account for molecular geometry, and others to account for both. Two methods are involved here to derive structure-based descriptors and further obtain structure–property relationships (FMPI and ChPE). In order to express structure descriptors, both FMPI and ChPE express first the topology of the molecule, using the heavy atoms identity matrix and the heavy atoms adjacency matrix, both square symmetric matrices in the belief that symmetry is one major factor of molecular stability. A set of 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives with oxidation peak potentials and coulometrically determined number of electrons experimental data is subjected to the search for structure–activity relationships. Even if the 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine is a symmetric compound (of Cs point group), their derivatives are generally not symmetric (9 out of 24 are asymmetric). The dataset is subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics in order to filter out the most relevant structure–activity relationship. The geometry is built using three levels of theory (one from molecular mechanics and two others from density functionals, of which one accounts for the interaction with water as solvent). One challenge of picking one out of two reported measured values is dealt with by calculating the likelihood associated with the two choices. Relevant structure–activity models are extracted and discussed. The use of in vivo (in water, SM8 model) models in geometry optimization (from MMFF94 and B3LYP and to M06 + Water SM8) results in a precision gain, but this is, in most of the cases, not statistically significant, and this can be considered a negative result.
Consumption Habits in Revenge-Buying: A Conceptual Model Integrating Protection Motivation Theory and the Concept of Attitudes
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Cai Lanhui
Published: October 2024

Upon lifting lockdown measures, pent-up consumer demand resulted in a phenomenon known as “revenge-buying” that was influenced by cognitive and habitual factors. This study collected 629 samples from Beijing consumers using straightforward online random sampling methods, ensuring the sample’s representativeness. Structural equation modeling was employed to investigate the impact of cognitive factors on revenge-buying after lockdowns and explain this phenomenon from the consumers’ habitual behavior perspective. Specifically, we developed a novel model that incorporates insights from the concept of attitudes and habits literature within the framework of the protection motivation theory to address this research question. The results reveal that habit significantly affects all cognitive factors, except response cost. Cognitive factors such as perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy, self-efficacy, and response cost all play a role in shaping consumers’ attitudes and driving revenge-buying behavior. Furthermore, consumers’ habits contribute significantly to their likelihood of revenge-buying. This study provides empirical evidence for revenge-buying, and the proposed theoretical model offers a more complete understanding of the cognitive factors and habits that drive this behavior. These findings can help businesses to attract consumers, improve satisfaction, and better compete in the context of revenge-buying, ultimately benefiting both consumers and businesses involved in this behavior.
The Role of Complex Systems in Predictive Analytics for E-Commerce Innovations in Business Management
Authors: Madanchian Mitra
Published: October 2024

This review explores the incorporation of complex systems theory into predictive analytics in the e-commerce sector, particularly emphasizing recent advancements in business management. By analyzing the intersection of these two domains, the review emphasizes the potential of complex systems models—including agent-based modeling and network theory—to improve the precision and efficacy of predictive analytics. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the applications of emergent predictive analytics techniques and tools, including real-time data analysis and machine learning, in inventory optimization, dynamic pricing, and personalization of customer experiences. In addition, this review will suggest future research directions to advance the discipline and address the technical, ethical, and practical challenges encountered during this integration phase.
Smart PV Monitoring and Maintenance: A Vision Transformer Approach within Urban 4.0
Authors: Bounabi Mariem , Azmi Rida , Chenal Jérôme , Diop El Bachir , Ebnou Abdem Seyid Abdellahi , Adraoui Meriem , Hlal Mohammed , Serbouti Imane
Published: October 2024

The advancement to Urban 4.0 requires urban digitization and predictive maintenance of infrastructure to improve efficiency, durability, and quality of life. This study aims to integrate intelligent technologies for the predictive maintenance of photovoltaic panel systems, which serve as essential smart city renewable energy sources. In addition, we employ vision transformers (ViT), a deep learning architecture devoted to evolving image analysis, to detect anomalies in PV systems. The ViT model is pre-trained on ImageNet to exploit a comprehensive set of relevant visual features from the PV images and classify the input PV panel. Furthermore, the developed system was integrated into a web application that allows users to upload PV images, automatically detect anomalies, and provide detailed panel information, such as PV panel type, defect probability, and anomaly status. A comparative study using several convolutional neural network architectures (VGG, ResNet, and AlexNet) and the ViT transformer was conducted. Therefore, the adopted ViT model performs excellently in anomaly detection, where the ViT achieves an AUC of 0.96. Finally, the proposed approach excels at the prompt identification of potential defects detection, reducing maintenance costs, advancing equipment lifetime, and optimizing PV system implementation.
ZnO Nanoparticles-Induced MRI Alterations to the Rat Olfactory Epithelium and Olfactory Bulb after Intranasal Instillation
Authors: Gao Lifeng , Meng Yuguang , Luo Xiaowen , Chen Jiangyuan , Wang Xuxia
Published: October 2024

Since zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely applied, the nano community and the general public have paid great attention to the toxicity of ZnO NPs. We detected 20-nm ZnO NPs biotoxicity following nasal exposure utilizing the non-invasive and real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. MR images were scanned in the rat olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory bulb (OB) on a 4.7 T scanner following the treatment (as early as 1 day and up to 21 days after), and the histological changes were evaluated. The influence of the size of the ZnO NPs and chemical components was also investigated. Our study revealed that 20-nm ZnO NPs induced obvious structural disruption and inflammation in the OE and OB at the acute stage. The results suggest that the real-time and non-invasive advantages of MRI allow it to observe and assess, directly and dynamically, the potential toxicity of long-term exposure to ZnO NPs in the olfactory system. These findings indicate the size-dependent toxicity of ZnO NPs with respect to the olfactory bulb. Further study is needed to reveal the mechanism behind ZnO NPs’ toxicity.
Preparation of Soybean Dreg-Based Biochar@TiO2 Composites and the Photocatalytic Degradation of Aflatoxin B1 Exposed to Simulated Sunlight Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Jian , Ying Zhiwei , Li He , Liu Xinqi , Ma Dongge , Yu Hailong
Published: October 2024

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic carcinogen severely harmful to humans and animals. This study fabricated SDB-6-K-9@TiO2 composites via the hydrothermal synthesis method to reduce AFB1. The structural characterization results of the photocatalytic composites showed that TiO2 was successfully loaded onto SDB-6-K-9. The different photocatalytic degradation conditions, photocatalyst kinetics, recycling performance, and photocatalytic degradation mechanism were investigated. Photocatalysis with 6 mg of 4%SDB-6-K-9@TiO2 in a 100 μg/mL AFB1 solution presented a reduction of over 95%, exhibiting excellent performance, high stability, and reusability even after five cycles of photocatalytic experiments. Active species trapping experiments confirmed that holes (h+) played the most critical role. After structural analysis and identification of the photocatalytic degradation products, the photodegradation path and photocatalytic oxidation mechanism of 4%SDB-6-K-9@TiO2 were postulated. The results show a new way to improve TiO2’s photocatalytic performance, providing a certain theoretical basis for the effective AFB1 reduction.
From Venom to Vein: Factor VII Activation as a Major Pathophysiological Target for Procoagulant Australian Elapid Snake Venoms
Authors: Chandrasekara Uthpala , Chowdhury Abhinandan , Seneci Lorenzo , Zdenek Christina N. , Dunstan Nathan , Fry Bryan G.
Published: October 2024

Australian elapid snake venoms are uniquely procoagulant, utilizing blood clotting enzyme Factor Xa (FXa) as a toxin, which evolved as a basal trait in this clade. The subsequent recruitment of Factor Va (FVa) as a toxin occurred in the last common ancestor of taipans (Oxyuranus species) and brown snakes (Pseudonaja species). Factor II (prothrombin) activation has been stated as the primary mechanism for the lethal coagulopathy, but this hypothesis has never been tested. The additional activation of Factor VII (FVII) by Oxyuranus/Pseudonaja venoms has historically been considered as a minor, unimportant novelty. This study aimed to investigate the significance of toxic FVII activation relative to prothrombin activation by testing a wide taxonomical range of Australian elapid species with procoagulant venoms. The activation of FVII or prothrombin, with and without the Factor Va as a cofactor, was assessed, along with the structural changes involved in these processes. All procoagulant species could activate FVII, establishing this as a basal trait. In contrast, only some lineages could activate prothrombin, indicating that this is a derived trait. For species able to activate both zymogens, Factor VII was consistently more strongly activated than prothrombin. FVa was revealed as an essential cofactor for FVII activation, a mechanism previously undocumented. Species lacking FVa in their venom utilized endogenous plasma FVa to exert this activity. The ability of the human FXa:FVa complex to activate FVII was also revealed as a new feedback loop in the endogenous clotting cascade. Toxin sequence analyses identified structural changes essential for the derived trait of prothrombin activation. This study presents a paradigm shift in understanding how elapid venoms activate coagulation factors, highlighting the critical role of FVII activation in the pathophysiological effects upon the coagulation cascade produced by Australian elapid snake venoms. It also documented the novel use of Factor Va as a cofactor for FVII activation for both venom and endogenous forms of FXa. These findings are crucial for developing better antivenoms and treatments for snakebite victims and have broader implications for drug design and the treatment of coagulation disorders. The research also advances the evolutionary biology knowledge of snake venoms.
Enhanced Transcription of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and TRIM28 Downregulation in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Tovo Pier-Angelo , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Galliano Ilaria , Caviglia Gian Paolo , Dini Maddalena , Veglio Valentina , Calvi Cristina , Montanari Paola , Pitoni Demis , Frara Simone , Tribocco Elisa , Poshnjari Anxhela , Bergallo Massimiliano
Published: October 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes patients affected by Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. IBD is thought to be a chronic immune-mediated disease, but its origin remains elusive, and this limits new therapeutic approaches. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) originate from ancestral infections and represent 8% of the human genome. HERVs are no longer infectious, but some retroviral sequences can be activated, and their aberrant expressions have been implicated in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. HERV transcription is regulated by TRIM28 and SETDB1, which are also directly involved in epigenetic processes and modulation of the immune response. Using a PCR real-time Taqman amplification assay, we assessed, for the first time, the transcription levels of pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W families of env genes of syncytin 1 (SYN1), SYN2, and HERV-W, as well as of TRIM28 and SETDB1 in the whole blood of 48 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), 20 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and in healthy controls (HC) of comparable age. The transcriptional levels of HERV-H-pol (p = 0.0003) and HERV-K-pol (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in IBD patients compared with HC, with no differences between patients with CD and UC. No significant differences were found for the remaining HERVs between IBD patients and HC. The transcript levels of TRIM28 were significantly downregulated in IBD patients (p < 0.001), without differences between CD and UC, while the SETDB1 levels were preserved. The enhanced transcription of HERV-H-pol and HERV-K-pol, as well as the impaired activation of TRIM28, were not influenced by clinical disease activity and type of treatment. The overexpression of HERVs and impaired transcription of TRIM28 in patients affected by CD or UC suggest that they might be the main actors in the pathophysiology of IBD, opening the way to innovative targeted interventions.
Association between Respiratory Virus Infection and Development of De Novo Donor-Specific Antibody in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Nellore Anoma , Houp Julie , Killian John T. , Limaye Ajit P. , Fisher Cynthia E.
Published: October 2024

Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is the most common cause of long-term lung allograft failure. Several factors, including respiratory virus infection (RVI), have been associated with CLAD development, but the underlying mechanisms of these associations are not well understood. We hypothesize that RVI in lung transplant recipients elicits the development of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs), thus providing a mechanistic link between RVI and CLAD development. To test this hypothesis, we retrospectively evaluated for the presence of HLA antibodies in a cohort of lung transplant recipients with symptomatic RVI within the first four months post-transplant using sera at two time points (at/directly after the transplant and following RVI) and time-matched controls without RVI (post-transplant). We found a trend toward the development of de novo DSAs in those with symptomatic RVI versus controls [6/21 (29%) vs. 1/21 (5%), respectively, p = 0.09]. No cases or controls had DSA at baseline. We also found increased rates of CLAD and death among those who developed class II DSA versus those who did not (CLAD: 5/7 (71.4%) vs. 19/34 (54.3%), death: 5/7 (71.4%) vs. 17/35 (48.6%)). Prospective studies evaluating the temporal development of DSA after RVI in lung transplant patients and the subsequent outcomes are warranted.
Monitoring of Respiratory Disease Patterns in a Multimicrobially Infected Pig Population Using Artificial Intelligence and Aggregate Samples
Authors: Eddicks Matthias , Feicht Franziska , Beckjunker Jochen , Genzow Marika , Alonso Carmen , Reese Sven , Ritzmann Mathias , Stadler Julia
Published: October 2024

A 24/7 AI sound-based coughing monitoring system was applied in combination with oral fluids (OFs) and bioaerosol (AS)-based screening for respiratory pathogens in a conventional pig nursery. The objective was to assess the additional value of the AI to identify disease patterns in association with molecular diagnostics to gain information on the etiology of respiratory distress in a multimicrobially infected pig population. Respiratory distress was measured 24/7 by the AI and compared to human observations. Screening for swine influenza A virus (swIAV), porcine reproductive and respiratory disease virus (PRRSV), Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae, Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae, and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) was conducted using qPCR. Except for M. hyopneumoniae, all of the investigated pathogens were detected within the study period. High swIAV-RNA loads in OFs and AS were significantly associated with a decrease in respiratory health, expressed by a respiratory health score calculated by the AI The odds of detecting PRRSV or A. pleuropneumoniae were significantly higher for OFs compared to AS. qPCR examinations of OFs revealed significantly lower Ct-values for swIAV and A. pleuropneumoniae compared to AS. In addition to acting as an early warning system, AI gained respiratory health data combined with laboratory diagnostics, can indicate the etiology of respiratory distress.
Analytical Performance of a Multiplexed Microarray Assay for Rapid Identification and Quantification of a Multivalent mRNA Vaccine
Authors: Gerold Megan N. , Toth Evan , Blair Rebecca H. , Gao Rachel Y. , Nadkarni Durgesh V. , Barua Sutapa , Woods Joshua , Rowlen Kathy L. , Dawson Erica D.
Published: October 2024

mRNA vaccines were highly effective in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, making them an attractive platform to address cancers and other infectious diseases. Many new mRNA vaccines in development are multivalent, which represents a difficulty for the standard assays commonly used to characterize the critical quality attributes of monovalent formulations. Here, we present a multiplexed analytical tool with nucleic acid microarray technology using the VaxArray platform that measures the identity and quantity of mono- and multivalent mixtures of naked mRNA and mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticle formulations in under 2 h without any additional preparation steps, such as extraction or RT-PCR. Using a quadrivalent mixture of encapsulated mRNA constructs that encode for four unique proteins in a vaccine formulation, the VaxArray mRNA assay was demonstrated to be highly specific for each mRNA with sensitivity < 1 µg/mL. The quantification of individual mRNAs within the lipid nanoparticle mixture resulted in a precision of ≤10% RSD and an accuracy of 100 ± 9%.
Trends of Diphtheria–Tetanus–Pertussis and Measles Vaccine Coverage Preceding and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of the WHO European Region from 2000 to 2022
Authors: Maugeri Andrea , Barchitta Martina , Cappuccio Giorgia , Favara Giuliana , Magnano San Lio Roberta , Agodi Antonella
Published: October 2024

Available data highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global vaccination trends. Despite this, comprehensive evaluations of these changes at the European level are still scarce. This study examines coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) and measles-containing vaccines (MCV) in the WHO European Region from 2000 to 2022. Vaccination coverage data, defined as the percentage of surviving infants who received the first and third doses of DTP (DTP1 and DTP3) and the first and second doses of MCV (MCV1 and MCV2), were extracted from UNICEF databases. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to identify joinpoints in the time series and to estimate Annual Percent Changes (APCs) and Average Annual Percent Changes (AAPCs) over predefined timeframes. The coverages for DTP1 and MCV1 exhibit a similar trend, overall characterized by four joinpoints, one of which is in 2019. In contrast, the coverage for DTP3 does not show a significant temporal trend and lacks joinpoints, while the vaccination coverage for MCV2 shows a steadily increasing trend, with three identified joinpoints. A comparative analysis with the pre-pandemic period reveals a significant increase in the number of countries characterized by a decreasing trend during the pandemic period for all considered vaccination coverages, as indicated by the negative AAPC values. These results highlight the effect of the pandemic on childhood vaccination coverage. Compared to a mere descriptive analysis, the temporal analysis of trends using joinpoint regression provides significant opportunities to identify variations in vaccination coverages and pinpoint areas for intervention in future vaccination strategies.
How Do Flemish Laying Hen Farmers and Private Bird Keepers Comply with and Think about Measures to Control Avian Influenza?
Authors: Delanglez Femke , Ampe Bart , Watteyn Anneleen , Van Damme Liesbeth G. W. , Tuyttens Frank A. M.
Published: October 2024

Competent authorities of many countries, including Belgium, impose control measures (preventing wild bird access to feeders and water facilities, indoor confinement of captive birds, or fencing off outdoor ranges with nets) on professional and non-professional keepers of birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza (AI). Flemish laying hen farmers (FAR, n = 33) and private keepers of captive birds (PRI, n = 263) were surveyed about their opinion on and compliance with AI measures legally imposed during the most recent high-risk period before this survey in 2021. Participants answered questions on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = the worst, 3 = neutral, and 5 = the best). FAR indicated better compliance with the AI measures than PRI, except for net confinement. FAR indicated that they and other poultry farmers complied better with AI measures than PRI. Additionally, PRI indicated that they better complied than other PRI keepers. FAR regarded the AI measures as more effective than PRI. To prevent the spread of AI more effectively, national authorities could focus on information campaigns explaining to private bird keepers the need for the various control measures that they impose. If these campaigns fail, local authorities may need stricter enforcement or alternative ways to increase compliance.
Phenotypic Shift of an Inflammatory Eosinophil Subset into a Steady-State Resident Phenotype after 2 Years of Vaccination against IL-5 in Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity
Authors: Schwarz Elio , Jebbawi Fadi , Keller Giulia , Rhiner Tanya , Fricker Anna , Waldern Nina , Canonica Fabia , Schoster Angelika , Fettelschoss-Gabriel Antonia
Published: October 2024

Eosinophils play a key role in allergic diseases such as insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH). Together with Th2 cells, they shape the course of inflammation in associated type I/IVb allergies. Therefore, a virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine targeting equine interleukin-5 (eIL-5), eIL-5-CuMV-TT, was developed to interfere with the IL-5 dependency of eosinophils by inducing the production of anti-self-IL-5 antibodies and alleviating clinical signs in IBH-affected horses. A previous study highlighted the presence of two eosinophil subsets, steady-state resident eosinophils (rEos) and inflammatory eosinophils (iEos), circulating in the blood of healthy and IBH-affected horses, distinguishable by the expression of integrin CD49f. Furthermore, eIL-5-CuMV-TT 1st year vaccination showed a significant decrease of total eosinophils and, in particular, iEos. Nevertheless, the very few remaining eosinophils still shared an iEos phenotype, reflected by bigger size and higher granularity. The aim of this study was to follow up on the phenotype of eosinophils in the 2nd year of vaccination of IBH-affected horses with eIL-5-CuMV-TT. Using flow cytometry analysis of the blood of healthy, IBH, IBH-placebo, and IBH-vaccinated horses, the percentage and count of cells were compared between groups with a focus on pair analysis of eosinophils in 1st and 2nd year vaccinated horses. Our data showed comparably low levels of iEos and a significant increase of rEos in 2nd year compared to 1st year vaccinated horses, suggesting a phenotypic shift toward a resident-like eosinophil population, primarily associated with the phenotype of healthy horses. The reduction of size, granularity, and expression of integrin CD49f in the 2nd year suggests a benefit of long-term treatment with the eIL-5-CuMV-TT vaccine.
Text Mining and Topic Analysis for Ostriches’ Welfare Based on Systematic Literature Review from 1983 to 2023
Authors: Previti Annalisa , Biondi Vito , Or Mehmet Erman , Bilgiç Bengü , Pugliese Michela , Passantino Annamaria
Published: October 2024

Ostriches can be utilized as multipurpose animals suitable for producing meat, eggs, feathers, and leather. This growing interest in ostrich farming leads to an increased demand for comprehensive information on their management. But, little attention is paid to the consequences for their welfare. The study aimed to perform a research literature analysis on ostriches’ welfare using the text mining (TM) and topic analysis (TA) methods. It identifies prevailing topics, summarizes their temporal trend within the last forty years, and highlights potential research gaps. According to PRISMA guidelines, a literature exploration was achieved using the Scopus® database, retaining keywords about ostriches’ welfare. Papers distributed in the English language from 1983 to 2023 were included. Descriptive statistics, TM, and TA were applied to a total of n. 122 documents included. The findings revealed an increasing trend in research records since 1994. TM recognized the terms with the highest weighted frequency and TA identified the main topics of the research area, in the following order: “health and management”, “feeding and nutrition”, “welfare reproduction”, “egg production”, and “welfare during transport”. The study confirms the increased focus on ostriches’ welfare but shows that further studies are required to ensure the welfare of this species.
Novel Framework for Exploring Human–Water Symbiosis Relationship: Analysis, Quantification, Discrimination, and Attribution
Authors: Qin Xi , Zuo Qiting , Wu Qingsong , Ma Junxia
Published: October 2024

There is an interdependent symbiotic relationship between humans and water; scientific and effective assessment of the human–water symbiosis relationship is of great significance for the promotion of sustainable development. This study developed a novel framework of the human–water symbiosis relationship under an integrated perspective, which included theoretical interpretation, quantitative assessment, pattern discrimination, and an attribution analysis. Based on the symbiosis theory, the theoretical analysis of the human–water relationship was carried out to analyze the three basic elements of the human–water system, and then the evaluation index system of the human–water symbiosis system was constructed to quantitatively assess the development level of the human system and the water system. The Lotka–Volterra model was used to identify the symbiotic pattern, and the human–water symbiosis index was calculated to characterize the health state of the human–water symbiosis system. The main influencing factors of the human–water symbiosis system were further identified through an attribution analysis. Finally, a case study was carried out with 18 cities in Henan Province. Results reveal that (a) the proposed method can effectively realize the quantitative characterization of the human–water symbiosis relationship, with good applicability and obvious advantages; (b) the human–water symbiosis pattern of cities in Henan Province is dominated by the “human system parasitizes water system (H+W−)” pattern, and more attention should be paid to the water system in the subsequent development of it; and (c) the main factors influencing the human system, the water system, and the human–water symbiosis system are the research and development (R&D) personnel equivalent full-time (H7), per capita water resources (W1), and proportion of water conservancy and ecological water conservancy construction investment (W6), respectively. The findings can provide theoretical and methodological support for the study of the human–water symbiosis relationship and sustainable development in other regions.
Comparative Evaluation of Evapotranspiration and Optimization Schemes for Green Roof Runoff Simulations Using HYDRUS-1D
Authors: Kim Hwansuk , Sim Haein , Hong Seungwan , Geem Zong Woo , Aksoy Hafzullah , Hong Yongseok , Yoon Jaeyoung
Published: October 2024

The use of green roofs, a low-impact development practice, can be an effective means of reducing direct runoff in urban centers. Green roof modeling can enable efficient design by preliminarily grasping the behavior of the green roof system according to specific configurations. In this study, we aimed to find appropriate evapotranspiration and parameter optimization schemes for HYDRUS-1D, a commonly used modeling tool for green roofs. Comparative studies of this sort in the context of green roof runoff modeling have not been conducted previously and are important in guiding users to overcome the difficulties of choosing the right numerical schemes for an accurate prediction of runoff from a green roof. As a study site, the Portland Building Ecoroof in Portland, Oregon, USA, was chosen, as green roof configurations and observed data for climate and runoff were available. From the simulation results of the runoff volume, the Blaney–Criddle method, which was considered an alternative, was found to be appropriate for calculating evapotranspiration from a green roof (R2 = 0.82) relative to the Hargreaves method built in HYDRUS-1D (R2 = 0.46). In addition, this study showed that the optimization method using the harmony search algorithm, which was proposed as an alternative optimizer, was better (R2 = 0.95) than that of the HYDRUS-1D’s own optimization module (R2 = 0.82) in calibrating HYDRUS-1D for green roof runoff. The findings are thought to be useful in guiding modelers who are considering using HYDRUS-1D for green roof runoff simulations.
Applying Low-Impact Development Techniques for Improved Water Management in Urban Areas
Authors: Kim Jaemoon , Park Jaerock , Cha Sungmin , Kwon Soonchul
Published: October 2024

Worldwide, the increase in impervious surfaces due to urbanization has led to significant water cycle issues such as groundwater depletion, urban heat islands, and flooding. To address these challenges, Low-Impact Development (LID) techniques are increasingly being applied in stormwater management. This study focuses on Ulsan, designated as a water cycle model city in South Korea, with a particular emphasis on the highly urbanized Okgyo drainage watershed. Using the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) version 5.1, long-term runoff simulations were conducted to evaluate the effects of LID implementation on water cycle change rates and recovery rates. The model incorporates detailed hydrological and hydraulic parameters, including inflow, runoff, infiltration, and evapotranspiration for six subcatchments within the watershed. The SWMM was calibrated and validated using 30 years of historical rainfall data (1987–2016) from the Ulsan weather station. Calibration and validation processes used the NRCS-CN (Curve Number) method to ensure accuracy in simulating runoff patterns and water balance. The study specifically evaluated the effectiveness of two LID techniques: bioretention and permeable pavements. Three scenarios were modeled: bioretention applied to 5% of the area, permeable pavements applied to 5% of the area, and a combined application of both techniques. The results showed that the combined scenario provided the best outcome, with a 7.80% reduction in surface runoff and a 14.56% improvement in water cycle health. The LID application scenario confirmed the potential to achieve the water cycle management target of handling 25.5 mm of rainfall. These findings demonstrate that the introduction of LID techniques in public spaces can significantly enhance water management. This research provides insights into effective water cycle management methods tailored to specific urban land uses, laying a foundation for future urban planning and sustainable development.
Research Hotspots and Trend Analysis in Modeling Groundwater Dense Nonaqueous Phase Liquid Contamination Based on Bibliometrics
Authors: Ju Mengdie , Li Xiang , Wu Ruibin , Xu Zuxin , Yin Hailong
Published: October 2024

Groundwater contamination by dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) poses a severe environmental threat due to their persistence and toxicity. Modeling DNAPL contamination is essential for understanding their distribution, predicting contaminant spread, and developing effective remediation strategies, but it is also challenging due to their complex multiphase behavior. Over the past few decades, researchers have developed various models, including multiphase flow, mass transfer, and solute transport models, to simulate the distribution of DNAPLs. To understand the research trends in DNAPL modeling in groundwater, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using CiteSpace based on 614 publications from the WoS Core Collection database (1993–2023). The publications were statistically analyzed, and the research hotspots and trends were summarized. The statistical analysis of the publications indicates that the United States is leading the international research on DNAPL models, followed by China and Canada; the collaboration between countries and disciplines in this field needs to be strengthened. Keyword clustering and burst detection reveal that the current research hotspots focus on multiphase flow models, mass transfer models, back diffusion, and practical applications of the models; the research trends are centered on back diffusion mechanisms, the characterization of contamination source zones, and prediction of the contaminant distribution at real-world sites, as well as optimization of the remediation strategies.
“To Show That There Is Hope”: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Parent Perspectives About an Online, Co-Facilitated Parenting Program for Carers of Adolescents with Disability
Authors: Hamilton Victoria E. , May Fiona S. , Wade Catherine , Brealey Kylee
Published: October 2024

Adolescence is a developmental period of significant change and increasing independence, during which parents and caregivers play a critical role guiding their teen toward adulthood. Parents of adolescents with disability face heightened challenges managing their teens’ growing independence and shift to adult-based services across health, recreation, and employment. Using a mixed-methods-treatment-group-only design, this study explored the implementation and outcomes of a program designed to build parenting capacity to support their adolescent with disability. Parents enrolled in one of ten groups were invited to attend three sessions covering content tailored to adolescent development including post-school opportunities, financial support, risk-taking and decision-making, future planning, relationships, and mental health. Surveys were administered pre-program, post-program, and six months after program participation (n = 160) to measure intervention outcomes including parenting self-efficacy, self-advocacy, adolescent self-advocacy, parent confidence to support their adolescent’s growing independence, confidence to support their adolescent through sensitive developmental stages, parental hopes and aspirations, and parental empowerment. A subset of parents (n = 11) also participated in semi-structured interviews about the program’s acceptability and usefulness, and their satisfaction with the program content and delivery. All outcome variables except parent hopes and aspirations increased significantly from pre- to post-program. Parent self-efficacy, self-advocacy, and parental empowerment remained higher 6 months after program completion. Thematic analysis identified program strengths as the co-facilitation model of program delivery, practical and actionable content, the use of narratives and the facilitator’s lived experience as parents of adolescents with disability, the use of visualizations (video, pictures, diagrams), and the service provider’s trusted reputation and credibility. In conclusion, an online co-facilitated group program for parents of adolescents with disability can contribute to positive change for families by improving parent confidence, self-advocacy, and parental empowerment.
Evaluation of the impact of specific oral health parameters on the quality of life in children with rare disorders of phosphorus-calcium metabolism
Authors: Alekseeva I. A. , Kiselnikova L. P.
Published: October 2024

Relevance. Understanding the impact of oral health problems on the quality of life in children with rare metabolic disorders that affect mineral metabolism is critically important.

Materials and methods. An oral health assessment was conducted on 59 children aged 6 to 17 years with rare diseases affecting mineral metabolism, each with a genetically confirmed diagnosis. The children were divided into two study groups: the first group (24 children) comprised those with bone mineralization disorders (hypophosphatemic rickets, hypophosphatasia), while the second group (35 children) included those with disorders of bone and cartilage formation (osteogenesis imperfecta, Marfan syndrome, achondroplasia, etc.). The clinical condition of the children's dental tissues was assessed by evaluating oral hygiene levels and caries intensity in permanent teeth, using the OHI-S and DMFT indices, respectively. The pufa/PUFA index was used to document complications arising from dental caries. To assess the perception of oral health problems, a survey was administered to parents and legal guardians using the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) questionnaire.

Results. The average DMFT and OHI-S index values did not show statistically significant differences, with values of 4.26 ± 0.28 and 1.96 ± 0.15 in the first group, and 3.76 ± 0.40 and 1.75 ± 0.10 in the second group, respectively. However, the mean pufa/PUFA index values were significantly higher in children with bone and cartilage formation disorders (p = 0.003), being three times greater than those in the group with bone mineralization disorders, with values of 1.03 ± 0.18 and 0.30 ± 0.11, respectively. This increase was associated with higher correlation coefficients between the DMFT and PUFA indices and the modules for physical discomfort, oral functional status, and emotional well-being, with values of 0.38 and 0.41, and 0.49 and 0.27, compared to 0.07 and 0.02, and 0.29 and -0.21 in the first group. These differences were statistically significant at p < 0.05 and p < 0.005.

Conclusion. The study revealed that existing oral health conditions have the greatest impact on the quality of life in children with rare diseases affecting bone and cartilage formation.
Progression of TMJ disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lazarev Yu. V. , Antonova I. N. , Lazareva S. E. , Petrova M. S. , Inamova O. V.
Published: October 2024

Relevance. The literature highlights the significant impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on the onset of musculoskeletal dysfunction symptoms in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, the risk factors that influence the clinical manifestations of TMJ disorders in RA patients remain insufficiently explored.

Objective: To examine the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on the onset and progression of TMJ disorders.

Materials and methods. At the Dental Clinic of the Central Research Institute of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery, 180 patients from St. Petersburg State Clinical Rheumatology Hospital No. 25, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, were examined. Standard clinical assessments and detailed medical history collection were performed.

Results. Patients with long-standing RA (over 5 years) were more likely to experience TMJ disorder symptoms, with a relative risk of 1.342 (95% CI) [1.106; 1.628]. No statistically significant correlation was found between RA activity and TMJ disorders. The symptom pattern varied by timing: prior to RA, patients predominantly experienced TMJ clicking and crepitus (66%); during RA onset, pain and restricted jaw movement were more common (80% and 72%, respectively). After RA manifestation, pain became the dominant symptom, though its intensity diminished over time (to 60%).

Conclusions. The duration of RA has a notable impact on both the frequency and nature of TMJ disorder symptoms. While RA treatment reduces symptom intensity over time, their frequency remains high.
O'Brien Award Winners: An Interview with Julie Rosati
Authors: Staff ASBPA
Published: October 2024

An interview with Dr. Julie Roasi, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer (USACE) Research & Develop- ment Center’s lead Technical Director (TD) for Civil Works Research & Development (R&D), and TD for Flood and Coastal Risk Management R&D.
Coastal Observation: How a Sighting of the Federally Threatened Seabeach Amaranth Has Resulted in Increased Erosion Protection Along the New Jersey Coast
Authors: Castagna JoAnne
Published: October 2024

How a Sighting of the Federally Threatened Seabeach Amaranth Has Resulted in Increased Erosion Protection Along the New Jersey Coast
Sustainability And Eu Competition Law: Green Regulations
Authors: Tüzemen Cemal Mert
Published: October 2024

Environmental considerations in the enforcement of competition regulations have recently become one of the most controversial debate topics in the European Union after the adoption of the new Horizontal Guidelines. There are serious competition law concerns that are deemed to surface with the relaxation of the competition enforcement and any amendment of the enforcement of competition regulations shall be made with prudence. Environmental considerations in the enforcement of competition regulations shall be necessary to some extent for creating more room for particular sustainability agreements where there is no way of doing so by other means. The amendments made to the European Horizontal Guidelines show prudence while satisfying the need for environmental considerations for particular sustainability agreements, however some amendments shall be revised to relieve serious competition law concerns.
Tam Otomatikleştirilmiş İdari İşlemler
Authors: Çelik Dursun
Published: October 2024

Teknoloji hayatın her alanında olduğu gibi kamu idaresinin işleyişinde de değişime ve gelişime yol açmaktadır. Bu değişimlerden bir tanesi de idari işlemlerin tamamen otomatik sistemler aracılığı ile tesis edilmesidir. Tam otomatikleştirilmiş idari işlemler olarak da anılan bu yöntemde herhangi bir idare ajanının müdahalesine gerek kalmadan, önceden programlanmış sistemler aracılığı ile idari işlemin tesis edilmesi söz konusudur. Bu yolun tercih edilmesinin sebebi etkin, hızlı ve objektif olmasıdır. Bunun için bir kanuni dayanağa ihtiyaç olup olmadığı hususu tartışmalıdır. Her idari işlem –özellikle bir insan tarafından karar verilmesi gereken karmaşık takdir yetkisi veya yorum gereken idari işlemler- tam otomatikleştirilmeye uygun değildir. Bu yöntemle üretilen idari işlemler genel olarak klasik idari işlemler gibi muamele görür ve onların sonuçlarını doğururlar. Ancak doğaları gereği birtakım farklılıkları da bulunmaktadır. Bu farklılıklar özellikle idari usul ve idarenin sorumluluğu alanlarında karşımıza çıkmaktadır.
Identifikasi Miskonsepsi Pada Konsep Ion Menggunakan Tes Diagnostik Four-Tier Test Berbasis Representasi Jamak
Authors: Sukaria Muhammad Ikhsan
Published: October 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi miskonsepsi yang dialami dengan menggunakan instrumen diagnostic four-tier. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskripstif kualitatif dengan menggambarkan beragam miskonsepsi yang dialami siswa pada konsep ion. Tes diagnostik four-tier digunakan untuk menemukan miskonsepsi ini. Tes diagnostik four-tier terdiri dari empat tingkat pertanyaan. Tingkat pertama mengacu pada pertanyaan utama, tingkat kedua mengacu pada keyakinan siswa dalam menjawab pertanyaan tingkat pertama, tingkat ketiga mengacu pada alasan siswa memilih pertanyaan tingkat pertama, dan tingkat keempat mengacu pada keyakinan siswa dalam menjawab pertanyaan tingkat ketiga. Representasi pada soal menggunakan representasi jamak yang terdiri dari representasi makroskopik, submikroskopik, dan representasi simbol. Instrument yang dikembangkan valid ditunjukkan dengan pengujian validitas oleh validator ahli. Subjek penelitian, siswa SMP kelas IX yang mempelajari materi atom molekul dan ion, memiliki reliabilitas tes sebesar 0,6. Penelitian ini berhasil menemukan miskonsepsi yang terjadi pada siswa yang berkaitan dengan konsep ion antara lain ; molekul merupakan gabungan ion-ion; muatan  positif pada ion menandakan pertambahan jumlah elektron sedangkan muatan negatif menandakan kehilangan elektron; molekul dan ion merupakan bentuk lain dari atom.