bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Assembly of Polymers and Their Applications in the Fields of Biomedicine and Materials
Authors: Hu Lina , Zhou Shujing , Zhang Xiumei , Shi Chengyang , Zhang Yifan , Chen Xiaoyi
Published: July 2024

Polymer self-assembly can prepare various shapes and sizes of pores, making it widely used. The complexity and diversity of biomolecules make them a unique class of building blocks for precise assembly. They are particularly suitable for the new generation of biomaterials integrated with life systems as they possess inherent characteristics such as accurate identification, self-organization, and adaptability. Therefore, many excellent methods developed have led to various practical results. At the same time, the development of advanced science and technology has also expanded the application scope of self-assembly of synthetic polymers. By utilizing this technology, materials with unique shapes and properties can be prepared and applied in the field of tissue engineering. Nanomaterials with transparent and conductive properties can be prepared and applied in fields such as electronic displays and smart glass. Multi-dimensional, controllable, and multi-level self-assembly between nanostructures has been achieved through quantitative control of polymer dosage and combination, chemical modification, and composite methods. Here, we list the classic applications of natural- and artificially synthesized polymer self-assembly in the fields of biomedicine and materials, introduce the cutting-edge technologies involved in these applications, and discuss in-depth the advantages, disadvantages, and future development directions of each type of polymer self-assembly.
Effect of UV Top Coating Microcapsules on the Coating Properties of Fiberboard Surfaces
Authors: Zou Yuming , Xia Yongxin , Yan Xiaoxing
Published: July 2024

The commonly used ultraviolet ray (UV) curing coatings have the characteristics of fast curing speed, high hardness, strong abrasion resistance, etc. However, the self-healing properties of UV coatings after being damaged still need to be improved. Self-healing microcapsules can alleviate this problem. The UV top coating itself has good properties, so it can be directly chosen as the core material of microcapsules. UV top coating microcapsules can be added to the UV top coating to increase the self-healing properties of the UV coating to achieve the purpose of better protection of the UV coating and fiberboards. UV top coating microcapsules were prepared and added in different contents to characterize the effect on the physical, chemical, and self-healing properties of the UV coating on a fiberboard surface. The 1#, 2#, and 3# UV top coating microcapsules that were prepared with emulsifier HLB values of 10.04, 10.88, and 11.72, respectively, were added to the UV top coating at contents of 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, 8.0%, and 10.0%. The UV coatings were applied to the fiberboard using a method of two primers and two top coatings, in which no microcapsule was added in the primer, and were tested and analyzed. The results showed that when the content of microcapsules was greater than 6.0%, close to 8.0%, the excessive density of microcapsules produced stacking and extrusion between the microcapsules. As a result, the core material could not flow out smoothly when part of the microcapsule was ruptured. The outflow of the core material was not efficiently utilized, thus leading to a decrease in the self-healing rate. The 2# UV top coating microcapsules of 4.0% made the UV coatings reach the self-healing rate of 26.41%. The self-healing rate of the UV coatings prepared with the 3# UV top coating microcapsules with 6.0% was up to 26.58%. The UV coatings prepared with the 1# UV top coating microcapsules of 6.0% had the highest self-healing rate among the three groups, up to 27.32%. The UV coatings of this group had the best comprehensive properties with a chromatic aberration ΔE of 4.08, a gloss of 1.10 GU, a reflectance of 17.13%, an adhesion grade of 3, a hardness of 3H, a grade 3 of impact resistance, and a roughness of 1.677 μm. An investigation of the UV coatings on fiberboard surfaces with the content of UV top coating microcapsules can provide support for the optimization of the self-healing properties of UV coatings and can also provide innovative ideas for the preparation of the self-healing coatings on fiberboard surfaces.
An Investigation of the Energy-Absorption Characteristics of Thin-Walled Polymer Composite C-Channels: Experiment and Stacked Shell Simulation
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Mou Haolei , Song Shanshan , Feng Zhenyu
Published: July 2024

Polymer composite materials are increasingly used in civil aircraft structures. The failure mode and energy-absorption characteristics of polymer composite structures have garnered significant attention from academia and industry. For thin-walled polymer composite C-channels with layups of [0/90]3s, [45/-45]3s, and [45/90/-45/0]3, low-speed axial compression tests were performed to investigate the failure modes, failure mechanisms, and energy-absorbing characteristics. After parametric studies using [0] and [90] single-element models, stacked shell models of thin-walled composite C-channels were established using the Lavadèze single-layer damage constitutive model, Puck 2000, and Yamada Sun failure criteria. The results show that these thin-walled composite C-channels exhibit a stable progressive crushing process with a local buckling failure mode, encompassing local buckling, fiber break-age, matrix cracks, delamination, and corner cracking. The stacked shell model demonstrates reasonable agreement with the progressive crushing process of thin-walled composites, accurately capturing interlayer matrix failure and interface delamination cracking behavior. A comparison of the specific energy absorption (SEA) and mean crushing force (Fmean) between the simulation and test results yields a difference of less than 6%, indicating a strong correlation between the simulation results and the experimental energy-absorbing characteristics. It also shows that a deep understanding of the parameters is helpful for accurate numerical modeling.
From Nescience to Science: Buddhist Reflections on Human/Nature
Authors: Duckworth Douglas S.
Published: July 2024

A Buddhist system of two truths provides a descriptive framework with criteria for what counts as real in contrast to what does not. This paper looks at the relationship between these two truths in the works of two seventh-century Indian philosophers, Dharmakīrti and Candrakīrti, and draws implications for comparison and contrast with modern scientific understandings of the world. It highlights important features of Dharmakīrti’s epistemology that aim to circumvent cultural conventions in a way that resonates with scientific representations of knowledge. It also contrasts this approach with one inspired by Candrakīrti in order to argue for the place of ethics and persons in a hybrid Buddhist–scientific picture of the world.
Lois Chapple (1897–1989): A Life in Service of Christ
Authors: Goodliff Andy
Published: July 2024

This article gives a narrative account of the life of Lois Chapple, a Baptist woman, who served as a deaconess, a missionary in China, and as an evangelist and a secretary for the Baptist Women’s League and the Baptist World Alliance. This article offers Chapple as an excellent example of how women within Baptist life found opportunities to serve in the twentieth century.
Advantages of High-Temporal L-Band SAR Observations for Estimating Active Landslide Dynamics: A Case Study of the Kounai Landslide in Sobetsu Town, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Usami Seiya , Ishimaru Satoshi , Tadono Takeo
Published: July 2024

Estimating landslide dynamics is vital for the prevention of landslide disasters. Differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) based on L-band SAR satellites is an effective tool for estimating the dynamics of forested landslides that occur in Japan. High-temporal L-band SAR observations have been planned for the future. Thus, it is necessary to further investigate the specific advantages of high-temporal L-band SAR observations for estimating landslide dynamics. In this study, we used DInSAR data with different time windows to identify active landslides in Hokkaido, Japan. This study is the first attempt to demonstrate the advantages of high-temporal L-band SAR observations for estimating active landslide dynamics. We successfully observed the dynamics of two active landslides, Kounai-1 and Kounai-2, using DInSAR over a time window of 14 days. We present the first spatial observation of the dynamics of Kounai-1 and Kounai-2. In addition, we discuss the dynamics of Kounai-1 and Kounai-2 based on interferograms, and our results suggest that both landslides are subunits of the same landslide, called the Kounai landslide. These results indicate that high-temporal L-band SAR observations can mitigate cycle slips and enable the estimation of active landslide dynamics.
Agent-Based Spatial Dynamic Modeling of Diatraea saccharalis and the Natural Parasites Cotesia flavipes and Trichogramma galloi in Sugarcane Crops
Authors: Alves Rayanna Barroso de Oliveira , Tomasiello Diego Bogado , Almeida Cláudia Maria de , Rosalen David Luciano , Pereira Luiz Henrique , Silva Hernande Pereira da , Rodrigues Cesar Leandro
Published: July 2024

In recent years, sugarcane production areas in Brazil have experienced a slower evolution in productivity, and one of the reasons for this is related to the increase in phytosanitary problems, such as the presence of pests. Nevertheless, limited attention has been paid to the development of tools for simulating the spatial dynamics of pests, including their impact on production. This study aims to simulate the potential population growth and dispersal of Diatraea saccharalis (sugarcane borer) in sugarcane crop fields and its estimated impacts on this crop production and to simulate biological control strategies. We developed an agent-based model to simulate the pest population and its dispersal in a one-hectare sugarcane crop field in Pederneiras, São Paulo, Brazil, delimited with the aid of satellite imagery, considering two scenarios: the first without biological control and the second with biological control using the parasites Trichogramma galloi and Cotesia flavipes. The model was developed using the NetLogo 6.3.0 software. The results indicate that the model accurately reproduced the infestation rates reported in the literature. Additionally, it provided insights into expected pest dispersal, potential production losses, and how the use of T. galloi in association with C. flavipes could mitigate production losses. We believe that the model can be used to simulate different biological control strategies and the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) to achieve adequate control levels and greater productivity in sugarcane production.
Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Triclosan and Methylene Blue by Synthesized Ag-Loaded ZnO under UV Light
Authors: Chems Myriam , González-Fernández Lázaro Adrián , Sanchez Polo Manuel , Anouar Abdellah , Castillo Ramos Ventura
Published: July 2024

Industrial discharge of hazardous organic and synthetic chemicals, such as antibacterials and dyes, poses severe risks to human health and the environment. This study was conducted to address the urgent need for efficient and stable zinc-oxide-based photocatalysts to degrade such pollutants. A novel approach to synthesizing silver-loaded zinc oxide (Ag@Z) catalysts was introduced by using a simple and efficient combination of hydrothermal and precipitation methods. Comprehensive characterization of Ag@Z photocatalysts was performed using XRD, XPS, Raman, UV–vis adsorption, FTIR, and SEM, revealing an enhancement of structural, optical, and morphological properties in comparison to pure zinc oxide. Notably, the 5%Ag@Z catalyst exhibited the highest degradation efficiency among the other synthesized catalysts under UV-C light irradiation, and enhanced the degradation rate of pure zinc oxide (Z) by 1.14 and 1.64 times, for Triclosan (TCS) and Methylene Blue (MB), respectively. the effect of catalyst dose and initial concentration was studied. A mechanism of degradation was proposed after investigating the effect of major reactive species. The 5%Ag@Z catalyst increased the photostability, which is a major problem of zinc oxide due to photocorrosion after reusability. We found that 50% and 74% of energy consumption for the photocatalytic degradation of TCS and MB by 5%Ag@Z, respectively, was saved in compassion with zinc oxide. The remarkable photocatalytic performance and the good recovery rate of Ag@Z photocatalysts demonstrate their high potential for photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in water.
Pet Ownership and Psychosocial Factors in Adults Aged 40 Years and Over: Results of a Large Nationally Representative Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Hansen Pauline Rebecca , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André
Published: July 2024

Thus far, few cross-sectional studies have investigated the association between pet ownership and psychosocial factors. As longitudinal studies on this topic are mostly lacking, this study aimed to analyze the association between pet ownership and psychosocial factors (in terms of depressive symptoms, loneliness, social isolation, and life satisfaction) using a longitudinal approach. The data used were taken from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS), a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults (n = 12,438 observations). Two waves were used (year 2014 and year 2017). Validated multi-item scales were used to measure psychosocial factors. Linear fixed effects (FE) regressions were performed. In summary, only a few significant longitudinal associations were detected in regression analyses. No associations between general pet ownership and psychosocial factors were found. However, cat ownership was significantly longitudinally associated with increases in loneliness levels among the total sample and men. Cat ownership was also significantly longitudinally associated with increases in social isolation levels among men. Among women, dog ownership was significantly longitudinally associated with decreases in life satisfaction. This study reveals some associations between pet ownership and unfavorable psychosocial factors longitudinally. These associations were only significant for subgroups (cat vs. dog ownership and females vs. males).
“Our House Was a Small Islamic Republic”: Social Policing and Resilient Resistance in Contemporary Iran
Authors: Delpazir Alireza , Sadeghi Fatemeh
Published: July 2024

In this article, we address a question that has been frequently asked: Why is the Iranian government unable to defeat the struggle by women against the compulsory hijab? What distinguishes women’s resistance from other forms of freedom and justice movements? We address these questions by highlighting women’s “resilient resistance” within the family domain as both flexible and sustainable. The article examines how the domestication of politics and the politicization of family have interconnected dynamics in Iran, as illustrated by the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. It shows how women have shifted the Iranian family from a collaborator of oppressive patriarchal power to a more egalitarian structure to accommodate their protests against the compulsory hijab. As the catalysts for this change, they succeeded in discrediting the Islamic Republic’s moral discourse based on the compulsory hijab as a manifestation of modesty for women. They also validated their own morality based on personal choice. Using ethnographic fieldwork, including participatory observation and in-depth interviews with movement participants, this paper shows how women’s invisible yet significant resistance within the family has transformed this institution and profoundly affected the broader political landscape of Iran. It examines a unique case where social transformation drives larger political change.
Paraspinal Muscle Stiffness during Hamstring Exercise Using Shear-Wave Elastography
Authors: Kellis Eleftherios , Kekelekis Afxentios , Drakonaki Eleni E.
Published: July 2024

Soccer teams integrate specific exercises into their typical workout programs for injury prevention. This study examined the effects of hamstring exercise on paraspinal and hamstring stiffness. These findings can inform training and rehabilitation programs to improve muscle health and prevent injuries. Fifteen young, healthy males performed passive and active (submaximal) knee flexion efforts from 0°, 45°, to 90° angle of knee flexion from the prone position. Using shear-wave elastography (SWE) and surface electromyography, we measured the elastic modulus and root mean square (RMS) signal of the erector spinae (ES), multifidus (MF), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM) during different knee flexion angles. Passive SWE modulus at 0° was 12.44 ± 4.45 kPa (ES), 13.35 ± 6.12 kPa (MF), 22.01 ± 4.68 kPa (ST), and 21.57 ± 5.22 kPa (SM) and it was greater (p < 0.05) compared to 45° and 90°. The corresponding values during knee flexion contractions at 0° increased to 18.99 ± 6.11 kPa (ES), 20.65 ± 11.31 kPa (MF), 71.21 ± 13.88 kPa (ST), and 70.20 ± 14.29 kPa (SM) and did not differ between angles (p > 0.05). Compared to rest, the relative increase in the SWE modulus during active contraction had a median value (interquartile range) ranging from 68.11 (86.29) to 101.69 (54.33)% for the paraspinal muscles and it was moderately to strongly correlated (r > 0.672) with the corresponding increase of the hamstring muscles [ranging from 225.94 (114.72) to 463.16 (185.16)%]. The RMS signal was greater during active compared to passive conditions, and it was lower at 90° compared to 45° (for SM/ST) and 0° (for all muscles). The association between paraspinal and hamstring passive muscle stiffness indicates a potential transmission of forces through myofascial connections between the lumbar spine and the lower limbs. In this laboratory setting, hamstring exercises affected the stiffness of the paraspinal muscles.
Divergences between EU Members on the Sustainability of Road Freight Transport
Authors: Manzanedo Manuel , Alonso de Armiño Carlos , Basurto Nuño , Alcalde Roberto , Alonso Belen
Published: July 2024

The Europevan Union is highly dependent on energy. This paper analyses energy consumption in the transport sector, representing approximately 30% of total energy consumption. A particular focus will be placed on road freight transport, which accounts for 40% of total transport energy consumption, trying to contribute to its rationalization. The road freight transport volume (TKM: tonne-kilometres) vs. gross domestic product (GDP) ratio fell in 2010–2022 by an average of 17.6% in EU-27, meaning that there was decoupled growth. Germany is the country with the highest decoupling, nearly 36%. On the contrary, in Spain there is a coupling because the evolution of TKM and GDP was almost identical. The paper proposes possible relevant factors in road freight transport activity that may justify the discrepancies in values within EU member countries, showing the positive and negative impacts of the different variables studied. In addition, the SARIMA model is applied to forecast the evolution of relevant indicators of road transport in different countries.
Low Temperature Pyrolysis and Exfoliation of Waste Printed Circuit Boards: Recovery of High Purity Copper Foils
Authors: Anjana Elanjikkal Indran , Jayasankar Kalidoss , Khanna Rita , Venkatesan Jayapalan , Konyukhov Yury V. , Mukherjee Partha Sarathy
Published: July 2024

Although several techniques have been developed to extract copper from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs), there remain several challenges regarding energy consumption, local area contamination and environmental damage. A novel technique has been developed for extracting copper foils from waste PCBs based on low temperature pyrolysis followed by exfoliation to overcome these issues. The standard pretreatment steps of removing electronic components from PCBs and mechanical processing/size-reduction/powdering, etc., were minimized in this study. Several unsorted ‘as received’ PCBs were heat treated in the temperature range 750–850 °C for 5–20 min. in an argon atmosphere. Brittle dark chars and other residues on the heat-treated specimens were scrapped off to separate copper foils and other residuals. Most of the electronic components mounted on PCBs had dropped off during the heat treatment. Good-quality copper foils were recovered in all cases; the purity of copper was in excess of 85 wt.%. Key impurities present were Pb, Sn and Zn with typical concentrations less than 4 wt.%. Key features of the technique include minimizing energy intensive pre-treatment processes and waste handling, low pyrolysis temperatures and short heating times. This energy-efficient approach has the potential to enhance resource recovery while reducing the loss of materials, local area contamination and pollution near e-waste processing facilities.
The Brand as an Example for Sustainability: The Impact of Brand Activism on Employee Pro-Environmental Attitudes
Authors: Miguel Alexandra , Miranda Sandra
Published: July 2024

The impact of companies’ social strategies, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and brand activism, on corporate advantages like economic and reputational gains has been well documented in the literature. However, research becomes scarcer regarding the broader impacts of these social strategies, namely the promotion of attitudes in favor of society and the environment on the part of company stakeholders. Furthermore, there is still little research on the variables that can mediate this impact, particularly at an identity and emotional level. To cover this gap, this article aims to study the impact of environmental brand activism on employee pro-environmental attitudes, and the possible mediating effects of identification with the organization and moral elevation by analyzing the brand activism of a Portuguese retail company. The results showed that environmental brand activism can directly affect the pro-environmental attitudes of employees and have also indirect impacts on the pro-environmental attitudes of this group of stakeholders, but only through the mediating role of identification with the organization, thus contributing to a better perception of the potential of brand activism to promote social change and sustainable development.
Microplastic Distribution Characteristics Considering the Marine Environment Based on Surface Seawater Quality Parameters in Southern Sea of Korea, 2019
Authors: Kim Ki Yoon , Jeong Hui Ho , Kim Ji Hoo , Min Byeong Kyu , Cho Chon Rae , Soh Ho Young , Ishibashi Yasuhiro , Cho Hyeon Seo
Published: July 2024

The present study determined the microplastic distributions in the surface water of the Southern Sea of Korea (SS01–SS09) in September 2019, depending on three groups (Groups A, B, and C) categorized via the principal component analysis and cluster analysis using the water quality parameters (water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, suspended particulate matter, and chlorophyll-a). The microplastic samples in the surface water were collected using a 300 μm-mesh neuston net. The microplastic abundance ranged from 0.10 to 5.08 (average 0.71 ± 1.64) particles/m3 in the entire sampling area. Median values in Groups A (SS01, SS02, and SS07), B (SS05, SS08, and SS09), and C (SS03, SS04, and SS06) were 0.14 ± 0.02, 0.12 ± 0.14, and 0.17 ± 2.85 particles/m3, respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences (p < 0.050). However, it was highlighted that the most considerably numerous microplastic abundance in SS04 (5.08 particles/m3) revealed relatively high water temperatures distinguished from other sampling areas. Polystyrene, consisting mainly of expanded polystyrene, was the predominant polymer type, accounting for 81.5% in Groups A, 84.4% in B, and 97.0% in C. The particle size in Group C (average 3.11 ± 1.08 mm) was statistically larger (p < 0.001) than those of Groups A (average 0.71 ± 1.06 mm) and B (average 0.98 ± 1.22 mm). Only fragment and sheet shapes were found in all the sampling points and the former, which consisted of the secondary microplastics regardless of the groups, was the dominant type. The fragment composition gradually increased from 77.3% in Group A, 96.7% in B, to 99.1% in C. However, the strategy studies should be investigated in the foreseeable future to supplement the current study limitations, such as verifying the effect of the Yangtze River and the Tsushima warm current, and seasonal fluctuation.
Correction: Shimamoto, M. Normative Corporate Income Tax with Rent for SDGs’ Funding: Case of the U.S. Sustainability 2023, 15, 3176
Authors: Shimamoto Mihoko
Published: July 2024

The author would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]
Digitalisation of Manufacturing Systems: A Literature Review of Approaches to Assess the Sustainability of Digitalisation Technologies in Production Systems
Authors: Tomaschko Florian , Reichelt Lukas , Krommes Sandra
Published: July 2024

The digitalisation of production has a positive impact on manufacturing processes in terms of resource efficiency and environmental impact, particularly in the form of increased efficiency as well as cost and resource savings. However, the use of digitalisation technologies is also associated with efforts such as costs, CO2 emissions, and raw material consumption. When planning or deciding on the digitalisation of manufacturing systems, it is therefore necessary to assess whether these technologies pay off in terms of sustainability over their life cycle. This literature review (based on the PRISMA guidelines) analyses the relevance of sustainability assessment and its methods for the digitalisation of production in research. The review reveals that research focuses on the benefits of digitalisation technologies in manufacturing, while the assessment of efforts and their benefits is in its infancy. There is a need for further research on holistic assessment methods for digitalisation technologies. In particular, there is a lack of assessment methods that consistently link the economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability, and there is also a lack of guidance for the application of assessment methods in production.
Amazon Kit: Proposal for an Innovative Energy Generation and Storage Solution for Sustainable Development of Isolated Communities
Authors: Torres Norah Nadia Sánchez , Ledesma Jorge Javier Gimenez , Cavallari Marco Roberto , Ando Junior Oswaldo Hideo
Published: July 2024

Inequality and the lack of basic services are problems that affect some regions of the Amazon. Among these services, electricity is considered essential for quality of life, but it is still scarce. In some cases, the absence of electricity brings with it concerns that impact human health, well-being, and development. In this context, this research proposes to develop the sizing of a modular and expandable system for generating electricity with off-grid energy storage to serve single-family homes of river dwellers (from 2 to 8 people) in isolated communities in the Amazon. The research presents and demonstrates the Proknow-C systematic methodology, which shows a systematic approach to rigorous and structured literature reviews. The Amazon Kit concept covers the systems and configurations that can be proposed for single-family homes in the Amazon. The sizing of the Amazon Kit is carried out, ranging from data mapping to estimating consumption per person in homes, followed by the analytical calculation of the solar photovoltaic system—off the grid, considering the basis of the CRESESB portal. SAM (version 2023.12.17) and HOMER PRO® (Version 3.16.2) software is used to simulate and validate the systems. Thus validating the sizing and configuration according to the mapped data and per capita consumption and validating the operability and functionality according to the operating regime, respectively. In this manner, the system depicted in the design and specifications can be adapted to the requirements of single-family dwellings. Furthermore, it offers convenient system maintenance, with an inverter that operates in various configurations (on, off, and zero grid), as well as energy storage for days without sunlight or system maintenance. As a result, the system uses renewable technologies to provide electricity services, filling a significant gap in the literature found in the research. It also offers a sustainable and affordable solution to improve the quality of life and reduce dependence on non-renewable sources.
Effects of Gamma-Synthesized Chitosan on Morphological, Thermal, Mechanical, and Heavy-Metal Removal Properties in Natural Rubber Foam as Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Heavy Metal Sorbents
Authors: Intha Thitiwan , Wimolmala Ekachai , Lertsarawut Pattra , Saenboonruang Kiadtisak
Published: July 2024

The properties of natural rubber foam (NRF) containing gamma-synthesized chitosan (CS) powder were investigated to address the growing demand for efficient methods to treat industrial wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. The CS powder was prepared by irradiating chitin (CT) powder with varying doses of gamma rays (0–100 kGy), followed by deacetylation using 40% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 100 °C for 1 h. The resulting CS powders were then mixed with natural rubber latex (NRL) at different contents (0, 3, 6, and 9 parts per hundred parts of rubber by weight; phr) and processed using Dunlop techniques to prepare the foam samples. The experimental findings indicated that the degree of deacetylation (%DD) of the CS powder increased initially with gamma doses up to 60 kGy but then decreased at 80 and 100 kGy. In addition, when the CS powder was incorporated into the NRF samples, there were increases in total surface area, density, compression set, and hardness (shore OO), with increasing gamma doses and CS contents. Furthermore, the determination of heavy metal adsorption properties for Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd showed that the developed NRF sample exhibited high adsorption capacities. For instance, their removal efficiencies reached 94.9%, 82.5%, 91.4%, and 97.0%, respectively, in NRF containing 9 phr of 60 kGy CS. Notably, all adsorption measurements were determined using 3 cm × 3 cm × 2.5 cm specimens submerged in respective metal solutions, with an initial concentration of 25 mg/L. However, the removal capacity per unit mass of the sample (mg/g) showed less dependencies on CS contents, probably due to the higher density of CS/NRF composites in comparison to pristine NRF, resulting in a smaller volume of the former being submerged in the solution, subsequently suppressing the effects from CS in the adsorption. Lastly, tests on the reusability of the developed NRF indicated that the samples could be reused for up to three cycles, with the Cu removal capacity remaining relatively high (83%) in the sample containing 9 phr of 60 kGy CS. The overall outcomes implied that the developed NRF with the addition of gamma-synthesized CS not only offered effective and eco-friendly heavy metal adsorption capacity to improve public health safety and the environment from industrial wastewater but also promoted greener and safer procedures for the synthesis/modification of similar substances through radiation technologies.
Investigation on Festival Consumption Promotion Mechanism in the Post-Pandemic Period: The Case of the Qingdao International Beer Festival
Authors: Zheng Xinjie , Chi Xiaoting
Published: July 2024

As governments in various countries and regions issue tourism-friendly policies in the post-pandemic period, the voices for tourism consumption recovery and innovative transformation have attracted great attention. Many scholars, experts and industry professionals in the field of festivals are actively exploring efficient solutions for festival marketing and sustainability. It is worth rethinking tourists’ consumption psychology and perceived image regarding exiting festival products as well as the antecedents that affect festival loyalty. The Qingdao International Beer Festival, as one of the most influential festivals in China, was selected as the research case for this study. The main goal of this study was to investigate festival consumption promotion mechanisms by proposing a conceptual framework in which the associations between destination familiarity, product familiarity and loyal intentions (re-patronage and recommendation) were examined with mediators of overall festival image, perceived value and overall satisfaction. The moderating role of visitor involvement in the proposed framework was also adequately demonstrated. Moreover, the causal recipes for loyalty intentions have also been identified by employing a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and a necessary condition analysis (NCA). The research findings are expected to provide a significant reference for the recovery and improvement in competitiveness of the entire festival industry.
Exploring Apulia’s Regional Tourism Attractiveness through the Lens of Sustainability: A Machine Learning Approach and Counterfactual Explainability Process
Authors: Castellana Fabio , Zupo Roberta , Corbo Filomena , Crupi Pasquale , Catino Feliciana , Petrosillo Angelo Michele , Giannico Orazio Valerio , Sardone Rodolfo , Clodoveo Maria Lisa
Published: July 2024

Visitor attraction dynamics lead tourism industry paths. A complex artificial neural network model was built to predict the incoming tourism flow in the Apulia region of Southern Italy as a function of the heterogeneity of the tourism supply available in this area. Open data from the Regional Tourism Observatory were targeted. Information on the distribution of facilities and activities that attract regional tourist flows was collected and grouped by municipality. An artificial neural network model was built with total tourist attendance as the dependent variable and tourist attractions as regressors. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was used to select the optimal model using the lowest value. The final model was run with a hidden layer consisting of three neurons and a decay value of 0.01. A Multi-Objective Counterfactual model (MOC) was then constructed using a randomly selected row of normalized data frame to validate a useful tool in increasing total tourist attendance by 20% over that of the randomly selected municipality. A Garson’s variables importance plot indicated natural landscapes such as beaches, sea caves, and natural parks have a primary role expressed in terms of variable importance in the AI algorithm when used as an innovative methodology for evaluating tourism flows in the Apulia region. A further MOC model built using a randomly selected row of normalized data frame showed convents, libraries, historical buildings, public gardens, and museums as the top five features most modified to improve total attendance in a randomly selected municipality. Use of AI modeling revealed that the implementation of nature-based solutions may speed up the flow of tourism in the Apulia region while also promoting sustainable social development.
Oxidation of Microcystis aeruginosa and Microcystins with Peracetic Acid
Authors: Alnahas Mennatallah , Almuhtaram Husein , Hofmann Ron
Published: July 2024

Peracetic acid (PAA) shows potential for use in drinking water treatment as an alternative to prechlorination, such as for mussel control and disinfection by-product precursor destruction, though its impact as a preoxidant during cyanobacterial blooms remains underexplored. Here, Microcystis aeruginosa inactivation and microcystin-LR and -RR release and degradation using PAA were explored. The toxin degradation rates were found to be higher in alkaline conditions than in neutral and acidic conditions. However, all rates were significantly smaller than comparable rates when using free chlorine. The inactivation of M. aeruginosa cells using PAA was faster at acidic pH, showing immediate cell damage and subsequent cell death after 15–60 min of exposure to 10 mg/L PAA. In neutral and alkaline conditions, cell death occurred after a longer lag phase (3–6 h). During cell inactivation, microcystin-LR was released slowly, with <35% of the initial intracellular toxins measured in solution after 12 h of exposure to 10 mg/L PAA. Overall, PAA appears impractically slow for M. aeruginosa cell inactivation or microcystin-LR and -RR destruction in drinking water treatment, but this slow reactivity may also allow it to continue to be applied as a preoxidant for other purposes during cyanobacterial blooms without the risk of toxin release.
Understanding Business Models in the Brazilian Context of Electric Mobility: A Proposed Framework
Authors: Có Márcio , Consoni Flávia , Carneiro Matheus Coelho , Fernandes Guilherme , Nunes Reginaldo Barbosa , Donadel Clainer
Published: July 2024

In the transition to electric mobility (EM), business model innovation plays a crucial role in expanding the use of electric vehicles and increasing acceptance of this technology. The transition pathways differ between countries in the largest economies and those in Latin America. Brazil presents a unique scenario, benefiting from an early start with biofuels, the production of flex-fuel vehicles, predominantly renewable electric energy generation (>80%), and the absence of a structured national policy aligned with local governments. This study introduces a framework that surveys and categorizes businesses in EM, relating them to sustainable development aspects and regulatory maturity. It builds a solid conceptual foundation, incorporating data from technical and commercial events, as well as interviews with Brazilian specialists for validation. The proposed framework aids in understanding the Brazilian context, identifying regulatory gaps, and developing a common language to advance studies on business model innovation, contributing to electromobility studies in Latin America. Additionally, it can guide the construction of regional and local public policies and help identify more sustainable projects.
A Truncated Isoform of Cyclin T1 Could Contribute to the Non-Permissive HIV-1 Phenotype of U937 Promonocytic Cells
Authors: Alberio Tiziana , Shallak Mariam , Shaik Amruth Kaleem Basha , Accolla Roberto Sergio , Forlani Greta
Published: July 2024

The different susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in U937 cells—permissive (Plus) or nonpermissive (Minus)—is linked to the expression in Minus cells of interferon (IFN)-γ inducible antiviral factors such as tripartite motif-containing protein 22 (TRIM22) and class II transactivator (CIITA). CIITA interacts with Cyclin T1, a key component of the Positive-Transcription Elongation Factor b (P-TEFb) complex needed for the efficient transcription of HIV-1 upon interaction with the viral transactivator Tat. TRIM22 interacts with CIITA, recruiting it into nuclear bodies together with Cyclin T1. A 50 kDa Cyclin T1 was found only in Minus cells, alongside the canonical 80 kDa protein. The expression of this truncated form remained unaffected by proteasome inhibitors but was reduced by IFNγ treatment. Unlike the nuclear full-length protein, truncated Cyclin T1 was also present in the cytoplasm, and this subcellular localization correlated with its capacity to inhibit Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription. The 50 kDa Cyclin T1 in Minus cells likely contributes to their non-permissive phenotype by acting as a dominant negative factor, disrupting P-TEFb complex formation and function. Its reduction upon IFNγ treatment suggests a regulatory loop by which its inhibitory role on HIV-1 replication is then exerted by the IFNγ-induced CIITA, which binds to the canonical Cyclin T1, displacing it from the P-TEFb complex.
Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Western Pacific Region in 2013–2022: Lessons Learned from Progress and Achievements Made during Regional and Global Measles Resurgences
Authors: Takashima Yoshihiro , Aslam Syeda Kanwal , Evans Roger , Mariano Kayla Mae , Lee Chung-won , Wang Xiaojun , Grabovac Varja , Durrheim David N.
Published: July 2024

Measles is the most contagious communicable disease, causing an estimated 5.5 million cases and more than 30,000 deaths in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) during 2000. Rubella infection in a pregnant woman can be devastating for the foetus, resulting in congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in 90% of rubella infections in early pregnancy. It was estimated that approximately 9000 CRS cases occurred in the WPR in 2010. World Health Organization (WHO) Member States in the WPR decided in 2003 to eliminate measles and in 2014 to eliminate rubella from the region. While the WPR successfully attained historically low measles incidence in 2012, it experienced a region-wide measles resurgence in 2013–2016. During the regional resurgence, WHO and Member States accumulated greater knowledge on the epidemiology of measles and rubella in the WPR and strategies to maintain gains. The implementation of the resulting new regional strategy and plan of action from 2018 has proven that measles and rubella elimination is achievable and sustainable under the pressure of multiple importations of measles virus during the world-wide measles resurgences in 2018–2019. This article discusses this progress and achievements towards achieving the global eradication of measles and rubella.
Challenges for Sustaining Measles Elimination: Post-Verification Large-Scale Import-Related Measles Outbreaks in Mongolia and Cambodia, Resulting in the Loss of Measles Elimination Status
Authors: Hagan José , Dashpagma Otgonbayar , Vichit Ork , Chham Samnang , Demberelsuren Sodbayar , Grabovac Varja , Hossain Shafiqul , Iijima Makiko , Lee Chung-won , Purevdagva Anuzaya , Mariano Kayla , Evans Roger , Zhang Yan , Takashima Yoshihiro
Published: July 2024

The Western Pacific Region’s pursuit of measles elimination has seen significant progress and setbacks. Mongolia and Cambodia were the first two middle-income countries in the Western Pacific to be verified as having eliminated measles by the Western Pacific Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination, in March 2014 and 2015, respectively. However, both countries experienced large-scale or prolonged importation-related measles outbreaks shortly afterwards, leading to the re-establishment of endemic transmission. We describe the path to initial elimination in both countries and explore these outbreaks’ characteristics, factors contributing to the loss of elimination status, and implications for broader elimination efforts. Data sources include case-based epidemiological and laboratory surveillance reports, historical immunization coverage, genotype data, and published reports of in-depth outbreak investigations. In Mongolia, a single prolonged and large-scale outbreak revealed a hidden immunity gap among young adults and was driven in part by nosocomial transmission, leading to significant morbidity and mortality and loss of elimination status. Cambodia suffered multiple importations from neighboring endemic countries during the global measles resurgence in 2018–2019, complicated by cross-border mobility and significant nosocomial amplification, and the country was ultimately unable to sufficiently distinguish independent chains of transmission, leading to loss of elimination status. Our findings highlight the importance of broadening population immunity assessments beyond children to include adults and specific high-risk groups. Robust routine immunization programs, supplemented by tailored SIAs, are crucial for preventing and managing outbreaks. Additionally, strong outbreak preparedness plans, rapid response strategies, and cross-border collaboration and the global effort to prevent multiple resurgences and large-scale importation-induced outbreaks are vital for maintaining elimination status. The experiences of Mongolia and Cambodia underscore the challenges of sustaining measles elimination in the face of importation risks, shared borders with endemic countries, healthcare system gaps, and population movements. Strengthening the global coordination and synchronization of measles elimination activities is imperative to protect the gains achieved and prevent future setbacks.
An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Vaccination Uptake in Kenya
Authors: Ngigi Michael , Moride Yola , Castilloux Anne-Marie , Clemens Sue Ann Costa
Published: July 2024

A strategic priority of the World Health Organization’s Immunization Agenda 2030 is to increase vaccination coverage and equity through reaching “zero-dose” children. Through an ecological study, we sought to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the coverage of the pentavalent and the measles/rubella vaccines in Kenya, without implying causality. The monthly number of doses from January 2017 to August 2022 were obtained from the Kenya Health Information System for the pentavalent and the measles/rubella vaccines. Immediate (step) and long-term (ramp) changes following interruptions occurring during the period from March 2020 to December 2020 were assessed through an interrupted time series analysis using an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, accounting for seasonality. In December 2020, there was an immediate decrease of 8337, 12,212, and 20,848 in the number of doses for the first, second, and third dose of the pentavalent vaccine, respectively (statistically significant for the third dose only). This corresponded to a percentage relative difference of −21.6, −20.1, and −24.5, respectively, for three doses of pentavalent vaccines, while for measles/rubella vaccine it was −27.3 and −33.6, respectively, for the first and second dose. COVID-19 resulted in interruptions affecting routine immunization, but recovery occurred within four months.
Relevancia de las Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera en la contabilidad de costos de empresas industriales
Authors: Kwan Chung Chap Kau , Alegre Brítez Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2024

Este estudio examinó la influencia de las Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera (NIIF) en la contabilidad de costos de empresas industriales. Se realizaron entrevistas con siete expertos contables y se empleó un análisis de contenido para analizar los datos. El objetivo general fue describir la relevancia de las Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera en la contabilidad de costos de las empresas industriales. Como resultados se tienen que: Las NIIF presentan desafíos debido a su complejidad técnica, lo que requiere esfuerzos adicionales para cumplir con las normas. La implementación de las NIIF implicaría cambios costosos en los sistemas contables existentes. Las NIIF mejoran la transparencia y comparabilidad de la información financiera al proporcionar un marco estandarizado para presentar los costos de manera clara y consistente. Como conclusión, las NIIF promueven mejores prácticas contables y la rendición de cuentas. Al exigir la revelación detallada y precisa de los costos, fortalecen la confianza de los inversores y otros usuarios de la información financiera.