bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of Ultrashort Pulses in XUV and X-ray FELs via an Excessive Reverse Undulator Taper
Authors: Schneidmiller Evgeny , Dreimann Matthias , Kuhlmann Marion , Rönsch-Schulenburg Juliane , Zacharias Helmut
Published: June 2023

The pulse duration in short-pulse schemes for Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission Free Electron Lasers (SASE FELs) is limited by the FEL coherence time. A recently proposed concept allows to overcome the coherence time barrier and to obtain much shorter pulses. When the lasing part of an electron bunch is much shorter than the coherence time, one can suppress the radiation in the long main undulator while preserving microbunching within that short lasing slice. Then, a short radiation pulse is produced in a relatively short radiator. A possible suppression method, an excessive reverse undulator taper, is discussed and illustrated numerically in this paper. We also performed the first experimental tests of this method at the soft X-ray FEL user facility FLASH. The measured pulse duration approaches 1 fs (FWHM) at the wavelength of 5 nm.
An Accurate Classification of Rice Diseases Based on ICAI-V4
Authors: Zeng Nanxin , Gong Gufeng , Zhou Guoxiong , Hu Can
Published: June 2023

Rice is a crucial food crop, but it is frequently affected by diseases during its growth process. Some of the most common diseases include rice blast, flax leaf spot, and bacterial blight. These diseases are widespread, highly infectious, and cause significant damage, posing a major challenge to agricultural development. The main problems in rice disease classification are as follows: (1) The images of rice diseases that were collected contain noise and blurred edges, which can hinder the network’s ability to accurately extract features of the diseases. (2) The classification of disease images is a challenging task due to the high intra-class diversity and inter-class similarity of rice leaf diseases. This paper proposes the Candy algorithm, an image enhancement technique that utilizes improved Canny operator filtering (the gravitational edge detection algorithm) to emphasize the edge features of rice images and minimize the noise present in the images. Additionally, a new neural network (ICAI-V4) is designed based on the Inception-V4 backbone structure, with a coordinate attention mechanism added to enhance feature capture and overall model performance. The INCV backbone structure incorporates Inception-iv and Reduction-iv structures, with the addition of involution to enhance the network’s feature extraction capabilities from a channel perspective. This enables the network to better classify similar images of rice diseases. To address the issue of neuron death caused by the ReLU activation function and improve model robustness, Leaky ReLU is utilized. Our experiments, conducted using the 10-fold cross-validation method and 10,241 images, show that ICAI-V4 has an average classification accuracy of 95.57%. These results indicate the method’s strong performance and feasibility for rice disease classification in real-life scenarios.
Effects of Six Consecutive Years of Irrigation and Phosphorus Fertilization on Alfalfa Yield
Authors: Li Xinle , An Jingyuan , Hou Xiangyang
Published: June 2023

Alfalfa (Medicago satiua L.) is a major forage legume in semi-arid regions such as North China Plain and is the material foundation for the development of herbivorous animal husbandry. How to improve the yield of alfalfa per unit area from a technical perspective and achieve high-yield cultivation of alfalfa is the focus of research by scientific researchers and producers. To evaluate the effects of irrigation and P fertilization as well as the P residual effect on alfalfa yield, we conducted a six-year (2008–2013) field experiment in loamy sand soil. There were four irrigation levels (W0: 0 mm, W1: 25 mm, W2: 50 mm, W3: 75 mm per time, four times a year) and three P fertilization levels (F0: 0 kg P2O5 ha−1, F1: 52.5 kg P2O5 ha−1, F2: 105 kg P2O5 ha−1 per time, twice a year). The highest dry matter yield (DMY) was obtained in the W2F2 treatment, with an annual mean of 13,961.1 kg ha−1. During 2009–2013, the DMY of first and second-cut alfalfa increased significantly with increasing irrigation levels, whereas the opposite pattern was observed in fourth-cut alfalfa. Regression analysis revealed that the optimal amount of water supply (sum of seasonal irrigation and rainfall during the growing season) to obtain maximum DMY was between 725 and 755 mm. Increasing P fertilization contributed to significantly higher DMY in each cut of alfalfa during 2010–2013 but not in the first two growing seasons. The mean annual DMY of W0F2, W1F2, W2F2, and W3F2 treatments was 19.7%, 25.6%, 30.7%, and 24.1% higher than that of W0F0 treatment, respectively. When no P fertilizer was applied in F2 plots in 2013, soil availability and total P concentrations, annual alfalfa DMY, and plant nutrient contents did not differ significantly compared with those in fertilized F2 plots. Results of this study suggest that moderate irrigation with lower annual P fertilization is a more environmentally sound management practice while maintaining alfalfa productivity in the semi-arid study area.
Successful In Vitro Shoot Multiplication of Quercus robur L. Trees Aged up to 800 Years
Authors: Chmielarz Paweł , Kotlarski Szymon , Kalemba Ewa Marzena , Martins João Paulo Rodrigues , Michalak Marcin
Published: June 2023

The conservation of the genetic resources of old trees is crucial to their ecological role but is extremely difficult, especially for oak species (Quercus spp.) displaying recalcitrance in seed and vegetative propagation methods. Our study aimed to assess the regenerative potential of Quercus robur trees of different ages (up to 800 years) during micropropagation. We also aimed to determine how in vitro conditions can influence in vitro regeneration responses. Lignified branches collected from 67 selected trees were cultivated ex vitro in culture pots at 25 °C to obtain epicormic shoots (explant sources). The explants were cultivated on an agar medium supplemented with 0.8 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) for at least 21 months. In a second experiment, two different shoot multiplication conditions (temporary immersion—RITA® bioreactor and agar medium) and two culture medium formulations (Woody Plant Medium and modified Quoirin and Lepoivre medium) were tested. The results showed that the mean length of the epicormic shoots obtained in a pot culture was a function of donor age and was similar among the group of younger trees (ca. 20–200 years), and varied between older trees (ca. 300–800 years). The efficiency of in vitro shoot multiplication strictly depended on the genotype. A sustainable in vitro culture (defined as survival after 6 months) was only possible for half of the tested old donor trees, even when they survived the first month of in vitro growth. A continuous monthly increase in the number of in vitro cultured shoots was reported in younger oaks and in some old oaks. We found a significant effect of the culture system and the macro- and micronutrient composition on in vitro shoot growth. This is the first report demonstrating that the in vitro culture can be successfully applied to the propagation of even 800-year-old pedunculate oak trees.
A New Geosite as a Contribution to the Sustainable Development of Urban Geotourism in a Tourist Peripheral Region—Central Poland
Authors: Górska-Zabielska Maria
Published: June 2023

The article presents a new geosite in a small provincial town in central Poland. It contains twelve Scandinavian erratic boulders from the area, deposited by the Pleistocene ice sheet about 130,000 years ago. The geotrail is equipped with three informative boards, a folder, and each boulder has its own identifier. The article also draws attention to petrographic types and types of erratic boulders among the collected boulders. Their basic dimensions, age, and source area are given. Specific features of rock morphology are discussed. Records of sub/inglacial processes, periglacial processes affecting the forefield of the melting ice sheet, and contemporary morphogenetic processes are also analyzed. The recipient/beneficiary of such information can be anyone who is sensitive to the beauty of abiotic nature, feels heir to the geological past of his region, or wants to broaden his horizons with knowledge from the ice age. The recognized and disseminated heritage of abiotic objects in nature through the transfer of expert knowledge has great potential to become an effective generator of sustainable socio-economic development of peripheral tourist areas. The paper presents in detail expert knowledge and specific examples of improving the quality of life with the creation of this geosite. The tool to be used here is geotourism; it deals with the study of geodiversity and the development of elements of abiotic nature to perform tourist functions in accordance with the principles of nature protection. It protects the geological heritage by effectively securing geosites, widely disseminating geological sciences, and promoting their educational and tourist functions.
Big Data Analytics to Support Open Innovation Strategies in Banks
Authors: Aspiranti Tasya , Ali Qaisar , Amaliah Ima
Published: June 2023

Today’s dynamic business environment has pushed service-oriented firms such as banks to collaborate with external partners through open innovation (OI) to address issues of service differentiation, optimize customer experience, and create effective open innovation strategies (OIS). However, the essential elements required to design OIS and the methods to manage these strategies are missing. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the strategic resources essential to creating OIS and identify the tools to manage these resources. Following the fundamentals of the resource-based view (RBV), bank openness (BOP), selection of external partners (SEP), open innovation methods (OIM), formalizing collaboration processes (FCP), and banks’ internal practices (BIP) are identified as the strategic elements required for creating OIS, and the role of big data analytics (BDA) in these strategic resources is examined. The data were collected through a survey questionnaire from 425 bank executives employed at different digital banks located in Malaysia. To achieve our research objectives, a quantitative deductive research design was employed and the collected data were processed in WarPLS using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to test the research hypotheses of this study. The empirical results reveal that BDA has a significant positive impact on BOP, SEP, and FCP, whereas OIM and BIP have an insignificant positive impact. The findings of this study contribute to designing a robust digital strategy to enhance the banking sector’s contribution to the development of financial industries in developing countries by employing BDA as a major strategic policy tool of OIS
Industry- and Academic-Based Trends in Pavement Roughness Inspection Technologies over the Past Five Decades: A Critical Review
Authors: Fares Ali , Zayed Tarek
Published: June 2023

Roughness is widely used as a primary measure of pavement condition. It is also the key indicator of the riding quality and serviceability of roads. The high demand for roughness data has bolstered the evolution of roughness measurement techniques. This study systematically investigated the various trends in pavement roughness measurement techniques within the industry and research community in the past five decades. In this study, the Scopus and TRID databases were utilized. In industry, it was revealed that laser inertial profilers prevailed over response-type methods that were popular until the 1990s. Three-dimensional triangulation is increasingly used in the automated systems developed and used by major vendors in the USA, Canada, and Australia. Among the research community, a boom of research focusing on roughness measurement has been evident in the past few years. The increasing interest in exploring new measurement methods has been fueled by crowdsourcing, the effort to develop cheaper techniques, and the growing demand for collecting roughness data by new industries. The use of crowdsourcing tools, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is expected to receive increasing attention from the research community. However, the use of 3D systems is likely to continue gaining momentum in the industry.
An Inverse Perspective Mapping-Based Approach for Generating Panoramic Images of Pipe Inner Surfaces
Authors: Yoo Sung Sic , Lee Heung-Shik
Published: June 2023

We propose an algorithm for generating a panoramic image of a pipe’s inner surface based on inverse perspective mapping (IPM). The objective of this study is to generate a panoramic image of the entire inner surface of a pipe for efficient crack detection, without relying on high-performance capturing equipment. Frontal images taken while passing through the pipe were converted to images of the inner surface of the pipe using IPM. We derived a generalized IPM formula that considers the slope of the image plane to correct the image distortion caused by the tilt of the plane; this IPM formula was derived based on the vanishing point of the perspective image, which was detected using optical flow techniques. Finally, the multiple transformed images with overlapping areas were combined via image stitching to create a panoramic image of the inner pipe surface. To validate our proposed algorithm, we restored images of pipe inner surfaces using a 3D pipe model and used these images for crack detection. The resulting panoramic image of the internal pipe surface accurately demonstrated the positions and shapes of cracks, highlighting its potential utility for crack detection using visual inspection or image-processing techniques.
Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Essential Oils from Satureja calamintha Nepeta
Authors: El Brahimi Rajae , El Barnossi Azeddin , El Moussaoui Abdelfattah , Chebaibi Mohamed , Kachkoul Rabie , Baghouz Asmae , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Bourhia Mohammed , Bari Amina
Published: June 2023

Satureja calamintha nepeta (S. calamintha) has a history of successful use in the treatment of bacterial and fungal diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oils extracted from wild S. calamintha (EOSS) and domesticated S. calamintha (EOSD) for comparison purposes. Hydrodistillation was used to extract the essential oils (EOs), while GC/MS was used for chemical analysis. Antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH and FRAP assays. Antifungal activity was performed against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium oxysporum), while antibacterial activity was tested against clinically resistant bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Proteus mirabilis. By using ab=n in silico approach, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the main compounds of EOSS and EOSD were also investigated. The yields obtained of EOSS and EOSD were 2.80% and 1.95%, respectively, with a dominance of eucalyptol, pulegone and rotundifolone. Concerning the antioxidant power, the IC50 values recorded by the use of the DPPH assay were in the range of 23.03 ± 4.30 and 24.09 ± 4.38 μg/mL for EOSS and EOSD, respectively, while by using the FRAP assay, the EC50 values were in the range of 55.38 ± 2.16 and 60.72 ± 7.71 μg/mL for EOSS and EOSD, respectively. Importantly, both essential oils of EOSS and EOSD exhibited good antibacterial activity against all studied bacteria; notably, the inhibition zone ranged from 14 ± 0.00 to 48.67 ± 1.15 mm and the MICs ranged from 0.37 ± 0.00 to 5.96 ± 0.00 µg/mL. Similarly, the studied EOs showed important antifungal activities compared to all the studied fungi, wherein the inhibition percentage ranged from 47.33 ± 1.15 to 89.18 ± 0.75%, while the MICs ranged from 0.18 ± 0.00 to 2.98 ± 0.00 µg/mL. The molecular docking results showed that piperitenone and pulegone strongly inhibited human acetylcholinesterase, whereas (+)-Isomenthone and piperitenone strongly inhibited S. aureus nucleoside diphosphate kinase, and E. coli beta-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase, respectively. The outcome of this article suggests that EOs of S. calamintha can be developed as alternative agents to manage drug-resistant phenomena and free radical issues.
A Multicriteria Standard to Rank Plea Bargain Proposals
Authors: Sant’Anna Annibal Parracho , Gavião Luiz Octávio , Sant’Anna Tiago Lezan
Published: June 2023

This article presents a model for the comparison of plea bargain proposals. The use of the model increases the possibility of the satisfactory development of the negotiation of rewarded collaboration agreements recently permitted under Brazilian law. A novelty in the model is the objective consideration of society’s interest in adequately punishing defendants whose guilt can be proven. To allow for the inclusion of this element, a multicriteria approach that adds the criteria representing the prosecution’s aims to the criteria regarding the accused’s positions is adopted. The importance of the criteria is derived without direct criteria weighting. A novel joint treatment to criteria collinearity and interaction is developed, which enables the model to accommodate any number of defendants, proposals, and criteria. The framework so developed enhances transparency and encourages collaboration. By assigning a new meaning to the plea bargain, it is able to bring about the necessary shift in cultural standards that can lead to the effective weakening of criminal organizations.
Opportunities for Improving Herbicide Resistance Management Strategies across New Zealand’s Arable Sector
Authors: Espig Martin , Vallance Suzanne , Henwood Roxanne
Published: June 2023

Herbicide resistance is increasingly recognised as a challenge for agricultural producers worldwide. International scholarship and practical experiences suggest that collective efforts by diverse agricultural stakeholders are crucial for effective resistance management. In New Zealand, such sector-wide initiatives and strategies remain fragmented, partly due to a lack of state coordination and national extension services. This article synthesises insights from three complementary social research methods involving actors across the country’s arable-crop-growing sector (focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and an industry workshop) to identify pathways to foster collaboration and more strategic resistance management. The presented findings detail challenges, opportunities, and potential actions across four domains: strengths and weaknesses of New Zealand’s farming context, better information and knowledge exchange, improved collaboration and coordination, and targeted education and training. Our analysis highlights that most opportunities described within these domains involve purposely strengthening existing, or forming new, social and institutional relationships as part of establishing resistance management as a shared sector responsibility. A portfolio of multipronged initiatives and programmes is then required for effective whole-industry strategies. We discuss potential next steps to collectively realise identified opportunities, from more immediately feasible steps to long-term activities. These insights conceptually contribute to the international scholarship on herbicide resistance by reinforcing the notion that industry leadership and meaningful farmer involvement are indispensable for more collaborative approaches aimed at strategically managing resistance.
Climate Policy in Developing Countries: Analysis of Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Measures in Egypt
Authors: Abdelaty Hamdy , Weiss Daniel , Mangelkramer Delia
Published: June 2023

The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) refers to a country’s climate action plan to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change hazards. Each country is obliged to submit its NDCs to the UNFCCC, adhering to a guideline for increasing clarity and transparency. Nonetheless, few studies have employed this guideline to assess countries’ contributions, particularly the NDCs of developed countries. Our article centers on the case of The Arab Republic of Egypt (hereafter Egypt), which is extremely susceptible to climate change impacts due to its geographic location and economic structure. Using desk research and a systematic NDC analysis, this paper reviews recent measures Egypt has taken to build national resilience against climate change. We also assess Egypt’s planned mitigation and adaptation measures until 2030, documented in its updated NDC according to four criteria: mitigation ambition level, comprehensiveness, implementation plan, and transparency. The results show that Egypt’s 2022 NDC is more advanced on different fronts than the 2015 submission, focusing on fewer sectors and specific quantified targets for mitigation and adaptation. However, the updated NDC only partially meets the essential criteria for mitigation ambition level, implementability, and transparency. We provide a set of methodological and policy recommendations for improvement.
Benefit Sharing of Power Transactions in Distributed Energy Systems with Multiple Participants
Authors: Dong Jun , Dou Xihao , Liu Dongran , Bao Aruhan , Wang Dongxue , Zhang Yunzhou , Jiang Peng
Published: June 2023

With the rapid advancement of China’s power system reform, various provinces have progressively recognized distributed energy systems as autonomous market participants, and their operational paradigm has transitioned from centralized procurement and sales to market competition. This paradigm shift has presented novel demands for the operational efficacy of distributed energy systems within the power market. Presently, China’s distributed energy systems are predominantly managed through collaborative efforts among multiple enterprises. Consequently, during the operational process, it becomes imperative to contemplate how to achieve efficient benefit allocation to ensure the system’s sustainable development. This endeavor also represents a pivotal undertaking in China’s pursuit of its dual-carbon objectives. Therefore, this study endeavors to construct a model for benefit sharing within distributed energy systems, predicated on the distinctive attributes of various stakeholders, in order to facilitate the system’s sustainable progression. Primarily, from the vantage point of the power market and the conduct of system stakeholders, this research scrutinizes key factors that influence benefit allocation, encompassing risk level, profit contribution, and predictive elements. Subsequently, utilizing the CIRTIC anti-entropy weight method Cloud–Shapley methodology, a benefit allocation model is formulated for multiple stakeholders participating in the distributed energy systems market. Finally, the efficacy of the model is substantiated through the simulation and analysis of core stakeholders within the distributed energy system. Simulation results manifest the actual allocation benefits for micro-gas turbines, wind power, and photovoltaics, which amount to CNY 0.941 million, CNY 0.858 million, and CNY 0.881 million, respectively. Moreover, the impacts of risk level, profit contribution, and prediction vary in magnitude concerning the benefit distribution among distinct stakeholders. In future endeavors encompassing post-operational benefit sharing in regional distributed energy systems, it is indispensable to consider the varying influence of different factors on stakeholders, as well as the significance of stakeholders within the system.
Exploring the Effects of a Theory-Based Mobile App on Chinese EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning Achievement and Memory
Authors: Lu Huashan , Ma Xingxing , Huang Fang
Published: June 2023

This article intends to investigate the effects of using a mobile app on the vocabulary learning achievement and memory of Chinese tertiary EFL learners. 108 non-English majors took part in the study. Moreover, their perceptions of the app were investigated. By analyzing data from a quasi-experiment, the results show that the experimental group (EG) learned vocabulary at an increased rate of 129.65%, while the control group (CG) did so at an increased rate of 68.4%. In addition, a significant difference was found in vocabulary learning achievement between the two groups, indicating that the app effectively improved students’ vocabulary learning. As for remembering the new words, it was discovered that retention of words declined by 11.11% in EG and 27.89% in CG, suggesting that the app was effective in preventing the EG students from rapid memory loss of the words. Among the participants, 72% held a positive attitude toward the app, and 82% expressed that they liked the app in their diaries. Results of this study indicate the usefulness of mobile technology-enhanced L2 vocabulary learning.
The Application of D(A)PSI(W)R(M) Framework to Coral Reef Conservation
Authors: Tawfik Rady
Published: June 2023

A total of 379,834 people visited Ras Mohammed National Park in 2020/21, most of whom snorkelled or dived to see the coral reefs. Current management frameworks seem to be insufficient to tackle the increasing visitation, underlining the need for a holistic approach for integrated planning. The objective of this article is to analyse the application of the various elements of the most evolved expanded derivative of the DPSIR framework, (D(A)PSI(W)R(M)) (drivers, activities, pressures, state, impacts, welfare, responses, and measures), in relation to reef conservation and to elucidate how the framework might improve reef management in the park. To achieve the abovementioned objective, documentation on Ras Mohammed was reviewed, a selected sample of stakeholders were interviewed, and the park was visited to assess its assets, ecosystems, resources, facilities, regulations, ongoing visitation system, links between social and ecological systems, and the effectiveness of management. The main drivers were analysed and introduced, and a number of actions and responses were recommended depending on the framework analysis. The results of this study can guide the preparation of a management and restoration plan for reef sites and integrated coastal zone management.
Preparation of Ceramsite Using Dehydrated Silt Soil and Its Performance on Compressive Strength of Ceramsite Concrete Block
Authors: Zang Jiawei , Pan Chonggen , Hu Yu , Qu Shiyang
Published: June 2023

Using dehydrated silt soil as a raw material to produce ceramsite for ceramsite concrete blocks is a promising approach from both environmental and economic aspects. In this paper, flocculant polyacrylamide (PAM) was investigated to dehydrate the silt, and the optimal dosage of PAM was found to be 0.8 mol/L. The dehydrated silt was then fired to obtain ceramsite, which was subsequently used to prepare ceramsite autoclaved concrete blocks (CACB). The compressive strength of the blocks was tested and compared with that of ordinary autoclaved concrete blocks (ACB) and Nano-CaCO3 autoclaved concrete blocks (NACB). The results showed that the addition of ceramsite or Nano-CaCO3 can improve the compressive strength, with an increase of 44.4% and 55.6% at 7 d, respectively, compared with the autoclaved concrete block.
Exploring the Potential of Potato Peels for Bioethanol Production through Various Pretreatment Strategies and an In-House-Produced Multi-Enzyme System
Authors: Soni Sanjeev Kumar , Sharma Binny , Sharma Apurav , Thakur Bishakha , Soni Raman
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to explore the viability of converting potato peel waste into bioethanol using a custom-produced multi-enzyme preparation. Various pretreatment approaches were employed on the potato peels, including thermal, chemical, and thermo-chemical methods. These methods involved boiling for 30 and 60 min, steaming at different pressures and durations, and applying different concentrations of chemicals, including H2SO4, HNO3, CH3COOH, HCl, NaOH, Ca(OH)2, KOH, NH3, and H2O2, either individually or in combination with steam treatment. The pretreated potato peels were subsequently subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using a crude multi-enzyme cocktail obtained from solid-state fermentation of wheat bran by a naturally occurring strain of Aspergillus niger P-19. This enzyme cocktail consisted of cellulases, hemicellulases, pectinase, and amylases. The most effective pretreatment combination involved the use of 3% H2SO4 followed by steam treatment under pressure, and enzymatic hydrolysis utilizing the crude multi-enzyme preparation. This combination resulted in the highest concentration of reducing sugars (141.04 ± 12.31 g/L), with a carbohydrate conversion rate of 98.49% when a substrate loading of 20% was used. As a result, an ethanol yield of 43.2 ± 3.82 g/L, representing 21.6% based on dry matter, was achieved. Furthermore, supplementing the medium with peptone, (NH4)(H2PO4), and ZnSO4 at a concentration of 0.1% w/v each, along with solid loadings of 22% and 24%, respectively, achieved yield improvements of 51.67 g/L and 54.75 g/L. However, the maximum productivity of 23.4% was observed with a 22% loading, compared to a yield of 22.8% with a 24% solid loading, based on dry matter.
Analysis of the COVID-19 Lockdown Impact on Biological Parameters and Physical Performance in Football Players
Authors: My Giulia , Marsigliante Santo , Selmi Okba , Muscella Antonella
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in global sustainability, but specifically, this study analyses the impact of lockdown on health and behavior in the game of football. The 2020/2021 Italian football competitive season (indicated as “post-COVID”), taking place following an obliged lockdown and longer than the normal summery season break, was characterized by very short recovery times and was compared to the 2018–2019 “pre-COVID” season, which had a regular course. The comparisons were about anthropometric and hormonal responses, muscle damage, and the physical performance of players in the major league (Serie A), and were made considering two extreme points of the competitive seasons: before the preparatory period (T0) and at the end of the season (T1). Turning to the results, it is significant to note the following: (1) body fat percentage was lower at the start (T0) of the post-COVID season than at the start of the pre-COVID season. During both seasons, serum CK and LDH increased in T1 and were significantly higher in both T0 and T1 of the post-COVID season. (2) Cortisol and testosterone concentrations increased in both seasons from T0 to T1; however, in the post-COVID season, concentrations of both were higher than in the previous season. The testosterone to cortisol ratio increased at the end of the pre-COVID season, whilst strongly decreasing at T1 of the post-COVID season. (3) Blood lactate concentrations significantly decreased during the pre-COVID season but remained unchanged during the post-COVID season. We may conclude that the enforced suspension period and the consequent rapid resumption of all activities influenced the physical and physiological state of professional footballers.
Optimization of a Tidal–Wind–Solar System to Enhance Supply–Demand Balancing and Security: A Case Study of the Goto Islands, Japan
Authors: Garcia-Novo Patxi , Coles Daniel , Kyozuka Yusaku , Yamada Reiko , Moriguchi Haruka , Sakaguchi Daisaku
Published: June 2023

Due to the expected increase in electric power demand in the coming decades and the economic and environmental issues caused by power generation from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, the integration of renewable energy into the grids of remote islands has attracted attention. Among all renewable sources, tidal stream energy shows potential to contribute positively in areas with strong tidal currents due to the predictability and semi-diurnal periodicity of the resource, which makes it compatible with short-term energy storage. However, its performance in areas with lower available power density has not yet been addressed. In this paper, energy systems for the Goto Islands, Japan which combine solar, offshore wind, and tidal energy are evaluated based on whole-system performance indicators such as the annual energy shortage and surplus and the battery load factor. Without energy storage, an energy mix of 31% solar, 47% offshore wind, and 22% tidal energy provides the lowest values for annual energy shortage (29.26% of total power demand) and surplus (29.26%). When batteries are incorporated into the system, tidal stream energy is the main contributor to reducing these two parameters, with values up to 23.58% and 19.60%, respectively, for the solar and tidal scenario with 30 MW of installed storage capacity. These results show the advantages of tidal stream energy exploitation in stand-alone energy systems, even with relatively low capacity factors (0.33).
Structure Restrengthening Process and Mechanical Properties of Damaged Weakly Cemented Mudstone
Authors: Wang Shuai , Han Lijun , Zhang Shukun , Wang Haohao
Published: June 2023

The stable surrounding rock is the key to ensuring tunnel availability in weakly cemented strata. In recent years, the joint support scheme of “steel beam + anchor net rope + grouting” was proposed based on numerical analysis, laboratory tests, and field tests, which was efficient in the short term. However, the effect of time and environment on the support structure was neglected. The weakly cemented mudstone was sensitive to water, with disintegration soaking up water and consolidation losing water. In this paper, analogy-based remolded soil puts forward the structural restrengthening of damaged mudstone. It was believed that when the clay content of a rock mass exceeded the critical proportion, the restrengthened structure could be regained under certain conditions of consolidation stress and water content. On the one hand, the residual strength of broken mudstone can be improved; on the other hand, pores and cracks are filled with minerals, restraining further water absorption. The structural strengthening feasibility of damaged mudstone was verified based on the geological characteristics and microscopic and strength tests. It is found that restrengthening specimens form cementation on the contacts of broken blocks. The greater the consolidation stress and moisture content, the denser the structure and the higher the strength. The research contributes to supporting the construction of weakly cemented mudstone.
ATTR Variant Amyloidosis in Patients with Dysphagia
Authors: Ng Christina Hui Lee , Berry Gerald J. , Damrose Edward J.
Published: June 2023

Amyloidosis is a rare disease characterized by the accumulation of misfolded extracellular proteins in various organs. Over 30 precursor proteins have been identified that can form amyloid deposits in different parts of the body. The most frequently encountered amyloidosis variant is the immunoglobulin light chain amyloid (AL). In this report, we present a unique case of a patient with biopsy-confirmed hypopharyngeal amyloidosis caused by transthyretin (ATTR). While hypopharyngeal involvement has been hypothesized in the past, conclusive reports are lacking, although rare instances of hypopharyngeal involvement by the AL variant of amyloidosis have been reported. We present the first case of biopsy-proven ATTR systemic amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy and hypopharyngeal involvement.
Deep Learning Approaches with Digital Mammography for Evaluating Breast Cancer Risk, a Narrative Review
Authors: Siddique Maham , Liu Michael , Duong Phuong , Jambawalikar Sachin , Ha Richard
Published: June 2023

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Current screening regimens and clinical breast cancer risk assessment models use risk factors such as demographics and patient history to guide policy and assess risk. Applications of artificial intelligence methods (AI) such as deep learning (DL) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to evaluate individual patient information and imaging showed promise as personalized risk models. We reviewed the current literature for studies related to deep learning and convolutional neural networks with digital mammography for assessing breast cancer risk. We discussed the literature and examined the ongoing and future applications of deep learning techniques in breast cancer risk modeling.
Mapping Public-Planner Conflicts in SUDS Implementation Using Cultural Dimensions—A Case Study
Authors: Thodesen Bridget , Andenæs Erlend , Bohne Rolf André , Kvande Tore
Published: June 2023

The timely implementation of climate adaptation measures for the urban environment is essential to the creation of robust cities. Within Norway, these adaptation measures are undertaken at the municipal level. Unfortunately, the implementation of adaptation measures has lagged behind expectations, partially due to public resistance to local projects. City planners seek tools to provide insight into the priorities of residents to build consensus and public support. This study follows up on two previous case studies of Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) implementation in Trondheim, Norway, where the prioritization of urban space is often a source of conflict. The Hofstede Cultural Compass is a tool that maps six cultural dimensions used in research and practice to inform users about cultural norms and cross-cultural divergences. This study seeks to test and verify this tool for use in building public consensus and support. Municipal managers responsible for project implementation took the Cultural Compass survey, and the results were collectively mapped and compared to the public at large. The Cultural Compass found notable divergences between the municipality and the Norwegian public within the areas of “Long-term Orientation”, “Uncertainty Avoidance”, and “Masculinity vs. Femininity”. These findings were cross-referenced with thematically analyzed interviews of residents regarding their perceptions of a municipal SUDS project. Together, these case studies give greater insight into the issues of diverging priorities and perspectives experienced in the implementation of SUDS. Recommendations are presented to aid the understanding of intercultural divergences between planning offices and public priorities in an effort to better engage the public and build consensus.
Diversity of Anal HPV and Non-HPV Sexually Transmitted Infections and Concordance with Genital Infections in HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Women in the Tapajós Region, Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Luana Lorena Silva , Pilotto José Henrique , Martinelli Katrini Guidolini , Nicol Alcina F. , De Paula Vanessa Salete , Gheit Tarik , Oliveira Nathália Silva Carlos , Silva-de-Jesus Carlos , Sahasrabuddhe Vikrant V. , Da Silva Diane M. , Kast W. Martin , Hardick Justin , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Morgado Mariza Gonçalves
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to classify the diversity of anal HPV and non-HPV sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and compare the concordance between anal and genital infections in HIV-infected and uninfected women living in the Tapajós region, Amazon, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was performed with 112 HIV-uninfected and 41 HIV-infected nonindigenous women. Anal and cervical scrapings were collected and analyzed for HPV, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrheae (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), and Human alphaherpesvirus 2 (HSV-2). The Kappa test evaluated the concordance between anal and genital infections. The overall prevalence of anal HPV infection was 31.3% in HIV-uninfected and 97.6% in HIV-infected women. The most frequent anal high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types were HPV18 and HPV16 in HIV-uninfected women and HPV51, HPV59, HPV31, and HPV58 in HIV-infected women. Anal HPV75 Betapapillomavirus was also identified. Anal non-HPV STIs were identified in 13.0% of all participants. The concordance analysis was fair for CT, MG, and HSV-2, almost perfect agreement for NG, moderate for HPV, and variable for the most frequent anal hrHPV types. Thus, a high prevalence of anal HPV infection with moderate and fair concordance between anal and genital HPV and non-HPV STIs was observed in our study.
Sustained Increase in Very Low Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Residents and Healthcare Workers of Long-Term Care Facilities in Austria after Educational Interventions
Authors: Boyer Johannes , König Elisabeth , Friedl Herwig , Pux Christian , Uhlmann Michael , Schippinger Walter , Krause Robert , Zollner-Schwetz Ines
Published: June 2023

Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are particularly at risk for influenza infections. We aimed to improve influenza vaccination coverage among residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) in four LTCFs by implementing educational programs and enhanced vaccination services. We compared vaccination coverage before and after the interventions (2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons). Data on vaccination adherence were recorded during a four-year observational period (2019/20 to 2022/23 seasons). Following the interventions, vaccination coverage increased significantly from 5.8% (22/377) to 19.1% (71/371) in residents and from 1.3% (3/234) to 19.7% (46/233) in HCWs (p < 0.001). During the observational period (2019/20 to 2022/23 seasons), vaccination coverage remained high in residents but decreased in HCWs. Vaccination adherence was significantly higher in residents and HCWs in LTCF 1 compared to the other three LTCFs. Our study suggests that a bundle of educational interventions and enhanced vaccination services can be an effective method for improving influenza vaccination coverage in LTCFs in both residents and HCWs. However, vaccination rates are still well below the recommended targets and further efforts are needed to increase vaccine coverage in our LTCFs.
Phytoplankton Carbon Utilization Strategies and Effects on Carbon Fixation
Authors: Wang Xin , Yin Zhuo , Chen Jielai , Liu Jing
Published: June 2023

Phytoplankton have a crucial role in the conversion of greenhouse gas sources and sinks in natural water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. In response to environmental changes, phytoplankton adapt by altering their carbon utilization strategies, which affect carbon fixation rates and carbon fluxes at the water–air interface. This paper classifies and summarizes the main carbon utilization strategies of phytoplankton in terms of carbon acquisition, carbon metabolism, and carbon emission. Their carbon acquisition strategy determines their carbon uptake rate, while their carbon metabolism strategy affects their carbon fixation potential. Moreover, their carbon emission strategy determines the final net carbon fixation. A systematic study of phytoplankton carbon utilization strategies is important for the development of phytoplankton-based wastewater treatment technologies, understanding of algal greenhouse gas fixation, and assessment of greenhouse gas sources and sinks in natural water bodies. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of the ecological role of phytoplankton in natural water bodies and offers valuable references for related research. Furthermore, our research sheds light on the carbon metabolism and emission processes of phytoplankton. By analyzing the carbon metabolism and emission of phytoplankton under different carbon utilization strategies, we can more accurately evaluate the impact of phytoplankton on the carbon cycle in natural water bodies, which can contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Measuring and Evaluating the Speed and the Physical Characteristics of Fishes Based on Video Processing
Authors: Behzadi Pour Faezeh , Parra Lorena , Lloret Jaime , Abdanan Mehdizadeh Saman
Published: June 2023

Acquiring the morphological parameters of fish with the traditional method (depending on human and non-automatic factors) not only causes serious problems, such as disease transmission, mortality due to stress, and carelessness and error, but it is also time-consuming and has low efficiency. In this paper, the speed of fish and their physical characteristics (maximum and minimum diameter, equivalent diameter, center of surface, and velocity of fish) were investigated by using a programmed online video-recording system. At first, using the spatial coordinates obtained from YOLOv2, the speed of the fish was calculated, and the morphological characteristics of the fish were also recorded using this program during two stages of feeding and normal conditions (when the fish are not in feeding condition). Statistical analysis was performed between the measured parameters due to the high correlation between the parameters, and the classification system with high accuracy was able to provide an accurate prediction of the fish in both normal and feeding conditions. In the next step, an artificial neural network (ANN) prediction model (with three neurons; four input, one hidden layer, and one output) was presented to plan the system online. The model has the lowest error (1.4 and 0.14, respectively) and the highest coefficient of explanation (0.95 and 0.94, respectively) in two modes, normal and feeding, which are presented by the ANN system for planning the online system. The high accuracy and low error of the system, in addition to having a high efficiency for continuous and online monitoring of live fish, can have a high economic benefit for fish breeders due to the simplicity of its equipment, and it can also check and diagnose the condition of fish in time and prevent economic damage.
Multifrequency Downstream Hydraulic Geometry of Alluvial Mountain Rivers Located on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Qin Chao , Wu Baosheng , Xue Yuan , Fu Xudong , Wang Guangqian , Wang Ge
Published: June 2023

Downstream hydraulic geometry (DHG) for multiple discharge frequencies remains poorly investigated. This paper seeks to clarify the DHG relations of different discharge frequencies and proposes the definition, mathematical expression, and geomorphological interpretation of multifrequency DHG (MFDHG). It also verifies the existence of DHG and MFDHG in the six major exoreic rivers located in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. MFDHG can be depicted with (1) log-linear plots between DHG coefficients and exponents for multiple discharge frequencies and (2) independent DHG curves intersecting near congruent discharge, width, depth, or velocity. The results show that rivers in the study area exhibit strong DHG relations. The variations in the DHG coefficients and exponents usually exhibit opposite trends with increasing discharge frequency. The MFDHG of a river reach is generally stronger than that of a river basin. Congruent hydraulics, as indices of geometric variability and hydraulic self-similarity, reflect consistent changes in hydraulic variables downstream. MFDHG is a novel geomorphic phenomenon that bridges spatiotemporal dimensions in HG systems and provides a basis for establishing an overall HG relationship.