bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pushing the Limits of Biosensing: Selective Calcium Ion Detection with High Sensitivity via High-k Gate Dielectric Engineered Si Nanowire Random Network Channel Dual-Gate Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Hyun Tae-Hwan , Cho Won-Ju
Published: July 2023

Calcium ions (Ca2+) are abundantly present in the human body; they perform essential roles in various biological functions. In this study, we propose a highly sensitive and selective biosensor platform for Ca2+ detection, which comprises a dual-gate (DG) field-effect transistor (FET) with a high-k engineered gate dielectric, silicon nanowire (SiNW) random network channel, and Ca2+-selective extended gate. The SiNW channel device, which was fabricated via the template transfer method, exhibits superior Ca2+ sensing characteristics compared to conventional film channel devices. An exceptionally high Ca2+ sensitivity of 208.25 mV/dec was achieved through the self-amplification of capacitively coupled DG operation and an enhanced amplification ratio resulting from the high surface-to-volume ratio of the SiNW channel. The SiNW channel device demonstrated stable and reliable sensing characteristics, as evidenced by minimal hysteresis and drift effects, with the hysteresis voltage and drift rate measuring less than 6.53% of the Ca2+ sensitivity. Furthermore, the Ca2+-selective characteristics of the biosensor platform were elucidated through experiments with pH buffer, NaCl, and KCl solutions, wherein the sensitivities of the interfering ions were below 7.82% compared to the Ca2+ sensitivity. The proposed Ca2+-selective biosensor platform exhibits exceptional performance and holds great potential in various biosensing fields.
Robust Learning with Noisy Ship Trajectories by Adaptive Noise Rate Estimation
Authors: Yang Haoyu , Wang Mao , Chen Zhihao , Xiao Kaiming , Li Xuan , Huang Hongbin
Published: July 2023

Ship trajectory classification is of great significance for shipping analysis and marine security governance. However, in order to cover up their illegal fishing or espionage activities, some illicit ships will forge the ship type information in the Automatic Identification System (AIS), and this label noise will significantly impact the algorithm’s classification accuracy. Sample selection is a common and effective approach in the field of learning from noisy labels. However, most of the existing methods based on sample selection need to determine the noise rate of the data through prior means. To address these issues, we propose a noise rate adaptive learning mechanism that operates without prior conditions. This mechanism is integrated with the robust training paradigm JoCoR (joint training with co-regularization), giving rise to a noise rate adaptive learning robust training paradigm called A-JoCoR. Experimental results on real-world trajectories provided by the Danish Maritime Authority verified the effectiveness of A-JoCoR. It not only realizes the adaptive learning of the data noise rate during the training process, but also significantly improves the classification performance compared with the original method.
Innovative Hybrid Approach for Masked Face Recognition Using Pretrained Mask Detection and Segmentation, Robust PCA, and KNN Classifier
Authors: Eman Mohammed , Mahmoud Tarek M. , Ibrahim Mostafa M. , Abd El-Hafeez Tarek
Published: July 2023

Face masks are widely used in various industries and jobs, such as healthcare, food service, construction, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, transportation, education, and public safety. Masked face recognition is essential to accurately identify and authenticate individuals wearing masks. Masked face recognition has emerged as a vital technology to address this problem and enable accurate identification and authentication in masked scenarios. In this paper, we propose a novel method that utilizes a combination of deep-learning-based mask detection, landmark and oval face detection, and robust principal component analysis (RPCA) for masked face recognition. Specifically, we use pretrained ssd-MobileNetV2 for detecting the presence and location of masks on a face and employ landmark and oval face detection to identify key facial features. The proposed method also utilizes RPCA to separate occluded and non-occluded components of an image, making it more reliable in identifying faces with masks. To optimize the performance of our proposed method, we use particle swarm optimization (PSO) to optimize both the KNN features and the number of k for KNN. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms existing methods in terms of accuracy and robustness to occlusion. Our proposed method achieves a recognition rate of 97%, which is significantly higher than the state-of-the-art methods. Our proposed method represents a significant improvement over existing methods for masked face recognition, providing high accuracy and robustness to occlusion.
Hearing and Seeing Nerve/Tendon Snapping: A Systematic Review on Dynamic Ultrasound Examination
Authors: Pirri Carmelo , Pirri Nina , Stecco Carla , Macchi Veronica , Porzionato Andrea , De Caro Raffaele , Özçakar Levent
Published: July 2023

Nerve/tendon snapping can occur due to their sudden displacement during the movement of an adjacent joint, and the clinical condition can really be painful. It can actually be challenging to determine the specific anatomic structure causing the snapping in various body regions. In this sense, ultrasound examination, with all its advantages (especially providing dynamic imaging), appears to be quite promising. To date, there are no comprehensive reviews reporting on the use of dynamic ultrasound examination in the diagnosis of nerve/tendon snapping. Accordingly, this article aims to provide a substantial discussion as to how US examination would contribute to ‘seeing’ and ‘hearing’ these pathologies’ different maneuvers/movements.
Wideband SiGe-HBT Low-Noise Amplifier with Resistive Feedback and Shunt Peaking
Authors: Song Ickhyun , Ryu Gyungtae , Jung Seung Hwan , Cressler John D. , Cho Moon-Kyu
Published: July 2023

In this work, the design of a wideband low-noise amplifier (LNA) using a resistive feedback network is proposed for potential multi-band sensing, communication, and radar applications. For achieving wide operational bandwidth and flat in-band characteristics simultaneously, the proposed LNA employs a variety of circuit design techniques, including a voltage–current (shunt–shunt) negative feedback configuration, inductive emitter degeneration, a main branch with an added cascode stage, and the shunt-peaking technique. The use of a feedback network and emitter degeneration provides broadened transfer characteristics for multi-octave coverage and a real impedance for input matching, respectively. In addition, the cascode stage pushes the band-limiting low-frequency pole, due to the Miller capacitance, to a higher frequency. Lastly, the shunt-peaking approach is optimized for the compensation of a gain reduction at higher frequency bands. The wideband LNA proposed in this study is fabricated using a commercial 0.13 μm silicon-germanium (SiGe) BiCMOS process, employing SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) as the circuit’s core active elements in the main branch. The measurement results show an operational bandwidth of 2.0–29.2 GHz, a noise figure of 4.16 dB (below 26.5 GHz, which was the measurement limit), and a total power consumption of 23.1 mW under a supply voltage of 3.3 V. Regarding the nonlinearity associated with large-signal behavior, the proposed LNA exhibits an input 1-dB compression (IP1dB) point of −5.42 dBm at 12 GHz. These performance numbers confirm the strong viability of the proposed approach in comparison with other state-of-the-art designs.
Fine-Grained 3D Modeling and Semantic Mapping of Coral Reefs Using Photogrammetric Computer Vision and Machine Learning
Authors: Zhong Jiageng , Li Ming , Zhang Hanqi , Qin Jiangying
Published: July 2023

Corals play a crucial role as the primary habitat-building organisms within reef ecosystems, forming expansive structures that extend over vast distances, akin to the way tall buildings define a city’s skyline. However, coral reefs are vulnerable to damage and destruction due to their inherent fragility and exposure to various threats, including the impacts of climate change. Similar to successful city management, the utilization of advanced underwater videography, photogrammetric computer vision, and machine learning can facilitate precise 3D modeling and the semantic mapping of coral reefs, aiding in their careful management and conservation to ensure their survival. This study focuses on generating detailed 3D mesh models, digital surface models, and orthomosaics of coral habitats by utilizing underwater coral images and control points. Furthermore, an innovative multi-modal deep neural network is designed to perform the pixel-wise semantic segmentation of orthomosaics, enabling the projection of resulting semantic maps onto a 3D space. Notably, this study achieves a significant milestone by accomplishing semantic fine-grained 3D modeling and rugosity evaluation of coral reefs with millimeter-level accuracy, providing a potent means to understand coral reef variations under climate change with high spatial and temporal resolution.
Event-Triggered Finite-Time Formation Control of Underactuated Multiple ASVs with Prescribed Performance and Collision Avoidance
Authors: Tian Xuehong , Lin Jianfei , Liu Haitao , Huang Xiuying
Published: July 2023

In this paper, an event-triggered finite-time controller is proposed for solving the formation control problems of underactuated multiple autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), including asymmetric mass matrix, collision avoidance, maintaining communication distances and prescribed performance. First, to not only avoid collisions between the follower and leader but also maintain an effective communication distance, a desired tracking distance is designed to be maintained. Second, an improved barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is proposed to implement the tracking error constraint. In addition, the relative threshold event-triggering strategy effectively solves the communication pressure problem and greatly saves communication resources. Finally, based on coordinate transformation, line of sight (LOS) and dynamic surface control (DSC), a comprehensive finite-time formation control method is proposed to avoid collisions and maintain communication distance. All the signals of the proposed control system can be stabilized in finite time (PFS). The numerical simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control system.
A Configurational Evaluation of Spanish Teleworkers’ Perception and Nonperception of Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: de Andrés-Sánchez Jorge
Published: July 2023

This paper assesses the explanatory power of individual, environmental, and job factors on Spanish telecommuters’ presence and absence of stress in a home telework setting during the COVID-19 crisis. It uses a survey of the Spanish agency “Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas” on the perceptions of the Spanish population about several aspects of information communication technologies (ICTs) that was carried out in March 2021. We use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to capture how factors combine to enable and inhibit stress feeling. The perception of stress is less covered by fsQCA configurations than the nonperception. However, fsQCA provides profiles that cause stress feelings and nonstress feelings with great consistency. We have checked that overload is the most important variable to explain stress. Likewise, fsQCA has also shown that while some variables, such as overload, isolation, non-adequacy, or organizational support, impact symmetrically on the presence and absence of stress perception, other factors, such as attaining a satisfactory work-home balance or gender, impact them asymmetrically. From a practical point of view, we can outline that clearer regulation of teleworking is needed to prevent imbalances in rights and obligations between companies and employees. However, there are also several challenges at the organization and worker level.
Phytotoxic Effects of Al on Root Growth Are Confounded in the Presence of Fulvic and Humic Acids
Authors: Harper Stephen , Menzies Neal
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims: In acidic soils, aluminum (Al) toxicity remains a critical crop limitation that can be ameliorated by organic amendments through Al complexation with high-molecular-weight carbon compounds, particularly fulvic and humic acids (FA and HA) However, no research discriminates between the direct effects of FA and HA on plant growth and the indirect effect that occurs through ameliorating Al toxicity. This study delineates the direct and indirect effects of FA and HA on plant growth. Methods: Eucalyptus and Hay FA and HA, and Al effects on maize (Zea mays) root growth were investigated using dilute nutrient solution. Five Al concentrations (0–270 µM) were combined with four organic acid (OA) treatments, including Nil-OA, FA40, and HA40 (each at 40 mg C L−1) and a combined treatment FA40HA40 (80 mg C L−1). Results: Eucalyptus FA and HA stimulated root growth by ~20% compared with root growth in the Nil-OA (17.4 cm). In the absence of Al, Hay FA and HA inhibited root growth (by ~20%) compared with the Nil-OA but the addition of Al resulted in stimulation of root growth. In the presence of FA and HA, root growth was not inhibited by nominally toxic monomeric Al (Al3+) concentrations (~20 µM Al). However, when expressed on a relative basis to remove the direct effect of the ligand, the response was consistent with Al toxicity. Conclusions: The effects of FA and HA were either inhibitory or stimulatory depending on the source while both sources of FA and HA mitigated Al toxicity through complexation. The study provides mechanistic data that highlights limitations of soil bioassays where the direct effects of organic ligands on root growth are confounded with the indirect effect of their reduction of Al toxicity. These two independent processes must be considered in evaluating the amelioration of Al by organic amendments.
Global Atlas of Marine Floating Solar PV Potential
Authors: Silalahi David Firnando , Blakers Andrew
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we analyse 40 years of maximum wind speed and wave height data to identify potential sites for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems floating on seas and oceans. Maximum hourly wave height and wind speed data were segregated into 5 distinct categories. These categorisations were then combined at the nearest wind speed and wave height grid point for each sea location, generating a comprehensive wind–wave map via a geographic information system (GIS) visualisation. We find that regions around the equator are generally calm, i.e., free from strong winds and large waves. The most favourable locations are around the Indonesian archipelago, and the Gulf of Guinea on the west coast of tropical Africa. Our analysis indicates the huge potential of floating solar PV systems in calm tropical maritime regions, capable of generating about one million terawatt-hours per year in regions that rarely experience waves larger than 6 m or winds stronger than 15 m/s. This study furthers our understanding of alternative renewable energy options, emphasising the promising potential of offshore floating solar PV systems in the global energy transition.
Leveraging Drone Technology for Last-Mile Deliveries in the e-Tailing Ecosystem
Authors: Min Hokey
Published: July 2023

The extended lockdown and limited in-person interactions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have radically changed many consumers’ shopping behavior. These changes include a rapid rise in online shopping, leading to the fast growth of e-logistics. As the popularity of e-logistics has spread worldwide, many retailers’ success hinges on their ability to deliver products to their consumers’ doorsteps. This ability cannot be nurtured without handling last-mile delivery services in a cost-efficient and sustainable way. However, last-mile delivery services pose unique and complex challenges since they require individual, door-to-door services that limit the opportunity to consolidate small shipments into large ones and thus increase cost burdens for retailers selling products online. These challenges call for new, innovative ways of managing last-mile delivery services. Such practices include utilizing emerging drone technology that allows retailers to deliver products from point to point ubiquitously without a pilot, driver, or vehicle consuming too much fossil fuel. This paper is one of the first studies to develop viable strategic plans for commercializing drone technology in the e-tailing ecosystem using visual decision-aid tools and performance management systems.
Exploring the Relationships between Land Surface Temperature and Its Influencing Determinants Using Local Spatial Modeling
Authors: Ünsal Ömer , Lotfata Aynaz , Avcı Sedat
Published: July 2023

In recent years, a growing body of research has investigated the factors influencing land surface temperature (LST) in different cities, employing diverse methodologies. Our study aims to be one of the few to examine the socio-environmental variables (SV) of LST with a holistic approach, especially in primate cities in developing countries, which are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In this context, the study preliminarily identifies the SV of LST while investigating the most vulnerable areas related to extreme LST at the neighborhood level. The combined 11 variables are analyzed using spatial modeling methods (GWR and MGWR). The MGWR model outperforms the GWR model with an adjusted R2 of 0.96. The results showed that: (1) the 65+ population is negatively associated with LST in 95% of neighborhoods; the socioeconomic index–LST relationship is negative in 65% of neighborhoods. (2) In 90% of the neighborhoods where the relationship between LST and the built environment ratio is positive, the socioeconomic level decreases while household size increases in 98% of the neighborhoods. (3) In 62% of the neighborhoods where the relationship between the 65+ population and LST is negative, the relationship between the socioeconomic level and LST is negative. This study aids decision-makers and planners in managing urban resources to reduce extreme LST exposure region by region and recommending multiscale policies to control determinant influences on LST.
Demographic Considerations in Incenting Reuse of Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
Authors: Ketkale Harshwardhan , Simske Steven
Published: July 2023

Climate change is heavily impacted by greenhouse gases. Many sustainability efforts directly or indirectly affect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the environment. In order to address climate change, sustainability efforts are promoted all around the world. The need to motivate the general population was identified by authors in their previous research. This paper proposes to use a positive reinforcement ethos as a psychological incentive to motivate the general population. This paper further examines the findings of the previous paper to better construct the structure of motivating the general population with the use of this positive reinforcement ethos. This paper attempts to segment the general population based on demographic information including age, gender, awareness of climate change, and current recycling efforts to examine its relevance with persuasion and operant conditions. Further, this paper also tests the hypothesis of using entropy as a tool to identify confusing/leading questions on the survey. Two different sustainability effort options are explored: returning and reusing Corrugated Cardboard Boxes (CCBs). An online survey is conducted, and its data are analyzed to test these hypotheses. The results indicate that reusing CCBs is statistically significantly preferred over returning them. Also, ethos and aesthetics are statistically significantly preferred over logos and pathos. Segmenting the general population based on demographic does not yield any significant effect on motivating the general population. The results of this study can be applied to motivate the general population for different sustainability efforts such as promoting green energy, waste management, and other initiatives.
Risk Assessment Method for Spontaneous Combustion of Pyrophoric Iron Sulfides
Authors: Dou Zhan , Li Li-Li , Chen Liang-Chao
Published: July 2023

Pyrophoric iron sulfides (PISs) can spontaneously oxidize and release heat when they come into contact with air, resulting in fire and explosion accidents. In order to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion, risk assessment methods need to be developed. In this paper, the preparation experiment and oxidation experiment of PISs are carried out to obtain the data of solid phase temperature and time, and the temperature–time curve is drawn. Based on the risk assessment method of thermal runaway and the oxidation experiment law of PISs, the risk assessment index system of spontaneous combustion is established, and the possibility and consequence severity of spontaneous combustion are classified. On this basis, the risk assessment matrix is used to determine the risk level of spontaneous combustion, and the risk assessment method of spontaneous combustion of PISs is established. Finally, nine groups of different oxidation processes of PISs are used to verify that the method is reasonable and effective.
Enhancing the Seismic Response of Residential RC Buildings with an Innovative Base Isolation Technique
Authors: Belbachir Asma , Benanane Abdelkader , Ouazir Abderrahmane , Harrat Zouaoui R. , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Radu Dorin , Işık Ercan , Louhibi Zouhir S. M. , Amziane Sofiane
Published: July 2023

The prediction of the magnitude and impact of forthcoming earthquakes remains an elusive challenge in the field of science. Consequently, extensive research efforts have been directed toward the development of earthquake-resistant design strategies aimed at mitigating building vibrations. This study focuses on the efficacy of fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) in augmenting the seismic response of a low-rise residential reinforced-concrete building, which is base-isolated, using high–damping rubber bearings (HDRBs). The structural analysis employs a non-linear approach, employing ETABS v16 software for building modeling and conducting non-linear dynamic analysis using artificial accelerograms specific to Algeria. Three distinct connection configurations to the building’s base are investigated: (1) a fixed-base structure; (2) a structure isolated by HDRBs; and (3) a structure isolated utilizing a novel parallel arrangement of HDRBs in conjunction with FVDs. Comparative evaluation of these configurations reveals noteworthy findings; the results demonstrate that the base isolation system, comprising HDRBs and FVDs, significantly diminishes the base shear force by over 80% and reduces acceleration by 54% while concurrently increasing displacement by 47%. These findings underscore the effectiveness of incorporating FVDs in conjunction with HDRBs as a means to enhance the seismic response of reinforced concrete buildings. This study showcases the potential of such structural analyses to contribute to the development of earthquake-resistant design approaches, providing valuable insights for architects and engineers involved in constructing resilient buildings in seismically active regions.
Advances in the Sustainable Use of Plastics in Horticulture—Perspectives, Innovations, Opportunities, and Limitations
Authors: Blanke Michael M.
Published: July 2023

The use of plastics in horticulture is reviewed with respect to its sustainability based on the traditional criteria of triple Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycling) plus a re-place strategy, taking into account possible alternatives. Hail (and insect) nets made of HD-PE, with their long-term use mostly on apple and polytunnels of LD-PE for cherry and strawberry as well as solarisation mulches (reuse), were found to be relatively sustainable solutions for their needs and are currently without alternatives. In contrast, standard black mulch, with its largest share among horticultural plastics, had the widest range of sustainable alternatives, ranging from biodegradable to spray mulch; few sustainable alternatives are available for fleeces and reflective mulches. For the third sustainable option, pilot recycling schemes were examined, such as PolieCoTM (Italy), MAPLATM (Spain), and ERDETM (Germany); they collect 30–50% of the agricultural plastics used in their respective areas, with a successful retrieval growth rate of ca. 20% per year in the case of ERDETM. For the fourth new R option (replace), future sustainability perspectives for the predominant black mulch are research into and development of better, biodegradable, non-fossilbased plastics, sprayable mulch; microbes for the digestion of deployed polyolefins and, for a certain limited range (on shade tolerant crops or in high-light intensity environment), hail nets and polytunnels that are equipped/substituted by/with solar panels (“agri pv”) for the concomitant sustainable production of green renewable energy.
Decentralized Power Flow Control Strategy Using Transition Operations of DC-Bus Voltage for Detection of Uncertain DC Microgrid Operations
Authors: Jabbar Muhammad Alif Miraj , Tran Dat Thanh , Kim Kyeong-Hwa
Published: July 2023

To enhance the reliability and flexibility of DC microgrids (DCMGs), this paper presents a decentralized power flow control strategy (PFCS) by using the transition operation modes. The transition operation modes are introduced as an effective communication method among power units, eliminating the use of additional digital communication links (DCLs) for the purpose of ensuring the power balance as well as the voltage regulation even under uncertain conditions. During the transition operation modes, the power unit which transmits the information shifts the DC-link voltage level, and the power unit which receives the information continuously monitors the DC-link voltage with predetermined time. When uncertain conditions occur in a particular power unit, this power unit triggers the transition operation modes to send this information to all power units in the DCMG system. The proposed PFCS can maintain the DC-link voltage at the nominal value for steady-state conditions both in the grid-connected mode and islanded mode. Moreover, the proposed PFCS significantly enhances the overall reliability of the decentralized DCMG system by effectively addressing several uncertainties stemmed from electricity price fluctuations, grid availability, battery state-of-charge (SOC) levels, and wind power variations. The scalability of the DCMG system is also demonstrated by incorporating an electric vehicle (EV) unit as an additional energy storage system (ESS). The EV unit seamlessly cooperates with the existing battery unit, functioning as additional ESS to regulate the DC-link voltage when the battery SOC level is low. Simulation and experimentation results under various conditions demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed PFCS.
Sustainable Textile Raw Materials: Review on Bioprocessing of Textile Waste via Electrospinning
Authors: Suen Dawson Wai-Shun , Chan Eve Man-Hin , Lau Yui-Yip , Lee Rachel Hiu-Pui , Tsang Paul Wai-Kei , Ouyang Shaobo , Tsang Chi-Wing
Published: July 2023

The fashion and textile industry in its current fast-rising business model has generated a huge amount of textile waste during and after the production process. The environmental impact of this waste is well documented as it poses serious threats to lives on earth. To confront the menace of this huge pollution problem, a number of research works were carried out to examine the possible re-utilization of these waste materials without further damaging the environment; for instance, reusing, generating valuable products, or regenerating fibrous materials to form a closed loop in the cotton textile waste lifecycle. This review covers different methodologies to transform cellulosic textile materials into various products with added value, such as cellulosic glucose, cellulase, etc., and finally, to regenerate the fibrous materials for re-application in textiles and fashion. This article presents an overall picture to researchers outlining the possible value addition of textile waste materials. Furthermore, the regeneration of cellulosic fibrous materials from textile waste will be brought into the limelight.
Correction: Gebreyohannes et al. Finger Millet Production in Ethiopia: Opportunities, Problem Diagnosis, Key Challenges and Recommendations for Breeding. Sustainability 2021, 13, 13463
Authors: Gebreyohannes Adane , Shimelis Hussein , Laing Mark , Mathew Isack , Odeny Damaris A. , Ojulong Henry
Published: July 2023

The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...]
Potential Use of Rendering Mortar Waste Powder as a Cement Replacement Material: Fresh, Mechanical, Durability and Microstructural Properties
Authors: Abadel Aref A. , Nasr Mohammed Salah , Shubbar Ali , Hashim Tameem Mohammed , Tuladhar Rabin
Published: July 2023

The difficulty of decomposing solid waste over time has made it a significant global problem because of its environmental impact and the need for large areas for disposal. Among these residues is the waste of the rendering mortar that is produced (falls to the ground) while applied to wall surfaces. The quantity of these materials may reach 200 to 500 g/m2. As a result of local urban development (in Iraq), thousands of tons of these wastes are produced annually. On the other hand, the emission of greenhouse gases in the cement industry has had a great environmental impact. One of the solutions to this problem is to reduce the cement content in the mix by replacing it with less emissive materials. Residues from other industries are considered a relatively ideal option due to their disposal on the one hand and the reduction of harmful emissions of the cement industry on the other hand. Therefore, this research aims to reuse rendering mortar waste powder (RMWP) as a possible alternative to cement in mortar. RMWP replaced the cement in proportions (0, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% by weight). The flow rate, flexural and compressive strengths, ultrasonic pulse velocity, bulk density, dynamic modulus of elasticity, electrical resistivity, and water absorption tests of the produced mortar were executed. Microstructural analysis of the produced mortar was also investigated. Results indicated that, for sustainable development, an eco-friendly mortar can be made by replacing cement with RMWP at a rate of 15%, resulting in a 17% decrease in compressive strength while maintaining or improving durability properties. Moreover, the microstructure became denser and more homogeneous in the presence of RMWP.
Assessing Human Mobility and Its Climatic and Socioeconomic Factors for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Li Qirui , Samimi Cyrus
Published: July 2023

Promoting human mobility and reducing inequality among countries are the Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) targets. However, measuring human mobility, assessing its heterogeneity and changes, and exploring associated mechanisms and context effects are still key challenges, especially for developing countries. This study attempts to review the concept of human mobility with complex thinking, assess human mobility across forty countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and examine the effect of climatic and socioeconomic factors. Based on the coined definition of human mobility, international migration and cross-border trips are taken to assess human mobility in terms of permanent migration and temporary moves. The forty SSA countries are hence classified into four mobility groups. Regression models are performed to identify key determinants and estimate their effects on mobility. The results reveal that seven of these forty countries had a high mobility, whereas most experienced a decline in permanent migration. Lesotho, Cabo Verde, and Namibia presented high temporary moves, while Eritrea, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, and Liberia had a high permanent migration. Climatic and socioeconomic conditions demonstrated significant effects on mobility but were different for temporary moves and permanent migration. Wet extremes reduced mobility, whereas extreme temperature variations had positive effects. Dry extremes promoted permanent migration but inhibited temporary moves. Economic wealth and political instability promoted permanent migration, while the young population counteracted temporary moves. Food insecurity and migrant networks stimulated human mobility. The analysis emphasises the interest in analysing human mobility for risk reduction and sustainability management at the multi-county level.
Can the Green Finance Reform and Innovation Improve Green Investment of Heavily Polluting Enterprises?
Authors: Lv Di , Zhou Chaobo
Published: July 2023

Determining whether the Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zone (GFRI) promotes the green investment (GI) of enterprises is practically important for China to achieve the “double carbon” goal early. This study examines the effect of GFRI on GI by the relevant data of listed heavily polluting enterprises in China from 2011 to 2020 and a difference-in-difference model. The results show that GFRI improves the GI of enterprises, and GFRI can enhance GI by promoting reputational costs and loan scale. The improvement effect is also more significant for state-owned enterprises, enterprises with high financing constraints, enterprises in regions with high environmental regulation intensity, and enterprises with executives’ financial backgrounds. The improvement in GI can further enhance the value of enterprises after the implementation of GFRI. The study provides a direct answer to the key question of whether the GFRI can actually support high-quality economic development.
Preventing Moral Crisis and Promoting Sustainable Development in Enterprises: A Study of Managers’ Moral Decision-Making
Authors: Zhang Dianru , Zhang Chi , Wang Li
Published: July 2023

A moral crisis poses significant challenges to the success and sustainable development of a corporation. In this context, managers’ moral decision-making becomes paramount. Managers’ moral choices and actions directly impact the corporation‘s ability to effectively address these crises, ultimately shaping its outcomes and prospects. This study employs the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework to explore the determinants that influence the moral decision-making process of managers. Specifically, the study introduces two new variables, namely, moral climate and moral self-efficacy, to enrich the existing theory. By employing structural equation modeling (SEM), the study examines the interrelationships among moral attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, moral intentions, moral decision-making, and the two new variables. The research findings provide compelling evidence that both moral climate and moral self-efficacy have a substantial impact on the moral decision-making process of managers. Notably, moral self-efficacy emerges as a mediating variable in the relationship between moral climate and moral intention. The findings of this study hold significant value for the development of moral decision-making models and the theory of planned behavior, with practical implications that can assist organizations in achieving sustainable growth and success.
Some Refinements of Selberg Inequality and Related Results
Authors: Altwaijry Najla , Conde Cristian , Dragomir Silvestru Sever , Feki Kais
Published: July 2023

This paper introduces several refinements of the classical Selberg inequality, which is considered a significant result in the study of the spectral theory of symmetric spaces, a central topic in the field of symmetry studies. By utilizing the contraction property of the Selberg operator, we derive improved versions of the classical Selberg inequality. Additionally, we demonstrate the interdependence among well-known inequalities such as Cauchy–Schwarz, Bessel, and the Selberg inequality, revealing that these inequalities can be deduced from one another. This study showcases the enhancements made to the classical Selberg inequality and establishes the interconnectedness of various mathematical inequalities.
Path Planning Algorithm Based on Obstacle Clustering Analysis and Graph Search
Authors: Wang Lei , Sun Lifan
Published: July 2023

Path planning is receiving considerable interest in mobile robot research; however, a large number of redundant nodes are typically encountered in the path search process for large-scale maps, resulting in decreased algorithmic efficiency. To address this problem, this paper proposes a graph search path planning algorithm that is based on map preprocessing for creating a weighted graph in the map, thus obtaining a structured search framework. In addition, the reductions in the DBSCAN algorithm were analyzed. Subsequently, the optimal combination of the minPts and Eps required to achieve an efficient and accurate clustering of obstacle communities was determined. The effective edge points were then found by performing obstacle collision detection between special grid nodes. A straight-line connection or A* planning strategy was used between the effective edge points to establish a weighted, undirected graph that contained the start and end points, thereby achieving a structured search framework. This approach reduces the impact of map scale on the time cost of the algorithm and improves the efficiency of path planning. The results of the simulation experiments indicate that the number of nodes to be calculated in the search process of the weighted graph decreases significantly when using the proposed algorithm, thus improving the path planning efficiency. The proposed algorithm offers excellent performance for large-scale maps with few obstacles.
Inertial Viscosity Approximation Methods for General Split Variational Inclusion and Fixed Point Problems in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Pan Chanjuan , Wang Kunyang
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this paper is to find a common element of the fixed point set of a nonexpansive mapping and the set of solutions of the general split variational inclusion problem in symmetric Hilbert spaces by using the inertial viscosity iterative method. Some strong convergence theorems of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated. As applications, we use our results to study the split feasibility problem and the split minimization problem. Finally, the numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our theoretical findings, and our results extend and improve many recent ones.
Blue Sky Defense for Carbon Emission Trading Policies: A Perspective on the Spatial Spillover Effects of Total Factor Carbon Efficiency
Authors: Gao Da , Tan Linfang , Mo Xinlin , Xiong Ruochan
Published: July 2023

In the pursuit of China’s environmental targets to achieve a carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, the carbon emission trading scheme (CETs) has emerged as a critical policy instrument. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, China has been on a two-wheel drive to prevent pollution and combat climate change and proposes to fight the Blue Sky Defense. Therefore, this study focuses on prefecture-level cities in China and employs a spatial difference-difference (SDID) model to investigate the spatial spillover effects of CETs on urban total factor carbon emission efficiency (TFCEE). Furthermore, a mediating effect model is constructed to explore the channels through which CETs influence carbon emission efficiency. The results show that (1) implementing urban CETs can significantly improve urban itself and the surrounding carbon emission efficiency. (2) The CETs can indirectly promote the improvement of carbon efficiency by optimizing the allocation of labor resources and strengthening the level of green technology innovation. (3) Compared with the cities in central and western China, implementing the CETs has a stronger promotion effect on the carbon emission efficiency of the cities in eastern China.
Four New Caddisfly Species of Marilia Müller, 1880 (Trichoptera: Odontoceridae) from a Tailings Dam Disaster Area, Rio Doce basin, Brazil
Authors: Bonfá Neto Pedro , Salles Frederico Falcão , Vilarino Albane
Published: July 2023

Marilia is the most diverse genus of the caddisfly family Odontoceridae, being distributed throughout the Oriental, Australasian and Neotropical regions. Herein, we describe four new Neotropical species from the Atlantic Forest, Rio Doce basin, Brazil. This basin was partly affected by a flood of 50 million m3 of mud and mining debris in 2015. Due to this disaster, numerous monitoring activities have been carried out to assess the impact generated. Material from one of these attempts was used to describe the new species: Marilia aranan sp. nov., Marilia krenak sp. nov., M. maxakali sp. nov. and M. mukurin sp. nov. Additionally, we provide a new state record of M. guaira from Minas Gerais. Marilia aranan sp. nov. was collected in tributaries as well as in the impacted area 7 years after the disaster. Marilia guaira and M. krenak sp. nov. were collected only in the impacted area. The other species were found only in tributaries. Odontoceridae are considered highly sensitive to disturbance. The presence of Marilia species suggests that parts of the riverbed have recovered from the fine tailing sediments and also highlights the importance of tributaries in the recolonization process.
Antiviral Effect of Candies Containing Persimmon-Derived Tannin against SARS-CoV-2 Delta Strain
Authors: Furukawa Ryutaro , Kitabatake Masahiro , Ouji-Sageshima Noriko , Tomita Dai , Kumamoto Makiko , Suzuki Yuki , Nakano Akiyo , Nakano Ryuichi , Matsumura Yoko , Kayano Shin-ichi , Yano Hisakazu , Tamaki Shinji , Ito Toshihiro
Published: July 2023

Inactivation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the mouth has the potential to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), due to the virus being readily transmitted by dispersed saliva. Persimmon-derived tannin has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activity owing to its strong adhesion to proteins, and it also exhibited antiviral effects against non-variant and Alpha-variant SARS-CoV-2 in our previous study. In this study, we first demonstrated the antiviral effects of persimmon-derived tannin against the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro via the plaque assay method. We then examined the effects of candy containing persimmon-derived tannin. Remarkably, the saliva samples provided by healthy volunteers while they were eating tannin-containing candy showed that the virus titers of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were suppressed. In addition, we found that the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in saliva from patients with COVID-19 collected immediately after they had eaten the tannin-containing candy was below the level of detection via PCR for SARS-CoV-2. These data suggest that adding persimmon-derived tannin to candy and holding such candy in the mouth is an effective method for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 in saliva, and the application of this approach shows potential for inhibiting the transmission of COVID-19.
The Stereotypic Response of the Pulmonary Vasculature to Respiratory Viral Infections: Findings in Mouse Models of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and Gammaherpesvirus Infections
Authors: De Neck Simon , Penrice-Randal Rebekah , Clark Jordan J. , Sharma Parul , Bentley Eleanor G. , Kirby Adam , Mega Daniele F. , Han Ximeng , Owen Andrew , Hiscox Julian A. , Stewart James P. , Kipar Anja
Published: July 2023

The respiratory system is the main target of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) where acute respiratory distress syndrome is considered the leading cause of death. Changes in pulmonary blood vessels, among which an endothelialitis/endotheliitis has been particularly emphasized, have been suggested to play a central role in the development of acute lung injury. Similar vascular changes are also observed in animal models of COVID-19. The present study aimed to determine whether the latter are specific for SARS-CoV-2 infection, investigating the vascular response in the lungs of mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses (influenza A and murine gammaherpesvirus) by in situ approaches (histology, immunohistology, morphometry) combined with RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Non-selective recruitment of monocytes and T and B cells from larger muscular veins and arteries was observed with all viruses, matched by a comparable transcriptional response. There was no evidence of endothelial cell infection in any of the models. Both the morphological investigation and the transcriptomics approach support the interpretation that the lung vasculature in mice mounts a stereotypic response to alveolar and respiratory epithelial damage. This may have implications for the treatment and management of respiratory disease in humans.
The (Re-)Emergence and Spread of Viral Zoonotic Disease: A Perfect Storm of Human Ingenuity and Stupidity
Authors: Marie Veronna , Gordon Michelle L.
Published: July 2023

Diseases that are transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans are referred to as zoonotic diseases. Although microbial agents such as bacteria and parasites are linked to zoonotic events, viruses account for a high percentage of zoonotic diseases that have emerged. Worryingly, the 21st century has seen a drastic increase in the emergence and re-emergence of viral zoonotic disease. Even though humans and animals have coexisted for millennia, anthropogenic factors have severely increased interactions between the two populations, thereby increasing the risk of disease spill-over. While drivers such as climate shifts, land exploitation and wildlife trade can directly affect the (re-)emergence of viral zoonotic disease, globalisation, geopolitics and social perceptions can directly facilitate the spread of these (re-)emerging diseases. This opinion paper discusses the “intelligent” nature of viruses and their exploitation of the anthropogenic factors driving the (re-)emergence and spread of viral zoonotic disease in a modernised and connected world.