bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FLAGDroneRacing: An Autonomous Drone Racing System
Authors: Li Ruocheng , Lyu Jingshuo , Wang Aobo , Yu Rui , Wu Delong , Xin Bin
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a complete system for autonomous drone racing combining image recognition, depth mapping, visual-inertial odometry (VIO), and collision-free trajectory planning. The proposed system focuses on simple, robust, and computationally efficient techniques to enable onboard hardware applications. A loosely coupled visual-inertial localization system is devised, to ensure real-time and robust localization. A lightweight CPU-based detection module is designed, which consists of autonomous mapping and gate detection components. We also introduce a robust and efficient trajectory planner to generate smooth and collision-free trajectories in real-time. The proposed methods are tested extensively through benchmark comparisons and challenging indoor flights, while simulation results show the validness and effectiveness of our proposed system. We release our implementation as an open-source ROS-package.
Effects of pre-programmed 4D printing process parameters on the shape memory performance of polyurethane
Authors: Li Guiwei , Tian Qi , Ren Luquan , Wu Qian , Wu Wenzheng , Yang Shida , Zhao Yihang , Wang Jiaqing , Zhou Xueli , Wang Kunyang , Liu Qingping , Chen Fei
Published: April 2023

4D printing technology endows printed samples with self-driven performance that increasingly show strong application prospects. Polyurethane, as a typical shape memory polymer, is widely used in 4D printing. Current researches on 4D printed polyurethane materials are focused on investigating polyurethane composites or novel printing techniques to optimize the shape memory properties of the printed samples. In this study, the effects of pre-programmed 4D printing process parameters on the shape memory properties of polyurethane were systematically investigated. The higher printing speed, higher printing temperature, and lower fill rate result in faster response time of the biomimetic samples with thermal stimulation. Based on the programming of process parameters (e.g., printing temperature, printing speed and filling rate), the biomimetic flowers and hands were processed to achieve a controlled behavior of sequential deformation. It was successfully achieved that only one printing material could demonstrate the shape memory effects with a sequential response process. The adjustable sequential deformations further enlighten the application of 4D printing technology in specific engineering fields such as aerospace, biomedicine, robot and military engineering, where parts must undergo a sequence of deformations to serve practical requirements.
The Impact of Urban Digital Economy Development on Manufacturing Innovation Efficiency: Evidence from Chinese Listed Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Liu Huan , Li Shengsheng
Published: April 2023

As we enter the digital era, the digital economy provides an opportunity for China’s manufacturing industry to achieve ‘smart manufacturing’ and provides important support for China to move from a ‘big manufacturing country’ to a ‘strong manufacturing country’. This paper constructs an indicator system for the level of digital economy development in Chinese cities by determining the connotation of China’s digital economy based on the characteristics of its digital economy development. Based on the application of entropy value method to measure the level of digital economy development of cities, we empirically investigate the impact of the level of digital economy development of cities on the innovation efficiency of manufacturing industry using mixed panel data of listed Chinese A-share manufacturing companies and cities from 2011 to 2019. The empirical study finds that the level of urban digital economy development is conducive to improving the overall innovation efficiency, innovation quality efficiency and innovation quantity efficiency of enterprises, and overall, the digital economy has a significant contribution to the innovation efficiency of manufacturing industry. There is regional, firm size and industry heterogeneity in the impact of urban digital economy development level on manufacturing innovation efficiency, and this heterogeneity is further manifested in the types of manufacturing innovation efficiency. For example, the urban digital economy enhances the innovation efficiency of small-scale firms mainly through the quantity of innovation rather than the quality of innovation.
Design of Temperature Sensor Based on One-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Containing Si–BGO Layer
Authors: Srivastava Sanjeev K.
Published: April 2023

This paper describes the theoretical investigation of enhancement in temperature sensitivity using one-dimensional (1D) symmetric defective photonic crystal (PC) containing Si (Silicon) and Bi4Ge3O[Formula: see text] (Bismuth Germanate, BGO) material. The proposed sensor consists of a defect layer (air defect) sandwiched between two 1D-PCs with a symmetrical and asymmetrical structure composed of Si and BGO, respectively. Sensor performance has been evaluated by calculating the transmittance spectra of the proposed structure. In order to obtain the transmittance spectra, a transfer matrix method (TMM) is employed. The principle of temperature sensing is based on the shift in the resonant wavelength (or peak) of the transmission mode with a change in temperature. This is due to the temperature-dependent refractive index of the Si and BGO layers. Analysis of the transmittance spectra shows that temperature sensitivity of 1D-PC structure can be enhanced by using a symmetric defective PC with and without an external defect layer over asymmetric defective PC. It is found that symmetric defective PC with and without defect shows sensitivity equal to 0.173[Formula: see text]nm/∘C and 0.140[Formula: see text]nm/∘C, whereas asymmetric defective PC shows 0.125[Formula: see text]nm/∘C, for the same parameters. Further, the results show that symmetric defective 1D-PC (without the presence of any external defect layer) gives a higher Q-factor than a symmetric and asymmetric defective 1D-PC with an external defect layer. The proposed structure is cost-effective, easy to fabricate and compact in size.
A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) using Ocean Plastic Microbes as a Framework that Is Impactful for Both In-Person and Online Course Modalities
Authors: Barral Ana Maria , Simmons Rachel E. , Boman-Davis Marie , DeForce Emelia , Bowman Jeff S.
Published: April 2023

A course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) is described, both in its original, field-based and in-person design, as well as its adaptation to online delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CURE experience was centered around the topic of microbes attaching to ocean plastic debris, and included connecting nontraditional undergraduate students attending a primarily teaching institution to personnel of a research-intensive institution. The CURE was implemented in nonmajors and majors’ general biology laboratory courses, as well as in an introductory microbiology lab course for health majors. Student perception of the CURE was assessed quantitatively through self-administered retrospective surveys, and qualitatively using open-ended survey questions and focus group interviews. Survey questions were grouped into four themes: (1) research at the research institution, (2) research at the teaching institution, (3) laboratory skills, and (4) interest in science. To assess impact of the CURE by modality, major and course level, theme scores were analyzed using ANOVAs (α = 0.05). Changes in student perception of learning were measured by comparing the “before” and “after” survey scores in each theme. The main source of variation in the model was time, followed by theme and major, while modality had a negligible effect. Overall, there were increases in student perception of learning across all themes across modality, major, and course level; however, not all were statistically significant. Highest gains were observed among nonmajors, while those of the majors’ upper division courses were the lowest. On the other hand, majors’ overall scores were the highest. Health majors’ survey gains were mostly between those of nonmajors and majors. Qualitative data contextualized the quantitative results. The online adaptation was a valuable alternative, especially for nonmajors, as it expanded the range of students reached, with results similar to the in-person alternative. Preliminary data show a positive effect of the CURE in student success majoring in biology.
Investigating the Microstructure, Tensile Strength, and Acidic Corrosion Behaviour of Liquid Metal Stir Casted Aluminium-Silicon Carbide Composite
Authors: Prathap Singh S. , Ananthapadmanaban D. , Elil Raja D. , Sonar Tushar , Ivanov Mikhail , Prabhuraj P. , Sivamaran V.
Published: April 2023

The main objective of this investigation is to study the microstructural features and evaluate the tensile strength, hardness, and acidic corrosion resistance of liquid metal stir casted aluminium-silicon carbide (Al-SiC) composite. As reinforcement for the Al alloy matrix, SiC particles were added to the matrix in the percentages of 0%, 10%, and 20%. The microstructure of Al-SiC composite was studied using optical microscope. The effect of addition of SiC particles on tensile strength and hardness of Al-SiC composite was analyzed.. There were significant improvements in tensile strength and hardness for Al–SiC composite reinforced with 20% SiC particles compared to unreinforced Al–SiC composite, and those improvements were of 14.70% and 26.88%, respectively. The evolution of harder SiC islands in the ductile matrix of aluminium alloy reinforce the Al-SiC composite which enhances the strength and hardness of Al-SiC composite. A weight loss method was used to determine corrosion rate. The samples of Al-SiC composite material were immersed in HCl, HNO3, and H2SO4 solutions for immersion times of 30 hours, 56 hours, and 80 hours. It was found that the weight % of reinforcement had the largest contribution to corrosion rate with 49.86% to that of acidic solution with 29.88%, followed by immersion time with 8.85% and acidic solution with a contribution of 29.88% to the corrosion rate. The Al-SiC composite developed using 20 wt. % of SiC particles showed higher corrosion rate due to the interfacial region formed due to the addition of greater wt % SiC particles to the pure alloy.
Mechanical, Durability, and Microstructure Investigations on High-Strength Concrete Incorporating Nanosilica, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, and Steel Fibres
Authors: Sumathi A. , Elavarasi D. , Karthikeyan B. , Shobana P. , Selvaraj Senthil Kumaran , Dewangan Saurabh , Molla Baye
Published: April 2023

In present research, the strength properties, impact resistance, and durability characteristics of high-strength concrete blended with nanosilica (NS) and reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are discussed. The proportion consists of nanosilica added in a constant addition of 1% and MWCNT added in a varied dosage of 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2% by weight of the cement. A total of 11 mixes were made including the control mix having no MWCNT. The other 10 mixes were categorized into two classes with one class having steel fibres incorporated as 1% of the total volume of the concrete along with the other ingredients such as 1% NS and different proportions of MWCNT. The other class was made without steel fibres retaining only the NS and different MWCNT proportions. Besides the standard compression and tension tests, to determine the energy absorbing capacity of the mix specimens, impact test was also performed. The strength tests were carried out for 3, 7, and 28-day curing. Also, durability tests were carried out with sorptivity, porosity, and mass loss of the specimens when exposed to aggressive HCL and H2SO4 acid. To validate the experiment results, microstructure studies such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also conducted on the samples. Among all mixes, 28-day compressive strength (CS) of 0.2% MWCNT with 1% NS and 1% steel fibre mix was found to increase by 22% compared to control concrete.
Comprehensive Characterization of Soils with Analytical and Numerical Simulation for Bearing Capacity and Settlement Requirements of the Footing
Authors: Katise Dasho Defaru , Bezabh Aga Biratu
Published: April 2023

Characterization and analysis of foundation material are basic concerns of geotechnical activities to have safety for the structure and users as well. Particularly, it is quite important for the areas of lagging experiences with a lack of equipment and accessibility to investigate the subsurface conditions sufficiently. This study was designed for comprehensive soil investigations through analytical and Plaxis 2D simulation by considering square footing in Bule Hora town, Southern Ethiopia. Considering the investigation depth up to 5.0 m, fourteen soil samples at 1.5 m and 3.0 m depths (two samples from seven pits) were collected, and physical and engineering properties were investigated. Grain and consistency results indicated that soils lying between low to high plastic silt regions. Undrained shear strength (Cu) ranges from 49.5-–64.30 and 52.40–103.10 kN/m2 at 1.5 m and 3.0 m depth, respectively. An average allowable bearing capacity of 145.35 kN/m2 with a settlement of 40.77 mm at 1.5 m depth and 191.41 kN/m2 with a settlement of 47.84 mm at a depth of 3.0 m using the analytical method whereas 122.72 kN/m2 was obtained with the settlement of 30.57 mm at a depth of 1.5 m and 155.11 kN/m2 with 29.08 mm at depth of 3.0 m using Plaxis 2D analysis. The results of bearing capacity and settlement analyzed by the numerical method are lower than the analytical method, which confirms that comparatively, Plaxis 2D analysis gives a better output in selected square footing of shallow foundations. In conclusion, Plaxis was a preferable analysis tool for a shallow foundation, square footing, using inputs of the exhaustively investigated actual condition of soils specifically in Bule Hora town.
An Efficient Iterative Algorithm for Solving the Split Feasibility Problem in Hilbert Spaces Applicable in Image Deblurring, Signal Recovering, and Polynomiography
Authors: Kittiratanawasin Lanchakorn , Yambangwai Damrongsak , Chairatsiripong Chonjaroen , Thianwan Tanakit
Published: April 2023

The split feasibility problem (SFP) in Hilbert spaces is addressed in this study using an efficient iterative approach. Under mild conditions, we prove convergence theorems for the algorithm for finding a solution to the SFP. We also present numerical examples to illustrate that the acceleration of our algorithm is effective. Our results are applied to solve image deblurring and signal recovery problems. Furthermore, we show the use of the proposed method to generate polynomiographs.
Graphene Nanoribbons/Manganese Oxide Nanocomposite Modified Electrode for Detection of Antimicrobial Drug Nitrofurantoin
Authors: Nagarajan Ramila D. , Magesh Vasanth , Sundramoorthy Ashok K. , Murugan Preethika , Atchudan Raji , Ganapathy Dhanraj , Arya Sandeep , Mahmoud Karami Abdulnasser , Govindasamy Mani
Published: April 2023

The design and development of a new kind of cost-effective electrode material with excellent selectivity and stability are still a great challenge in the field of electrochemical sensors. Recently, researchers have paid more attention to the electrochemical reduction of nitro compounds due to their hazardous nature. Nitro compounds play a vital role in various industrial applications. However, the direct discharge of nitro compounds to the environment as industrial wastewater is harmful. In this study, a nanocomposite made of 1D graphene nanoribbons decorated with manganese dioxide (GNR-MnO2) was prepared to fabricate an electrochemical transducer for the determination of nitrofurantoin (NFT) in biofluids. First, 1D GNR was prepared by unzipping of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Second, the GNR was decorated with MnO2 by the hydrothermal reduction method. As-prepared GNR-MnO2 nanocomposite was comprehensively characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy with EDX, XRD, UV–visible, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Moreover, GNR-MnO2-coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibited good electrocatalytic activity toward NFT. The electroreduction of NFT was found at −0.40 V which was 50 mV lower than bare GCE. GNR-MnO2 nanocomposite modified GCE showed a well-defined linear reduction peak current for NFT from 10 nM to 1,000 µM. The selectivity of the sensor was also analyzed in the presence of other nitro compounds which confirmed that NFT can be selectively detected at −0.4 V. The GNR-MnO2 modified electrode was also able to separate reduction peaks of other nitro compounds. In addition, the detection of NFT was carried out in human urine samples with a good recovery of 99.60%–98.60%.
Determinants of Household Food Insecurity and Depression in Mothers: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Wemakor Anthony , Mohammed Ibrahim Alhassan , Awuni Victoria
Published: April 2023

Background. Household food insecurity (FI) and maternal depression are serious public health problems, especially in low-income countries. The aims of this study were to determine the determinants of household FI and depression in mothers and the association between these constructs in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana. Methods. An analytical, community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data on 364 mothers of under-five children selected using the multistage method in the municipal. Household FI and maternal depression were measured using the FI Experience Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item in personal interviews. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with household FI and maternal depression and the association between these two constructs. Results. The mean age of mothers was 30.1(±6.5) years with almost all practising Islamic religion (96.2%) and were married (96.7%). The prevalence of household FI and maternal depression were 51.6% and 25.3%, respectively. The determinants of household FI were mother’s self-health rating, social support, nutrition knowledge, and household’s source of drinking water, while those of maternal depression were the mother’s work, place of residence, self-health rating, and nutrition knowledge. In multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis, women in food insecure households were about three times more likely than women in food secure households to be depressed (adjusted odds ratio = 2.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.36–4.55; and

p
=
0.003

). Conclusion. The current study shows a high prevalence of both household FI and depression in mothers in Savelugu Municipality. Both personal and household characteristics of the women are associated with household FI and maternal depression statuses, and the two constructs are highly correlated. It is recommended to include depression assessment in interventions for FI.
Designing a Kalman–Bucy State Estimator for a Full Vertical Car Model
Authors: Hung Truong Manh , Tan Vu Van
Published: April 2023

Currently, mechatronic systems are commonly used in automotive control systems to improve ride comfort and road safety characteristics. In these control systems, the sensors used to determine the input signals of controllers are very important to help the calculation process and give the correct control output signals for actuators. However, not all input signals can be easily measured directly by sensors or their cost is too high. This paper proposes one using the Kalman–Bucy estimator to estimate the state variables of a two‐axle car to study the automotive suspension system. The disturbance input is the road profile at the four tires, while the car speed is considered from 40 km/h to 120 km/h. This research only uses four signals, namely, the vertical displacement of the four unsprung masses, through the estimator it can determine 14 variables of the vector state of the general vertical model of the car. The advantage of this research is that it is possible to reduce the number of the sensors but still ensure that the necessary input signals are obtained for studying the full car model. The signal estimation through some sensors available on the car is necessary for practice. Survey results show that the signal quantification through the Kalman–Bucy estimator unit has an accuracy of over 96% compared to the original car’s signals.
Hierarchical and Distributed Eco-Driving Approach for Mixed Vehicle Clusters at Unsignalized Intersections
Authors: Yu Jie , Luo Yugong , Kong Weiwei , Jiang Fachao
Published: April 2023

To improve the driving efficiency and energy-saving characteristics for large-scale mixed traffic flows under different market penetration rates (MPRs) of intelligent and connected vehicles (ICVs) at unsignalized intersections, considering the cooperative eco-driving performance between ICVs and human-driven vehicles (HDVs) with time-varying speed characteristics, the hierarchical and distributed cooperative eco-driving architecture is first established in this paper, consisting of a cloud decision layer and a vehicle control layer. For the cloud decision layer, the multivehicle model-free adaptive predictive cooperative driving (MFAPCD) method is designed by using only the driving data of the HDVs and ICVs formation based on compact form dynamic linearization (CFDL) technique, thereby improving traffic efficiency. Furthermore, the CFDL integral terminal sliding mode predictive control (CFDL-ITSMPC) scheme is utilized to predict the time-varying driving speed of HDVs, and then, the CFDL predictive control (CFDL-PC) scheme is utilized to predict the expected control variables of ICVs formation. For the vehicle control layer, based on the anticipated driving speed obtained from the cloud decision layer, the nonlinear distributed model predictive control (NDMPC) method is utilized for distributed optimal control of each vehicle formation, to achieve optimization in terms of energy saving. Simulation results show that, compared with the signal time assignment strategy, the method can increase the average velocity by about 15.22% and decrease the average fuel consumption by about 36.43% under different MPRs and traffic volumes.
Estimation of Water Stagnation in Asphalt-Overlaid Bridges Using Ground-Penetrating Radar
Authors: Lee Junhwa , Choi Jinwoong , Shin Yooseong , Sim Sung-Han
Published: April 2023

Stagnant water in asphalt-overlaid bridge decks is a primary cause of deterioration. Rainwater seeping through the asphalt layer stagnates on waterproofing membranes of the bridge deck, consequently degrading the asphalt pavement and the underlying concrete deck. Thus, identifying ponding regions under pavements potentially containing water can facilitate the prognostic maintenance of bridge decks. This study proposes a framework to estimate the subsurface ponding zone in bridge decks using ground-penetrating radar (GPR). The depth distribution of the nonpermeable layer in the subsurface of the bridge is extracted (depth map) from the GPR C-scan using a conventional thickness evaluation method and used to build a bathymetric dendrogram to model subsurface water flows. The subsurface ponding zone can be identified by considering drainage on the bathymetric dendrogram. The proposed framework is demonstrated using an in-service bridge in Korea. The estimated subsurface ponding zone is compared with damage locations of concrete observed after hydrodemolition.
The Inherent Instability of Environmental Parameters Governing Indoor Air Quality on Board Ships and the Use of Temporal Trends to Identify Pollution Sources
Authors: Schalm Olivier , Carro Gustavo , Jacobs Werner , Lazarov Borislav , Stranger Marianne
Published: April 2023

Indoor air quality on board a 36-year-old ship has been characterized at several locations. The ship is dedicated to nearshore operations at the Belgian coast. This paper presents time-averaged and continuous-time measurements of several indoor pollutant concentrations such as NO2, O3, NO, CO, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, black carbon, and individual organic compounds. Time-averaged measurements suggest that the ship’s indoor air quality is sufficiently safe according to the prescribed occupational and nonoccupational health limits. However, the concentration of some indoor pollutants is comparable to that of the outdoor air of a large city such as Brussels, Belgium. Continuous-time analyses show that the temporal trends of indoor pollutant concentrations are inherently unstable. A large number of peaks or valleys are observed on a slowly fluctuating background. At some occasions, pollutant concentrations exceed the nonoccupational thresholds. Several pollutant peaks occur simultaneously, resulting in a pattern of peaks that is typical for a pollution source (e.g., exhaust gases entering the ship’s castle through the ventilation inlet, human presence, and bunkering). This study illustrates that multiparameter monitoring campaigns give valuable information about the behaviour of pollution sources, facilitating the definition of mitigation actions.
Transcription Factor E2F1 Regulates the Expression of ADRB2
Authors: Du Juan , Rui Feifei , Hao Zhongfen , Hang Yun , Shu Jin
Published: April 2023

Adrenergic beta-2-receptor (ADRB2) is highly expressed in various tissue cells, affecting the susceptibility, development, and drug efficacy of diseases such as bronchial asthma and malignant tumor. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of the human ADRB2 gene remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify whether E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) was involved in the transcriptional regulation of the human ADRB2 gene. First, the 5′ flanking region of the human ADRB2 gene was cloned, and its activity was detected using A549 and BEAS-2B cells. Second, it was found that the overexpression of E2F1 could increase promoter activity by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. In contrast, treatment of knockdown of E2F1 significantly resulted in a decrease in its promoter activity. Moreover, mutation of the binding site of E2F1 greatly reduced the potential of human ADRB2 promoter transcriptional activity to be regulated by E2F1 overexpression and knockdown. Additionally, by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that overexpression of E2F1 elevated the ADRB2 mRNA expression and protein levels while si-E2F1 reduced its expression. Finally, the consequence of the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that E2F1 was able to bind to the promoter region of ADRB2 in vivo. These results confirmed that E2F1 upregulated the expression of the human ADRB2 gene.
Deep Learning Incorporated Bühlmann Credibility in the Modified Lee–Carter Mortality Model
Authors: Odhiambo Joab Onyango
Published: April 2023

This research study proposes the inclusion of randomness or an error term in the modified Lee–Carter model, which improves the traditional Lee–Carter model for modeling and forecasting mortality risk for years in the actuarial science field. While the modified Lee–Carter model points out some of its common shortcomings , it has no distributional assumption that has been placed on the error/disturbance term. Incorporating a Gaussian distributional assumption on the error term is proposed, and then, the deep learning technique is used to obtain the parameter estimates. It is a departure from the traditional singular value decomposition estimation technique for estimating the parameters in the model. Finally, the Bühlmann credibility approach is incorporated into the model to determine its forecasting precision compared to the classical Lee–Carter model before applied in actuarial valuations.
Influences of Seedling Age and Variety on the Growth and Bulb Yield of Onion in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Aragie Eshetie , Alemayehu Melkamu , Abate Alemu
Published: April 2023

Onion is one of the major cash crops and helps improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Although genetically and morphologically different, seedlings of all released onion varieties are transplanted at the ages ranging from 40 to 50 days, which contributes to the low level of productivity in Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the research site of Fogera National Research and Training Center during the 2019/20 irrigation season with the objective of identifying the optimum seedling age for improved onion productivity in Northwest Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of three varieties (Adama red, Bombay red, and Nasik red) and four seedling ages (30, 40, 50, and 60 days) of onion, which were laid down in 3 × 4 factorial arrangement using randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth and yield parameters of onion were collected based on the standard procedures and analyzed using SAS version 9.6. The results revealed that both variety and seedling age significantly (

P
<
 
0.001

) influenced plant height, leaf number, bulb diameter, fresh bulb weight, and marketable bulb yield, while their interaction effect did not influence these parameters. Days to maturity was significantly (

P
<
0.001

) affected by main as well as by the interaction effects of variety and seedling age. Younger seedling took longer time to mature, while older seedlings matured relatively early. The seedlings of Bombay red variety at 60 days age gave the earliest maturity days (105.33 days) compared to the other combinations. The highest plant height (50.18 cm), leaf number (12.00), bulb diameter (53.47 mm), bulb weight (84.39 g), and marketable bulb yield (29.97 t/ha) were recorded from Bombay red variety where the marketable yield recorded from Nasik red was statistically similar with that of Bombay red variety. Seedlings with 60 days old performed best in terms of all the tested growth and yield parameters including the highest marketability (32.03 t/ha). Accordingly, 60 days old seedlings and Bombay red and Nasik red varieties can be used to increase the productivity of onion in the study area and areas with similar agroecology.
Acute Abdominal Pain as a Result of an Isolated Left Ovarian Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Setia Abhay , Adili Farzin , Ludwig Karl , Herold Joerg
Published: April 2023

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare thromboembolic condition. It involves the right ovarian vein in 70–80% of cases. The risk factors for the development of OVT are pregnancy or puerperium, hormone therapy with estrogen, recent surgery or hospitalization, malignancy, pelvic inflammatory diseases, thrombophilia and idiopathic OVT. We present a rare case of left OVT in a young, non-pregnant woman in her 30 s. A high degree of suspicion is necessitated in patients with the triad of young-middle-aged female, pain abdomen in lower quadrant and hematuria to diagnose OVT. Contrast enhanced computer tomography (CT-venography) is the diagnostic modality of choice. The patient was initially treated with low molecular weight heparin and then switched to direct oral anticoagulants. At 6-monthsfollow-up the patient was free from any symptoms.
The genus Clerodendrum (Lamiaceae) in the flora of Central Africa (D.R. Congo, Rwanda, Burundi)
Authors: MEERTS PIERRE
Published: April 2023

The revision of the genus Clerodendrum in D.R. Congo, Rwanda and Burundi is presented. Thirty-three taxa are accepted (28 species, 4 varieties, 1 form). Two new varieties are described (Clerodendrum capitatum var. pubitubum, Clerodendrum johnstonii var. rubropunctatum). Two new synonyms are proposed. A neotype is designated for C. buchneri, C. buettneri, C. fuscum, C. melanocrater, C. poggei. A lectotype is designated for C. bipindense, C. cavum, C. conglobatum, C. consors, C. excavatum, C. goossensii, C. lupakense, C. tanganyikense var. microcalyx, C. triplinerve, C. welwitschii. A second-step lectotype is designated for C. silvanum. A new combination is made (Clerodendrum johnstonii var. marsabitense). Two species are new to D.R. Congo and 2 species are new to Burundi. Four taxa are endemic to D.R. Congo (C. capitatum var. vanderystii, C. capitatum var. pubitubum, C. dewittei, C. pynaertii) and one taxon is endemic to Burundi (C. fasciculatum).
Papiliomyces puniceum and Metarhizium lymantriidae: two new species from the Gaoligong Mountains in southwestern China
Authors: CHEN ZI-HONG , DAI YONG-DONG , CHEN KAI , ZHANG YI-FEI , XU LING , WANG YUAN-BING
Published: April 2023

Two new species, Papiliomyces puniceum and Metarhizium lymantriidae, collected from the Gaoligong Mountains in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, southwestern China, were determined by both morphological character and multilocus phylogenetic analysis. P. puniceum was confirmed to be phylogenetically related to P. shibinense and P. liangshanense, while obviously separated from them to be a unique lineage. The diagnostic features of P. puniceum were its spherical conidia and puniceus stromata solitarily on the head of Hepialidae larva. M. lymantriidae was the sister species of M. dendrolimatilis, but it was supported as a single distinct lineage. It was apparently distinguished M. lymantriidae from M. dendrolimatilis by its smaller conidia and more slender phialides Moreover, the host of M. lymantriidae was the larva of tussock moth and that of M. dendrolimatilis was the larva of Dendrolimus sp..
Kalanchoe ×oberlanderi (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a horticulturally successful nothospecies with the Malagasy K. blossfeldiana and K. manginii as parents
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: April 2023

One of the horticulturally most popular cultivars of Kalanchoe, K. ‘Margrit’s Magic’, (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) in southern Africa was derived from a hybrid between K. blossfeldiana and K. manginii, two Malagasy species. This nothospecies is here described as K. ×oberlanderi. Reference is made to cultivars that likely have been based on K. ×oberlanderi.
Oreocharis wuxiensis (Gesneriaceae), a new lithophilous species from Northeast Chongqing, China
Authors: XIONG CHI , CHEN FENG , ZHANG JIA-HUI , ZHOU HOU-LIN , ZHENG CHANG-BING , WEN FANG
Published: April 2023

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Oreocharis wuxiensis, is described and illustrated from Wuxi County, Chongqing Municipality, China. The new species is morphologically similar to O. giraldii in the leaf blade’s shape and indumentum and the corolla’s shape and color. It can be easily distinguished by the shape of the corolla tube and lobes, the indumentum and pistil length, and the ovary’s size and style. At present, a total of three populations were confirmed in Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve, Wuxi County, with about 500 mature individuals. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, it is provisionally assessed as Vulnerable (VU D1).
Lectotypification of the name Ebermaiera simonsii (Acanthaceae)
Authors: DAS KANGKAN KUMAR , MEHMUD SELIM , ROY HIMU , BHATTACHARYYA DEBJYOTI
Published: April 2023

N/A
Validation of the name Lonchocarpus wendtii (Fabaceae)
Authors: KOTTAIMUTHU RAMALINGAM
Published: April 2023

N/A
The valid publication of the name Malus leiocalyca (Rosaceae)
Authors: DENG YUNFEI
Published: April 2023

N/A
Moral Legislation and Crime Against Women: Explorations in Indian and Western Values
Authors: Singh Mayavee
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the National Crime Records Bureau recommendation is that the growth rate of crime against women has skyrocketed in India, even higher than the population growth rate. According to lawyer, Kamlesh Vaswani, the commercial exploitation of coital activity paramount in pornography is the result of crimes against women, and fills perverse traits in the roots of society. Following that, he filed a petition (2013) in the Honourable Supreme Court to blanket ban pornography with the aim of diluting the subordination of women and the crimes against women in society. Taking this into consideration, I argue that the Vaswani petition draws back the issue of twentieth century Western political and philosophical debate on pornography which triggers one of the moot problems of moral legislation—whether the state should be neutral or not towards individuals’ preferences, merits, desires, and the status to live well. This article focuses on whether this discourse has any relevance in the Indian value system. In this article, through the comparison between Indian and Western values, I make an attempt to analyse the moot problem of moral legislation which is bridging the gap between public and private morality for the well-being of women as well as our society.
The Signal of Post Catch-up in Open Innovation Dynamics
Authors: Yun Jinhyo Joseph , Zhao Xiaofei , Jeong Euiseub , Kim Sangwoo , Kim Kyunghun , Hahm Sung Deuk
Published: April 2023

The digital transformation can serve as a window of opportunity for those late-comers who are equipped with the capability to create complementary assets for grabbing new opportunities of technological leapfrogging as a way of catch-up while penalising the forerunner. In this context, we want to answer the following research question. Is there any difference in open innovation effect on the firm according to the changing of belonging sectorial innovation system from catch-up to post-catch-up?

We statistically analysed the moderating effects of open innovation between catching-up, and the performance with the patents which were registered in United States Patent and Trademark Office, which were applied from China in telecommunication, from South Korea in Semiconductors, and from Japan in biotechnology on 1995–1999, and 2005–2009. We found three results from this study: first, from this research, as the signal of post catching-up, open innovation effects on the performance of firm, and the moderating effects of open innovation between catching-up, and the performance of the firm were found; second, the appearance of new dominant design after post catching-up was explained through the powerful open innovation and third, open innovation could be a useful new strategy for firms in the post catching-up to use.
The Optimal Open Innovation Strategy with Science-based Partners for Venture Firm’s Innovation Capabilities: Focusing on Innovation Modes
Authors: Na Cheongho , Lee Changjun , Kim Eungdo
Published: April 2023

This study explores the difference in the effects of innovation modes on innovation capabilities dividing various collaborative activities conducted by venture firms with science-based partners into innovation modes. Venture firms that relatively lack the resources and capabilities for innovation perform various collaborative activities such as marketing support and management support as well as research and development collaboration with science-based partners. However, this has not received proper attention in the literature on open innovation. We classified venture firms according to innovation modes and compared each group through a multi-treatment model. As a result, we found that there was a difference in the impact on innovation capability according to the innovation mode with science-based partners. This study contributes to enriching the empirical bodies of open innovation research. In addition, it suggests that there is a need for a portfolio approach considering the innovation modes by establishing policies at the level of collaborative activities in supporting the collaboration of venture firms.
Association of Screen Time with Physical and Mental Health Among Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Donthu Raj Kiran , Badabagni Raghava , Mohammed Abdul Salaam , Vuddandam Krishna Varsha , Chatti Veena Saraswathi
Published: April 2023

Background:

The effects of digital screen use on the physical and mental health of a child are a debated area of research. Studies have established few harmful effects, but the usage among children remains to be high. There is less understanding of the pattern of the digital screen and application usage and its impact on physical and mental health in our population.

Aims:

To study the pattern of digital screen use among children (5-15 years) and its impact on their physical and mental health.

Setting and design:

Cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:

Sociodemographic details of parents and their children, screen time-related questions, pediatric symptom checklist (PSC) for screening of mental health issues, and questions regarding physical health issues in children due to screen use.

Statistical Analysis:

Data was analyzed using R language.

Results:

There is a significant association between parents’ education, gender, and the number of children with screen time. YouTube followed by WhatsApp are the commonly used digital applications and smartphones followed by Smart TVs are the commonly used digital gadgets. The physical issues are less than the clinical cut-off values but significantly associated with screen time. Sleep disturbance and avoiding outdoor activity are frequently reported due to screen use.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the common usage pattern of various digital gadgets and applications among children and their parents; also the demographic factors of parents relating to increased screen time in children. There are no significant clinical mental health issues reported by parents, but a significant association is found between digital screen use with physical and mental health issues.
From Godown to Warehouse Management: Transformation at eKart, An Illustrative Case Study
Authors: Kumar Anita , Asthana Smriti
Published: April 2023

The growth in Ecommerce has transformed warehouse and distribution centers to mega-fulfilment centers. The focus is increasingly on innovative storage solutions, better tracking mechanisms coupled with technology and training. Companies who do not realize this have little chance of surviving (Rachid Fergati, MD Indian subcontinent, UPS).

The purpose of this case is to highlight the process, people, and operations improvements undertaken by an Indian e-commerce giant with the help of the research team at the CII School of Logistics for enhanced efficiency and customer service. The researchers spent 50 days onsite (at the company’s warehouse located in Binola) observing the processes, identifying issues, providing solutions, and tracking and recording improvements as per the action research methodology (Reason, 2001). Thus, two-fold objectives were achieved: (a) improved cost efficiency and material handling processes in the warehouse and (b) knowledge building in the strategic operations management area. The case is a representative illustration of how the Indian logistics industry is moving from fragmented, unorganized, and inefficient systems to a more organized, structured sector in an ultra-competitive global space.
Cultivating Customers’ Resilience to the Negative Word of Mouth: An Empirical Analysis of the Telecommunication Industry in Tanzania
Authors: Amani David
Published: April 2023

This study sought to investigate the relationship between social media brand engagement and resilience to negative word of mouth (RNWOM) when mediated by brand familiarity. Using stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theory, it is suggested that the dimensions of social media brand engagement act as a stimulus to drive responses like RNWOM directly and indirectly through brand familiarity as an organism. A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 505 customers in the telecommunications industry in Tanzania, and the data was analyzed using structural equation modelling in AMOS 21. The findings indicate that social media brand engagement dimensions are the drivers of brand familiarity; brand familiarity explains why and how customers develop RNWOM. Therefore, marketers should use social media brand engagement as a strategic tool to build brand familiarity, which can help customers improve their capabilities to resist negative information about brands.
Dismantling Caste and Gender Hierarchy: Female-Dalit Alliance in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things and Meena Kandasamy’s The Gypsy Goddess
Authors: Mandal Mohosin
Published: April 2023

The unique feature of the Indian patriarchal social structure is the existence of caste hierarchy in it, which is an alien concept for Western feminist theorists. Arundhati Roy and Meena Kandasamy in their novels ‘The God of Small Things and The Gypsy Goddess’ portray the caste and gender pyramid vividly, and their protagonists pose threat to this structure and show the way out. Caste classification utterly refutes the subjectivity of a person. His rank and his professions are decided by his birth, not by his skills. The article traces the origin of caste hierarchy established in the society and its functioning. It presents the idea that gender and caste hierarchies are interlinked, and in both these structures, the concept of purity is a pertinent theme. Myths, religious scriptures, laws of the society, and value systems function together to assert caste and sexual dominion. The research article raises the issue that a girl’s education and her aspiration to pursue an academic career have no significance to the male chauvinistic society. Education is also controlled by the larger institution of patriarchy. Like other institutions, it frames the psyche of women in favour of patriarchy. In our society, the way marriage has been glorified, with the same stature divorce has been scandalized. The work presents gender discrimination in the workspace and inheritance policy. In the end, the article proposes the way out of the patriarchy and casteism, which is ‘denial’. If women and lower caste men refuse to be part of this power structure, the whole system would collapse like a castle of cards.
The correlation between falls efficacy and activities of daily living among older adults receiving different types of care: a 2018–2019 cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhao Qi , Li Zhipeng , Jen Ting Yi
Published: April 2023

Background

Falls in older adults has become a significant public health concern worldwide. Falls-related self-efficacy is closely related to healthy aging. This study investigated older adults receiving different types of care to clarify the correlation between falls efficacy and Activies of Daily Living (ADL), providing a theoretical basis for achieving healthy aging.

Methods

An investigation comparing older adults attending senior day care centers and healthy older adults staying at home in the community was carried out by using structured questionnaires, including individual participants’ data, Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (Lawton IADLs).

Results

A total of 336 older adults were enrolled, and 153 (45.5%) older adults attending senior day care centers daily. The FES-I score of all the respondents was 30.65 ± 13.892, while the scores of healthy older adults staying at home in the community and attending senior day care centers were 25.05 ± 10.036 and 37.35 ± 14.894, respectively (p < 0.05). Among healthy older adults staying at home in the community, those using walking aids (OR = 53.595, 95%CI: 8.181, 351.129), with fear of falling (OR = 5.909, 95%CI:1.374, 25.407) and with anxiety symptoms (OR = 23.620, 95%CI: 6.077, 91.802) had low falls efficacy. Among older adults attending senior day care centers daily, those with higher education levels had high falls efficacy (OR = 0.276, 95%CI: 0.088, 0.862), and those with poor sleep quality (OR = 4.469, 95%CI: 0.682, 29.312), comorbidities (OR = 9.820, 95%CI: 1.990, 48.456), and with severe depressive symptoms (OR = 3.680, 95%CI: 1.098, 12.335) had low falls efficacy. The older adults with a higher score of Lawton IADLs had higher falls efficacy.

Conclusions

Older adults attending senior day care centers daily had lower falls efficacy and needed to be paid more attention to in fall prevention. Targeted health promotion activities were necessary for older adults to improve their falls efficacy to achieve healthy aging.