bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of the Controlled Production of Huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis + Zea mays) in the Traditional Milpa System from Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: Suastegui-Cruz Sirilo , Martínez-Carrera Daniel , Sánchez Miguel , Bonilla Myrna , Castillo Ivan , Morales Alfredo , Fernández Nora , Petlacalco Beatriz , Martínez Wilfrido
Published: December 2024

Food security has been an essential priority for decades due to its direct impact on human development. Despite significant advances in meeting basic food needs, food security remains a global challenge. In Mexico, the sustainable traditional polyculture system known as milpa allows synergy among three or more food sources, increasing the economic income for peasants. We integrated the controlled production of huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis + Zea mays) galls, traditional food consumed since pre-Hispanic times, in a milpa from Las Ánimas community, Tecoanapa Municipality, Guerrero, Mexico, in order to improve food diversity, productivity, income, and food security. Two contiguous plots were evaluated: the traditional milpa system (TMS) and the milpa integrating controlled production of huitlacoche galls (TMS + Huitlacoche). Different variables were assessed including weight and size of maize ears and huitlacoche galls; degree of huitlacoche infection; production and income of maize (Zea mays), beans (Phaseolus spp.), squash (Cucurbita spp.), and huitlacoche; and sustainability indicators, maize grain sales, type of maize seed, huitlacoche sales, beans sales, and squash sales during the dry season. The integration of the controlled production of huitlacoche improved productivity and net incomes from the traditional milpa. The traditional milpa system (TMS) had an income of USD $111.00 from maize grains, while the milpa integrating controlled production of huitlacoche galls (TMS + Huitlacoche) had an income of USD $409.00 from galls. This is reflected in the cost/benefit ratio, in which milpa integrating controlled production of huitlacoche galls (TMS + Huitlacoche) was 1.48, while the traditional milpa system (TMS) was not profitable (0.91). Sustainability indicators show that the controlled production of huitlacoche galls contribute to food diversity, productivity, and income in the traditional milpa system, based on the association of maize, beans, squash, and huitlacoche, showing potential for improving food security in rural communities.
Imagine: A Sustainable World: Utopia or Delusion
Authors: Carlsen Lars
Published: December 2024

Halfway through the fifteen-year period stipulated for the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is evident that we are still far away from having a sustainable world and even complete compliance with the SDGs will only be a step in the right direction. The present paper reflects, with Earth Overshoot Day and the seventeen SDGs, as starting points, on the actual status as well as the possible way forward. A simple estimate discloses that we, based on the last 24 years, are lacking the resources from roughly ten additional earths due to the overexploitation of the available planetary resources. The paper looks at the relationships between the development in the Earth Overshoot Day and selected SDGs, which strongly suggests that at least in the wealthier part of the world growth, growth for the sake of growth, appears more in focus than sustainability. To actively focus on sustainability and environmental health, a stronger focus on the SDGs 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality), and 17 (partnerships for the goals) is suggested as the cornerstones in a future approach.
Silicon as a Predicator of Sustainable Nutrient Management in Maize Cultivation (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Kardasz Przemysław , Szulc Piotr , Górecki Krzysztof , Ambroży-Deręgowska Katarzyna , Wąsala Roman
Published: December 2024

Field trials were conducted at the Field Experimental Station in Winna Góra. Weed control after maize sowing increased the grain yield by 15.7% compared to that after herbicide application at the BBCH 14/15 stage. Higher effectiveness of silicon application in maize cultivation can be achieved on plantations free from primary or secondary weed infestation. The application of a 50% NPK dose increased the grain yield by 8.6%, while a 100% dose improved it by 13.9% compared to that of the control object (without mineral fertilization). Furthermore, it was observed that the effectiveness of the silicon increased with higher total precipitation during the maize growing season, as evidenced by the results from 2022. In that year, the difference between the control (without silicon application) and the treatment with silicon applied at the BBCH 15/16 stage was more than 33%. The average mass losses from the green tea bags ranged from 54.9% to 71.9% in the variant of the sowing experiment carried out after spraying with the herbicide and from 69.4% to 72.4% in the variant with herbicide spraying at the BBCH14 stage. The rooibos tea’s mass losses were lower, as expected, and ranged from 18.6% to 36.4% in the first variant and from 30.8% to 38.6% in the second variant. The mass losses of the green tea and rooibos tea were the highest in the variant with herbicide spraying at the BBCH14 stage and the lowest in the variant of the sowing experiment carried out after herbicide spraying. The stabilization factor (S) ranged from 193 × 10−3 to 254 × 10−3 in sowing after herbicide spraying and from 188 × 10−3 to 226 × 10−3 in the variant with herbicide spraying at the BBCH14 stage. The k (decomposition constant) ranged from 7.8 × 10−3 to 11.5 × 10−3 in the first variant and from 7.2 × 10−3 to 13.4 × 10−3 in the variant with herbicide spraying at BBCH14.
Decadal Morphological Evolution and Governance Measures of the South Branch, Changjiang Estuary
Authors: Luan Hualong , Zhou Jianyin , Li Mengyu , Qu Geng , Yao Shiming , Lin Musong , Wang Min , Yuan Yuan
Published: December 2024

Estuaries and deltas hold significant socioeconomic importance and immense ecological value due to their dynamic geomorphic processes and unique geographical advantages. However, in recent decades, delta recession and the instability of river regimes have become global challenges, driven by intensive human interventions in upstream river basins and local regions. This study examines the South Branch of the Changjiang Estuary as a typical case to investigate its morphological evolution over the past decades and project future trends, offering suitable solutions to enhance the river regime stability. Analysis of bathymetric data reveals substantial channel–shoal adjustments in the South Branch from 1958 to 2016, characterized by significant erosion and deposition on a decadal scale. After 1997, reduced fluvial sediment supply has led to widespread erosion in the South Branch. Further disturbances at the Baimao Shoal and Biandan Shoal have exacerbated the instability of the river regime. Numerical predictions indicate continued erosion in the South Branch over the next 20 years, accompanied by further channel–shoal pattern adjustments. Hydrodynamic modeling of proposed measures demonstrates an improved flow ratio for the North Baimao Shoal Channel, contributing to enhanced channel–shoal system stability. These integrated governance measures have been incorporated into the latest renovation plan for the Changjiang Estuary. The findings provide valuable scientific guidance for the comprehensive management of the Changjiang Estuary and offer insights applicable to other large estuaries facing similar challenges.
Overview of China’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling in the Last Two Decades
Authors: Deng Yi , Wu Wenjie , Zhang Xihua , Li Shuyuan , Song Xiaolong , Wang Jingwei
Published: December 2024

The waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling industry in China has been booming since the beginning of the millennium and plays a critical role in pollution control and resource efficiency. And the fast growth of the WEEE recycling industry reflects the development of China’s circular economy. This paper gives an outline of China’s circular economy with respect to law-making actions and promotional measures, including the implementation of clean production and the building-up of recycling and remanufacturing parks. In addition, it reviews the roadmap of China’s WEEE recycling industry as an example of circular economy development. Furthermore, the current status of China’s WEEE recycling industry is introduced and its social-economic impacts are discussed. Finally, trends and challenges surrounding WEEE recycling and the circular economy in China are presented.
Optimizing Carbon Emissions in Electricity Markets: A System Engineering and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: An Zhiyu , Whitcomb Clifford Alan
Published: December 2024

This study addresses the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in the power sector, a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, by employing system engineering principles coupled with machine learning techniques. It analyzes the interplay between regional marginal prices (LMP) and carbon emissions within electricity markets. The paper explores how market designs and operational strategies influence carbon output by leveraging a dataset that encompasses hourly LMP and carbon emissions data across various regions of New York State. The analysis utilizes neural networks to simulate and predict the effects of different market scenarios on carbon emissions, highlighting the role of LMP, loss costs, and congestion costs in environmental policy effectiveness. The results underscore the potential of system engineering to provide a holistic framework that integrates market dynamics, policy adjustments, and environmental impacts, thereby offering actionable insights into optimizing market designs for reduced carbon footprints. This approach not only enhances the understanding of the complex interactions within electricity markets but also supports the development of targeted strategies for achieving sustainable energy transitions.
Collaborative Beamforming with DQN for Interference Mitigation in 5G and Beyond Networks
Authors: Mohammed Alaelddin F. Y. , Sultan Salman Md , Patni Sakshi
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses the problem of side lobe interference in 5G networks by proposing a unique collaborative beamforming strategy based on Deep Q-Network (DQN) reinforcement learning. Our method, which operates in the sub-6 GHz band, maximizes beam steering and power management by using a two-antenna system with DQN-controlled phase shifters. We provide an OFDM cellular network environment where inter-cell interference is managed while many base stations serve randomly dispersed customers. In order to reduce interference strength and improve signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), the DQN agent learns to modify the interference angle. Our model integrates experience replay memory with a long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network for time series prediction to enhance learning stability. The outcomes of our simulations show that our suggested DQN approach works noticeably better than current DQN and Q-learning methods. In particular, our technique reaches a maximum of 29.18 dB and a minimum of 5.15 dB, whereas the other approaches only manage 0.77–27.04 dB. Additionally, we significantly decreased the average interference level to 5.42 dB compared to competing approaches of 38.84 dB and 34.12 dB. The average sum-rate capacity is also increased to 3.90 by the suggested strategy, outperforming previous approaches. These findings demonstrate how well our cooperative beamforming method reduces interference and improves overall network performance in 5G systems.
Femoroacetabular Impingement Morphological Changes in Sample of Patients Living in Southern Mexico Using Tomographic Angle Measures
Authors: Cardenas-Dajdaj Ricardo , Flores-Rivera Arianne , Rivero-Peraza Marcos , Mendez-Dominguez Nina
Published: December 2024

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition caused by abnormal contact between the femur head and the acetabulum, which damages the labrum and articular cartilage. While the prevalence and the type of impingement may vary across human groups, the variability among populations with short height or with a high prevalence of overweight has not yet been explored. Latin American studies have rarely been conducted in reference to this condition, including the Mayan and mestizo populations from the Yucatan Peninsula. Objective: We aimed to describe the prevalence of morphological changes in femoroacetabular impingement by measuring radiological angles in abdominopelvic tomography studies in a sample of patients from a population with short height. Methods: In this prospective study, patients with programmed abdominopelvic tomography unrelated to femoroacetabular impingement but with consistent symptoms were included. Among the 98 patients, the overall prevalence of unrelated femoroacetabular impingement was 47%, and the pincer-type was the most frequent. The cam-type occurred more frequently among individuals with taller stature compared to their peers. Alpha and Wiberg angles predicted cam- and pincer-type, respectively, with over 0.95 area under the curve values in ROC analyses. The inter-rater agreement in the study was >91%. Conclusions: In a patient population from Yucatan, Mexico, attending ambulatory consultations unrelated to femoroacetabular impingement, an overall morphological changes prevalence of 47% was observed. Angle measurements using tomographic techniques can be used to predict cam- and pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement. Average stature was observed to be shorter in patients with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement, but body mass index did not vary between groups.
To Touch or Not to Touch: Navigating the Ethical and Monetary Dilemma in Giant Panda Tourism
Authors: Guo Yulei , Fennell David
Published: December 2024

Tourists consistently demonstrate the need to touch wildlife, although policies often deny these experiences because of the psychological and physiological impacts on animals. However, philosophers contend that humans can learn to empathize with animals by feeling their way into the plight of animals through touch. Facing this dilemma, the paper asks if human touch can be ethically experienced in tourist interactions with animals by employing animal health warning labels. Using the case of “holding a panda” at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan, China, the study investigates this dilemma through Johann Gottfried Herder’s philosophy on empathy and touch against the no-touch policies. A survey containing four scenarios shows that the use of payment can serve as a more effective tool than ethical appeal in reducing people’s decision to hold a panda through its inclusion of additional factors in the decision process. However, ethical touch building on animal health warning labels demands spaces for mutual respect, conservation awareness, and the recognition of health risks through a direct confrontation of the established emotional and sensual aesthetic appeal of cuteness between visitors and the panda. It is found that a combined use of payment and ethical appeal is necessary to restructure visitors’ willingness to hold a panda.
Findings from a Project Which Established Hepatitis C Point-of-Care Testing and Linkage to Care at a Homelessness Service in Adelaide, Australia, 2021–2022
Authors: McCartney Erin M. , Dawe Joshua , Ralton Lucy , Stewart Jeffrey , Richmond Jacqueline A. , Wigg Alan , Cock Victoria , Tse Edmund Y. , Rees Tom , Shaw David , Ferguson Catherine
Published: December 2024

Background: Point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing streamlines testing and treatment pathways. In this study, we established an HCV model of care in a homelessness service by offering antibody and RNA point-of-care testing. Methods: A nurse and peer-led HCV model of care with peer support were implemented between November 2021 and April 2022 at a homelessness service in Adelaide, Australia. All clients of the service were eligible to participate. Clients were offered an initial antibody point-of-care test, and antibody positive clients were immediately offered RNA point-of-care testing. Clients who tested RNA positive were linked to a viral hepatitis nurse for treatment. Results: A total of 230 clients received an HCV antibody point-of-care test, of which 68 (30%) were antibody positive and 11 (5%) were RNA positive. Of these, seven (64%) clients successfully completed treatment and five (45%) received a sustained virological response (SVR) test to confirm cure. Conclusions: We successfully established HCV testing and a treatment pathway at a homelessness service using HCV antibody and RNA point-of-care testing. The high testing uptake underscores the utility of HCV point-of-care testing when establishing HCV testing and treatment pathways. The low RNA positivity suggests that an initial HCV antibody test was cost-effective, and the four clients diagnosed with chronic HCV who were lost to follow-up indicate a need for enhanced treatment support.
Correction: Köksal et al. Interplay Between HIV and Human Pegivirus (HPgV) Load in Co-Infected Patients: Insights from Prevalence and Genotype Analysis. Viruses 2024, 16, 5
Authors: Köksal Muammer Osman , Pirkl Martin , Sarsar Kutay , Ilktaç Mehmet , Horemheb-Rubio Gibran , Yaman Murat , Meşe Sevim , Eraksoy Haluk , Akgül Baki , Ağaçfidan Ali
Published: December 2024

In the original publication [...]
Comparison of ELISA Versus FAMA Titers in Children After Chemotherapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Who Received the Live Attenuated MAV/06 Strain Varicella Vaccine
Authors: Ahn Bin , Kang Kyu Ri , Kim Ye Ji , Cho Yoon Kyung , Jo Suejung , Yoo Jae won , Lee Jae Wook , Chung Nack-Gyun , Cho Bin , Jeong Dae Chul , Kang Jin Han , Kang Hyun Mi
Published: December 2024

Background: Varicella can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised children, including those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or chemotherapy. Preventing primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is crucial in these populations to mitigate morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the live attenuated MAV/06 varicella vaccine in pediatric patients post-HSCT and post-chemotherapy. Additionally, it sought to compare fluorescent-antibody-to-membrane-antigen (FAMA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titers to establish effective cut-off levels for protection against varicella. Methods: The FAMA assay was conducted at the Vaccine Bio Research Institute, and a VARICELLA-ZOSTER ELISA (Vircell, Granada, Spain) kit, which relies on lysate from whole cells infected with VZV, was used to determine VZV IgG. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 76 pediatric patients under 18 years old who tested negative for VZV IgG via ELISA. Patients post-HSCT and post-chemotherapy were included. Participants received the MAV/06 varicella vaccine, and serologic responses were evaluated using ELISA and FAMA. Results: The median age of participants was 9.8 years, with acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia being the most common underlying disease. Post-dose 1, the seropositive rate was 56.1% by ELISA and 97.2% by FAMA. Based on the FAMA seropositive cut-off ≥1:4, post-dose 1 geometric mean titers (GMTs) of seropositive patients in the post-HSCT group were 14.7 (95% CI, 11.3–19.1) versus 20.2 (95% CI, 13.0–31.3) in the post-chemotherapy group (p = 0.690). Based on a FAMA seropositive cut-off ≥1:16, the post-dose 1 GMT of patients considered seropositive in the post-HSCT group was 19.3 (95% CI, 15.6–24.0) versus 34.1 (95% CI, 21.0–55.4) in the post-chemotherapy group (p = 0.116), and post-dose 2 FAMA titers of 76.1 (95% CI, 14.6–398.1) in the post-HSCT group and 64.0 (95% CI, 11.4–358.1) in the post-HSCT group (p = 0.853) were observed. In patients with lower baseline FAMA titers (1:4 to 1:8), 66.7% in the post-HSCT group and 71.5% in the post-chemotherapy group achieved a greater than four-fold increase in FAMA titers post-dose 1, while those with higher baseline titers (≥1:16) did not. There were no serious adverse events or vaccine-related rashes occurring in any of the patients. Conclusion: The MAV/06 varicella vaccine is immunogenic in pediatric patients post-HSCT and post-chemotherapy, particularly when administered in a two-dose schedule using a cut-off FAMA titer of <1:16.
Automated, Quantitative Capillary Western Blots to Analyze Host Cell Proteins in COVID-19 Vaccine Produced in Vero Cell Line
Authors: Gillespie Paul F. , Wang Yanjie , Yin Kuo , Groegler Emily , Cunningham Nicholas , Stiving Alyssa Q. , Raffaele Jessica , Marusa Natalia , Tubbs Christopher M. , Loughney John W. , Winters Michael A. , Rustandi Richard R.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Host cell protein (HCP) content is a major attribute for biological and vaccine products that must be extensively characterized prior to product licensure. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) are conventional methods for quantitative host cell protein analysis in biologic and vaccine products. Both techniques are usually very tedious, labor-intensive, and challenging to transfer to other laboratories. In addition, the ELISA methodology requires 2D SDS PAGE and 2D western blot antibody reagent validation to establish reagent coverage. This reagent coverage provides a rather weak link that is currently accepted, as the western blot is run under denaturing conditions and the ELISA is run under native conditions. Simple Western™ is a relatively new, automated, capillary western blot-based technology that allows for the separation, blotting, and detection of proteins. But, unlike traditional western blots, Simple Western™ is quantitative, allowing for the quantification of HCP content in biologic and vaccine samples. Antibody reagent validation is much more straightforward, as the reagent coverage can be directly linked between the 2D methodology and Simple Western™, as they are both run under denatured and reduced conditions. Methods: Herein we describe the development of a capillary western blot method to quantify the HCP content in samples generated using a Vero cell line for the production of an investigational live virus vaccine candidate (V590) for Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). The HCP content in COVID-19 vaccine samples was evaluated using three methods: the new capillary western, the gold standard ELISA, and SDS-PAGE. Results/Conclusions: Strong agreement was observed in the HCP content data between the capillary western and SDS PAGE methods, whereas the ELISA HCP data were outliers, suggesting that the capillary western is generating HCP concentrations closer to the true concentration. This is the first report of using capillary western technology in analyzing HCP in vaccine samples.
Systematic Review of the Effective Integration of Storage Systems and Electric Vehicles in Microgrid Networks: Innovative Approaches for Energy Management
Authors: Arévalo Paul , Ochoa-Correa Danny , Villa-Ávila Edisson
Published: December 2024

The increasing demand for more efficient and sustainable power systems, driven by the integration of renewable energy, underscores the critical role of energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs) in optimizing microgrid operations. This paper provides a systematic literature review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement, focusing on studies published between 2014 and 2024 and sourced from Web of Science and Scopus, resulting in 97 selected works. The review highlights the potential of EVs, not only as sustainable transport solutions but also as mobile storage resources, enhancing microgrid flexibility and stability through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. It also underscores the importance of advanced control strategies, such as Model Predictive Control (MPC) and hybrid AC/DC microgrids, for improving energy flow management and operational resilience. Despite these advancements, gaps remain in the comprehensive integration of ESS and EVs, particularly regarding interoperability between microgrid components and the lack of optimization frameworks that holistically address dynamic pricing, grid stability, and renewable energy integration. This paper synthesizes existing technologies and offers insights for future research aimed at advancing the sustainability, efficiency, and economic viability of microgrids.
Research on the Seismic Response of Hybrid Concrete/Steel Structures Equipped with the Seesaw System
Authors: Papagiannopoulos George A. , Katsimpini Panagiota S. , Hatzigeorgiou George D.
Published: December 2024

This research investigates the seismic performance of structures equipped with the seesaw system in relation to conventional structures within two- and five-storey mixed concrete and steel buildings. Through time history analysis, the study assesses structural responses to severe ground motion accelerograms, taking into account both fixed-base conditions and soil–structure interaction (SSI) scenarios. The focus is on essential performance indicators such as maximum and residual displacements, inter-storey drift ratios, and floor accelerations. By comparing the structures with the seesaw system with bare structures, the research seeks to quantify the benefits of this novel design in mitigating seismic effects. A significant component of this study is the examination of various seismic incidence angles, specifically 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. This extensive approach facilitates a comprehensive evaluation of structural behavior under diverse directional loadings, thereby capturing a wide range of potential seismic responses. The analysis of these different incidence angles is vital for understanding how the orientation of structural elements, particularly steel columns in the mixed system, affects the seismic performance of the building. Additionally, incorporating SSI effects yields a more precise depiction of structural behavior during earthquakes, considering the impact of soil flexibility on the overall system response.
Effects of Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acids on the Transport of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Saturated Goethite-Coated Sand Columns
Authors: Chen Feiyu , Peng Xiaocheng , Liu Xiaocheng , Chen Biaodian , Chen Lidong , Lu Taotao , Gong Yi
Published: December 2024

The widespread use of nanoplastics inevitably contributes to pollution in aquatic environments and soils. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how these particles migrate in soils with diverse organic matter. This study investigated the effects of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on the migration of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in goethite-coated quartz sand. The experiments utilized two organic acids, propanoic acid (PA) and tartaric acid (TA), under varying aqueous conditions, including pH levels (4.0, 7.0), ionic strengths (1 mM, 10 mM), and cations (Na+, Ca2+, Ba2+). The experimental results indicated that with the presence of Na⁺, organic acids promoted the migration of PS-NPs through electrostatic forces and steric hindrance, with TA having a greater effect than PA. When pH < pHpzc, increased concentrations of positively charged goethite coating provided favorable deposition sites for the negatively charged PS-NPs, thereby increasing their deposition. Using the DLVO theory, low pH and high ionic strength (IS) decreased the energy barriers between PS-NPs and porous media, whereas high pH and low IS increased these barriers, thus enhancing PS-NPs transport. Divalent cations Ca2+ and Ba2+ enhanced the migration of PS-NPs through complex-forming and -bridging agents. These findings offered significant insights for predicting and analyzing the migration behavior of plastic nanoparticles.
Multi-Scale Spatial Relationship Between Runoff and Landscape Pattern in the Poyang Lake Basin of China
Authors: Dou Panfeng , Tian Yunfeng , Zhang Jinfeng , Fan Yi
Published: December 2024

Runoff research serves as the foundation for watershed management, and the relationship between runoff and landscape pattern represents a crucial basis for decision-making in the context of watershed ecological protection and restoration. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the multi-scale spatial relationship between runoff and landscape patterns. This study employs the Poyang Lake Basin (PLB) as a case study for illustrative purposes. The construction of the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model is the initial step in the process of carrying out runoff simulation, which in turn allows for the analysis of the spatial–temporal characteristics of runoff. Subsequently, Pearson’s correlation analysis, global linear regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models are employed to examine the impact of landscape composition on runoff. Finally, the spatial relationship between runoff and landscape pattern is investigated at the landscape and class scales. The results of the study demonstrate the following: (1) runoff in the PLB exhibited considerable spatial–temporal heterogeneity from 2011 to 2020. (2) Forest was the most prevalent landscape type within the PLB. Landscape composition’s impact on runoff exhibited non-linear characteristics, with forest, cropland, barren, and grassland influencing runoff in decreasing order. (3) A spatial relationship between runoff and landscape pattern was observed. At the landscape scale, patch diversity significantly influenced runoff, and reducing patch diversity primarily increased runoff. At the class scale, forest and cropland patch areas had the greatest impact on runoff, potentially enhanced by improving patch edge density. (4) Nine sub-basins needing ecological restoration were identified, with restoration pathways developed based on spatial relationships between runoff and landscape patterns. This study elucidates the impact of landscape composition and pattern on runoff, thereby providing a basis for informed decision-making and technical support for the ecological restoration and management of the watershed.
The Seasonal Environmental Factors and Phytoplankton Composition of Lake Paldang, the Largest Water Source in South Korea
Authors: Im Jong Kwon , Sim Youn-Bo , Byun Jeong Hwan , Park Chae-Hong , Hwang Soon-Jin , Kang Tae-Gu
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to determine the seasonal variations in the growth and species composition of phytoplankton in Lake Paldang, South Korea’s largest freshwater body, based on environmental factors. Weekly surface water samples were collected and analyzed for three years (2015–2017). A total of 160 species of phytoplankton were distributed across eight divisions. Diatoms were dominant in all seasons except summer and their seasonal equivalents. All seven indices—Shannon, equitability, Simpson, Menhinick, evenness, dominance, and Berger-Parker—presented a clear trend in September, which may be attributed to rainfall in July. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was employed to analyze the relationship between the occurrence and the abundance of phytoplankton species and environmental factors. The results showed that WTE, TP, PO4-P, and rainfall were negatively correlated with Ulnaria acus, Asterionella formosa, and Stephanodiscus hantzschii, whereas Scenedesmus sp. and Merismopedia tenuissima presented positive correlations. Microcystis demonstrated positive correlations with TOC, NH3-N, and HRT, and appeared primarily in the summer and fall of 2015, a dry season. According to the Palmer pollution index, which is calculated based on phytoplankton species, Lake Paldang showed no signs of pollution for the top 99.8% of phytoplankton species, but was evaluated as organically polluted for overall phytoplankton, especially in spring and summer.
Study on Watershed Ecological Compensation for Water Pollution Considering Population Flow: A Case Study in the Lower Yellow River Basin
Authors: Lu Peng , Qu Bo , Liu Ying , Liu Mingtang
Published: December 2024

Watershed ecological compensation (WEC) mechanisms can help coordinate the distribution of revenue among different regions and realize the collaborative treatment of water pollution. However, limited research has examined the influence of population flow on the design of ecological compensation mechanisms. In this paper, the differential game method is used to construct a model of water pollution control in upstream and downstream regions with the consideration of population flow. The Lower Yellow River Basin (LYRB), which includes Henan and Shandong Provinces, is taken as a case study, and relevant data are used for simulation analysis. The constraints and population flow factors that influence the establishment of a WEC mechanism between upstream and downstream governments are explored. The results show that (1) the implementation of WEC can stimulate the upstream government’s efforts to treat pollutants, and the amount of pollutants eliminated and the revenue of the upstream and downstream governments increase; (2) with the continuous flow of population from the upstream region to the downstream region, the amount of pollutants eliminated and the revenue of the downstream government decrease; and (3) in the absence of external incentive measures, when the population flow exceeds a certain threshold, the WEC mechanism of the upstream and downstream governments cannot be spontaneously carried out. The conclusions of this study can provide scientific guidance for improving the WEC mechanism between the upstream and downstream governments within a basin.
Screening, Identification, and Optimization of Enzyme Production for Bacteria with High Efficiency of Bovine Blood Protein Degradation from Slaughterhouses
Authors: Ma Xianying , Li Yantong , Abdul Peer Mohamed , Ding Gongtao , Indera Luthfi Abdullah Amru , Ismail Abbas , Kurniawan Setyo Budi
Published: December 2024

Blood waste originating from slaughterhouse activities in China is considered to be massive, and improper handling may cause epidemic diseases and environmental pollution. This research aimed to obtain a potential bacterial strain for blood protein degradation by isolating indigenous bacteria from slaughterhouses. Isolation was carried out by using dilution plate coating, while blood agar and casein plates were used to screen potential strains. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical characterizations, as well as 16S rRNA sequencing, were performed to identify the selected strain. The optimization of enzyme production was performed by using the Plackett–Burman test and response surface methodology. A strain coded NwMCC01910137 was isolated and screened to effectively degrade bovine blood protein and was identified as Bacillus subtilis. The optimum culture conditions for enzyme production included a fermentation temperature of 37.4 °C, an initial pH of 7.7, a soybean meal powder addition amount of 3.00% (w/v), a glucose level of 3.8% (w/v), a NaCl level of 0.3 g/L, a phosphate concentration of 2.5 g/L, an inoculum size of 2.5 g/L (4%), and a fermentation time of 48 h. Under the optimum condition, the strain showed enzyme activity of 166.83 U/mL. Hence, the isolated B. subtilis showed good activity in bovine blood protein degradation and has good application potential for slaughterhouse waste processing.
Effort–Reward Imbalance and Passion Exploitation: A Narrative Review and a New Perspective
Authors: Kokubun Keisuke
Published: December 2024

This paper provides a narrative review of previous research on effort–reward imbalance (ERI) and passion exploitation, providing a perspective for future research. Previous research has shown that ERI can cause work stress, negative economic behavior such as job turnover, and illnesses such as metabolic syndrome. Previous research also claims that loyal and generous people, as well as young people and women, are more likely to be targets of passion exploitation. However, there are unresolved issues in previous research, such as (i) the mechanism by which effort–reward imbalance leads to stress and illness, (ii) there being lack of research on what types of jobs are more likely to experience imbalance, and (iii) there being lack of research on what level of imbalance is acceptable, and therefore further research is required. To this end, this study recommends addressing these challenges through the integration of ERI and passion exploitation theory.
Developing and Implementing a Risk Analysis-Based Model for Effective Management of Protected Areas
Authors: Miky Yehia , Issa Usama Hamed , Faisal Kamil , Kordi Moataz Nael , Alshammari Khalaf Finassani
Published: December 2024

Managing protected areas (PAs) supports protecting biodiversity and preserves ecological functions. Many risks associated with PAs management affect the most important goals of PAs including sustainability, effectiveness, and ecological balance. This work aims to define the most predictable risk factors affecting PAs management as well as to introduce a model for assessing and exploring the influences of the identified risk factors on PAs management. Fifty-four risk factors affecting the PAs management goals are defined under seven risk groups including general and fundamental preparations, monitoring system, protocols, and implementation plans, training, visitors, employees, and activities conducted within the PAs. Many characteristics of risk factors such as presence rate and impacts on sustainability, effectiveness, and ecological balance goals are introduced. Fuzzy logic is utilized in developing the proposed risk model and applied using data collected in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Various relationships are introduced among risk indices that impact PAs management goals, ensuring close relations among all indices. The results highlight various important risk factors, such as the “Absence of mechanisms for early warning of disasters affecting protected areas”, and the “Lack of a system for monitoring the occurrence development and spread of disasters”. A risk group related to the monitoring system has been identified as causing the highest risk impacting the management of PAs. Further, most of the risk impacts on the three goals are due to protocols and implementation plans group. This work presents a new strategy to support managing PAs in Saudi Arabia, which can be easily adapted for application in other countries.
Assessing the Impact of E-Commerce of a Footwear Vendor in Malaysia Through a Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Wan Nasir Wan Nuraini Fahana , Lola Muhamad Safiih , K. Abdul Hamid Abdul Aziz , Syed Abd Mutalib Sharifah Sakinah , W. Jubilee Ribed Vianneca , Zainuddin Nurul Hila , Fauzy Akhmad
Published: December 2024

Businesses are leveraging digital technology through e-commerce platforms as a strategy to continue operating following the movement control order (MCO). Online shopping, a subset of e-commerce platforms, allows consumers to browse, select, and purchase products using digital interfaces. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding of how this platform can impact customer behavior. Therefore, this study aims to develop new knowledge of customer behavior and assess the relationship between consumer behavior and e-service quality in online shopping to better understand the e-service quality provided by the vendor in Malaysia. A novel model of e-service quality and consumer behavior has been developed and investigated. Survey questionnaires were distributed and tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) to 200 customers who had experienced online shopping during COVID-19. The finding revealed that website design, security/privacy, and fulfillment are statistically correlated with e-service quality. However, customer service is not significantly correlated with e-service quality. Meanwhile, the quality of e-services is statistically significantly related to customer behavior. This study shows that e-service quality can provide good customer behavior post-COVID-19. Online shopping is therefore predicted to boost the economy of the country, but consumers also want high-quality e-services to continue. Retailers can improve their storefronts, engage customers, and promote responsible consumption.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Current Health Status in a Community Sample of Runaway and Homeless Youth
Authors: Wright Eric R. , LaBoy Ana , Forge Nicholas , Carter Sierra , Usmanov George S. , Hartinger-Saunders Robin
Published: December 2024

In recent years, researchers and policymakers have called attention to the importance of child and adolescent trauma for understanding adult health status. The primary aim of this study is to describe the adverse childhood events reported in a sample of runaway and homeless youths and examine their impact on these youths’ current health status. We utilize survey data collected from a community sample of runaway and homeless youths gathered in metro Atlanta. Using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale (ACEs scale), we examined the relationship between ACEs and several health status measures using OLS and logistic regression. We found that runaway and homeless youths endorsed experiencing many ACEs, especially sexual minority youths, youths who had prior involvement with child-serving social service systems, and youths who were homeless for more than a year. Black/African American youths were slightly less likely to report many adverse childhood experiences. Runaway and homeless youths who reported more ACEs had increased odds of experiencing significant current mental health and/or substance abuse problems. Our study suggests ACEs are an important factor shaping these youths’ health and underscores the potential value of trauma-informed care for youths experiencing homelessness.
The Conquering Lion
Authors: Aguon Julian
Published: December 2024

People have often asked me what I thought justice meant. I used to quote the rhetoric voiced by many leftists today across college campuses. Now I see that justice is a word that drips with sweat and blood. Studying the rich history of black women in America, I am compelled to look inward to see myself, and my own truths, and listen to my own stories, and to ground my journey as a cocreator of justice with integrity.
Micoses superficiais e cutâneas: estudo epidemiológico para identificar pessoas que realizam diagnóstico e tratamento adequado
Authors: Pereira Katlen Caroline Fausto , Oliveira Fernanda Sant Ana de Siqueira e , Brisoli Cleber
Published: December 2024

As micoses superficiais e cutâneas são doenças causadas por fungos. Doenças comuns, de fácil disseminação que atingem milhões de pessoas no mundo todo. Por ser uma patologia não muito rara no dia a dia e rotina de diversas pessoas de diferentes classes sociais e faixa etária, e por, na maioria das vezes não causar malefícios à saúde, os afetados acabam se autodiagnosticando e se automedicando ao invés de procurar ajuda médica.  Considerando o fato de que as dermatofitoses não são doenças consideradas de notificação obrigatória e não há grandes projetos que visam a importância de um diagnóstico e tratamento correto, essa pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento de dados para que fosse feita uma análise, e identificar por meio de uma pesquisa entre as pessoas que já tiveram ou tem micoses superficiais e cutâneas quais tiveram diagnóstico e tratamento por um profissional capacitado e qualificado. O diagnóstico assertivo destas patologias pode ajudar, não somente em um prognóstico e tratamento correto das causas, mas também melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes, que muitas vezes tentam camuflar esta doença para serem aceitos e, ou terem um melhor convívio na sociedade.
DEPRESIÓN POSTPARTO Y VÍNCULO MATERNO INFANTIL.
Authors: Mendoza Pacheco Daniela Viridiana , Ruiz Jurado Arturo
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: Identificar la asociación entre la depresión postparto y el vínculo materno infantil en una Unidad de Primer Nivel de Atención. Material y método: Estudio observacional, transversal, prospectivo, realizado de diciembre 2022 a mayo 2023, que incluyó a 92 pacientes de la Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 1 de Orizaba, Ver. en puerperio tardío. Se aplicaron las Escalas de Beck y de Vínculo Afectivo ente Padres e Hijos Neonatos, así como una cédula de datos sociodemográficos y obstétricos. Se realizo la clasificación en base a los parámetros establecidos de cada uno de los instrumentos, mientras que para realizar la asociación de las variables se consideró un valor de p<0.005, mediante el análisis con X2. Resultados: Se obtuvo que la escolaridad (p=0.0001), la lactancia (p=0.0003) y los cuidados dados a la madre durante el puerperio (p=0.0018) se asocian a depresión; mientras que, al analizar el vínculo materno y la depresión, se encontró que ante algún grado de depresión el vínculo materno se encuentra afectado. Conclusión: La depresión postparto se asocia a la escolaridad, lactancia y los cuidados a la madre durante el puerperio, y a su vez, algún grado de depresión afecta al vinculo materno infantil, lo que conlleva a una afectación al desarrollo del infante, por lo que se vuelve primordial que el médico identifique los factores de riesgo presentes en la madre para evitar consecuencias más graves como el suicidio y/o infanticidio.
Analysis of clinical and functional features of bronchial asthma in children of early and preschool age
Authors:   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Головко В. А. , Тепляков А. А. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Мещеряков В. В. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia
Published: December 2024

The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the clinical and functional features
of the course of bronchial asthma in children of different age groups. A prospective cohort continuous study of bronchial asthma in clinical remission based on clinical and anamnestic data is made. Moreover, we used computer bronchophonography with a reversibility test of bronchial obstruction and conducted a comprehensive assessment of the basic therapy prescribed to a child. The features of bronchial asthma in children are revealed: the burden of an allergic history, a high frequency of comorbid pathology of atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis. In the group of children under 6 years among triggers of disease exacerbation, the most common are viral respiratory infections, certain foods, contact with household dust, physical exertion. There are a contact with animals and psycho-emotional stress in addition to the above-listed triggers in the group of 6-year-olds and older. The results of the functional examination of children show higher values of the initial acoustic component of respiration in the high-frequency spectrum, a greater prevalence of latent bronchial obstruction and the reversibility of bronchial obstruction in children of early and preschool age. Less than half of examined patients received basic bronchial asthma therapy, and a quarter of children received combined therapy, despite the high prevalence of reversibility of bronchial obstruction. The revealed clinical and functional features of the course of bronchial asthma in children in clinical remission allow us to recommend a combined basic therapy until the reversibility of bronchial obstruction disappears in the patient.
Results of immediate remote monitoring using the Asthma Control Test in children
Authors:   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Подкорытов А. А. , Тепляков А. А. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Мещеряков В. В. ,   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia
Published: December 2024

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of bronchial asthma cases in children
aged 6 to 17 years. A comparison was made between the classical method of controlling the symptoms of bronchial asthma during dispensary observation and immediate remote monitoring based on data from
clinical and functional methods: the 3-steps test “Asthma Control” and an assessment of peak expiratory flow rate. Remote fixation of peak expiratory flow rates using immediate monitoring provided for timely detection of latent bronchospasm and optimization of correction of basic therapy in children with moderate bronchial asthma. In children with mild persistent asthma, the remote monitoring of peak expiratory flow rates did not reveal advantages in comparison with the traditional method of dispensary observation.