bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women in Saudi secondary school EFL textbooks: a critical study of women’s empowerment as enshrined in the Saudi Vision 2030
Authors: Alqahtani Muneer Hezam
Published: March 2024

Since the launch of the Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has undergone significant economic and social reforms in order to move away from the country’s reliance on oil and toward a more diverse and sustainable economy. One of the important chapters in this endeavour is the empowerment of Saudi women whereby they are to be given opportunities equal to men. Against this new paradigm, this study investigates whether Vision 2030’s transformative efforts surrounding women’s empowerment are reflected in the country’s EFL textbooks, or whether the traditional representation of Saudi women has remained unchanged. The analytical focal point is the pictorial representation of Saudi women in six textbooks which form part of the Mega Goal series, and which are used to teach English in Saudi secondary schools. The analysis examined the representations of females from three different angles: the percentage of appearances in the textbooks from the total human pictorials; the social roles and occupations depicted, and the activities that they are engaged in. Analysis along all three of these angles revealed that there is a remarkable imbalance between the depiction of men and women in these textbooks, in favour of men. The study concludes that the Mega Goal series’ EFL textbooks fall short of providing a realistic representation of Saudi women and fails to include representative depictions of women who, like their male counterparts, have occupied senior roles and prestigious positions in the country. This conclusion points to the need to include such representation in EFL textbooks, so that the role of women as envisaged in Saudi’s Vision 2030 complies with the Vision’s determination to provide equal opportunities for both men and women.
Personalized medicine for locally advanced rectal cancer: five years of complete clinical response after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy—a case report with a literature review
Authors: Obonyo Dennis , Uslar Verena , Weyhe Dirk , Tabriz Navid
Published: March 2024

We present a case report of a 73-year-old male patient with a complete clinical response following neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy of mid-rectal adenocarcinoma. The patient was initially diagnosed with stage IIIB microsatellite stable mid-rectal adenocarcinoma in February 2017. During restaging in June 2017, which included rectoscopy, endosonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a complete clinical response was observed. After appropriate consultation, a watch-and-wait strategy was chosen. During stringent follow-up every 3 months for the first 3 years and thereafter every 6 months, no recurrence or regrowth was observed. After the fifth year of complete clinical response, we recommended an annual follow-up. As of November 2023, the patient has no signs of recurrence or late toxicity after radiochemotherapy. The omission of resection in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and the establishment of a watch-and-wait strategy are currently under discussion as possible treatment courses in patients with complete clinical response. Long-term data on watch-and-wait strategies for patients with a complete clinical response in locally advanced rectal cancer are rare. A clear national and international accepted standardization of follow-up programs for patients managed by a watch-and-wait strategy in the long-term is missing. Here, we report the case of a patient who had undergone a follow-up program for more than five years and discuss the current literature. Our case report and literature review highlights that a watch-and-wait strategy does not seem to increase the risk of systemic disease or compromise survival outcomes in selected locally advanced rectal cancer patients. Thus, our case contributes to the growing body of knowledge on personalized and precision medicine for rectal cancer.
Multi-Scenario Variable-State Robust Fusion Algorithm for Ranging Analysis Framework
Authors: Xie Kaiting , Zhang Zhaoguo , Wang Faan
Published: March 2024

Integrating modern information technology with traditional agriculture has made agricultural machinery navigation essential in PA (precision agriculture). However, agricultural equipment faces challenges such as low positioning accuracy and poor algorithm adaptability due to the complex farmland environment and various operational requirements. In this research, we proposed a generalized ranging theoretical framework with multi-scenario variable-state fusion to improve the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) observation exchange performance among agricultural vehicles, and accurately measure IVRs (inter-vehicular ranges). We evaluated the effectiveness of three types of GNSS observations, including PPP-SD (precise single point positioning using single difference), PPP-TCAR (precise single point positioning using double difference based on three-carrier ambiguity resolution), and PPP-LAMBDA (precise single point positioning using double difference based on least-squares ambiguity decorrelation adjustment). Moreover, we compared the accuracy of IVRs measurements. Our framework was validated through field experiments in different scenarios. It provides insights into the appropriate use of different positioning algorithms based on the application scenario, application objects, and motion states.
Predicting the Potential Geographic Distribution of Invasive Freshwater Apple Snail Pomacea canaliculate (Lamarck, 1819) under Climate Change Based on Biomod2
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Tingjia , An Weibin , Wang Zailing , Li Chuanren
Published: March 2024

Pomacea canaliculata is widely distributed in the Chinese provinces south of the Yangtze River, causing serious damage to aquatic ecosystems, rice cultivation, and human health. Predicting the potential geographic distributions (PGDs) of P. canaliculata under current and future climate conditions in China is crucial for developing effective early warning measures and facilitating long-term monitoring. In this study, we screened various species distribution models (SDMs), including CTA, GBM, GAM, RF, and XGBOOST, to construct an ensemble model (EM) and then predict suitable habitats for P. canaliculata under current and future climate scenarios (SSP1-26, SSP2-45, SSP3-70, SSP5-85). The EM (AUC = 0.99, TSS = 0.96) yielded predictions that were more precise than those from the individual models. The Annual Mean Temperature (Bio1) and Precipitation of the Warmest Quarter (Bio18) are the most significant environmental variables affecting the PGDs of P. canaliculata. Under current climate conditions, the highly suitable habitats for P. canaliculata are primarily located south of the Yangtze River, collectively accounting for 17.66% of the nation’s total area. Unsuitable habitats predominate in higher-latitude regions, collectively covering 66.79% of China’s total land area. In future climate scenarios, the total number of suitable habitats for P. canaliculata is projected to expand into higher latitude regions, especially under SSP3-70 and SSP5-85 climate conditions. The 4.1 °C contour of Bio1 and the 366 mm contour of Bio18 determine the northernmost geographical distribution of P. canaliculata. Climate change is likely to increase the risk of P. canaliculata expanding into higher latitudes.
Performance of Reflective Film on the Light Environment of Chinese Solar Greenhouse
Authors: Shi Wenbin , Zhang Yichao , Li Yiming , Liu Xing’an , Meng Sida , Li Tianlai , Zhao Liping
Published: March 2024

To enhance the utilization of solar energy in Chinese solar greenhouses (CSGs), a new method for optimizing the internal lighting environment of CSGs using reflective films is proposed. The influence of different positions and angles of reflecting film on solar radiation in greenhouses was studied, using the solar radiation on the inside surface of the CSG as an evaluation index. According to the findings, total solar radiation increased by 5.33% when the reflective film was positioned on the north roof at an angle of 0°. The light interception on the north wall decreased from 7.91% to 10.54% when the angle was raised from 15° to 25°. The crop canopy was not significantly affected by the reflective film’s various placements and angles, and the benefits of additional light were insufficient to compensate for the drawbacks of crop shading. This result provides a theoretical basis for the application of reflective films in relevant agricultural facilities. Reasonable installation of reflective film in the greenhouse can increase the light interception of plants inside the greenhouse and further increase the income of farmers.
The Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Profiles of the NADPH Oxidase (NOX) Gene Family under Drought and Salt Stress in Opisthopappus taihangensis (Asteraceae)
Authors: Ye Hang , Liu Hengzhao , Han Mian , Zhang Naiyu , Feng Xiaolong , Gao Ting , Lei Dingfan , Li Haochen , Gao Zhimei , Su Yu , Chai Min , Zhou Huijuan , Wang Yiling
Published: March 2024

Plant NAPDH oxidase (NOX) gene family members are critical producers of ROS and play crucial roles in plant signaling, development, and stress responses. Opisthopappus taihangensis is a pivotal wild genetic resource in Asteraceae. To date, little knowledge exists about the functions of NOXs in O. taihangensis. In this study, seven typical NOXs and seven ferric reduction oxidases (FROs) were identified in O. taihangensis. Dispersed duplication might play a critical role in the expansion of the NOX/FRO gene family in O. taihangensis, and most of the NOX/FRO homologous pairs have undergone purifying selection. Although the results of the collinearity analysis show that these genes were relatively conserved, the gain and loss of members in this gene family occurred frequently during the evolution of Asteraceae. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the FROs are relatively ancient, and the earliest diverged branch was revealed by the maximum likelihood (ML) tree. The Asteraceae NOXs were divided into six subgroups according to their relationship with Arabidopsis and rice members. The transcriptome profile unveiled tissue-specific expression patterns and complex response modes under drought and salt stresses. OtNOX6 and OtNOX7 could be recognized as important candidates to respond to drought and salt stress. Our results provide clues and references for further in-depth exploration of NOX/FRO function in O. taihangensis and other horticulture plants.
YOLO-BLBE: A Novel Model for Identifying Blueberry Fruits with Different Maturities Using the I-MSRCR Method
Authors: Wang Chenglin , Han Qiyu , Li Jianian , Li Chunjiang , Zou Xiangjun
Published: March 2024

Blueberry is among the fruits with high economic gains for orchard farmers. Identification of blueberry fruits with different maturities has economic significance to help orchard farmers plan pesticide application, estimate yield, and conduct harvest operations efficiently. Vision systems for automated orchard yield estimation have received growing attention toward fruit identification with different maturity stages. However, due to interfering factors such as varying outdoor illuminations, similar colors with the surrounding canopy, imaging distance, and occlusion in natural environments, it remains a serious challenge to develop reliable visual methods for identifying blueberry fruits with different maturities. This study constructed a YOLO-BLBE (Blueberry) model combined with an innovative I-MSRCR (Improved MSRCR (Multi-Scale Retinex with Color Restoration)) method to accurately identify blueberry fruits with different maturities. The color feature of blueberry fruit in the original image was enhanced by the I-MSRCR algorithm, which was improved based on the traditional MSRCR algorithm by adjusting the proportion of color restoration factors. The GhostNet model embedded by the CA (coordinate attention) mechanism module replaced the original backbone network of the YOLOv5s model to form the backbone of the YOLO-BLBE model. The BIFPN (Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network) structure was applied in the neck network of the YOLO-BLBE model, and Alpha-EIOU was used as the loss function of the model to determine and filter candidate boxes. The main contributions of this study are as follows: (1) The I-MSRCR algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively amplify the color differences between blueberry fruits of different maturities. (2) Adding the synthesized blueberry images processed by the I-MSRCR algorithm to the training set for training can improve the model’s recognition accuracy for blueberries of different maturity levels. (3) The YOLO-BLBE model achieved an average identification accuracy of 99.58% for mature blueberry fruits, 96.77% for semi-mature blueberry fruits, and 98.07% for immature blueberry fruits. (4) The YOLO-BLBE model had a size of 12.75 MB and an average detection speed of 0.009 s.
Resistance to Site-Specific Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor Fungicides Is Pervasive in Populations of Black and Yellow Sigatoka Pathogens in Banana Plantations from Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva Tatiane C. , Moreira Silvino I. , de Souza Daniel M. , Christiano Felix S. , Gasparoto Maria C. G. , Fraaije Bart A. , Goldman Gustavo H. , Ceresini Paulo C.
Published: March 2024

The Sigatoka disease complex (SDC), caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis (Mf) and M. musicola (Mm), comprises the most destructive fungal leaf streak and spot diseases of commercial banana crops worldwide. In Brazil, the site-specific succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides labeled for SDC management since 2014 present a high risk for the emergence of resistance if deployed intensively and solo. Our study determined the levels of sensitivity to boscalid and fluxapyroxad in four populations of the SDC pathogens sampled in 2020 from three distinct geographical regions under contrasting fungicide programs. Resistance, defined as EC50 values exceeding 20 µg mL−1, was prevalent at 59.7% for fluxapyroxad and 94.0% for boscalid. Only 1.5% of isolates exhibited sensitivity to both fungicides. We also assessed the changes in the corresponding fungicide target protein-encoding genes (SdhB, C, and D). None of the target site alterations detected were associated with reduced sensitivity. A second SdhC paralog was also analyzed, but target alterations were not found. However, MDR (multidrug resistance) was detected in a selection of isolates. Further monitoring for Sdh target mutations will be important, but an important role for other resistance mechanisms such as the presence of additional Sdh paralogs and MDR cannot be ruled out. These results highlight the importance of implementing sound anti-resistance management strategies when SDHI fungicides are deployed for the management of SDC.
Effects of Succinate on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Lipid Synthesis in Bama Miniature Pigs
Authors: Zhai Xiangyun , Dang Liping , Wang Shiyu , Li Wenyuan , Sun Chao
Published: March 2024

Succinate, one of the intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is now recognized to play a role in a broad range of physiological and pathophysiological settings, but its role in adipogenesis is unclear. Our study used Bama miniature pigs as a model to explore the effects of succinate on performance, meat quality, and fat formation. The results showed that adding 1% succinate significantly increased the average daily gain, feed/gain ratio, eye muscle area, and body fat content (p < 0.05), but had no effect on feed intake. Further meat quality analysis showed that succinate increased the marbling score and intramuscular fat content of longissimus dorsi muscle (LM), while decreasing the shear force and the cross-sectional area of LM (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis of LM revealed that succinate reshaped levels of fatty acids, triglycerides, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids in LM. Succinate promotes adipogenic differentiation in porcine primary preadipocytes. Finally, dietary succinate supplementation increased succinylation modification rather than acetylation modification in the adipose tissue pool. This study elucidated the effects of succinate on the growth and meat quality of pigs and its mechanism of action and provided a reference for the role of succinate in the nutrition and metabolism of pigs.
Pet Wellness and Vitamin A: A Narrative Overview
Authors: Shastak Yauheni , Pelletier Wolf
Published: March 2024

The health of companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, is significantly influenced by nutrition, with vitamins playing a crucial role. Vitamin A, in particular, is indispensable, with diverse roles ranging from vision to immune modulation and reproduction. Despite its importance, the metabolism and dietary requirements of vitamin A in companion animals remain complex and not fully understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the historical perspective, the digestion, the metabolism, the physiological roles, the deficiency, the excess, and the interactions with other micronutrients of vitamin A in companion animals. Additionally, it highlights future research directions and gaps in our understanding. Insights into the metabolism of vitamin A in companion animals, personalized nutrition strategies based on genetic variability, longitudinal studies tracking the status of vitamin A, and investigations into its immunomodulatory effects are crucial for optimizing pet health and wellness. Furthermore, understanding the stability and bioavailability of vitamin A in pet food formulations is essential for ensuring the provision of adequate micronutrients. Overall, this review underscores the importance of vitamin A in companion animal nutrition and the need for further research to enhance our understanding and to optimize dietary recommendations for pet health and well-being.
Appropriate Duration of Antimicrobial Treatment for Prosthetic Joint Infections: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lora-Tamayo Jaime , Mancheño-Losa Mikel , Meléndez-Carmona María Ángeles , Hernández-Jiménez Pilar , Benito Natividad , Murillo Oscar
Published: March 2024

Prosthetic joint infections are considered difficult to treat they needing aggressive surgery and long antimicrobial treatments. However, the exact duration of these therapies has been established empirically. In the last years, several studies have explored the possibility of reducing the length of treatment in this setting, with conflicting results. In this narrative review, we critically appraise the published evidence, considering the different surgical approaches (implant retention [DAIR] and one-step and two-step exchange procedures) separately. In patients managed with DAIR, usually treated for at least 12 weeks, a large, randomized trial failed to show that 6 weeks were non-inferior. However, another randomized clinical trial supports the use of 8 weeks, as long as the surgical conditions are favorable and antibiotics with good antibiofilm activity can be administered. In patients managed with a two-step exchange procedure, usually treated during 6 weeks, a randomized clinical trial showed the efficacy of a 4-week course of antimicrobials. Also, the use of local antibiotics may allow the use of even shorter treatments. Finally, in the case of one-step exchange procedures, there is a trend towards reducing the length of therapy, and the largest randomized clinical trial supports the use of 6 weeks of therapy.
Impacts of Supplementation with Silymarin on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Shooka , Asbaghi Omid , Afrisham Reza , Farrokhi Vida , Jadidi Yasaman , Mofidi Fatemeh , Ashtary-Larky Damoon
Published: March 2024

It has been suggested that silymarin (SIL) supplementation has positive effects on cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). This systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis assessed the impacts of SIL administration on cardiovascular risk factors. A systematic search of multiple databases was performed to identify eligible controlled trials published up to January 2023. The analysis used a random-effects model and included 33 trials with 1943 participants. It was revealed that SIL supplementation led to a notable reduction in serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (weighted mean difference (WMD): −21.68 mg/dL, 95% CI: −31.37, −11.99; p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: −1.25 mmHg; 95% CI: −2.25, −0.26; p = 0.013), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −13.97 mg/dL, 95% CI: −23.09, −4.85; p = 0.003), triglycerides (TG) (WMD: −26.22 mg/dL, 95% CI: −40.32, −12.12; p < 0.001), fasting insulin (WMD: −3.76 mU/mL, 95% CI: −4.80, −2.72; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD: −17.13 mg/dL, 95% CI: −25.63, −8.63; p < 0.001), and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (WMD: −0.85%, 95% CI: −1.27, −0.43; p < 0.001) in the SIL-treated groups compared to their untreated counterparts. In addition, there were no substantial differences in body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), C-reactive protein (CRP), body weight, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) between the two groups. These outcomes suggest that SIL consumption reduces certain CMS risk factors and has favorable impacts on lipid and glycemic profiles with potential hypotensive effects. These findings should be supported by additional trials with larger sample sizes and longer durations.
Assessment of Strong Earthquake Risk in Maqin–Maqu Segment of the Eastern Kunlun Fault, Northeast Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Zhengfang , Zhou Bengang
Published: March 2024

The East Kunlun Fault Zone, as a highly seismically active fault, has witnessed five earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding M7.0 to the west of Animaqing Mountain since 1900. Conversely, the historical records for the Maqin–Maqu segment in the east of Animaqing Mountain show no M7.0 or above earthquakes, designating it as a distinctive seismic gap within this fault zone. We analyzed the tectonic background and structural features of the Maqin–Maqu segment within the East Kunlun Fault Zone to evaluate its potential seismic capacity. Utilizing a new established probability recurrence model, we calculated the seismic hazard for both segments over the next 100 years. The results indicate that the probability of M7.0 or above earthquake occurring in the Maqu segment in the next 100 years is 11.47%, classified as a moderate probability event. The joint probability of at least one M7.0 or above strong earthquake occurring in the entire Maqin–Maqu segment in the next 100 years is 16.14%, also classified as a moderate probability event, while the probability for the Maqin segment alone is 5.36%, classified as a low probability event. Considering the uncertainty of the probability model, a qualitative hazard classification for each segment was further conducted. The comprehensive evaluation suggests a low risk of a major earthquake occurring in the Maqin segment in the next 100 years, while the Maqu segment is assessed to have a higher risk.
The Use of Sleds as a Unique Training Technique for Anaerobic Performance Development among Young Basketball Players
Authors: Gottlieb Roni , Levi Aviad , Shalom Asaf , Gonzalez Julio Calleja , Meckel Yoav
Published: March 2024

(1) Playing basketball entails intense anaerobic activities, including short sprints, sudden stops, rapid direction changes, and jumps. Common training methods for enhancing players’ anaerobic fitness comprise sprint training, jump exercises, and interval training. The aim of this research was to compare the impact of three sprint-training methods on anaerobic capacity. (2) The study included 25 male basketball players, aged 16–18 years, from the National Youth League in Israel. The participants were divided into three groups: sled-pushing, sled-dragging (intervention), and no sled (control) sprint training. Twice-weekly sessions were conducted over a five-week period, in addition to their regular basketball training. Pre- and post-intervention tests included vertical and horizontal jumps, 5 and 20 m sprints, and agility tests. (3) The study revealed significant improvements in the horizontal jump in the sled-pushing group (≈3%) and a near-significant improvement in the sled-dragging group (≈2.9%). Less improvement was seen in the control group (≈1.8%). No improvements were seen in the vertical jump performance in any groups, despite an increase in the sled-pushing group (≈5.5%) and in the sled-dragging group (≈3%) compared to that in the control group (≈1.2%). Finally, no improvements were seen in sprint speed and agility in any group. (4) Despite the modest improvements observed in most tests across the three groups, the consistent and significant enhancement seen in the sled-pushing and sled-dragging groups compared to that in the control group suggests potential benefits for sled assistance in anaerobic training in young basketball players.
Prediction and Factor Analysis of Liquefaction Ground Subsidence Based on Machine-Learning Techniques
Authors: Karimai Kazuki , Liu Wen , Maruyama Yoshihisa
Published: March 2024

Liquefaction is a significant challenge in the fields of earthquake risk assessment and soil dynamics, as it has the potential to cause extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure through ground failure. During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Urayasu City in the Chiba Prefecture experienced severe soil liquefaction, leading to evacuation losses due to the effect of the liquefaction on roads. Therefore, developing quantitative predictions of ground subsidence caused by liquefaction and understanding its contributing factors are imperative in preparing for potential future mega-earthquakes. This research is novel because previous research primarily focused on developing predictive models for determining the presence or absence of liquefaction, and there are few examples available of quantitative liquefaction magnitude after liquefaction has occurred. This research study extracts features from existing datasets and builds a predictive model, supplemented by factor analysis. Using the Cabinet Office of Japan’s Nankai Trough Megathrust Earthquake model, liquefaction-induced ground subsidence was designated as the dependent variable. A gradient-boosted decision-tree (GDBT) prediction model was then developed. Additionally, the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method was employed to analyze the contribution of each feature to the prediction results. The study found that the XGBoost model outperformed the LightGBM model in terms of predictive accuracy, with the predicted values closely aligned with the actual measurements, thereby proving its effectiveness in predicting ground subsidence due to liquefaction. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that liquefaction assessments, which were previously challenging, can now be interpreted using SHAP factors. This enables accountable wide-area prediction of liquefaction-induced ground subsidence.
Impact of Recycled Concrete and Brick Aggregates on the Flexural and Bond Performance of Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Basit Abdul , Hameed Rashid , Abbas Safeer , Karam Muhammad , Shahzad Shaban , Kazmi Syed , Munir Muhammad
Published: March 2024

The construction industry strongly relies on concrete and clay bricks for various applications. The escalating demand for these materials, driven by rapid population growth, has led to resource depletion and increased construction and demolition waste (CDW). Recycling CDW into construction materials, particularly in the form of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and recycled brick aggregates (RBAs), has emerged as a promising solution. This study deals with the structural performance of concrete incorporating RCAs and RBAs. The experimental program encompasses material characterization, concrete mix design, and several tests to assess density, compressive strength, bond behavior, and flexural properties. The results indicate that the replacement of fine natural aggregate (NA) with fine RCAs or RBAs has a negligible impact on density, while the partial replacement of coarse NAs with RAs yields modest reductions in compressive strength. Notably, the bond strength between steel rebar and concrete is influenced by the type and content of RA, with specimens containing RCAs exhibiting a higher bond strength than those with RBAs. Empirical models used to predict bond strength generally align with experimental results, with conservative predictions by some models, such as ACI 318, and overestimation by others, such as models proposed by AS-3600 and CEB-FIB. The flexural tests of beams highlight the variation in stiffness and load-bearing capacity with the proportion of NAs replaced by RAs. While beams with 50% NA replacement demonstrate comparable performance to control beams, those with 100% RA replacement exhibit lower cracking and yielding stiffness. Cracking patterns in beams with RAs differ from control beams, with RA-containing beams showing more cracks and an altered crack distribution. The findings underscore the feasibility of using recycled aggregates in construction, with partial NA replacement offering a balance between sustainable material usage and desired structural properties.
Listeria monocytogenes from Marine Fish and the Seafood Market Environment in Northern Greece: Prevalence, Molecular Characterization, and Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Peratikos Pantelis , Tsitsos Anestis , Damianos Alexandros , Kyritsi Maria A. , Hadjichristodoulou Christos , Soultos Nikolaos , Economou Vangelis
Published: March 2024

The occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes in marine fish and fish market areas was investigated. Two hundred and eighty-eight samples (123 environmental samples—siphons, knives, cutting boards, floor, sinks, water, and ice—and 165 marine fish samples) were examined. Twenty-four isolates were characterized as Listeria monocytogenes (five from environmental samples (4.0%) and 19 from fish samples (11.5%)). The strains were further characterized according to their antibiotic resistance, pathogenicity, and biofilm formation ability. They were molecularly serotyped as IIc (n = 22) and IVb (n = 2) and possessed all the virulence genes tested (inlA, inlB, inlC, inlJ, actA, hlyA, iap, plcA, and prfA), except for two strains lacking the hlyA and iap genes, respectively. All strains showed strong (41.7%) or moderate biofilm-producing ability (58.3%) and almost all showed resistance to at least one antibiotic, with the highest rates being observed against clindamycin and vancomycin. The proteomic analysis by MALDI-TOF revealed two distinct clusters that involved strains from fish only and those from both fish and the environment. The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the fish-market environment and marine fish, along with the pathogenicity and persistence characteristics of the seafood-related strains, emphasize the need for vigilance concerning the spread of this notorious foodborne pathogen.
Experimental Study on In Situ Storage of Grease-Lubricated Ball Screws
Authors: Cui Peijuan , Hou Zhanlin , He Luman , Zheng Hui , He Yifeng , Fan Yuanxun , An Linxue , Huang Yuping
Published: March 2024

Lubricating grease plays an important role in the rolling screw transmission of the actuation system and is particularly concerned with the performance stability of long-term storage in aerospace applications. In this article, a batch of ball screws that were lying flat in the warehouse for about eight years were selected to extract lubricating grease from the screw raceway after being stored in situ. The oxidation performance, friction performance and rheological properties of lubricating grease were tested and compared to those of fresh grease to analyze and summarize the performance changes in lubricating grease. The transmission efficiency, friction torque, and temperature rise of ball screws without removing the original grease and those filled with fresh grease after cleaning were tested and compared. The impact of grease degradation on the transmission performance of ball screws was analyzed to provide a reference for ball screw lubrication schemes and further accelerated storage experimental design.
Factors Affecting the Stability of Loess Landslides: A Review
Authors: Wei Liucheng , Zeng Zhaofa , Yan Jiahe
Published: March 2024

The stability of loess landslides affects the production and livelihood of the people in its vicinity. The stability of loess landslides is influenced by various factors, including internal structure, collapsibility, water content, and shear strength. The landslide stability of loesses can be analyzed by several geophysical methods, such as seismic refraction tomography (SRT), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), micro-seismic technology, and ground penetrating radar (GPR). Geotechnical tests (compression and shear tests) and remote sensing techniques (Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and airborne 3D laser technology) are used for studying the landslide stability of loesses as well. Some of the methods above can measure parameters (e.g., fractures, water content, shear strength, creep) which influence the stability of loess landslides, while other methods qualitatively indicate the influencing factors. Integrating parameters measured by different methods, minimizing disturbances to landslides, and assessing landslide stability are important steps in studying landslide hazards. This paper comprehensively introduces the methods used in recent studies on the landslide stability of loesses and summarizes the factors which affect the landslide stability. Furthermore, the relationships between different parameters and methods are examined. This paper enhances comprehension of the underlying mechanisms of the stability of loess landslides to diminish disastrous consequences.
Research on the Causes and Transmission Mechanisms of Railway Engineering Safety Risks
Authors: Zhang Tongyu , Li Xuewei , Li Xueyan
Published: March 2024

In recent years, railway safety accidents have repeatedly occurred. Any omission in the process of management or operation can easily have very serious consequences. This study aimed to examine the causes and transmission mechanisms of safety risks in railway engineering departments. First, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm was employed to determine the key risk factors, allowing for indicator screening that was in line with the requirements of practical applications. Then, Bayesian networks were used, and their structure was optimized to analyze the propagation diagnosis and probability of key risk indicators, obtaining the causal logic chain that produces accidents and, from that, the four aspects (human, machine, environment, management) of the corresponding prevention of risk recommendations. Finally, in this article, it is shown that combining the indicators and Bayesian networks can improve the accuracy of risk prediction and provide more accurate results than using existing research and, hence, it can fill the gap in research on railway safety risks in risk transmission mechanisms.
A Systematic Literature Review of Current Trends in Electronic Voting System Protection Using Modern Cryptography
Authors: Aidynov Tolegen , Goranin Nikolaj , Satybaldina Dina , Nurusheva Assel
Published: March 2024

Electronic voting, based on cryptographic protocols and blockchain technology, represents an advanced method for ensuring the security, transparency, and reliability of electoral processes. The scientific research presented in this article is devoted to the analysis of trends and advanced technologies in the field of electronic voting. The authors propose a systematic mapping of this area using bibliometric analysis. The research is based on the analysis of scientific articles extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Bibliometric analysis tools are used to automatically identify key topics and trends in the literature. The results of the study reveal the key directions of the development of electronic voting, including the integration of cryptographic protocols and blockchain technology. Specific aspects include improving privacy through the use of modern cryptographic protocols, creating an immutable register of votes using blockchain technology, ensuring trust through open-source code, and increasing resilience to cyber-attacks. These areas reflect the desire to develop efficient, transparent, and secure electronic voting systems. Based on the identified trends, recommendations are proposed for further research aimed at improving electronic electoral systems and their adaptation to the modern requirements of security and transparency in electoral processes.
Vision AI System Development for Improved Productivity in Challenging Industrial Environments: A Sustainable and Efficient Approach
Authors: Yang Changmo , Kim JinSeok , Kang DongWeon , Eom Doo-Seop
Published: March 2024

This study presents a development plan for a vision AI system to enhance productivity in industrial environments, where environmental control is challenging, by using AI technology. An image pre-processing algorithm was developed using a mobile robot that can operate in complex environments alongside workers to obtain high-quality learning and inspection images. Additionally, the proposed architecture for sustainable AI system development included cropping the inspection part images to minimize the technology development time, investment costs, and the reuse of images. The algorithm was retrained using mixed learning data to maintain and improve its performance in industrial fields. This AI system development architecture effectively addresses the challenges faced in applying AI technology at industrial sites and was demonstrated through experimentation and application.
The Advanced Assessment of Nanoindentation-Based Mechanical Properties of a Refractory MoTaNbWV High-Entropy Alloy: Metallurgical Considerations and Extensive Variable Correlation Analysis
Authors: Sokoli Vassiliki , Kamnis Spyros , Delibasis Konstantinos , Georgatis Emmanuel , Kiape Stavros , Karantzalis Alexander E.
Published: March 2024

In the present study, a thorough examination of nanoindentation-based mechanical properties of a refractory MoTaNbVW high-entropy alloy (RHEA) was conducted. Basic mechanical properties, such as the indentation modulus of elasticity, indentation hardness, and indentation-absorbed elastic energy, were assessed by means of different input testing variables, such as the loading speed and indentation depth. The obtained results were discussed in terms of the elasto-plastic behavior of the affected material by the indentation process and material volume. Detailed analysis of the RHEA alloy’s nanoindentation creep behavior was also assessed. The effect of testing parameters such as preset indentation depth, loading speed, and holding—at the creep stage—time were selected for their impact. The results were explained in terms of the availability of mobile dislocations to accommodate creep deformation. Crucial parameters, such as maximum shear stress developed during testing (τmax), critical volume for dislocation nucleation (Vcr), and creep deformation stress exponent n, were taken into consideration to explain the observed behavior. Additionally, in all cases of mechanical property examination and in order to identify those input testing parameters—in case—that have the most severe effect, an extensive statistical analysis was conducted using four different methods, namely ANOVA, correlation matrix analysis, Random Forest analysis, and Partial Dependence Plots. It was observed that in most of the cases, the statistical treatment of the obtained testing data was in agreement with the microstructural and metallurgical observations and postulates.
Imperceptible and Reversible Acoustic Watermarking Based on Modified Integer Discrete Cosine Transform Coefficient Expansion
Authors: Huang Xuping , Ito Akinori
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to explore an alternative reversible digital watermarking solution to guarantee the integrity of and detect tampering with data of probative importance. Since the payload for verification is embedded in the contents, algorithms for reversible embedding and extraction, imperceptibility, payload capacity, and computational time are issues to evaluate. Thus, we propose a reversible and imperceptible audio information-hiding algorithm based on modified integer discrete cosine transform (intDCT) coefficient expansion. In this work, the original signal is segmented into fixed-length frames, and then intDCT is applied to each frame to transform signals from the time domain into integer DCT coefficients. Expansion is applied to DCT coefficients at a higher frequency to reserve hiding capacity. Objective evaluation of speech quality is conducted using listening quality objective mean opinion (MOS-LQO) and the segmental signal-to-noise ratio (segSNR). The audio quality of different frame lengths and capacities is evaluated. Averages of 4.41 for MOS-LQO and 23.314 [dB] for segSNR for 112 ITU-T test signals were obtained with a capacity of 8000 bps, which assured imperceptibility with the sufficient capacity of the proposed method. This shows comparable audio quality to conventional work based on Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) regarding MOS-LQO. However, all segSNR scores of the proposed method have comparable or better performance in the time domain. Additionally, comparing histograms of the normalized maximum absolute value of stego data shows a lower possibility of overflow than the LPC method. A computational cost, including hiding and transforming, is an average of 4.884 s to process a 10 s audio clip. Blind tampering detection without the original data is achieved by the proposed embedding and extraction method.
Variability of Aerosol Optical Depth and Altitude for Key Aerosol Types over Southern West Africa via CALIPSO/CALIOP Observations
Authors: Niamien Adou F. , Léon Jean-François , Adon Marcellin , Rajot Jean-Louis , Feron Anaïs , Yoboué Véronique
Published: March 2024

The atmosphere of southern West Africa (SWA) is one of the world’s most aerosol-laden regions. This study investigated the seasonal variability of aerosol optical thickness using photometric and CALIPSO/CALIOP observations. The mean daily aerosol optical thickness (AOD) at 550 nm over the 11 AERONET stations in SWA ranged from 0.35 in the Sahel area to 0.49 in the Guinea coast area and a maximum of 0.53 observed in the Savanna area. The AERONET and CALIOP observations reveal a seasonal variability of AOD that is comparable across all sub-regions studied. The seasonal variation of the AOD spectral dependency was related to the change in the occurrence of the CALIOP-derived aerosol types, and in particular to the contribution of dust to the AOD. We also observed a north–south gradient of 2 km in the mean extinction height of the dust layer, being at 4 km and 6 km high in the Sahel and Guinea areas, respectively. This gradient is attributed to the northward migration of the monsoon flow.
Pollution Levels in Indoor School Environment—Case Studies
Authors: Vasile Vasilica , Catalina Tiberiu , Dima Alina , Ion Mihaela
Published: March 2024

Air quality in school environments is of particular interest due to the significant amount of time children spend in these settings. Children, being a particularly sensitive demographic, are exposed to various pollutants at school or kindergarten. In this regard, our studies have focused on monitoring the concentrations of three main categories of pollutants: VOCs (volatile organic compounds), VICs and PM (particulate matter). We conducted two experimental campaigns in seven classrooms within public educational institutions. The average concentration values of TVOC (total volatile organic compounds) ranged from 554 µg/m3 to 2518 µg/m3, of CO2 from 1055 ppm to 2050 ppm, of NH₃ (Ammonia) from 843.2 µg/m3 to 1403.4 µg/m3, of PM2.5 from 25.1 µg/m3 to 89.9 µg/m3, and of PM10 from 63.7 µg/m3 to 307.4 µg/m3. In most instances, the registered values exceeded the limit values set by national or international regulations. Furthermore, this study highlights the significant impact of a heat recovery ventilation system in improving indoor air quality by substantially reducing the levels of CO2 and PM. However, it also underscores the need for further measures to more efficiently reduce TVOC concentrations. The aim of our paper was to enhance the understanding of pollution levels in school environments, increase awareness of the importance of indoor air quality, and highlight the adverse effects of polluted air on the health of occupants.
Investigating the Role of the Low-Level Jet in Two Winters Severe Dust Rising in Southwest Iran
Authors: Parno Rahman , Meshkatee Amir-Hussain , Mobarak Hassan Elham , Hamzeh Nasim Hossein , Chel Gee Ooi Maggie , Habibi Maral
Published: March 2024

The dust storms with local and non-local dust sources mostly affect Khuzestan province in southwest (SW) Iran. In this study, the role of the low-level jet in the activation of the internal dust events in SW Iran during two severe dust cases was investigated. For this purpose, the fifth-generation ECMWF reanalysis for the global climate and weather (ERA5) data was used to identify the synoptic patterns and the low-level jet (LLJ) characteristics in the study area. Furthermore, the images of the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor, the outputs of the hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, and a weather research and forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem) were used to investigate the propagation and transport of the dust particles. The results of the synoptic analysis in both dust cases show the simultaneous occurrence of the divergence zone associated with cyclonic curvature in the subtropical jet stream (STJ) at 300 hPa, causing convergence at 925 hPa, upward motion, and the development of low surface pressure in SW Iran. Examining the vertical wind profile shows the existence of the maximum horizontal wind speeds of 975 to 875 hPa, along with the positive and negative shear below and above it, respectively, which emphasizes the existence of the LLJ and its role in local dust emission. The results of the comparison between the satellite images, WRF-Chem, and HYSPLIT model outputs show the formation and transportation of dust particles from the inner regions of Khuzestan in SW Iran. The horizontal dust surface distribution, vertical raised dust mass, and kinetic energy transfers are well simulated by the WRF-Chem model when LLJ broke at 09:00 to 12:00 UTC. The most important finding of this research is that, for the first time, the role of low-level jet is investigated in the activation of internal dust events in SW Iran.
Emissions and Atmospheric Dry and Wet Deposition of Trace Metals from Natural and Anthropogenic Sources in Mainland China
Authors: Jiang Shenglan , Dong Xuyang , Han Zimin , Zhao Junri , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2024

Trace metals from natural and anthropogenic sources impact the atmospheric environment and enter the soil through dry and wet atmospheric deposition, ultimately affecting human health. In this study, we established an emission inventory of Pb, As, Cr, and Cd in East Asia (80° E–140° E, 15° N–50° N) for the year 2017, including dust and anthropogenic sources from both land and marine. We modified the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to provide gridded data on concentrations, as well as dry and wet atmospheric deposition fluxes of metals, with a focus on mainland China. The emissions of Pb, As, Cr, and Cd in East Asia were 19,253, 3415, 3332, and 9379 tons, respectively, in 2017, with 55%, 69%, 25%, and 58% distributed in the fine mode. The spatial distribution of atmospheric concentrations and dry deposition of trace metals was similar to that of emissions, while the spatial distribution of precipitation-related wet deposition was further east and greater in the south than in the north. In mainland China, the average bulk-deposition fluxes of Pb, As, Cr, and Cd were 1036.5, 170.3, 465.9, and 185.0 μg·m−2·year−1, respectively. Our study provides gridded data on trace metals in mainland China, which can be used for assessing air quality, human exposure risks, and metal inputs to soils.