bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of Green Supply Chain Management Practices and Firm Performance
Authors: Holling Heinz , Backhaus Leonie
Published: March 2023

Integrating green practices into supply chain management is an important issue for companies to combine both environmental responsibility and the goal of increasing profits. In this paper, we present a meta-analysis of the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and firm performance. By using robust variance estimation, we can appropriately analyze dependent effect sizes that are common in the studies to be included in this meta-analysis. In this way, more information is extracted from the primary studies and the effects of moderator variables can be examined simultaneously. Based on 408 correlation coefficients (N = 30,568) from 134 studies, we find a significant mean positive relationship between GSCM practices and firm performance in general (r = 0.442), and in particular, for market-based, managerial, and accounting-based performance. However, the correlations vary considerably across studies. To explain this heterogeneity, we analyze the influence of different GSCM practices and organizational characteristics.
Editorial: Special Issue “Resource Management in Urban Districts—A Contribution to Sustainable Urban Development”
Authors: Volk Rebekka , Lützkendorf Thomas
Published: March 2023

The built environment is responsible for large shares of energy consumption as well as use of water and natural resources—contributing to resource depletion, water pollution, land use and land use change, greenhouse gas and other emissions as well as waste generation [...]
The Influence of Industrial Output, Financial Development, and Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy on Environmental Degradation in Newly Industrialized Countries
Authors: Parveen Shabana , Khan Saleem , Kamal Muhammad Abdul , Abbas Muhammad Ali , Aijaz Syed Aamir , Grima Simon
Published: March 2023

The prime objective of this study is to examine the impact of industrial output and financial development on carbon dioxide emissions for a panel of 10 newly industrialized countries, namely Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, and Turkey. The empirical analysis was conducted between 1982 and 2019 by employing various estimation tests and techniques. The different tests account for cross-sectional dependence in different series of the model. Therefore, the relevant panel unit root was conducted, and we found that all series become stationary after the first difference. The long run parameters were estimated, and we found that there is a significant long-run relationship between the industrial output, the financial development, and the carbon emissions. The carbon emissions are found to be significantly affected by both domestic income and industrial output, while being negatively affected by financial development. Industrial production coefficient estimates are highly elastic when compared to the other estimates. The results also indicate unidirectional short-run causality from the domestic output and trade openness to carbon emissions, urban population to domestic output, and financial development to industrial output. However, there is no evidence of bidirectional causality. The study concludes that sustainable economic growth can be achieved by using contemporary and efficient production techniques, using environmentally friendly inputs in industries, and increasing vigilance of both the public and private sectors. Both the public and private sectors should therefore be pushed to use more modern, eco-friendly, and productive processing techniques. It is recommended that both the public and commercial sectors be encouraged to embrace cutting-edge, environmentally friendly, and productive processing methods.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Green Innovation: The Moderating Roles of Unabsorbed Slack Resources and Media Evaluation
Authors: Wan Jun , Jin Yongsheng , Ji Huanyong
Published: March 2023

Research on the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green innovation has long been inconclusive. In this article, CSR is conceptualized as CSR conformity and CSR differentiation based on optimal distinctiveness theory, and their respective impacts on exploratory green innovation and exploitative green innovation are explored. The moderating effects of unabsorbed slack resources and media evaluation on these relationships are also investigated. Drawing on a dataset collected from manufacturing firms publicly listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges in a period between 2011 and 2021, the results reveal the following: (1) CSR conformity has an inverted U-shaped relationship with exploratory green innovation; (2) CSR differentiation positively impacts exploitative green innovation; (3) unabsorbed slack resources positively moderate the relationship between CSR conformity and exploratory green innovation; (4) media evaluation positively moderates the relationship between CSR differentiation and green exploitative innovation. These findings enrich the understanding of CSR conceptualization, and also contribute to the application of optimal distinctiveness theory in the strategic management field.
The Sustainable Niche for Vegetable Production within the Contentious Sustainable Agriculture Discourse: Barriers, Opportunities and Future Approaches
Authors: Mazibuko Dickson Mgangathweni , Gono Hiroko , Maskey Sarvesh , Okazawa Hiromu , Fiwa Lameck , Kikuno Hidehiko , Sato Tetsu
Published: March 2023

Agricultural productivity impacts the environment and natural resources in various ways. The severity of these impacts has triggered the emergence of natural resource management and the related, highly criticized science of agroecology. Vegetable production has known environmental impacts. However, the extent of its participation in sustainable production has not been adequately explored. This review sought to explore the spaciotemporal position of vegetables in a suite of existing sustainable agricultural practices, explore regional variations and discover lessons that can guide the future of vegetable production. There are regional differences regarding sustainable production practices and the associated barriers to their adoption. Generally, sustainable agricultural practices with a societal history in a region tend to be successful, unlike when they are “new” innovations. The major barriers to sustainable agricultural practices in vegetable production are economy-related (total investment cost) and crop-related and are also related to the technology transmission approaches. Unfulfilled expectations and a lack of community participation in technology development are noted challenges, which have led to dis-adoption. A farmer-centered approach to technology promotion could help. Comparatively, southern Africa has the most challenges in the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. From the lessons learned from other regions, agroecology in vegetable cultivation is not unachievable in Africa. The projected challenges mean that sustainable vegetable production is inevitable.
The Influence of Sewage Sludge Composts on the Enzymatic Activity of Reclaimed Post-Mining Soil
Authors: Myszura-Dymek Magdalena , Żukowska Grażyna
Published: March 2023

Mining leads to serious degradation of the ecological values of the landscape. After mining is completed, degraded areas should be reclamated in order to mitigate the destructive effects of mining activities. Effective reclamation aims to initiate soil-forming processes. The paper evaluates the effects of land reclamation in post-mining areas 12 to 14 years after the reclamation process. The assessment was based on a determination of the activity of selected enzymes. Municipal sewage sludge compost (SSC) and compost with a composition of 70% municipal sewage sludge + 30% fly ash (SSFAC) were used as an external source of organic matter in the reclamation. The activity of dehydrogenases, phosphatases, and urease was determined. The fertilization of reclaimed soil with compost caused a significant increase in the activity of the assessed enzymes. Significantly higher dehydrogenase activity was found in the soil treated with SSC. The soil treated with SSFAC was characterized by higher activity of phosphatase and urease. The one-time application of composts from sewage sludge and sludge with fly ash, and the introduction of a mixture of grasses, allow for a permanent reclamation effect. An additional ecological advantage of this reclamation model is waste management, which is part of the circular economy strategy.
Damping of Frequency and Power System Oscillations with DFIG Wind Turbine and DE Optimization
Authors: Feleke Solomon , Satish Raavi , Pydi Balamurali , Anteneh Degarege , Abdelaziz Almoataz Y. , El-Shahat Adel
Published: March 2023

Wind power is one of the most promising renewable energy resources and could become a solution to contribute to the present energy and global warming crisis of the world. The commonly used doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbines have a general trend of increasing oscillation damping. Unless properly controlled, the high penetration of wind energy will increase the oscillation and affect the control and dynamic interaction of the interconnected generators. This paper discusses power oscillation damping control in the automatic generation control (AGC) of two-area power systems with DFIG wind turbines and Matlab code/Simulink interfacing optimization methods. The differential evolution (DE) optimization technique is used to obtain the controller gain parameters. In the optimization process, a step load perturbation (SLP) of 1% has been considered in Area 1 only, and the integral of time weighted absolute error (ITAE) cost function is used. Three different test studies have been examined on the same power system model with non-reheat turbine thermal power plants. In the first case, the power system model is simulated without a controller. In Case Study 2, the system is simulated with the presence of DFIG and without a controller. In Case Study 3, the system is simulated with a PID controller and DFIG. Most of the studies available in the literature do not optimize the appropriate wind penetrating speed gain parameters for the system and do not consider the ITAE as an objective function to reduce area control error. In this regard, the main contribution and result of this paper is—with the proposed PID+DFIG optimized DE—the ITAE objective function error value in the case study without a controller being 6.7865, which is reduced to 1.6008 in the case study with PID+DFIG-optimized DE. In addition, with the proposed controller methods, the dynamic system time responses such as rise time, settling time, overshoot, and undershoot are improved for system tie-line power, change in frequency, and system area controller error. Similarly, with the proposed controller, fast system convergence and fast system oscillation damping are achieved. Generally, it is inferred that the incorporation of DFIG wind turbines in both areas has appreciably improved the dynamic performance and system stability under consideration.
Systematic Review of Misinformation in Social and Online Media for the Development of an Analytical Framework for Agri-Food Sector
Authors: Chowdhury Ataharul , Kabir Khondokar H. , Abdulai Abdul-Rahim , Alam Md Firoze
Published: March 2023

The ubiquity of social and online media networks, the credulousness of online communities, coupled with limited accountability pose a risk of mis-, dis-, mal-, information (mis-dis-mal-information)—the intentional or unintentional spread of false, misleading and right information related to agri-food topics. However, agri-food mis-dis-malinformation in social media and online digital agricultural communities of practice (CoPs) remains underexplored. There is also a limited theoretical and conceptual foundation for understanding mis-dis-malinformation topics in the agri-food sectors. The study aims to review mis-dis-malinformation literature and offer a framework to help understand agri-food mis-dis-malinformation in social media and online CoPs. This paper performs a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The review shows that many disciplines, particularly communication, social media studies, computer science, health studies, political science and journalism, are increasingly engaging with mis-dis-malinformation research. This systematic research generates a framework based on six thematic categories for holistically understanding and assessing agri-food mis-dis-malinformation in social and online media communities. The framework includes mis-dis-malinformation characterization, source identification, diffusion mechanisms, stakeholder impacts, detection tactics, and mis-dis-malinformation curtailment and countermeasures. The paper contributes to advancing the emerging literature on ‘controversial topics’, ‘misinformation’, and ‘information integrity’ of the virtual agri-food advisory services. This is the first attempt to systematically analyze and incorporate experience from diverse fields of mis-dis-malinformation research that will inform future scholarly works in facilitating conversations and advisory efforts in the agri-food sector.
Methodology for Identification of the Key Levee Parameters for Limit-State Analyses Based on Sequential Bifurcation
Authors: Rossi Nicola , Bačić Mario , Librić Lovorka , Kovačević Meho Saša
Published: March 2023

Levees are linear structures that are continuously reconstructed throughout the years and whose construction and behavior depends on local soil conditions, as well as requirements regarding impermeability and mechanical resistance. This results in various levee cross sections, even within the same levee. In situations of extreme water events, when timely actions are required, this variability poses a problem for decision-making based on observed behavior, which is highly dependent on the specific section parameters. Creating models for each problematic section becomes impractical, and because of that, in this study, 91 different cross sections from 16 levees are considered to identify the key levee parameters with the largest effects on three observed mechanisms: deformations, exit hydraulic gradients, and factors of safety. The implemented factor screening methodology is based on the sequential bifurcation method (SB) and numerical analyses. The SB method successively investigates groups of factors and uses their cumulative effects to identify the important groups and to discard the unimportant based on a previously selected parameter Δ, until the groups are reduced to single factors that may be deemed important. It is found that approximately 30% of all the factors used to describe the most complex sections are considered important by at least one of the investigated mechanisms.
Geo-Economic Analysis Based on an Improved Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Zhao Wenshuang , Jiang Nan , Wei Yuanyuan , Zhao Xinke
Published: March 2023

This paper addresses the optimal path selection problem for economic corridors, which is a significant issue in the field of geo-economics. The paper has utilized the spatiotemporal characteristics of geo-economics and identified the development needs in this field to propose an improved ant colony optimization (ACO) strategy. The proposed strategy focuses on enhancing the heuristic function, functional area setting, and pheromone updating strategy. The heuristic factors and transfer probabilities have been improved to couple the path nature, which were based on an analysis of the factors that influence geo-economics. This improvement enhances the applicability of the ACO to path selection problems in macrospace. Additionally, the paper has differentiated the priority of path nodes by setting functional areas, which adds directionality to path selection. The improved ACO has been applied to analyze the optimal path in macroscopic economic space. The experimental validation was conducted in the Indo-Pacific region and economic corridors in China within this region, and corresponding potential geo-economic hubs were analyzed. The experimental results were validated using the Mann−Whitney U test and an evaluation method based on path effectiveness. The feasibility and objectivity of the proposed method were verified. This research provides a valuable exploration of the problem of path selection in macrospace and time and provides decision aid for the construction and adjustment development of a country’s geo-economic relations in a given region. It is a technical reference for establishing sustainable development strategies and national and regional economic planning. Overall, this work contributes significantly to the field of geo-economics and demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method through experimental validation.
Advancing Sustainability Education through a Cross-Disciplinary Online Course: Sustainability and Human Rights in the Business World
Authors: Kim Eundeok , Coonan Terry
Published: March 2023

The increasing threats of climate change, resource depletion, and human rights crises have led us to realize the impendent need for advancing sustainable development education and to reevaluate the effectiveness of our current strategies and approaches to sustainability and social responsibility education in higher education. Therefore, the purpose of this study was first, to discuss the importance of sustainability education; second, to propose an effective model for sustainability education through a case study of a cross-disciplinary asynchronous online team-teaching model; and third, to discuss the outcomes of the course based on students’ perceptions of various aspects communicated through course evaluations. The course model created by the authors introduces students to the language and evolving norms of the sustainability, social responsibility, and human rights movements. It further challenges students to integrate the concepts and tools to which they are introduced into projects in which they design a non-governmental organization (NGO) and analyze a business entity. This study will help educators better understand the urgency for advancing sustainability and human rights education and its effective approaches and strategies. Furthermore, it will inspire them to adopt them as viable pedagogical approaches to effectively implement into a curriculum.
The Effect of Digital Marketing Adoption on SMEs Sustainable Growth: Empirical Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Bruce Emmanuel , Shurong Zhao , Ying Du , Yaqi Meng , Amoah John , Egala Sulemana Bankuoru
Published: March 2023

Online presence is fast becoming a marketing hub for contemporary businesses. Often known as digital marketing, the phenomenon offers several opportunities to businesses. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are using their online presence to launch stern competitive promotions and interact with consumers. Against the backdrop of the stern competition, digital marketing is being utilized to drive sustainable strategies for SMEs. This study leverages the theory of planned behavior to explore the impact of digital marketing adoption on the sustainable growth of SMEs in Ghana. Using a structured questionnaire and SmartPLS version 3.3 for the data analysis, 533 owners/managers of SMEs in Ghana were drawn to administer the questionnaire. Our findings suggest that, while attitudes toward digital marketing did not influence the intention to use digital marketing, perceived behavior control and subjective norms were found to affect individuals’ intentions to use digital marketing. Additionally, the results proved a direct positive link between subjective norms and actual behavioral use of digital marketing. Finally, the relationship between the actual use of digital marketing and SMEs’ sustainable growth was also proven positive, affirming that digital marketing significantly improved the sustainable growth of SMEs in developing countries. This study contributes to the multiplicity of factors that influence the behavioral tendencies of managers of firms in their quest to adopt digital platforms to enhance their sustainable growth. The study’s results serve as guidelines for prospective adopters of digital platforms as they develop their sustainability strategies.
How to Develop Sustainably after Poverty Alleviation in Poverty-Stricken Areas under Paired Assistance: A Quantitative Assessment Framework Based on System Dynamics Model
Authors: Wang Mengdi , Peng Xiaobing
Published: March 2023

The paired assistance approach is an important measure for achieving poverty alleviation in China. The sustainable development of poverty-stricken areas after poverty alleviation has become an important task in preventing a return to poverty and promoting rural revitalization. Paired assistance is a dynamic process of balanced economic, social, and population development. This study establishes a system dynamics (SD) model for developing poverty-stricken regions under paired assistance. This study takes Lvchun County in Yunnan Province as the research object, designates six scenarios, and simulates the development of Lvchun County from 2019 to 2035 to evaluate its sustainable development after poverty alleviation. The results show that the cessation of poverty alleviation funding will not increase the incidence of poverty under paired assistance but will lead to an unbalanced scenario of “poor people and a rich government”. In the multi-scenario simulation, only by continuing the cooperation foundation formed by paired assistance and paying attention to the resource endowment of poverty-stricken areas can collaborative development be adopted to achieve sustainable development by 2030. This result may be a valuable resource for the world’s underdeveloped regions to reference as they seek to eliminate poverty, reduce the risk of returning to poverty, and promote sustainable development.
What Drives Recommendation Intention and Loyalty of Online for Offline (O4O) Consumers?
Authors: Jo Hyeon
Published: March 2023

Recently, a number of companies have started to implement commerce platforms that maximize the profits of offline stores by using online information. This kind of commerce is called online for offline (O4O). This research proposes a research framework to clarify the precursors of recommendation and loyalty in the context of O4O-commerce platforms. Data was gathered from consumers who had experienced O4O. This study conducted partial least squares structural equation modeling to test hypothesized paths. The findings revealed the fact that relative advantages are affected by channel accessibility, perceived multichannel quality, and customization. The analysis results validated the fact that relative advantages do not affect recommendation intention and loyalty. Price fairness impacts both recommendation intention and loyalty. Reputation is significantly related to loyalty. This study is of academic significance in that it approaches O4O as distinct from traditional O2O, by introducing contextual variables. In addition, this paper derives managerial implications for omnichannel companies that operate mainly in offline stores.
Collaborative Learning Supported by Blockchain Technology as a Model for Improving the Educational Process
Authors: Bjelobaba Goran , Savić Ana , Tošić Teodora , Stefanović Ivana , Kocić Bojan
Published: March 2023

After COVID-19, new accreditation standards include the need for developing better learning and teaching environments. This will be supported and connected with digitization, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, and a circular economy. The orientation towards equity and quality in education clearly imposes the need for an individual approach to each student separately. This situation is especially pronounced in higher education institutions in the field of technology, whose primary goal is very often individual training for use of highly specialized software and hardware tools. In such a situation, it is necessary to move away from the classical ex-cathedra methodology and develop student-centered learning environments. Global accreditation systems for teaching, learning, practice, and business communication can be simplified using blockchain. On the basis of blockchain technology (BCTs), this paper proposes a Collaborative Learning and Student Work Evaluation (CLSW) model that includes a multi-frontal teaching method (VFN) and combines scientific peer-review standards. BCTs are used to protect student project and assessment data storage and transmission. Assisting higher education institutions in finding “employable capabilities” of proactive students is the idea of CLSW. Before implementing the CLSW paradigm, a poll of lecturers’ views on BCTs was conducted. The poll results show a desire and willingness to teach with BCTs. The model’s fundamental capabilities and the key participants’ duties were described in a project framework. Additionally, this research and proposed model can improve educational process sustainability in general, as it is an open platform easily accessible by all the interested parties, thus contributing to life-long learning.
The Need of Integrating Digital Education in Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Alenezi Mamdouh , Wardat Saja , Akour Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Although it existed in a few different forms earlier, digital education is essentially a modern invention. It is the digitalization of a segment of the educational system. This article attempts to offer insightful thoughts on the future potential and difficulties of information and communication technology (ICT) and digital education as they relate to adopting the most recent technological advancements in the digital era and extensive online open courses. With the development of internet technology, we have observed a significant shift in how we communicate and collaborate among academics. The digital revolution encouraged unrestricted access to information on a global scale. Today’s classrooms are equipped with a wealth of ICT tools, and almost all instructors have made significant progress in integrating digital technology to improve students’ access to information and cooperative learning opportunities. The higher education system must seek to utilize the power of ICT to be competitive and provide high-quality education as a consequence of digital transformation, disruptive technological innovations, and accelerated change. To accomplish these ambitions, this paper describes some challenges that higher education encounters, as well as technological resources and methodologies they have used in the current scenario to transform higher education to adopt digital transformation. The paper aims to synthesize considerable insights that can be applied to the digitalization of higher education in the current and near future.
Policy Network on the Kotaku Program in the Global South: Findings from Palembang, Indonesia
Authors: Zubaidah Siti , Widianingsih Ida , Rusli Budiman , Saefullah Asep Djaja
Published: March 2023

Various programs have been implemented around the world to achieve slum upgrading, including in the city of Palembang, Indonesia, through the Kotaku Program. This program has been implemented since 2016 with a target of upgrading slum areas by 2020. However, the program has not reached the target. This study aims to identify the failure factors of not achieving the goal. This research uses a qualitative case study by conducting in-depth interviews with 20 various actors (i.e., government, academics, society, and media) involved in the Kotaku Program in Palembang City. Based on the policy network theory perspective, this research found three challenges in achieving the target, namely: (1) lack of collaboration between parties; (2) unclear roles of policy actors in housing and settlements; (3) the difficulty of building trust between actors to work together. From the interviews, new factors were found, including caring and integrity as influencing factors of the actor relationship intensity in a policy network. Consequently, to achieve success with the Kotaku Program, the aspect of the collaboration, trust, caring, integrity among stakeholders, and the aspect of the clarity of the role of the policy actors should be considered.
Can Markets Improve Recycling Performance? A Cross-Country Regression Analysis and Case Studies
Authors: Prenovitz Elena C. , Hazlett Peter K. , Reilly Chandler S.
Published: March 2023

Can recycling reduce negative externalities created by landfills? Environmentalists argue yes; however, the efficiency of recycling will be institutionally contingent. Entrepreneurs will face less barriers to profit from recycling in countries with more economic freedom. Additionally, recycling conducted by private firms will be more cost-effective and have higher rates of innovation in recycling technology relative to a nationalized industry. The purpose of this study is to test these claims. First, a two-way fixed effects regression model is estimated using panel data from 34 countries over the years 2000 to 2019. Our regression results show that increases in economic freedom have a positive effect on recycling rates, independent of related policy effects. Second, using two brief case studies of the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, we show how the inefficiencies of bureaucratic management suggest that private industry can be a less costly solution to encouraging recycling. The empirical results and case studies strongly suggest that increases in economic freedom can be an important mechanism for increasing recycling rates, and private industry involvement in existing recycling programs can limit unnecessary costs.
Exploring Public Perceptions and Disposal Procedures in the Development of a Comprehensive End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation in Malaysia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ali Hasani Mohd , Simic Vladimir , Sitinjak Charli , Hassim Jady Zaidi , Said Muhamad Helmi Md , Khalid Rasyikah Md , Kaka Grace Emmanuel , Ismail Rozmi
Published: March 2023

The growing global demand for new cars has resulted in a rise in end-of-life vehicles (ELV), both with usable and non-usable parts. Malaysia faces a particularly pressing issue of abandoned vehicles (AVs), as the country currently lacks comprehensive legislation for managing ELV. On the other hand, countries such as the US, Japan, Belgium, Korea, and China have well-established ELV management policies. In light of this, a pilot study assessed the public’s perception and attitudes towards ELV issues and regulations in Malaysia. The study gathered participants’ views on surrender, deregistration, disposal costs, incentives, recycling, and ELV regulations. The questionnaire used in the study was based on the findings from a previous report. The data were analysed using SPSS version 27, based on 40 interviews with diverse participants. The results of the study revealed three primary themes: “AV and its ELV”, “ELV disposal procedures”, and “ELV regulation and conflict resolution”, with 14 sub-themes. The study adopts a regulatory approach towards ELV and AVs and highlights the importance of an effective voluntary surrender system in Malaysia as a step towards comprehensive ELV regulation. The findings of this pilot study provide valuable insights into the Malaysian public’s views on ELV and can inform the development of more effective and comprehensive ELV legislation.
Application of the q-Homotopy Analysis Transform Method to Fractional-Order Kolmogorov and Rosenau–Hyman Models within the Atangana–Baleanu Operator
Authors: Yasmin Humaira , Alshehry Azzh Saad , Saeed Abdulkafi Mohammed , Shah Rasool , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: March 2023

The q-homotopy analysis transform method (q-HATM) is a powerful tool for solving differential equations. In this study, we apply the q-HATM to compute the numerical solution of the fractional-order Kolmogorov and Rosenau–Hyman models. Fractional-order models are widely used in physics, engineering, and other fields. However, their numerical solutions are difficult to obtain due to the non-linearity and non-locality of the equations. The q-HATM overcomes these challenges by transforming the equations into a series of linear equations that can be solved numerically. The results show that the q-HATM is an effective and accurate method for solving fractional-order models, and it can be used to study a wide range of phenomena in various fields.
Pressure Arch Effect of Deeply Buried Symmetrically Distributed Triple Tunnels
Authors: Li Ran , Zhang Dingli , Song Yuan , Li Ao , Luo Jiwei
Published: March 2023

Compared with single or twin tunnels, the pressure arch effect of deeply buried, symmetrically distributed triple tunnels are more complex and less studied. In this paper, the arching responses are in-situ measured in the deeply buried, symmetrically distributed triple tunnels of Badaling Great Wall station. Numerical research is subsequently conducted to investigate the formation and development of the pressure arch of triple tunnels. Then, the influencing law of buried depth on pressure arch behavior is systematically studied. Based on monitoring data, the rock pressure distribution is asymmetric about the axis of the triple tunnels, and the arching response of the middle tunnels is more significant than that of the left and right tunnels. According to numerical analysis, a combined large pressure arch may be easily formed across the triple tunnels. The pre-arching and double-arching effects are also numerically observed during triple tunnel excavations. The inner boundary of the pressure arch of the middle tunnel is 14.0 m, nearly two times higher than those of the left and right tunnels. This simulation result indicates that the mechanical state of the middle tunnel is the least desirable. Moreover, the critical arching depth of closely spaced tunnels is 1.75 times that of a single tunnel. Compared with a single tunnel, the support of triple tunnels should be additionally strengthened.
Energy-Density Modeling of Strongly Interacting Matter: Atomic Nuclei and Dense Stars
Authors: Papakonstantinou Panagiota , Hyun Chang Ho
Published: March 2023

We seek a simple but physically motivated model of strongly interacting matter applicable in atomic nuclei and the dense matter in the core of neutron stars. For densities below and somewhat above normal nuclear density, energy density functional (EDF) theory based on nucleonic degrees of freedom is the ideal candidate. We have explored that direction within the KIDS (Korea-IBS-Daegu-SKKU) framework, which we review in this contribution. The formalism for the KIDS-EoS and microscopic KIDS-EDF and optimization options for the EDF are described in a practical way to facilitate further applications. At densities higher than one nucleon per single-nucleon volume, i.e., roughly 0.4 fm−3, nucleonic degrees of freedom are no longer appropriate. The pseudo-conformal symmetry emergent in dense, topologically altered nuclear matter provides a simple expression for the energy per baryon in terms of the baryonic density. Besides resembling a simple EDF for dense matter, the expression has the appeal that it predicts a converged speed of sound at high densities. It can thus be implemented as a special case of the constant speed of sound (CSS) model. Here we consider a matching between representative nucleonic KIDS-EoSs and the CSS model, including the pseudo-conformal EoS, and apply the unified model to describe the mass–radius relation of neutron stars and examine the compatibility of CSS cores with heavy neutron stars. Although an abrupt transition to the pseudo-conformal regime at low densities does not favor heavy neutron stars, intermediate scenarios including a cusp in the speed of sound are not ruled out, while some appear more favorable to heavy stars than purely nucleonic matter.
Discourses of Fear in Online News Media: Implications for Perceived Risk of Travel
Authors: McClinchey Kelley A. , Dimanche Frederic
Published: March 2023

This paper analyzes the role of Canadian online news media in framing travel during the pandemic. The article applies Altheide’s concept of the problem frame to reflect how news media contribute to the emergence of a highly rationalized problem that, in turn, generates a discourse of fear. While the impacts of COVID-19 on tourism have been extensively examined within tourism scholarship, less attention has been devoted to the impact of news media. Because travel and the pandemic are heavily intertwined, discourse analysis can help process media narratives, furthering our understanding of their role in influencing perceived risk of travel. A critical discourse analysis of over 100 online news articles was conducted using thematic analysis to uncover themes in Canadian media sources and to explore how the media have framed travel during the pandemic. The role of online news media in promoting fear was communicated through the themes of anxiety, antitrust, avoidance, and animosity. The role of the media in producing the problem frame in the context of travel was examined as well as its implications for perceived travel risk and tourism demand. The power dynamics between media, government, and the citizens it serves are also discussed.
Introducing the Random Phase Approximation Theory
Authors: Co’ Giampaolo
Published: March 2023

Random Phase Approximation (RPA) is the theory most commonly used to describe the excitations of many-body systems. In this article, the secular equations of the theory are obtained by using three different approaches: the equation of motion method, the Green function perturbation theory and the time-dependent Hartree–Fock theory. Each approach emphasizes specific aspects of the theory overlooked by the other methods. Extensions of the RPA secular equations to treat the continuum part of the excitation spectrum and also the pairing between the particles composing the system are presented. Theoretical approaches which overcome the intrinsic approximations of RPA are outlined.
Solar Radio Emissions and Ultralight Dark Matter
Authors: An Haipeng , Ge Shuailiang , Liu Jia
Published: March 2023

Ultralight axions and dark photons are well-motivated dark matter candidates. Inside the plasma, once the mass of ultralight dark matter candidates equals the plasma frequency, they can resonantly convert into electromagnetic waves, due to the coupling between the ultralight dark matter particles and the standard model photons. The converted electromagnetic waves are monochromatic. In this article, we review the development of using radio detectors to search for ultralight dark matter conversions in the solar corona and solar wind plasma.
Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Organizing Pneumonia in a Patient with Follicular Lymphoma, Treated with Obinutuzumab—Challenging Recognition and Treatment
Authors: Łyżwa E. , Sobiecka M. , Lewandowska K. , Siemion-Szcześniak I. , Barańska I. , Klatt M. , Langfort R. , Szturmowicz M. , Tomkowski W.
Published: March 2023

A Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to a pandemic outbreak in 2019. COVID-19’s course and its treatment in immunocompromised patients are uncertain. Furthermore, there is a possibility of protracted SARS-CoV-2 infection and the need for repeated antiviral treatment. Monoclonal antibodies against CD20, which are used, among other things, in the therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and follicular lymphoma, can induct immunosuppression. We present a case report of a patient with follicular lymphoma, treated with obinutuzumab, who was diagnosed with prolonged, ongoing SARS-CoV-2 infection and related organizing pneumonia. The recognition and the treatment were challenging which makes this case noteworthy. Antiviral therapy with several medications was administrated to our patient and their temporary, positive effect was observed. Moreover, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin was applied, because slowly decreasing IgM and IgG levels were observed. The patient also received standard treatment of organizing pneumonia. We believe that such a complex approach can create an opportunity for recovery. Physicians should be conscious of the course and treatment possibilities facing similar cases.
Epidemiology of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and Genetic Evolutionary Characteristics of Coxsackievirus A10 in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province from 2016 to 2020
Authors: Wang Jitao , Liu Hongyan , Cao Zijun , Xu Jihong , Guo Jiane , Zhao Lifeng , Wang Rui , Xu Yang , Gao Ruihong , Gao Li , Zuo Zhihong , Xiao Jinbo , Lu Huanhuan , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the prevalence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enteroviruses other than enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) has gradually increased. The throat swab specimens of 2701 HFMD cases were tested, the VP1 regions of CVA10 RNA were amplified using RT-PCR, and phylogenetic analysis of CVA10 was performed. Children aged 1–5 years accounted for the majority (81.65%) and boys were more than girls. The positivity rates of EV-A71, CVA16, and other EVs were 15.22% (219/1439), 28.77% (414/1439), and 56.01% (806/1439), respectively. CVA10 is one of the important viruses of other EVs. A total of 52 CVA10 strains were used for phylogenetic analysis based on the VP1 region, 31 were from this study, and 21 were downloaded from GenBank. All CVA10 sequences could be assigned to seven genotypes (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G), and genotype C was further divided into C1 and C2 subtypes, only one belonged to subtype C1 and the remaining 30 belonged to C2 in this study. This study emphasized the importance of strengthening the surveillance of HFMD to understand the mechanisms of pathogen variation and evolution, and to provide a scientific basis for HFMD prevention, control, and vaccine development.
Potentially Zoonotic Viruses in Wild Rodents, United Arab Emirates, 2019—A Pilot Study
Authors: Weidinger Pia , Kolodziejek Jolanta , Khafaga Tamer , Loney Tom , Howarth Brigitte , Sher Shah Moayyed , Abou Tayoun Ahmad , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi , Camp Jeremy V. , Nowotny Norbert
Published: March 2023

The majority of emerging viral infectious diseases in humans originate from wildlife reservoirs, such as rodents and bats. We investigated a possible reservoir, namely wild gerbils and mice trapped in a desert reserve within the emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In total, 52 gerbils and 1 jird (Gerbillinae), 10 house mice (Mus musculus), and 1 Arabian spiny mouse (Acomys dimidiatus) were sampled. Oro-pharyngeal swabs, fecal samples, attached ticks, and organ samples (where available) were screened by (RT-q)PCR for the following viruses: Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus, Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus, hantaviruses, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis mammarenavirus, Rustrela virus, poxviruses, flaviviruses, and herpesviruses. All of the samples were negative for all investigated viruses, except for herpesviruses: 19 gerbils (35.8%) and seven house mice (70.0%) were positive. The resulting sequences were only partly identical to sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three novel betaherpesviruses and four novel gammaherpesviruses. Interestingly, species identification of the positive gerbils resulted in eight individuals clustering in a separate clade, most closely related to Dipodillus campestris, the North African gerbil, indicating either the expansion of the geographic range of this species, or the existence of a closely related, yet undiscovered species in the UAE. In conclusion, we could not find evidence of persistence or shedding of potentially zoonotic viruses in the investigated rodent cohorts of limited sample size.
Tizoxanide Antiviral Activity on Dengue Virus Replication
Authors: Yamamoto Kristie A. , Blackburn Kevin , Goshe Michael B. , Brown Dennis T. , Migoswski Edimilson , Campanhon Isabele B. , Moreira Monica F. , Ferreira Davis F. , Soares Marcia R.
Published: March 2023

Dengue virus is an important circulating arbovirus in Brazil responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide, representing a huge economic and social burden, in addition to affecting public health. In this study, the biological activity, toxicity, and antiviral activity against dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) of tizoxanide (TIZ) was evaluated in Vero cell culture. TIZ has a broad spectrum of action in inhibiting different pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Cells were infected for 1 h with DENV-2 and then treated for 24 h with different concentrations of the drug. The quantification of viral production indicated the antiviral activity of TIZ. The protein profiles in infected Vero cells treated and not treated with TIZ were analyzed using the label-free quantitative proteomic approach. TIZ was able to inhibit virus replication mainly intracellularly after DENV-2 penetration and before the complete replication of the viral genome. Additionally, the study of the protein profile of infected not-treated and infected-treated Vero cells showed that TIZ interferes with cellular processes such as intracellular trafficking and vesicle-mediated transport and post-translational modifications when added after infection. Our results also point to the activation of immune response genes that would eventually lead to a decrease of DENV-2 production. TIZ is a promising therapeutic molecule for the treatment of DENV-2 infections.
Molecular Characterization and Selection of Indigenous SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant for the Development of the First Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine of Pakistan
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Waqar , Mukhtar Nadia , Anjum Aftab Ahamd , Mushtaq Muhammad Hassan , Shahid Muhammad Furqan , Ali Muzaffar , Shabbir Muhammad Abu Bakr , Ali Muhammad Asad , Nawaz Muhammad , Yaqub Tahir
Published: March 2023

Vaccines are one of the efficient means available so far for preventing and controlling the infection rate of COVID-19. Several researchers have focused on the whole virus’s (SARS-CoV-2) inactivated vaccines which are economically efficient to produce. In Pakistan, multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported since the start of the pandemic in February 2020. Due to the continuous evolution of the virus and economic recessions, the present study was designed to develop an indigenous inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that might help not only to prevent the COVID-19 in Pakistan, it will also save the country’s economic resources. The SARS-CoV-2 were isolated and characterized using the Vero-E6 cell culture system. The seed selection was carried out using cross-neutralization assay and phylogenetic analysis. The selected isolate of SARS-CoV-2 (hCoV-19/Pakistan/UHSPK3-UVAS268/2021) was inactivated using beta-propiolactone followed by vaccine formulation using Alum adjuvant, keeping the S protein concentration as 5 μg/dose. The vaccine efficacy was evaluated by in vivo immunogenicity testing in laboratory animals and in in vitro microneutralization test. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the SARS-CoV-2 isolates reported from Pakistan nested into different clades, representing multiple introductions of the virus into Pakistan. The antisera raised against various isolates from different waves in Pakistan showed a varied level of neutralization titers. However, the antisera produced against a variant (hCoV-19/Pakistan/UHSPK3-UVAS268/2021; fourth wave) efficiently neutralized (1:64–1:512) all the tested SARS-CoV-2 isolates. The inactivated whole virus vaccine of SARS-CoV-2 was safe and it also elicited a protective immune response in rabbits and rhesus macaques on the 35th-day post-vaccination. The activity of neutralizing antibodies of vaccinated animals was found at 1:256–1:1024 at 35 days post-vaccination, indicating the effectiveness of the double-dose regime of the indigenous SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.