bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomous Controller-Aware Scheduling of Intra-Platoon V2V Communications
Authors: Sroka Paweł , Ström Erik , Svensson Tommy , Kliks Adrian
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we investigate the problem of reducing the use of radio resources for vehicle-to-vehicle communications in an autonomous platooning scenario. Achieving reliable communications, which is a key element allowing for the tight coordination of platoon vehicles’ motion, might be challenging in a case of heavy road traffic. Thus, in this paper, we propose to reduce the number of intra-platoon transmissions required to facilitate the safe autonomous control of vehicle mobility, by analyzing the impact of cars’ behaviors (in terms of acceleration changes) on the evolution of the inter-vehicle distance errors within the platoon. We derive formulas representing the relation between the platoon leader’s acceleration changes and the evolution of the distance error, velocity difference, and the accelerations for the first pair of vehicles. Furthermore, we propose a heuristic algorithm for selection of the intra-platoon messaging period for each platoon vehicle that minimizes the use of radio resources subject to the safety constraint, represented as the fraction of the total time when emergency braking is activated. The presented simulation results indicate that the proposed approach is capable of ensuring safe platoon operation and simultaneously providing a significant reduction in the use of resources, compared with conventional fixed-period transmission.
Encoder–Decoder Architecture for 3D Seismic Inversion
Authors: Gelboim Maayan , Adler Amir , Sun Yen , Araya-Polo Mauricio
Published: December 2022

Inverting seismic data to build 3D geological structures is a challenging task due to the overwhelming amount of acquired seismic data, and the very-high computational load due to iterative numerical solutions of the wave equation, as required by industry-standard tools such as Full Waveform Inversion (FWI). For example, in an area with surface dimensions of 4.5 km × 4.5 km, hundreds of seismic shot-gather cubes are required for 3D model reconstruction, leading to Terabytes of recorded data. This paper presents a deep learning solution for the reconstruction of realistic 3D models in the presence of field noise recorded in seismic surveys. We implement and analyze a convolutional encoder–decoder architecture that efficiently processes the entire collection of hundreds of seismic shot-gather cubes. The proposed solution demonstrates that realistic 3D models can be reconstructed with a structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of 0.9143 (out of 1.0) in the presence of field noise at 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio.
Imaging Modalities in Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Diagnosis: A Computer-Aided Diagnosis System Using Bilateral Mammography Images
Authors: Barkana Buket D. , El-Sayed Ahmed , Khaled Rana H. , Helal Maha , Khaled Hussein , Deeb Ruba , Pitcher Mark , Pfeiffer Ruth , Roubidoux Marilyn , Schairer Catherine , Soliman Amr S.
Published: December 2022

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer. It leads to a significantly shorter survival than other types of breast cancer in the U.S. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) defines the diagnosis based on specific criteria. However, the clinical presentation of IBC in North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia) does not agree, in many cases, with the AJCC criteria. Healthcare providers with expertise in IBC diagnosis are limited because of the rare nature of the disease. This paper reviewed current imaging modalities for IBC diagnosis and proposed a computer-aided diagnosis system using bilateral mammograms for early and improved diagnosis. The National Institute of Cancer in Egypt provided the image dataset consisting of IBC and non-IBC cancer cases. Type 1 and Type 2 fuzzy logic classifiers use the IBC markers that the expert team identified and extracted carefully. As this research is a pioneering work in its field, we focused on breast skin thickening, its percentage, the level of nipple retraction, bilateral breast density asymmetry, and the ratio of the breast density of both breasts in bilateral digital mammogram images. Granulomatous mastitis cases are not included in the dataset. The system’s performance is evaluated according to the accuracy, recall, precision, F1 score, and area under the curve. The system achieved accuracy in the range of 92.3–100%.
Real-Time Interpolated Rendering of Terrain Point Cloud Data
Authors: Kordež Jaka , Marolt Matija , Bohak Ciril
Published: December 2022

Most real-time terrain point cloud rendering techniques do not address the empty space between the points but rather try to minimize it by changing the way the points are rendered by either rendering them bigger or with more appropriate shapes such as paraboloids. In this work, we propose an alternative approach to point cloud rendering, which addresses the empty space between the points and tries to fill it with appropriate values to achieve the best possible output. The proposed approach runs in real time and outperforms several existing point cloud rendering techniques in terms of speed and render quality.
Water Meter Reading for Smart Grid Monitoring
Authors: Martinelli Fabio , Mercaldo Francesco , Santone Antonella
Published: December 2022

Many tasks that require a large workforce are automated. In many areas of the world, the consumption of utilities, such as electricity, gas and water, is monitored by meters that need to be read by humans. The reading of such meters requires the presence of an employee or a representative of the utility provider. Automatic meter reading is crucial in the implementation of smart grids. For this reason, with the aim to boost the implementation of the smart grid paradigm, in this paper, we propose a method aimed to automatically read digits from a dial meter. In detail, the proposed method aims to localise the dial meter from an image, to detect the digits and to classify the digits. Deep learning is exploited, and, in particular, the YOLOv5s model is considered for the localisation of digits and for their recognition. An experimental real-world case study is presented to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method for automatic digit localisation recognition from dial meters.
Mutual-Aided INS/Vision Navigation System Analysis and Optimization Using Sequential Filtering with State Recalculation
Authors: Shahoud Ayham , Shashev Dmitriy , Shidlovskiy Stanislav
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the implementation of a mutual-aided navigation system for an aerial vehicle. Employing all available sensors in navigation is effective at maintaining continuous and optimal results. The images offer a lot of information about the surrounding environment, but image processing is time-consuming and causes timing problems. While traditional fusion algorithms tend to reduce the delay errors or ignore them, this research depends on state estimation recalculation during the delay time and on sequential filtering. To reduce the image matching time, the map is processed offline, then key point clusters are stored to avoid feature recalculation online. The sensors’ information is used to bound the search space for the matched features on the map, then they are reprojected on the captured images to exclude the unuseful part from processing. The suggested mutual-aided form compensates for the inertial system drift, which enhances the system’s accuracy and independence. The system was tested using data collected from a real flight using a DJI drone. The measurements from an inertial measurement unit (IMU), camera, barometer, and magnetometer were fused using a sequential Kalman Filter. The final results prove the efficiency of the suggested system to navigate with high independency, with an RMS position error of less than 3.5 m.
Facile Preparation of Phenyboronic-Acid-Functionalized Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Selective Adsorption of Ortho-Dihydroxy-Containing Compounds
Authors: Zhou Hongmei , Zhang Junhui , Duan Aihong , Wang Bangjin , Xie Shengming , Yuan Liming
Published: December 2022

A new facile strategy was designed to prepare the phenyboronic acid-functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PBA) via direct silanization and thiol-ene click chemistry for the selective adsorption of ortho-dihydroxy-containing compounds. The three kinds of Fe3O4@PBA nanoparticles obtained showed excellent adsorption capacity and selectivity for ortho-dihydroxy-containing compounds including adenosine and o-dihydroxybenzene. Among them, the Fe3O4@MPS@MPBA exhibited the highest adsorption capacity and selectivity for adenosine and o-dihydroxybenzene, followed by Fe3O4@MPTES@AAPBA and Fe3O4@MPTES@VPBA. A synthesis method of superparamagnetic and boronate affinity nanocomposites with mild reaction conditions and simple process has been developed, which also provides a novel way for the synthesis of other types of enrichment materials of ortho-dihydroxy-containing compounds.
Sustainable Star? The Carbon Footprint of Christmas Stars and Its Variability along the Value Chain
Authors: Lampert Paul , Menrad Klaus
Published: December 2022

Although greenhouse production is an especially intensive form of agricultural production, horticultural products have not been subject to many carbon footprint studies. This study examines the poinsettia, a relevant greenhouse plant in the market. It analyzes the poinsettia’s climate impact by undertaking a product carbon footprint (PCF) study, along the whole poinsettia value chain; this starts at the mother-plant farms in Uganda, goes through the production in German greenhouses, and ends with the disposal of the plant by the consumer. A life cycle inventory was conducted, including input materials, equipment, cultural practices, and other processes used in two horticultural farms. A standardized questionnaire collected consumer data. The PCF for the poinsettia is 0.69 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg of CO2e), including distribution. As heating in both investigated farms is conducted via renewable energy, major contributors to the PCF were overhead electricity, substrate, pot, and packaging. The consumers’ contribution varies from 0.31 (best), through 0.45 (average), to 1.49 (worst) kg of CO2e, and is mostly due to differences in shopping behavior, producing a total PCF of 1.0–2.18 kg of CO2e. The results show a high variability for emissions along the value chain, due to different input factor choices on the production side and a significant consumer contribution.
Impact of Transnational Research Collaboration on Universities’ Innovation Performance: Panel Data Research of 64 Chinese Universities from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Zhong Zhiyang , Zheng Gaoming , Wang Yan
Published: December 2022

Recently, China launched policies to further internationalize Chinese universities, including the “First-Class Universities and First-Class Disciplines Project” (Double First-Class Project), which highlights the importance of increasing transnational research collaboration activities. However, little is known about the actual impacts of these national initiatives on universities’ transnational research collaboration activities. Research on the impact of the involvement of transnational research collaboration on universities’ innovation performance is lacking. The purpose of this study was (1) to further understand the link between the involvement of transnational research collaboration and the innovation performance of universities and (2) to examine the relation between the “Double First-Class Project” and transnational research collaboration in Chinese universities. Through collecting and analyzing 576 panel data (a combination of cross-sectional series data and time series data) on the involvement of transnational research collaboration and the innovation performance of 64 universities from 2009 to 2019, the study manifested a positive correlation between the involvement of transnational research collaboration and the innovation performance of universities. The study further indicated the national key university initiative had a direct positive impact. More meso-level studies and a more open international mindset from policymakers to maintain the sustainable development of research and innovation globally are needed.
Perceived Overqualification and Job Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Manager Envy
Authors: Khassawneh Osama , Mohammad Tamara , Momany Munther Talal
Published: December 2022

In this study, we suggest that manager envy will moderate the relationship between perceived overqualification and job-related outcomes (employee turnover, job satisfaction, and performance evaluation). We examined our hypotheses using a sample of 322 employees working in five-star hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), gathered across five time periods. Web-based questionnaires were utilized to collect the data due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to obtain results more quickly. We gathered data from June 2021 to February 2022 from superiors at T1 and T4 and subordinates at T2 and T3 in five periods. We left a gap of two weeks between each period, and the same respondents were utilized for all phases. The findings indicate that perceived overqualification was more strongly and negatively related to employee job satisfaction when managers reported high envy. Furthermore, when envy was high, employee overqualification was positively related to job turnover. Promotion had no direct or moderated effects. The implications for the literature on overqualification and envy were addressed. The findings suggest that group-level implications on how perceived overqualification influences employees should be investigated. Perceived overqualification as a result of reporting to envious supervisors had a detrimental impact on the perceived performance and achievement of individuals who were overqualified. The findings also emphasize the relevance of examining overqualification at many levels of analysis, as well as the need to look into manager-level moderators.
Green Human Resources Management in the Hotel Industry: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alreahi Mahmoud , Bujdosó Zoltán , Kabil Moaaz , Akaak Ali , Benkó Kata Feketéné , Setioningtyas Widhayani Puri , Dávid Lóránt Dénes
Published: December 2022

Green human resources management (GHRM) has proven its efficiency in many industries and services, including the hospitality and hostel industries. Additionally, applying green human resources management practices reflects an organization’s environmental awareness and responsibilities. Given that the adoption of these practices cannot be accomplished without the appropriate support from decision makers, the aim of this paper is to analyze the relationships between green human resources management and the hotel industry, identify the possible barriers they may face and provide decision makers with the ability to choose the appropriate combination of GHRM practices based on an understanding the full picture presented in this study. This study depended on a systematic review technique to analyze the scientific production in this area. A total of 59 GHRM articles were extracted from Scopus and WoS and analyzed using three primary levels of analysis. This study revealed that: (i) Green human resources management practices can be summarized into four main categories (employees, marketing systems and corporate social responsibility, leadership and management, and organizational behavior and culture); (ii) the importance of green human resources management goes beyond environmental objectives; and (iii) there are significant barriers that should be taken into consideration when applying GHRM practices in the hotel industry.
Monthly Runoff Forecasting Based on Interval Sliding Window and Ensemble Learning
Authors: Meng Jinyu , Dong Zengchuan , Shao Yiqing , Zhu Shengnan , Wu Shujun
Published: December 2022

In recent years, machine learning, a popular artificial intelligence technique, has been successfully applied to monthly runoff forecasting. Monthly runoff autoregressive forecasting using machine learning models generally uses a sliding window algorithm to construct the dataset, which requires the selection of the optimal time step to make the machine learning tool function as intended. Based on this, this study improved the sliding window algorithm and proposes an interval sliding window (ISW) algorithm based on correlation coefficients, while the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to combine three machine learning models, Random Forest (RF), LightGBM, and CatBoost, into an ensemble to overcome the preference problem of individual models. Example analyses were conducted using 46 years of monthly runoff data from Jiutiaoling and Zamusi stations in the Shiyang River Basin, China. The results show that the ISW algorithm can effectively handle monthly runoff data and that the ISW algorithm produced a better dataset than the sliding window algorithm in the machine learning models. The forecast performance of the ensemble model combined the advantages of the single models and achieved the best forecast accuracy.
Environmental Impacts of Specific Recyclates in European Battery Regulatory-Compliant Lithium-Ion Cell Manufacturing
Authors: Kurz Leonard , Forster Simeon , Wörner Ralf , Reichert Frederik
Published: December 2022

Since environmental benefits and supply chain resilience are commonly assumed for circular economy strategies, this study tests this hypothesis in the context of lithium-ion battery recycling and cell manufacturing. Therefore, the use of recyclates from different cathode active materials and from different recycling routes, namely hydrometallurgy and direct recycling, in a subsequent cell production is modelled with the recyclate quotas prescribed by the amended European Battery Regulation and analysed using life cycle assessment methodology. This study concludes that both, negative and positive environmental impacts can be achieved by the usage of recyclates, depended on the cell technology and the recycling process chosen. Newly constructed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells using a share of 11.3% of recyclates, which are obtained from LFP cells by a hydrometallurgical process, achieve a deterioration in the ecology by 7.5% for the global warming potential (GWP) compared to LFP cells without any recyclate share at all. For the same recyclate quota scenario, hydrometallurgical recyclates from lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cells (NMC), on the other hand, achieve savings in GWP of up to 1.2%. Recyclates from direct recycling achieve savings in GWP for LPF and NMC of a maximum of 6.3% and 12.3%, by using a recyclate share of 20%. It can be seen that circular economy can raise large savings potentials ecologically, but can also have a contrary effect if not properly applied.
Does ESG Performance Improve the Quantity and Quality of Innovation? The Mediating Role of Internal Control Effectiveness and Analyst Coverage
Authors: Li Shuying , Liu Yujie , Xu Yang
Published: December 2022

This study tests the performance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) on corporate innovation and the mediating effect of internal control effectiveness and analyst coverage on this relationship, by using data on China’s A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2020. The results show that ESG performance significantly improves innovation quantity, measured by the number of authorized invention patents, and innovation quality, measured by the number of patent citations. The internal and external mechanism tests show that the quantity and quality improvement effect of ESG performance on corporate innovation is dependent on effective internal controls and adequate analyst coverage. The results of the heterogeneity analysis show that improvement in the quality of enterprise-driven innovation is primarily due to knowledge spillover into the domestic market. The additional analysis suggests that the promoting effect is more obvious when the chief executive officer (CEO) serves as a board chairman, the corporation belongs to non-state-owned and large-scale enterprises, the industry in which the market competition is higher, and the corporation is located in a general city. This study provides a foundation for developing a better ESG valuation theory to assist management and investors in making better decisions to improve business performance and investment returns.
Financial Fraud Detection of Listed Companies in China: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Chen Yasheng , Wu Zhuojun
Published: December 2022

As the focus of capital market supervision, financial report fraud has shown a development trend of enormous numbers, complex transactions, and hidden means in recent years. To improve audit efficiency and reduce the dependence on non-financial data, the study only uses the structured original data in the financial report to constructs a new fraud identification model, which can quickly detect fraud in China. This study takes the listed companies in China from 1998 to 2016 as research samples and selects 28 sets of raw data from financial reports. Then, this study compares the detection effectiveness of two single classification machine learning algorithms and five ensemble learning algorithms on fraud detection. Compared with single classification machine learning algorithms, the results show that ensemble learning algorithms are generally better at detecting fraud for Chinese listed companies, and the stacking algorithm performs the best. The study results provide direct evidence for rapid fraud detection using financial report raw data and ensemble learning algorithms. The study first proposes a stacking algorithm-based financial reporting fraud identification model for listed companies in China, which provides a simple and effective approach for investors, regulators, and management. It can also provide a reference for the detection of other fraud scenarios.
Sustainable Management and Valorization of Agri-Food Industrial Wastes and By-Products as Animal Feed: For Ruminants, Non-Ruminants and as Poultry Feed
Authors: Malenica Dunja , Kass Marko , Bhat Rajeev
Published: December 2022

Substantial increase in the production of agri-food commodities over the past years has resulted in the generation of enormous volumes of wastes and by-products, thus contributing to increased environmental pollution. Being an under-exploited raw material which are rich in bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, dietary fibre, oils, essential vitamins, minerals, etc), novel strategies and initiatives have been proposed and implemented for the effective management and valorization of these wastes and by-products. The proposed initiatives and strategies support the concepts of EU circular economy and green biorefinery, thus promoting sustainability. One of the strategies of management of waste and by-products includes the effectual development of nutritious low-cost sustainable animal feed. Currently, in the world market, there are a range of fruit and vegetable wastes and by-products that have been effectively introduced in animal diets. Within this context, this systematic review focuses on a diversified group of agri-food wastes (and the industrial by-products), their bioactive components, the opportunities for the development of animal feed or feed supplements (for Ruminants, Non-Ruminants and as Poultry feed) and conclusively the health benefits imparted. In addition, the safety issues and regulations aspects are also covered.
Study on the Sustainable Development of Popular Science Tourism Based on the SWOT Analysis for the Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark
Authors: Wang Mengdi , Tan Kaixuan , Li Yongmei , Xie Yanshi , Xiao Wenzhou , Xu Yang , Tian Yunting
Published: December 2022

The Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark (XUGG) contained the largest karst red stone forest landscape and the Global Standard Stratotype-section and Points (GSSPs) in the Cambrian System. Those geoheritage contribute to a better understanding of Earth’s evolution. Therefore, it is of great significance to conduct geoscience research and geosciences popularization in the XUGG. In this study, we took the XUGG as the research object, and analyzed the situation of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the development process of geopark popular science tourism by using SWOT analysis method, in order to realize the sustainable development of geoparks in popular science tourism. The results show that: the XUGG continent possesses geoheritage, good facilities and unique advantages of popular science development. In the new era, we should optimize the development of popular science tourism in Geoparks, realize the two-way interactive participation of popular science, explore the community participation model of popular science tourism, and promote the development of rustic areas with unique geological resources. Then, it not only facilitates the broadcasting and popularization of earth sciences, but also contributes to the sustainable development of geotourism.
Influence of Currents on the Breaking Wave Forces Acting on Monopiles over an Impermeable Slope
Authors: Liu Shan , Liu Zhenyu
Published: December 2022

It is known that the wave breaking process is significantly affected by a current, but little attention has been paid to the effect of wave–current interaction on the breaking wave forces acting on a monopile. This study presented a total of 88 flume tests, among which solitary and regular breaking waves were generated with a following current. The waves propagated over an impermeable slope and induced impulsive loads on a vertical monopile. The moments on the monopile were measured utilizing a high-precision load cell, and the effect of current velocities on the peak moment was analyzed. Test results indicate that there was an obvious nonlinear effect between breaking waves and a following current. For solitary waves, a following current accelerated the breaking process, leading to an increase by 274.21% at maximum in breaking wave forces. However, for regular waves, both the wave heights and the reversing flow were restricted with the increasing velocity of a following current, delaying the wave breaking process; under the regular test conditions, the moment on the pile decreased by 65.25% at maximum.
On Stability of a General n-Linear Functional Equation
Authors: Bahyrycz Anna , Sikorska Justyna
Published: December 2022

Let X be a linear space over K∈{R,C}, Y be a real or complex Banach space and f:Xn→Y. With some fixed aji,Ci1…in∈K (j∈{1,…,n}, i,ik∈{1,2}, k∈{1,…,n}), we study, using the direct and the fixed point methods, the stability and the general stability of the equation f(a11x11+a12x12,…,an1xn1+an2xn2)=∑1≤i1,…,in≤2Ci1…inf(x1i1,…,xnin), for all xjij∈X (j∈{1,…,n},ij∈{1,2}). Our paper generalizes several known results, among others concerning equations with symmetric coefficients, such as the multi-Cauchy equation or the multi-Jensen equation as well as the multi-Cauchy–Jensen equation. We also prove the hyperstability of the above equation in m-normed spaces with m≥2.
Recent Progress in Λc+ Decays
Authors: Geng Cong , Zhou Xiaorong
Published: December 2022

Studying Λc+ decays provides important and complementary information to help understand the effects of non-perturbative quantum chromodynamics. Recently, many interesting results about Λc+ decays have been reported thanks to the high luminosity in Belle and dedicated operation at the Λc+ pair production threshold in BESIII. This paper reviews the recent progress in experimental measurements, containing sections about the hadronic weak decay, semileptonic decay, and decay asymmetry parameters and CP violation.
Computational, Investigational Explorations on Structural, Electro-Optic Behavior of Pelargonidin Organic Colorant for TiO2 Based DSSCs
Authors: Palanisamy Satish Kumar , Udayakumar Arun Kumar , Abed Azher M. , Panchatcharam Parthasarathy , Athisaya Rajah Suvitha , Madhavan Bradha , Steephen Ananth
Published: December 2022

In an expedition for green-energy generation and to lower the cost per watt of solar energy, environmentally friendly biotic colorants were separated from Tectona grandis seeds. The prime colorant in the extract is pelargonidin which sensitizes titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photo anodes. The pelargonidin-sensitized TiO2 nanomaterials endured structural, photosensitive, spectral and current-voltage interpretations. Frontier molecular orbital analysis, physicochemical and electronic parameter computation, UV–visible and DOS spectral analysis, van der Waals prediction and molecular electrostatic potential map were performed theoretically with Gaussian tools, and IR symmetry response was computed using the crystal maker software package. The pelargonidin-sensitized TiO2-created dye-sensitized solar cells which exhibited capable solar light energy to photon conversion proficiency. For comparative purposes, the commercial P25 Degussa TiO2-based DSSC was also fabricated and its proficiency was analyzed. The commercial TiO2 exhibited 57 % higher proficiency in comparison to the sol-gel-derived TiO2-based DSSC.
The Development of a Regional Tourism Destination Competitiveness Measurement Instrument
Authors: Rheeders Tanya , Meyer Daniel
Published: December 2022

The importance of the tourism sector has been highlighted and featured in various studies indicating not only the economic but also social and environmental benefits. There is a need for a measurement instrument for regional tourism destination competitiveness. This measurement instrument could gauge a destination’s regional potential for tourism development and competitiveness; and be able to compare regions. To conduct an instrument development and validation, both PLS-SEM for confirmatory factor analysis and SPSS were utilised for exploratory factor analysis. A purposive sampling approach were used for both study areas, Sedibeng and Fezile Dabi district municipal regions, in which pilot studies were executed through a survey between July to September 2020. The reliability of the measurement instrument was confirmed with Cronbach’s Alpha (α) for both samples having a value above 0.70. The EFA confirmed the validity of the measurement instrument for the three-dimension and 16-items of the measurement instrument. This study recommends using the measurement instrument as a practical tool to analyse regions regarding the development and competitiveness of a tourism destination compared to other destinations.
Pollution and Potential Ecological Risk Evaluation Associated with Toxic Metals in an Impacted Mangrove Swamp in Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Chris Davies Ibienebo , Anyanwu Brilliance Onyinyechi
Published: December 2022

Anthropogenic activities along coastal areas have contributed to the unwarranted discharge of toxic metals into mangrove swamps, posing risks to marine deposits and ecological environments. In this research, we studied the Isaka–Bundu tidal swamp area in the Niger Delta, which is an impacted mangrove creek located along the Bonny river, exposed to pollution pressures. The ecological risks (Er) of toxic metals in the sediments and water of the Isaka–Bundu tidal mangrove swamp followed a decreasing order (Cu > Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb > As), according to our results, while the potential ecological risk index (PERI) of the toxic metals in the sediments and water of the Isaka–Bundu tidal mangrove swamp can be said to have a very high ecological risk (PERI ≥ 600). The sediment pollution load index (PLI) was higher than 1 in all three analyzed stations, suggesting extremely toxic pollution. The enrichment evaluation shows that the studied stations have a moderate potential ecological risk of Cd, with the enrichment value for Pb showing low potential ecological risk. Our study shows that the Isaka–Bundu tidal mangrove swamp has a significant level of toxic metal pollution, which is evidence of the illegal activities performed in the Niger Delta.
Effects of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins, Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans, and Dioxin-like PCBs on Teeth and Bones in Animals and Humans
Authors: Takiguchi Tomoya , Vu Hoa Thi , Nishino Yoshikazu
Published: December 2022

Bone metabolism is regulated by endocrine systems, so people exposed to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) may suffer adverse effects on bones and teeth. We reviewed previous publications in which effects of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls on the teeth and bones of animals and humans were found. The aim was to identify future research directions, particularly for epidemiological studies of populations exposed to PCDD/Fs in the environment. Exposure of fetuses to PCDD/Fs may affect odontogenesis, particularly enamel formation, but the effects of PCDD/Fs on bone genesis are limited to palatine bone. Exposure to PCDD/Fs in milk may affect both teeth and bones, but the effects on bones may be reversible. Exposure to high PCDD/F concentrations even during adulthood may adversely affect teeth. Exposure to PCDD/Fs may induce osteogenesis and improve bone properties because the disrupting effects of PCDD/Fs cause bone remodeling and vitamin D activation. More studies involving humans are required to investigate previously found associations between the PCDD/F concentrations humans are exposed to and biological markers for teeth and bones, including metabolites of vitamin D.
Discovering Novel Bioactivities of Controversial Food Additives by Means of Simple Zebrafish Embryotoxicity (ZET) Assays
Authors: Duy-Thanh Dinh , Bich-Ngoc Nguyen , Van den Bossche François , Lai-Thanh Nguyen , Muller Marc
Published: December 2022

The rising concerns about controversial food additives’ potential hazardous properties require extensive yet animal-minimized testing strategies. Zebrafish embryos are the ideal in vivo model representing both human and environmental health. In this study, we exposed zebrafish embryos to eight controversial food additives. Our results indicate that Sodium Benzoate is a Cat.3 aquatic toxicant, while Quinoline Yellow is a strong teratogen. At high concentrations, non-toxic chemicals induced similar phenotypes, suggesting the impact of ionic strength and the applicability of the darkened yolk phenotype as an indicator of nephrotoxicity. Three food additives showed unpredicted bioactivities on the zebrafish embryos: Brilliant Blue could weaken the embryonic yolk, Quinoline Yellow may interfere with nutrient metabolism, and Azorubine induced precocious zebrafish hatching. In conclusion, the zebrafish embryo is ideal for high throughput chemical safety and toxicity screening, allowing systematic detection of biological effects—especially those unexpected by targeted in vitro and in silico models. Additionally, our data suggest the need to reconsider the safety status of food additives Quinoline Yellow, Brilliant Blue, Sodium Benzoate, and other controversial food additives in further studies, as well as pave the way to further applications based on the newly found properties of Brilliant Blue and Azorubine.
Local Quantum Uncertainty and Quantum Interferometric Power in an Anisotropic Two-Qubit System
Authors: Zidan Nour , Rahman Atta Ur , Haddadi Saeed , Czerwinski Artur , Haseli Soroush
Published: December 2022

Investigating the favorable configurations for non-classical correlations preservation has remained a hotly debated topic for the last decade. In this regard, we present a two-qubit Heisenberg spin chain system exposed to a time-dependent external magnetic field. The impact of various crucial parameters, such as initial strength and angular frequency of the external magnetic field along with the state’s purity and anisotropy of the spin-spin on the dynamical behavior of quantum correlations are considered. We utilize local quantum uncertainty (LQU) and quantum interferometric power (QIP) to investigate the dynamics of quantum correlations. We show that under the critical angular frequency of the external magnetic field and the spin-spin anisotropy, quantum correlations in the system can be successfully preserved. LQU and QIP suffer a drop as the interaction between the system and field is initiated, however, are quickly regained by the system. This tendency is confirmed by computing a measure of non-classical correlations according to the Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt inequality. Notably, the initial and final preserved levels of quantum correlations are only varied when variation is caused in the state’s purity.
Special Issue “Next-Generation Technologies to Understand Mechanisms of Virus Infections”
Authors: Brasier Allan R.
Published: December 2022

RNA viruses are responsible for substantial morbidity and health burden [...]
A Retrospective Study of the Safety and Immunogenicity of MVC-COV1901 Vaccine for People Living with HIV
Authors: Cheng Shu-Hsing , Lien Chia En , Hsieh Szu-Min , Cheng Chien-Yu , Liu Wang-Da , Lo Ching-Lung , Ko Wen-Chien , Chen Yen-Hsu , Huang Ching-Tai , Chang Hsiao-Ting , Hwang Shinn-Jang , Wang Ning-Chi , Liu Ming-Che , Lee Yu-Lin , Tai I-Chen , Estrada Josue Antonio Garcia , Lin Tzou-Yien , Lee Wen-Sen
Published: December 2022

Background: This study aimed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of MVC-COV1901, a recombinant COVID-19 protein vaccine, containing S-2P protein adjuvanted with CpG 1018 and aluminum hydroxide, for people living with HIV (PWH). Methods: A total of 57 PWH of ≥20 years of age who are on stable antiretroviral therapy were compared with 882 HIV-negative participants. Participants received two doses of MVC-COV1901 28 days apart. Results: No vaccine-related serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded. Seroconversion rates (SCRs) of 100% and 99.8% were achieved in PWH and comparators, respectively, 28 days after the second dose. After adjusting for sex, age, BMI category, and comorbidity, the adjusted GMT ratio of comparator/PWH was 3.2 (95% CI 2.5–4). A higher CD4/CD8 ratio was associated with a higher GMT (R = 0.27, p = 0.039). MVC-COV1901 has shown robust safety but elicited weaker immune responses in PWH. Conclusions: Further investigations may be needed to determine whether PWH require distinct immunization strategies with improved immunogenicity. The main study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04695652).
Considerations in Understanding Vaccine Effectiveness
Authors: Lau Chin Shern , Aw Tar Choon
Published: December 2022

Although vaccine effectiveness reports are essential to assessing policies on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, several factors can affect our interpretation of the results. These include the waning of antibodies, the prevailing viral variants at the time of the study, and COVID-19 disease prevalence in the population. Disease prevalence significantly impacts absolute risk reduction and could skew expected efficacy when increased disease prevalence inflates the absolute risk reduction in the face of a constant relative risk reduction. These factors must be considered in the interpretation of vaccine effectiveness to better understand how vaccines can improve disease prevention among the population. We highlight the impact of various factors on vaccine effectiveness.
Das „neue“ Raum-Zeit-Modell als Dimension für „das schreibende Ich“ bei Ingeborg Bachmann und Marlen Haushofer
Authors: Andreevna Sivolobova Irina
Published: December 2022

Im Beitrag wird die Darstellung von Raum und Zeit in den Texten der österreichischen Schriftstellerinnen Ingeborg Bachmann und Marlen Haushofer analysiert. Es wird festgestellt, dass der Chronotopos der Werke eng mit der Sprachproblematik verbunden ist. Raum und Zeit fungieren in den analysierten Texten als eine Sphäre der Transformation, wodurch die „Geburt“ einer „neuen Sprache“ möglich wird.
Die komplizierte Welt geordnet dargestellt
Authors: Vass Márta
Published: December 2022

Rezension zu:
Andrea Worm: Geschichte und Weltordnung. Graphische Modelle von Zeit und Raum in Universalchroniken vor 1500. Berlin: Deutscher Verlag für Kunstwissenschaft 2021
Percepções de alunos do curso de Licenciatura em Computação acerca da utilização de Gamificação na plataforma Moodle
Authors: Athayde Sabbagh Daniel , De Souza da Silva Rodrigo Luis
Published: December 2022

O presente estudo dispôs como finalidade avaliar a percepção de alunos dos últimos períodos do curso de Licenciatura em Computação, ofertado pela Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora via EaD, acerca da utilização de gamificação na plataforma Moodle, utilizada durante o decorrer do curso. Além disso, observou-se quais as opções mais interessantes dentro de algumas técnicas já conhecidas para aplicação com intuito de causar maior engajamento e interesse dos alunos. A coleta de participações foi realizada através da internet com questionário desenvolvido na ferramenta Google Formulários. A partir dos resultados ficou evidenciado que os participantes se mostraram insatisfeitos com o nível de gamificação presente no curso, gostariam que a metodologia contasse com maior presença no decorrer da graduação e foram bastante receptivos com as ideias de algumas aplicações de gamificação descritas no estudo, principalmente quando se tratam de sistema de pontos / moeda virtual com possibilidade de troca por recompensas chamativas. No entanto, alguns alunos não consideraram a gamificação essencial para o processo de aprendizagem.
tecnologia da realidade aumentada como recurso didático nas aulas de Geografia do Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Sales Silvania Maria das Dores , Julio Alessandreia Marta de Oliveira , Silva Rodrigo Luis de Souza
Published: December 2022

Este trabalho é resultado de uma pesquisa sobre o uso de Realidade Aumentada no ensino de Geografia. A investigação proposta nesta pesquisa focou no processo de ensino e aprendizagem mediado por tecnologia digital, orientada para o ensino de Geografia. Inicialmente um  levantamento bibliográfico para melhor contextualizar o problema foi realizado. Posteriormente, planejou-se um estudo de caso prático envolvendo os  alunos do 6º ao 9º do ensino fundamental da Escola Municipal Professora Áurea Nardelli, situada em Juiz de Fora.  Para este estudo de caso  o aplicativo LandscapAR como apoio às aulas de Geografia da escola supracitada foi selecionado. Em seguida, foi aplicado um questionário aos alunos que participaram da atividade para a realização de uma análise qualitativa. Diante dos resultados obtidos compreendeu-se que o uso da tecnologia da Realidade Aumentada pode auxiliar na aprendizagem de conteúdos abstratos e também é capaz de oportunizar uma aprendizagem contextualizada, interativa e colaborativa.
Osporavani dijelovi Amoris
laetitia
Authors: Vargić Hrvoje
Published: December 2022

Članak se dotiče nekih dijelova pobudnice pape Franje Amoris laetitia koja su u katoličkoj javnosti izazvala najveće polemike, kao što su određene točke unutar osmoga poglavlja koje se odnose na pripuštanje pričesti rastavljenih i civilno ponovno vjenčanih parova. Teza koju članak nudi jest da je ono što spomenute točke čini spornima nerijetko pogrješan okvir za tumačenje te pristup razumijevanju pobudnice Amoris laetitia. Smatrajući da je filozofija Karola Wojtyłe prikladna za stvaranje interpretacijskoga okvira za tumačenje pobudnice, članak će ukratko prikazati glavne uvide u Wojtyłinu filozofiju kako bi oni poslužili za tumačenje onih mjesta pobudnice koja su u dijelu katoličke javnosti izazvala polemike. Poseban naglasak bit će na razjašnjavanju mjesta koja govore o pripuštanju pričesti rastavljenih i civilno ponovno vjenčanih. Članak pokazuje da Amoris laetitia ne donosi promjenu u službenom nauku Crkve, ali donosi promjenu u pastoralnom pristupu.
The realignment and staffing of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs between 1945 and 1950
Authors: Sáringer János
Published: December 2022

On March 19, 1944, under the German occupation, Hungary lost its sovereignty. Due to the Second World War and the fighting in Budapest, the building and organization of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs were in ruins. After the war, the reorganization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs began with the employees of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs operating between 1920 and 1944. The Ministry followed the previous organizational and operational principle. Diplomats and ministry workers gained their foreign experiences before the war. In parallel with the takeover of power by the communists in Hungary, many diplomats and foreign workers emigrated due to the removal of old specialists and the open takeover of power by the communists. The communist-led Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a huge shortage of staff and specialists, which were replaced on the one hand by communist cadres of working and peasant origin, and on the other hand the Foreign Academy was established whose curriculum consisted of the classics of Marxism-Leninism. In 1950, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was reorganized, and a horizontal and vertical operating structure was established.
Konflikty zbrojne ery globalizacji – teorie i podejścia badawcze
Authors: Kołodziejak Agnieszka
Published: December 2022

Zakończenie zimnej wojny dało nadzieję na nowy porządek światowy i erę „dywidendy pokoju”. Ogłoszono, że starcie ideologii zakończyło się triumfem liberalizmu, pojawiały się zapowiedzi „końca historii” oraz świata bez wojen i konfliktów. Te założenia, sformułowane po upadku systemu dwublokowego upadły jednak tak szybko, jak powstały. W niniejszym artykule poruszono tematykę konfliktów zbrojnych. Przeanalizowano ich ewolucję oraz teorie i podejścia badawcze do tego zagadnienia.
Programy profilaktyczne policji na rzecz podniesienia kultury bezpieczeństwa publicznego. Przykładowe działania
Authors: Długosz Jerzy
Published: December 2022

W artykule podjęto próbę opisania stosowanych obecnie form diagnozowania bezpieczeństwa publicznego oraz działających - jak też możliwych do wprowadzenia - form jego doskonalenia w zakresie kultury bezpieczeństwa publicznego. Samo bezpieczeństwo jest jedną z podstawowych potrzeb człowieka. Dlatego też jego poziom nieustannie powinien podlegać ocenie, a pojawiające się nowe możliwości udoskonalania jego badania winny być, w przypadku potwierdzenia ich skuteczności, wprowadzane w życie. Praktyka ta może przyczyniać się do podniesienia poziomu poczucia bezpieczeństwa w społeczeństwie
Belarusian Narodniks on the historical mission of the national intelligentsia
Authors: Игнатов Владимир
Published: December 2022

The article explores the views of representatives of the Belarusian Narodniks of the second half of the nineteenth century on the problem of the historical mission of the national intelligentsia. The basic assumptions of the concept of national revival of the Belarusian people are revealed, as well as independent political and cultural existence of the Belarusian territory, its formation and development of a national idea.
Трансформация и электоральные ожидания белорусского общества 2017-2020 гг.
Authors: Гавриков Андрей
Published: December 2022

На основе вторичного анализа эмпирических данных информационно-аналитического центра при Администрации Президента Республики Беларусь и Института социологии НАН Беларуси, а также ЦИСПИ БГУ и Социологической лабораторией ГГТУ им. П.О. Сухого автором рассматриваются мониторинги и зондажи политического намерения участия населения в политике страны 2017-2020 гг., а также отношения населения к важнейшим политическими событиям 2017-2020 гг. Отмечен быстрый уровень политизации населения и роста политического сознания и культуры.
Neoplatońskie inspiracje Augustyńskich dowodów na istnienie Boga
Authors: Topolewski Maciej
Published: December 2022

W artykule poruszony został wątek specyficznej relacji między filozofią i religią, a także greckich i wczesnochrześcijańskich inspiracji dla myśli św. Augustyna w kontekście problematyki dowodów na istnienie Boga. Analizie poddane zostały obecne w filozofii platońskiej i neoplatońskiej argumenty na istnienie Boga (lub Absolutu), które w sposób pośredni i bezpośredni wywarły wpływ na Augustyńskie formuły dowodów. Wykazano i opisano analogie wraz z interpretacją wpływu jaki miały na kształt koncepcji przyjętych przez jednego z najważniejszych reprezentantów filozofii chrześcijańskiej.