bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles/Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers as Impervious Barrier against Viral Infections
Authors: Emam Merna , Elezaby Reham , Swidan Shady , Loutfy Samah , Hathout Rania
Published: May 2023

Background: Using face masks is one of the protective measures to reduce the transmission rate of coronavirus. Its massive spread necessitates developing safe and effective antiviral masks (filters) applying nanotechnology. Methods: Novel electrospun composites were fabricated by incorporating cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun nanofibers that can be used in the future in face masks. The effects of the polymer concentration, applied voltage, and feeding rate during the electrospinning were studied. The electrospun nanofibers were characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and tensile strength testing. The cytotoxic effect of the nanofibers was evaluated in the Vero cell line using the MTT colorimetric assay, and the antiviral activity of the proposed nanofibers was evaluated against the human adenovirus type 5 (ADV-5) respiratory virus. Results: The optimum formulation was fabricated with a PAN concentration of 8%, w/v loaded with 0.25%, w/v CeO2 NPs with a feeding rate of 26 KV and an applied voltage of 0.5 mL/h. They showed a particle size of 15.8 ± 1.91 nm and a zeta potential of −14 ± 0.141 mV. SEM imaging demonstrated the nanoscale features of the nanofibers even after incorporating CeO2 NPs. The cellular viability study showed the safety of the PAN nanofibers. Incorporating CeO2 NPs into these fibers further increased their cellular viability. Moreover, the assembled filter could prevent viral entry into the host cells as well as prevent their replication inside the cells via adsorption and virucidal antiviral mechanisms. Conclusions: The developed cerium oxide nanoparticles/polyacrylonitrile nanofibers can be considered a promising antiviral filter that can be used to halt virus spread.
Highly Stable Docetaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles Based on Poly(D,L-lactide)-b-Poly(ethylene glycol) for Cancer Treatment: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Studies
Authors: Kuznetsova Ekaterina V. , Sedush Nikita G. , Puchkova Yulia A. , Aleshin Sergei V. , Yastremsky Evgeny V. , Nazarov Alexey A. , Chvalun Sergei N.
Published: May 2023

Stability and narrow size distribution are among the main requirements that apply to drug formulations based on polymeric nanoparticles. In this study, we obtained a series of particles based on biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (P(D,L)LAn-b-PEG113) copolymers with varied hydrophobic P(D,L)LA block length n from 50 to 1230 monomer units stabilized by poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by a simple “oil-in-water” emulsion method. We found that nanoparticles of P(D,L)LAn-b-PEG113 copolymers with relatively short P(D,L)LA block (n ≤ 180) are prone to aggregate in water. P(D,L)LAn-b-PEG113 copolymers with n ≥ 680 can form spherical unimodal particles with values of hydrodynamic diameter less than 250 nm and polydispersity less than 0.2. The aggregation behavior of P(D,L)LAn-b-PEG113 particles was elucidated in terms of tethering density and conformation of PEG chains at the P(D,L)LA core. Docetaxel (DTX) loaded nanoparticles based on P(D,L)LA680-b-PEG113 and P(D,L)LA1230-b-PEG113 copolymers were formulated and studied. It was observed that DTX-loaded P(D,L)LAn-b-PEG113 (n = 680, 1230) particles are characterized by high thermodynamic and kinetic stability in aqueous medium. The cumulative release of DTX from the P(D,L)LAn-b-PEG113 (n = 680, 1230) particles is sustained. An increase in P(D,L)LA block length results in a decrease in DTX release rate. The in vitro antiproliferative activity and selectivity studies revealed that DTX-loaded P(D,L)LA1230-b-PEG113 nanoparticles demonstrate better anticancer performance than free DTX. Favorable freeze-drying conditions for DTX nanoformulation based on P(D,L)LA1230-b-PEG113 particles were also established.
Isotherm and Kinetic Study of Metal Ions Sorption on Mustard Waste Biomass Functionalized with Polymeric Thiocarbamate
Authors: Bulgariu Dumitru , Nemeş Lăcrămioara (Negrilă) , Ahmad Iftikhar , Bulgariu Laura
Published: May 2023

The presence of high concentrations of metal ions in effluents resulting from industrial metal coatings is a well-known fact. Most of the time, such metal ions, once they reach the environment, significantly contribute to its degradation. Therefore, it is essential that the concentration of metal ions is reduced (as much as possible) before such effluents are discharged into the environment to minimize the negative impact on the quality of the ecosystems. Among all methods that can be used to reduce the concentration of metal ions, sorption is one of the most viable options due to its high efficiency and low cost. Moreover, due to the fact that many industrial wastes have sorbent properties, this method is in accordance with the principles of circular economy. Based on these considerations, in this study, mustard waste biomass (resulting from oil extraction) was functionalized with an industrial polymeric thiocarbamate (METALSORB) and used as a sorbent to remove Cu(II), Zn(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous media. The best conditions for the functionalization of mustard waste biomass were found to be: mixing ratio biomass: METASORB = 1 g: 1.0 mL and a temperature of 30 °C. The experimental sorption capacities of functionalized sorbent (MET-MWB) were 0.42 mmol/g for Cu(II), 0.29 mmol/g for Zn(II) and 0.47 mmol/g for Co(II), which were obtained under the following conditions: pH of 5.0, 5.0 g sorbent/L and a temperature of 21 °C. The modeling of isotherms and kinetic curves as well as the analysis of the results obtained from desorption processes demonstrate the usefulness of this sorbent in the treatment of effluents contaminated with metal ions. In addition, tests on real wastewater samples highlight the potential of MET-MWB for large-scale applications.
Difficult Jewish Texts and Contemporary Political Crisis
Authors: Filler Emily
Published: May 2023

This essay considers the phenomenon of public Jewish biblical quotation, such as, for instance, “justice, justice shall you pursue,” in times of contemporary political crisis. I argue that these references tend to employ a sanitized and selective hermeneutics which overlooks and bypasses the violent or otherwise “difficult” themes of these works and suggest that there is a parallel between our refusal to come to terms with the frequent violence in many texts, and our inability to acknowledge the intensity and scope of the “real world” crises we employ these texts to respond to. Delving into the complex biblical narrative of Korach as an example, I propose that particular attention to difficult texts invites Jewish communities not only to confront the darker parts of the textual tradition, but also provides a communal model for acknowledging the true depths of a crisis, textual or political, instead of turning quickly to palliative solutions.
Geospatial Modeling Based-Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Flash Flood Susceptibility Zonation in an Arid Area
Authors: Shawky Mohamed , Hassan Quazi K.
Published: May 2023

Identifying areas susceptible to flash flood hazards is essential to mitigating their negative impacts, particularly in arid regions. For example, in southeastern Sinai, the Egyptian government seeks to develop its coastal areas along the Gulf of Aqaba to maximize its national economy while preserving sustainable development standards. The current study aims to map and predict flash flood prone areas utilizing a spatial analytic hierarchy process (AHP) that integrates GIS capabilities, remote sensing datasets, the NASA Giovanni web tool application, and principal component analysis (PCA). Nineteen flash flood triggering parameters were initially considered for developing the susceptibility model by conducting a detailed literature review and using our experiences in the flash food studies. Next, the PCA algorithm was utilized to reduce the subjective nature of the researchers’ judgments in selecting flash flood triggering factors. By reducing the dimensionality of the data, we eliminated ten explanatory variables, and only nine relatively less correlated factors were retained, which prevented the creation of an ill-structured model. Finally, the AHP method was utilized to determine the relative weights of the nine spatial factors based on their significance in triggering flash floods. The resulting weights were as follows: rainfall (RF = 0.310), slope (S = 0.221), drainage density (DD = 0.158), geology (G = 0.107), height above nearest drainage network (HAND = 0.074), landforms (LF = 0.051), Melton ruggedness number (MRN = 0.035), plan curvature (PnC = 0.022), and stream power index (SPI = 0.022). The current research proved that AHP, among the most dependable methods for multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), can effectively classify the degree of flash flood risk in ungauged arid areas. The study found that 59.2% of the area assessed was at very low and low risk of a flash flood, 21% was at very high and high risk, and 19.8% was at moderate risk. Using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC) as a statistical evaluation metric, the GIS-based AHP model developed demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy, achieving a score of 91.6%.
Earth Observations for Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Maso Joan , Zabala Alaitz , Serral Ivette
Published: May 2023

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity [...]
Neutralization Method of Ransomware Detection Technology Using Format Preserving Encryption
Authors: Lee Jaehyuk , Lee Sun-Young , Yim Kangbin , Lee Kyungroul
Published: May 2023

Ransomware is one type of malware that involves restricting access to files by encrypting files stored on the victim’s system and demanding money in return for file recovery. Although various ransomware detection technologies have been introduced, existing ransomware detection technologies have certain limitations and problems that affect their detection ability. Therefore, there is a need for new detection technologies that can overcome the problems of existing detection methods and minimize the damage from ransomware. A technology that can be used to detect files infected by ransomware and by measuring the entropy of files has been proposed. However, from an attacker’s point of view, neutralization technology can bypass detection through neutralization using entropy. A representative neutralization method is one that involves decreasing the entropy of encrypted files by using an encoding technology such as base64. This technology also makes it possible to detect files that are infected by ransomware by measuring entropy after decoding the encoded files, which, in turn, means the failure of the ransomware detection-neutralization technology. Therefore, this paper derives three requirements for a more sophisticated ransomware detection-neutralization method from the perspective of an attacker for it to have novelty. These requirements are (1) it must not be decoded; (2) it must support encryption using secret information; and (3) the entropy of the generated ciphertext must be similar to that of plaintext. The proposed neutralization method satisfies these requirements, supports encryption without decoding, and applies format-preserving encryption that can adjust the input and output lengths. To overcome the limitations of neutralization technology using the encoding algorithm, we utilized format-preserving encryption, which could allow the attacker to manipulate the entropy of the ciphertext as desired by changing the expression range of numbers and controlling the input and output lengths in a very free manner. To apply format-preserving encryption, Byte Split, BinaryToASCII, and Radix Conversion methods were evaluated, and an optimal neutralization method was derived based on the experimental results of these three methods. As a result of the comparative analysis of the neutralization performance with existing studies, when the entropy threshold value was 0.5 in the Radix Conversion method, which was the optimal neutralization method derived from the proposed study, the neutralization accuracy was improved by 96% based on the PPTX file format. The results of this study provide clues for future studies to derive a plan to counter the technology that can neutralize ransomware detection technology.
Robust Scan Registration for Navigation in Forest Environment Using Low-Resolution LiDAR Sensors
Authors: Gupta Himanshu , Andreasson Henrik , Lilienthal Achim J. , Kurtser Polina
Published: May 2023

Automated forest machines are becoming important due to human operators’ complex and dangerous working conditions, leading to a labor shortage. This study proposes a new method for robust SLAM and tree mapping using low-resolution LiDAR sensors in forestry conditions. Our method relies on tree detection to perform scan registration and pose correction using only low-resolution LiDAR sensors (16Ch, 32Ch) or narrow field of view Solid State LiDARs without additional sensory modalities like GPS or IMU. We evaluate our approach on three datasets, including two private and one public dataset, and demonstrate improved navigation accuracy, scan registration, tree localization, and tree diameter estimation compared to current approaches in forestry machine automation. Our results show that the proposed method yields robust scan registration using detected trees, outperforming generalized feature-based registration algorithms like Fast Point Feature Histogram, with an above 3 m reduction in RMSE for the 16Chanel LiDAR sensor. For Solid-State LiDAR the algorithm achieves a similar RMSE of 3.7 m. Additionally, our adaptive pre-processing and heuristic approach to tree detection increased the number of detected trees by 13% compared to the current approach of using fixed radius search parameters for pre-processing. Our automated tree trunk diameter estimation method yields a mean absolute error of 4.3 cm (RSME = 6.5 cm) for the local map and complete trajectory maps.
Is It Lupus? Is It Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)?—Why Not Both?
Authors: Kaempfer Niklas Alexander , Fousse Mathias , Kettner Michael , Fassbender Klaus , Janitschke Daniel
Published: May 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are among the commonly considered differential diagnoses in patients with inflammatory central nervous system (CNS)-diseases. Formerly diagnosed competing autoimmune diseases might impair diagnostics and treatment. Here, we report on a 41-year-old woman admitted to our hospital with primary manifestation of NMOSD (paresthesia, paralysis of the lower extremities, and urinary incontinence) while undergoing treatment for a diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with hydroxychloroquine. CNS manifestation of the disease was considered. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cranium and spinal cord showed multiple supratentorial lesions of the white matter and massive intramedullary lesions with contrast enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed pleocytosis (20/µL), positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antiphospholipid antibodies, and SSA/Ro antibodies, while formerly positive dsDNA antibodies were negative. Further diagnostics revealed a 1:10,240 serum titer of Aquaporine-4 antibodies. The patient received intravenous methylprednisolone for three days (2 g per day), which led to an escalation to plasmapheresis and to an improved EDSS from 8.0 to 4.0. Because of the comorbidity, a combined relapse prophylaxis with satralizumab and mycophenolate mofetil was established. Rehabilitation and continued treatment improved EDSS to 1.0 with no impairment of mobilization. Although formerly diagnosed SLE could have explained the symptoms, it is important to reconsider competitive diseases in order to establish adequate immunotherapy.
The Dynamic Behavior of Silos with Grain-like Material during Earthquakes
Authors: Duan Junfeng , Han Yang , Li Dongqiao
Published: May 2023

Grain security is an important guarantee for sustainable development. However, the dynamic behavior of silos containing grain-like material is not well understood. The effective mass and dynamic effects are the key parameters for the assessment of the silo–bulk material system during earthquakes. Herein, on the basis of the Janssen continuum model, it is proposed that the seismic energy is entirely dissipated by the interactions between the materials and the silo and the materials themselves. The seismic inertia forces among storage materials were introduced, and dynamic equilibrium equations considering the vibrations of storage materials were established. Theoretical solutions for the horizontal forces exerted and the effective mass of the silo–bulk material system during earthquakes are proposed. It is worth noting that the additional stress on the side wall proposed in this work is related to the depth, silo radius, storage density, internal friction coefficient, lateral pressure coefficient, and seismic acceleration. In addition, the effective mass coefficient is negatively correlated with the external friction coefficient, the lateral pressure coefficient, and horizontal seismic acceleration under a storage vibration state. A narrower silo (i.e., with a larger height–diameter ratio) has a low effective mass coefficient. The results from our method are in good agreement with those attained using experimental data, which demonstrates the accuracy and universality of the proposed formulations.
Towards the Application of Process Mining in the Mining Industry—An LHD Maintenance Process Optimization Case Study
Authors: Velasquez Nicolas , Anani Angelina , Munoz-Gama Jorge , Pascual Rodrigo
Published: May 2023

Inefficiencies in mine equipment maintenance processes result in high operation costs and reduce mine sustainability. However, current methods for process optimization are limited due to a lack of access to structured data. This research aims to test the hypothesis that process mining techniques can be used to optimize workflow for mine equipment maintenance processes using low-level data. This is achieved through a process-oriented analysis where low-level data are processed as an event log and used as input for a developed process model. We present a Discrete-Event Simulation of the maintenance process to generate an event log from low-level data and analyze the process with process mining. A case study of the maintenance process in an underground block caving mine is used to gain operational insight. The diagnosis of the mine’s maintenance process showed a loss of 23,800 equipment operating hours per year, with a non-production cost of about 1.12 MUSD/year. Process mining obtained a non-biased representation of the maintenance process and aided in identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the equipment maintenance processes.
An Integrated Mediating and Moderating Model to Improve Service Quality through Job Involvement, Job Satisfaction, and Organizational Commitment
Authors: Al-refaei Abd Al-Aziz , Ali Hairuddin Bin Mohd , Ateeq Ali Ahmed , Alzoraiki Mohammed
Published: May 2023

Employees’ perception of their job and organization is believed to influence service quality (SQ). Hence, this study aims to integrate a mediating and moderating model to improve SQ through job involvement (JI), job satisfaction (JS), and organizational commitment (OC), and investigate how that model incorporating JI, JS, and OC can improve SQ in higher education contexts in developing countries. This study applied a conceptual integration between employees who provide the service and customer-perceived service quality. Data collection from the respondents was performed using a two-sample research design and two sets of questionnaires. The academic staff (296 responses) and their students (1480 responses) formed the study’s sample size. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyze the collected data. The data analysis showed a significant impact of JS on OC and SQ (i.e., the quality of lectures they received in the classroom that shaped their learning experiences). OC significantly affected SQ and partially mediated the effect of JS and SQ. JI plays a moderator role in the JS-OC and SQ relationship. This study contributes to the literature by linking employees’ JI, JS, and OC to SQ. Employee JI, JS, and OC are crucial in promoting service quality. Practical implications for students, employees, institutions, and society were provided.
Status of the Marinas’ Development in the Southern Region of the Romanian Sea Coast: Implications for Sustainable Recreational Transport in the Black Sea
Authors: Filimon Dragos
Published: May 2023

The aim of this paper is to highlight the state of development of tourist ports in the Romanian Black Sea coastal area and their implications for the sustainable provision of quality recreational transport. As indicated by the collected data, both locals and tourists are showing a growing interest in nautical sports and maritime recreational activities, and there are plans to upgrade existing marinas and build new ones. Although the boating activity in the Romanian Black Sea coastal area is not as developed and popular as that in other areas of the Balkan Peninsula, it has particular advantages due to its geographical position close to the Danube and its delta, as well as its historical and cultural heritage. Between 2014 and 2019, the south marinas of Romania’s Black Sea coast experienced a 65% increase in the number of visiting boats. Despite some decreases in traffic during the pandemic, the general trend continues to be upward. An evaluation of the operational capacities and policies implemented by tourist ports and relevant stakeholders identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and provides insights into the current activity and implemented policies of the four most known and developed marinas along the Romanian Black Sea coast. The study’s main objective is to assess sustainable practices in relation to the environmental, social, and economic systems, with a focus on environmental protection, the use of renewable energy sources, and the implementation of quality management standards. The study uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative analyses to achieve this. Interviews with representatives of the four coastal marinas helped gather the data. The size of boat traffic was evaluated by taking into consideration the data from the local harbor master. The research identified gaps and highlighted areas that require improvement, subsequently providing recommendations to enhance sustainability. The findings can guide policymakers and stakeholders in developing practices that can promote the growth of recreational nautical transport in Romania while ensuring the sustainable development of the sector.
Causal Interaction between Foreign Direct Investment Inflows and China’s Economic Growth
Authors: Hossain Md Kamal , Hossain Md Shamim
Published: May 2023

This study examines the causal relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in China over a 40-year period, from 1981 to 2020. Using a vector autoregressive (VAR) model, the study investigates the direction of causality between FDI and economic growth and finds that economic growth drives FDI inflows in China, rather than the other way around. The results suggest that policymakers should prioritize growth policies that foster sustainable economic expansion, rather than focusing solely on attracting FDI. The study contributes to the literature on the relationship between FDI and economic growth and highlights the importance of understanding the direction of causality between these two variables. Overall, these findings have important implications for policymakers seeking to promote economic growth and attract FDI to China.
Industrial Robots and the Employment Quality of Migrant Workers in the Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Chen Bo , Tan Dong
Published: May 2023

Machine and manufacturing migrant workers in the new era are side by side cooperation and interaction of the new labor force form. Based on the dynamic survey of China’s floating population in 2011 and the data collected by the International Federation of Robotics, the Bartik instrument variable method is used to analyze the impact of industrial robots on the employment quality of the floating population in manufacturing industry at the city level. As the city scale expands, industrial robots have an inverted U-shaped effect on the employment quality of manufacturing migrant workers. Industrial robots have a positive U-shaped influence on the number of hours that migrant workers in manufacturing work, with an inflexion point of 1.3721 units per 10,000 workers. The influence of industrial robots on migrant workers’ working conditions in the manufacturing sector was U-shaped, and 1.668 units per 10,000 workers marked the tipping point. Nevertheless, industrial robots have an inverse influence on the occupation stability of migrant workers in the manufacturing industry. Precisely, the installation density of industrial robots in the manufacturing industry has a detrimental impact on the occupational stability of migrant employees. Industrial robots are negatively associated with the working conditions of migrant workers employed in manufacturing. There were detrimental effects on the employment quality of manufacturing migrant workers in cities with higher and lower population densities. In the end, for every manufacturing farmer using an industrial robot, the likelihood of being miserable and almost happy went up by 2.64 percent and 5.59 percent, respectively, while the likelihood of being happy went down by 7.62 percent.
CO2 Flow Characteristics in Macro-Scale Coal Sample: Effect of CO2 Injection Pressure and Buried Depth
Authors: Wang Huping , Wang Zhao , Yin Haikui , Jin Chao , Zhang Xiaogang , Liu Langtao
Published: May 2023

Experimental studies have confirmed the permeability reduction of coal samples upon the adsorption of CO2. However, these studies were carried out under limited experimental conditions. In this study, CO2 flow behaviors in a macro-scale coal sample were numerically simulated using a coupled gas flow, mechanical deformation, and sorption-induced deformation finite element model. The simulation results show that the effect of the reduction of effective stress on the enhancement of permeability is greater than the negative effect of permeability reduction due to CO2 adsorption for low injection pressures. CO2 pressure development in the sample increases with increasing injection pressure due to the enhanced advection flux for sub-critical CO2 injections, while for super-critical CO2 injections, CO2 pressure development, as well as concentrations in the sample, decreases compared to sub-critical CO2 injections because of greater density and viscosity of super-critical CO2 as well as coal matrix swelling induced by the adsorption of super-critical CO2. Increasing axial stress (buried depth) obstructs CO2 migration in the sample due to the increased effective stress, and this effect is more influential for low injection pressures, which indicates that high CO2 injection pressures are preferred for CO2 sequestration in deep coal seams.
Seascape Visual Characterization: Combining Viewing Geometry and Physical Features to Quantify the Perception of Seascape
Authors: Manning Julian , Macleod Catriona , Lucieer Vanessa
Published: May 2023

The visual impacts of marine-based economic activities on seascape quality and its inherent value for different user groups are considered to be a highly contentious issue and difficult to quantify. In recent years, with the growth of the blue economy, the need to better understand the visual perceptions of seascapes has become essential when seeking societal support for new development. This article presents a unique method for assessing and quantifying seascape perception by characterizing a person viewing the geometry of seascape views both from the land and the sea. The method first utilizes a geographic information system (GIS) model to deconstruct the viewing geometry of a seascape view into five geometric elements, including (1) area of viewshed, (2) length of the visible coastline, (3) horizontal extent of the view, (4) vertical extent of the view, and (5) distance to the view. These geometric elements in the second step were reconstructed through an analytical hierarchical process (AHP) to determine the visual quality perception of participants. The results showed a significant improvement in the visual characterization of the seascape and its visual quality perception in comparison with conventional visual characterization methods. The findings indicate that the model promotes multiple perceptual perspectives by facilitating constructive discussions about social acceptance of the visual impact of a specific marine-based development.
Effect of Urea-Calcium Sulfate Cocrystal Nitrogen Fertilizer on Sorghum Productivity and Soil N2O Emissions
Authors: Bista Prakriti , Eisa Mohamed , Ragauskaitė Dovilė , Sapkota Sundar , Baltrusaitis Jonas , Ghimire Rajan
Published: May 2023

Urea cocrystal materials have recently emerged as high nitrogen (N) content fertilizers with low solubility capable of minimizing N loss and improving their use efficiency. However, their effects on crop productivity and N2O emissions remain underexplored. A greenhouse study was designed to evaluate sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) yield, N uptake, and N2O emissions under six N treatments: C0 (without fertilizer), UR100 (urea), UC100 (CaSO4⋅4urea cocrystal) at 150 kg N ha−1, and CaSO4⋅4urea cocrystal at 40%, 70%, and 130% of 150 kg N ha−1 (UC40, UC70, and UC130, respectively). The results demonstrated that UR100, UC100, and UC130 had 51.4%, 87.5%, and 91.5% greater grain yields than the control. The soil nitrate and sulfur concentration, N uptake, and use efficiency were the greatest in UC130, while UR100 had significantly greater N2O loss within the first week of N application than the control and all the urea cocrystal treatments. UC130 minimized the rapid N loss in the environment as N2O emissions shortly after fertilizer application. Results of this study suggest the positive role of urea cocrystal in providing a balanced N supply and increasing crop yield in a more environmentally friendly way than urea alone. It could be good alternative fertilizer to minimize N loss as N2O emissions and significantly increase the N use efficiency in sorghum.
Self-Expressiveness in Slow Tourism as a Sustainable Driver: The Trans-Siberian Railway Travel Experience
Authors: Kosykh Olga , Roh Hanna , Hart Robert
Published: May 2023

In response to the increasingly severe climate crisis, the tourism industry has been implementing ESG management and carbon-neutral policies, and sustainability has become the top priority. In this reality, slow tourism is expected to be a sustainable alternative. This study proposes a model of self-expressiveness for slow tourism using the example of Trans-Siberian Railway travel. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the process of the formation of self-expressiveness with the Trans-Siberian Railway experience, its relationship with hedonic enjoyment, and its impact on the life satisfaction of tourists. This research delves into the effects of eudaimonistic identity on life satisfaction via SEM. Moreover, the moderating role that self-expressiveness plays between hedonic enjoyment and life satisfaction is noteworthy, which was assessed based on the bias-corrected (BC) bootstrap method procedure. The data were gathered through an online survey on Instagram and Facebook using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 210 respondents who had traveled by train in Siberia were used for the analysis. The results indicate that the more Siberian train tourists encountered the flow experience, self-realization, perceived authenticity, and hedonic enjoyment, the greater their self-expression, which had a favorable effect on life satisfaction. In addition, self-expression fully mediated the relationship between hedonic enjoyment and life satisfaction. This research makes a contribution in that it applies eudaimonistic identity theory, which has previously only been applied in the context of leisure, to tourism. Theoretical and practical implications and suggested avenues for future research are also presented.
Health Impact Assessment to Promote Urban Health: A Trans-Disciplinary Case Study in Strasbourg, France
Authors: Dardier Guilhem , Christie Derek P. T. H. , Simos Jean , Roué Le Gall Anne , Cantoreggi Nicola L. , Tabbone Lorris , Mallet Yoann , Jabot Françoise
Published: May 2023

Health Impact Assessment (HIA), an inherently trans-disciplinary approach, is used to help evaluate and improve projects or programmes in sectors such as transportation, where new infrastructure is likely to have effects on health. This article describes the screening, scoping, appraisal, and recommendation steps of an HIA on a new 24 km highway around the conurbation of Strasbourg, France. Methods included a literature review and quantitative estimates of the health effects of air pollution and noise. Although planned, interviews and focus groups proved impossible due to political and administrative difficulties. In replacement, answers to a related public inquiry were submitted to a secondary, thematic analysis. The new infrastructure is likely to create or help maintain some jobs in the short term and might accelerate certain journeys, but it does not seem able to improve local mobility and air quality issues. It crystallises the dissatisfaction of a part of the local population and raises the question of the transparency of the design and validation processes of major infrastructure projects. Despite an unfavourable political context, the HIA approach described in this article was able to overcome methodological difficulties and obstacles thanks to creative research methods and trans-disciplinarity to finally yield relevant information and suggestions for urban health promotion.
Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Depression: A New Paradigm for Psychiatry
Authors: Finzi Eric
Published: May 2023

Multiple randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials have shown that botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A), when injected into the frown musculature, is an antidepressant. This review outlines the conceptual narrative behind this treatment modality, starting with theory developed by Charles Darwin. We develop the concept of emotional proprioception and discuss how the muscles of facial expression play an important role in relaying valenced information to the brain’s emotional neuroanatomical circuit. We review the role of facial frown musculature as the brain’s barometer and transmitter of negatively valanced emotional information. The direct connections between the corrugator muscles and the amygdala are reviewed, and these provide a neuroanatomical circuit that is a logical target for treatment with BoNT/A. The centrality of amygdala dysfunction in the pathogenesis of many psychiatric disorders, and the evidence that BoNT/A modulates amygdala activity, provides the mechanistic link between BoNT/A and its antidepressant activity. Animal models of BoNT/A’s antidepressant effects confirm the evolutionary conservation of this emotional circuit. The clinical and theoretical implications of this evidence, as it relates to the potential treatment of a broad range of psychiatric disorders by BoNT/A, is discussed. The ease of administration, long duration, and favorable side effect profile of this therapy is reviewed in the context of existing antidepressant treatments.
Magnetic Activity of Different Types of Variable Stars Observed by TESS Mission
Authors: Zhong Ming , Zhang Liyun , Yang Zilu , Su Tianhao
Published: May 2023

The investigation of the magnetic activity of different types of variable stars holds significant implications for our understanding of the physical processes and evolution of stars. This study’s International Variable Star Index (VSX) variable star catalog was cross-matched with Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data, resulting in 26,276 labeled targets from 76,187 light curves. A total of 25,327 stellar flare events were detected, including 245 eclipsing binaries, 2324 rotating stars, 111 pulsating stars, and 629 eruptive stars. The results showed that flares from eclipsing binaries, rotating stars, eruptive stars, and pulsating stars have durations such that 90% are less than 2 h, and 91% of their amplitudes are less than 0.3. Flare events mainly occurred in the temperature range of 2000 K to 3000 K. The power-law indices of different types of variable stars were 1.72±0.025 (eclipsing binaries), 1.82±0.062 (rotating stars), 1.80±0.0116 (eruptive stars), and 1.73±0.060 (pulsating stars). Among them, the flare energy of pulsating stars is more concentrated in the high-energy range. In all samples, flare energies were distributed from 3.99×1031 erg to 6.18×1038 erg. The LAMOST DR9 low-resolution spectral survey has provided Hα equivalent widths for 398 variable stars. By utilizing these Hα equivalent widths, we have determined the stellar activity of the variable stars and confirmed a positive correlation between the flare energy and Hα equivalent width.
Comparing Heterologous and Homologous COVID-19 Vaccination: A Longitudinal Study of Antibody Decay
Authors: Orlandi Chiara , Stefanetti Giuseppe , Barocci Simone , Buffi Gloria , Diotallevi Aurora , Rocchi Ettore , Ceccarelli Marcello , Peluso Sara , Vandini Daniela , Carlotti Eugenio , Magnani Mauro , Galluzzi Luca , Casabianca Anna
Published: May 2023

The humoral response after vaccination was evaluated in 1248 individuals who received different COVID-19 vaccine schedules. The study compared subjects primed with adenoviral ChAdOx1-S (ChAd) and boosted with BNT162b2 (BNT) mRNA vaccines (ChAd/BNT) to homologous dosing with BNT/BNT or ChAd/ChAd vaccines. Serum samples were collected at two, four and six months after vaccination, and anti-Spike IgG responses were determined. The heterologous vaccination induced a more robust immune response than the two homologous vaccinations. ChAd/BNT induced a stronger immune response than ChAd/ChAd at all time points, whereas the differences between ChAd/BNT and BNT/BNT decreased over time and were not significant at six months. Furthermore, the kinetic parameters associated with IgG decay were estimated by applying a first-order kinetics equation. ChAd/BNT vaccination was associated with the longest time of anti-S IgG negativization and with a slow decay of the titer over time. Finally, analyzing factors influencing the immune response by ANCOVA analysis, it was found that the vaccine schedule had a significant impact on both the IgG titer and kinetic parameters, and having a Body Mass Index (BMI) above the overweight threshold was associated with an impaired immune response. Overall, the heterologous ChAd/BNT vaccination may offer longer-lasting protection against SARS-CoV-2 than homologous vaccination strategies.
Apical-Out Human Airway Organoids Modeling SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Chiu Man Chun , Zhang Shuxin , Li Cun , Liu Xiaojuan , Yu Yifei , Huang Jingjing , Wan Zhixin , Zhu Xiaoxin , Zhou Jie
Published: May 2023

The respiratory epithelium, particularly the airway epithelium, is the primary infection site for respiratory pathogens. The apical surface of epithelial cells is constantly exposed to external stimuli including invading pathogens. Efforts have been made to establish organoid cultures to recapitulate the human respiratory tract. However, a robust and simple model with an easily accessible apical surface would benefit respiratory research. Here, we report the generation and characterization of apical-out airway organoids from the long-term expandable lung organoids that we previously established. The apical-out airway organoids morphologically and functionally recapitulated the human airway epithelium at a comparable level to the apical-in airway organoids. Moreover, apical-out airway organoids sustained productive and multicycle replication of SARS-CoV-2, and accurately recapitulated the higher infectivity and replicative fitness of the Omicron variants BA.5 and B.1.1.529 and an ancestral virus. In conclusion, we established a physiologically relevant and convenient apical-out airway organoid model for studying respiratory biology and diseases.
Evaluating the Feasibility of Robotic Crawler Deployed Ground Penetrating Radar to Assess Repairs of a Concrete Hydroelectric Dam Spillway in Alabama, USA
Authors: Bigman Daniel P.
Published: May 2023

Dams and the water systems they support must be monitored, maintained, and repaired when necessary so they can continue to provide benefits to the communities they serve. This study presents the methods and results from a robotic crawler-based ground penetrating radar (GPR) inspection of rehabilitated concrete from a hydroelectric dam spillway located in Alabama, USA. This spillway, which was recently inspected and repaired, showed evidence of spalling which indicated internal structural deterioration. Standard practice would leave these repairs uninspected or put the wellbeing of people at risk when deploying them on the spillway for manual inspections. GPR data were recorded from recently rehabilitated and resurfaced areas of the site to evaluate the capability of a remotely controlled robotic crawler system to assure repair quality efficiently and effectively. The results indicate that high quality data can be recorded from repairs without the need for manual inspection. The GPR was able to resolve repair length, thickness, number of reinforcements, reinforcement spacing, and cover depth. The study encountered several difficulties, and the author proposes future pathways of development for safely inspecting critical dam infrastructure with steep slopes and slippery, rough surfaces.
Cellulose Acetate-Based Materials for Water Treatment in the Context of Circular Economy
Authors: Oprea Madalina , Voicu Stefan Ioan
Published: May 2023

Water, one of the most important resources that the planet offers us, cannot be used without meeting certain quality parameters which are increasingly difficult to achieve due to human activities such as deforestation, improper industrial and agricultural waste management, maritime traffic and fuel spillages. Cellulose-based materials or membranes are among the most important candidates to water treatment processes in the actual context of sustainable processes due to the chemical versatility of this cellulose derivative and also due to its large availability This review aims to present the use of functionalized or composite cellulose acetate membranes in water reuse processes in the context of the circular economy. The synthesis methods, process performances, and limitations of these membranes are presented, and the main future directions are thoroughly discussed at the end of the manuscript.
Moisture Sources and Rainfall δ18O Variability over the Central Andes of Peru—A Case Study from the Mantaro River Basin
Authors: Apaéstegui James , Romero Carol , Vuille Mathias , Sulca Juan , Ampuero Angela
Published: May 2023

The Mantaro River Basin is one of the most important regions in the central Peruvian Andes in terms of hydropower generation and agricultural production. Contributions to better understanding of the climate and hydrological dynamics are vital for this region and constitute key information to support regional water security and socioeconomic resilience. This study presents eight years of monthly isotopic precipitation information (δ18O, Dxs) collected in the Mantaro River Basin. The isotopic signals were evaluated in terms of moisture sources, including local and regional climatic parameters, to interpret their variability at monthly and interannual timescales. It is proposed that the degree of rainout upstream and the transport history of air masses, also related to regional atmospheric features, are the main factors influencing the δ18O variability. Moreover, significant correlations with precipitation amount and relative humidity imply that local processes in this region of the Andes also exert important control over isotopic variability. Two extreme regional climate events (the 2010 drought and the 2017 coastal El Niño) were evaluated to determine how regional atmospheric circulation affects the rainfall isotope variability. Based on these results, recommendations for hydroclimate studies and paleoclimate reconstructions are proposed in the context of the Mantaro River Basin. This study intends to encourage new applications considering geochemical evidence for hydrological studies over the central Andean region.
ORGANOCLAY BASED ADDITIVE AS A TOOL FOR CONTROL OF RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF BITUMEN
Authors: Vysotskaya M. , Kindeev O.N. , Kurlykina A. , Kabalin M.
Published: May 2023

Bitumen is a complex, multicomponent colloidal dispersed system based on the interaction of asphaltenes (phases) and maltenes (medium). In the absence of external influence, such a system is in a relatively stable state. Any external phenomenon causes an equilibrium state of the colloid and initiates Ysol aggregation, accompanied by a qualitative change in properties. Thus, a quantitative change in the phase of a colloid entails a qualitative change in its state. One of the possible options for internal control of structure formation and bitumen index is the application of rheological rules. In the work, results were obtained for modified road bitumen with the additive "Viskogel" in a concentration residue of 1-5%. A certain influence of additives on the rheological characteristics of bitumen. The nutritional amount of additives, which positively affects the properties of bitumen, has been established. Obtained data on the results of testing on the concentration of the contact angle of wetting bitumen samples with a special concentration of additives enriched with aging procedures. These checks ensure system stability for 48 hours. Based on the knowledge about the limitedness and dispersity of bitumen, a model for the participation of a rheological additive in the asphaltene-maltene system is proposed.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE COMPOSITION OF THE ADDITIVE OF STABILIZED HIGHLY DISPERSED WOLLASTONITE USING A COMPUTER ALGORITHM FOR FINDING EXTREMES
Authors: Lukutcova N.P. , Karpikov E. , Gornostaeva E. , Soboleva G.
Published: May 2023

The article considers the optimization of the content of the components of the additive of stabilized highly dispersed wollastonite using a developed and patented computer algorithm for finding extreme coordinates of the dependencies of the mechanical characteristics of fine-grained concrete Extr.sce and Interp.sce based on the Scilab engineering and scientific computing environment. The developed programs allow determining the best combination of components and technological parameters for obtaining an additive to identify the optimal value of the desired indicator of the final characteristics of fine-grained concrete. The search for the maximum value of the strength indicators of fine-grained concrete is performed depending on the combination of the initial components of the modifier based on highly dispersed wollastonite, as well as the time of their ultrasonic dispersion with the output of visual data processing models in the form of contour and 3d graphs of the interpolation surface. As a result of the simulation, it is found that the additive shows the most effective result with a wollastonite content of 5 g/l, in which a modifier M with a concentration of 2.1 ml/l is used as a suspension stabilizer, while the ultrasonic dispersion time is 5 minutes. The developed additive of optimal composition contributes to the production of modified fine–grained concrete with a bending strength of 6.8 MPa and compression strength of 58.5 MPa