bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revitalization and Development Strategies of Fostering Urban Cultural Heritage Villages: A Quantitative Analysis Integrating Expert and Local Resident Opinions
Authors: Sheng Ge , Liao Leqi , Xiong Lei , Zhu Bo-Wei , Cheung Sze Man
Published: November 2022

In order to promote sustainable development and economic growth, the city shall pay attention to the interaction rule between local cultural heritage resources and community residents, and advance the continuous consolidation of local cultural identity in the process of community activation and renewal. This poses a key challenge for many cities to continue to promote community renewal and activation of urban villages. In this study, the FI-RST model was constructed to effectively manage such projects by taking both top-down and bottom-up decision-making thinking into consideration in the formulation of the revitalization development strategies of urban villages. South China’s Huangpu Village in Guangzhou City is taken as an example in this study to clarify the logical relationship between the top-down key points of community activation and renewal development and the consolidation of local cultural identity by respecting the rules of community life and behavior, and then the Huangpu Village revitalization and development strategies are developed. A new multi-attribute decision analysis model is developed and utilized in this study, which provides a project management idea for the activation of urban cultural heritage villages, that is a model that not only supports community renewal and cultural activation, but also pays attention to community residents’ needs and emotional feedback.
Identification of the Benignity and Malignancy of BI-RADS 4 Breast Lesions Based on a Combined Quantitative Model of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI and Intravoxel Incoherent Motion
Authors: Xu Wenjuan , Zheng Bingjie , Li Hailiang
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to explore whether intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) combined with a dynamic contrast–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE–MRI) quantitative model can improve the ability to distinguish between benign and malignant BI-RADS 4 breast lesions. We enrolled 100 patients who underwent breast MRI at our institution and extracted the quantitative parameters of lesions with a post-processing workstation. Statistical differences in these parameters between benign and malignant BI-RADS 4 lesions were assessed using a two independent samples t-test or a Mann–Whitney U test. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to establish five diagnostic models (model_ADC, model_IVIM, model_DCE, model_DCE+ADC, and model_DCE+IVIM). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, leave-one-out cross-validation, and the Delong test were used to assess and compare the diagnostic performance of these models. The model_DCE+IVIM showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.903 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.828–0.953, sensitivity: 87.50%, specificity: 85.00%), which was significantly higher than that of model_ADC (p = 0.014) and model_IVIM (p = 0.033). The model_ADC had the lowest diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.768, 95%CI: 0.672–0.846) but was not significantly different from model_IVIM (p = 0.168). The united quantitative model with DCE–MRI and IVIM could improve the ability to evaluate the malignancy in BI-RADS 4 lesions, and unnecessary breast biopsies may be obviated.
Preparation of Monoclonal Antibodies Specifically Reacting with the Trichothecene Mycotoxins Nivalenol and 15-Acetylnivalenol via the Introduction of a Linker Molecule into Its C-15 Position
Authors: Noda Kyoko , Hirakawa Yuki , Nishino Tomomi , Sekizuka Ritsuto , Kishimoto Marin , Furukawa Tomohiro , Sawane Sakiko , Matsunaga Ayu , Kobayashi Naoki , Sugita Kazutoshi , Oonaka Kenji , Kawakami Hiroko , Otsuka Yuji , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Yoshiya Taku , Watanabe Maiko , Saka Machiko , Momma Keiko , Kushiro Masayo , Miyake Shiro
Published: November 2022

Nivalenol (NIV) is a trichothecene mycotoxin that is more toxic than deoxynivalenol. It accumulates in grains due to infection with Fusarium species, which are the causative agents of scab or Fusarium head blight. An immunoassay, which is a rapid and easy analytical method, is necessary for monitoring NIV in grains. However, a specific antibody against NIV has not been prepared previously. To establish an immunoassay, we prepared NIV, introduced a linker, and generated antibodies against it. NIV was prepared from a culture of Fusarium kyushuense obtained from pressed barley through chromatographic procedures with synthetic adsorbents and silica gel. NIV was reacted with glutaric anhydride, and the reaction was stopped before mono-hemiglutaryl-NIV was changed to di-hemiglutaryl-NIV. 15-O-Hemiglutaryl-NIV was isolated via preparative HPLC and bound to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) using the active ester method. Two different monoclonal antibodies were prepared by immunizing mice with the NIV-KLH conjugate. The 50% inhibitory concentration values were 36 and 37 ng/mL. These antibodies also showed high reactivity in a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and specifically reacted with NIV and 15-acetyl-NIV but not with deoxynivalenol and 4-acetyl-NIV.
Clinical Characteristics Associated with Detected Respiratory Microorganism Employing Multiplex Nested PCR in Patients with Presumptive COVID-19 but Negative Molecular Results in Lima, Peru
Authors: Gómez de la Torre Pretell Juan Carlos , Hueda-Zavaleta Miguel , Cáceres-DelAguila José Alonso , Barletta-Carrillo Claudia , Copaja-Corzo Cesar , Poccorpachi Maria del Pilar Suarez , Delgado María Soledad Vega , Sanchez Gloria Maria Magdalena Levano , Benites-Zapata Vicente A.
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic circumstances have varied the pathogens related to acute respiratory infections (ARI), and most specialists have ignored them due to SARS-CoV-2’s similar symptomatology. We identify respiratory pathogens with multiplex PCR in samples with presumptive SARS-CoV-2 but negative RT-qPCR results. We performed a retrospective transversal study employing clinical data and nasopharyngeal swab samples from patients with suspected clinical SARS-CoV-2 infection and a negative PCR result in a private laboratory in Lima, Peru. The samples were analyzed using the FilmArray™ respiratory panel. Of 342 samples, we detected at least one pathogen in 50% of the samples. The main ones were rhinovirus (54.38%), influenza A(H3N2) (22.80%), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (14.04%). The clinical characteristics were sore throat (70.18%), cough (58.48%), nasal congestion (56.43%), and fever (40.06%). Only 41.46% and 48.78% of patients with influenza met the definition of influenza-like illness (ILI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) (characterized by cough and fever) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (characterized by fever and cough and sore throat), respectively. A higher prevalence of influenza was associated with ILI by WHO (aPR: 2.331) and ILI by CDC (aPR: 1.892), which was not observed with other respiratory viruses. The clinical characteristic associated with the increased prevalence of rhinovirus was nasal congestion (aPR: 1.84). For patients with ARI and negative PCR results, the leading respiratory pathogens detected were rhinovirus, influenza, and RSV. Less than half of patients with influenza presented ILI, although its presence was specific to the disease.
Predictors of Death in Patients with Neonatal Sepsis in a Peruvian Hospital
Authors: Vizcarra-Jiménez Dariela , Copaja-Corzo Cesar , Hueda-Zavaleta Miguel , Parihuana-Travezaño Edgar G. , Gutierrez-Flores Maykel , Rivarola-Hidalgo Marco , Benites-Zapata Vicente A.
Published: November 2022

Reducing neonatal mortality is a global challenge. This study’s objective was to determine the predictors of mortality in patients with neonatal sepsis. The study was a retrospective cohort study in a Peruvian hospital from January 2014 to April 2022. Neonates diagnosed with sepsis were included. To find predictors of mortality, we used Cox proportional regression models. We evaluated 288 neonates with sepsis; the median birth weight and hospitalization time were 3270 g and seven days, respectively. During follow-up, 18.4% did not survive, and the most common complications were jaundice (35.42%), respiratory distress syndrome (29.51%), and septic shock (12.5%). The most isolated bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae. The risk factors associated with higher mortality were prematurity (aHR = 13.92; 95% CI: 1.71–113.51), platelets <150,000 (aHR = 3.64; 1.22–10.88), creatinine greater than 1.10 (aHR = 3.03; 1.09–8.45), septic shock (aHR = 4.41; 2.23–8.74), and admission to IMV (aHR = 5.61; 1.86–16.88), On the other hand, breastfeeding was associated with a lower risk of death (aHR = 0.25; 0.13–0.48). In conclusion, we report a high incidence of death and identify clinical (prematurity, septic shock, admission to IMV) and laboratory characteristics (elevated creatinine and thrombocytopenia) associated with higher mortality in patients with neonatal sepsis. Breastfeeding was a factor associated with survival in these patients.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Tuberculosis at the County-Level in Shandong Province, China, 2016–2020
Authors: Duan Yuqi , Cheng Jun , Liu Ying , Fang Qidi , Sun Minghao , Cheng Chuanlong , Han Chuang , Li Xiujun
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that seriously endangers health and restricts economic and social development. Shandong Province has the second largest population in China with a high TB burden. This study aimed to detect the epidemic characteristics and spatio-temporal pattern of reported TB incidence in Shandong Province and provide a scientific basis to develop more effective strategies for TB prevention and control. (2) Methods: The age, gender, and occupational distribution characteristics of the cases were described. The Seasonal-Trend LOESS decomposition method, global spatial autocorrelation statistic, local spatial autocorrelation statistics, and spatial-temporal scanning were used to decompose time series, analyze the spatial aggregation, detect cold and hot spots, and analyze the spatio-temporal aggregation of reported incidence. (3) Results: A total of 135,185 TB cases were reported in Shandong Province during the five years 2016–2020. Men and farmers are the main populations of TB patients. The time-series of reported tuberculosis incidence had a long-term decreasing trend with clear seasonality. There was aggregation in the spatial distribution, and the areas with a high reported incidence of TB were mainly clustered in the northwest and southeast of Shandong. The temporal scan also yielded similar results. (4) Conclusions: Health policy authorities should develop targeted prevention and control measures based on epidemiological characteristics to prevent and control TB more effectively.
The Impact of Concomitant Diagnosis of Viral Infections on In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Hospitalized with a Diagnosis of Heart Failure in the United States: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Abbas Kirellos Said , Qureshi Adnan I. , Satchithananda Duwarakan , Borovac Josip Andelo
Published: November 2022

The impact of viral infections on patients admitted with a diagnosis of heart failure is not well understood. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Inpatient Sample in the United States to evaluate the proportion of admissions with a diagnosis of heart failure and viral infections, and we explored how viral infections had impact on in-hospital mortality and length of stay. There were a total of 20,713,539 admission records with a diagnosis of heart failure included in the analysis and 3.8% had a concomitant diagnosis of viral infection. The mean length of stay was 20.1 ± 26.9 days, 12.9 ± 13.6 days, 12.1 ± 13.8 days, and 5.1 ± 6.5 days for records with a diagnosis of cytomegalovirus, viral meningitis/encephalitis, herpes simplex infection, and no viral infection, respectively. The most common diagnoses of viral infections were influenza (n = 240,260) and chronic viral hepatitis (n = 194,400), and the highest rates of mortality were observed for records with a diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (13.2%), acute viral hepatitis (12.5%), and viral meningitis/encephalitis (11.1%). The viral infections significantly associated with increased odds of mortality were cytomegalovirus infection (OR 1.84 95% CI 1.57–2.16), acute hepatitis (OR 1.29 95% CI 1.15–1.45), and HIV (OR 1.22 95% CI 1.11–1.34). In conclusion, viral infections are co-diagnosis in 3.8% of patient records with heart failure and detection of some viruses may be important as they increase mortality and may prolong length of stay in hospital.
Network Analysis for Uncovering the Relationship between Host Response and Clinical Factors to Virus Pathogen: Lessons from SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sova Milan , Kudelka Milos , Raska Milan , Mizera Jan , Mikulkova Zuzana , Trajerova Marketa , Ochodkova Eliska , Genzor Samuel , Jakubec Petr , Borikova Alena , Stepanek Ladislav , Kosztyu Petr , Kriegova Eva
Published: November 2022

Analysing complex datasets while maintaining the interpretability and explainability of outcomes for clinicians and patients is challenging, not only in viral infections. These datasets often include a variety of heterogeneous clinical, demographic, laboratory, and personal data, and it is not a single factor but a combination of multiple factors that contribute to patient characterisation and host response. Therefore, multivariate approaches are needed to analyse these complex patient datasets, which are impossible to analyse with univariate comparisons (e.g., one immune cell subset versus one clinical factor). Using a SARS-CoV-2 infection as an example, we employed a patient similarity network (PSN) approach to assess the relationship between host immune factors and the clinical course of infection and performed visualisation and data interpretation. A PSN analysis of ~85 immunological (cellular and humoral) and ~70 clinical factors in 250 recruited patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who were sampled four to eight weeks after a PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection identified a minimal immune signature, as well as clinical and laboratory factors strongly associated with disease severity. Our study demonstrates the benefits of implementing multivariate network approaches to identify relevant factors and visualise their relationships in a SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the model is generally applicable to any complex dataset.
A Capsid Structure of Ralstonia solanacearum podoviridae GP4 with a Triangulation Number T = 9
Authors: Zheng Jing , Chen Wenyuan , Xiao Hao , Yang Fan , Li Xiaowu , Song Jingdong , Cheng Lingpeng , Liu Hongrong
Published: November 2022

GP4, a new Ralstonia solanacearum phage, is a short-tailed phage. Few structures of Ralstonia solanacearum phages have been resolved to near-atomic resolution until now. Here, we present a 3.7 Å resolution structure of the GP4 head by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The GP4 head contains 540 copies of major capsid protein (MCP) gp2 and 540 copies of cement protein (CP) gp1 arranged in an icosahedral shell with a triangulation number T = 9. The structures of gp2 and gp1 show a canonical HK97-like fold and an Ig-like fold, respectively. The trimeric CPs stick on the surface of the head along the quasi-threefold axis of the icosahedron generating a sandwiched three-layer electrostatic complementary potential, thereby enhancing the head stability. The assembly pattern of the GP4 head provides a platform for the further exploration of the interaction between Ralstonia solanacearum and corresponding phages.
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Associated Factors among Women in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alshareef Noor
Published: November 2022

Although women have been substantially affected by the pandemic, they tend to have a lower likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Research on factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among this key population is imperative. Thus, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among women in Saudi Arabia. This study was part of a larger study conducted on the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia, carried out between the 8th and 14th of December 2020. The study sample included 910 women aged 18 years and older. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses was utilized to analyze the data. Overall, 41% of the participants were willing to receive the vaccine. Participants were more willing to accept vaccination if they were 40–49 years old (OR = 2.209, 95% CI: 1.49–2.02), if they had a moderate (OR = 2.570, 95% CI 1.562–4.228) or high to very high (OR = 1.925, 95% CI 1.093–3.390) perceived likelihood of being infected with COVID-19, or if they were in favor of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for people in Saudi Arabia (OR = 64.916, 95% CI 35.911–117.351). However, participants with a high educational level (OR = 0.431, 95% CI 0.220–0.847) or who refused physician-recommended vaccines in the past (OR = 0.152, 95% CI 0.083–0.275) were less likely to accept COVID-19 vaccination. Given the low level of vaccine acceptance among women, relevant stakeholders should consider the needs and dynamics of this key population to increase vaccination uptake and to improve current and future outreach activities.
Comparing the Immunogenicity and Protective Effects of Three MERS-CoV Inactivation Methods in Mice
Authors: Kim Nayoung , Lee Tae-Young , Lee Hansaem , Yang Jeong-Sun , Kim Kyung-Chang , Lee Joo-Yeon , Kim Hyun-Joo
Published: November 2022

The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a fatal acute viral respiratory disease caused by MERS-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. To date, no vaccine has been approved for MERS-CoV despite continuing outbreaks. Inactivated vaccines are a viable option when developed using the appropriate inactivation methods and adjuvants. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective effects of MERS-CoV vaccine candidates inactivated by three different chemical agents. MERS-CoV was effectively inactivated by formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and binary ethylene imine and induced humoral and cellular immunity in mice. Although inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the lungs four days after the challenge, the immunized hDPP4-transgenic mouse group showed 100% protection against a challenge with MERS-CoV (100 LD50). In particular, the immune response was highly stimulated by MERS-CoV inactivated with formaldehyde, and all mice survived a challenge with the minimum dose. In the adjuvant comparison test, the group immunized with inactivated MERS-CoV and AddaVax had a higher immune response than the group immunized with aluminum potassium sulfate (alum). In conclusion, our study indicates that the three methods of MERS-CoV inactivation are highly immunogenic and protective in mice and show strong potential as vaccine candidates when used with an appropriate adjuvant.
Global Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Antibody Response and the Impact of Impulsive Drug Therapy
Authors: Chatterjee Amar Nath , Basir Fahad Al , Biswas Dibyendu , Abraha Teklebirhan
Published: November 2022

Mathematical modeling is crucial to investigating tthe ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The primary target area of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is epithelial cells in the human lower respiratory tract. During this viral infection, infected cells can activate innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infection. Immune response in COVID-19 infection can lead to longer recovery time and more severe secondary complications. We formulate a micro-level mathematical model by incorporating a saturation term for SARS-CoV-2-infected epithelial cell loss reliant on infected cell levels. Forward and backward bifurcation between disease-free and endemic equilibrium points have been analyzed. Global stability of both disease-free and endemic equilibrium is provided. We have seen that the disease-free equilibrium is globally stable for R0<1, and endemic equilibrium exists and is globally stable for R0>1. Impulsive application of drug dosing has been applied for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the dynamics of the impulsive system are discussed when a patient takes drug holidays. Numerical simulations support the analytical findings and the dynamical regimes in the systems.
Designing of Peptide Based Multi-Epitope Vaccine Construct against Gallbladder Cancer Using Immunoinformatics and Computational Approaches
Authors: Dar Mukhtar Ahmad , Kumar Pawan , Kumar Prakash , Shrivastava Ashish , Dar Muneer Ahmad , Chauhan Richa , Trivedi Vinita , Singh Ashutosh , Khan Eshan , Velayutham Ravichandiran , Dhingra Sameer
Published: November 2022

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive and difficult to treat biliary tract carcinoma with a poor survival rate. The aim of this study was to design a peptide-based multi-epitope vaccine construct against GBC using immunoinformatics approaches. Three proteins implicated in the progression of GBC were selected for B and T cell epitope prediction and the designing of the potential vaccine construct. Seven CTL, four HTL and six Bcell epitopes along with a suitable adjuvant were selected and connected using linkers for designing the vaccine construct. The secondary and tertiary models of the designed vaccine were generated and satisfactorily validated. A Ramachandran plot of the final 3D model showed more than 90% of the residues in allowed regions and only 0.4% in disallowed regions. The binding affinity of a vaccine construct with TLR 2, 3 and 4 receptors was assessed through molecular docking and simulation. The average numbers of hydrogen bonds for vaccine-TLR 2, 3 and 4 complexes in the simulation were 15.36, 16.45, and 11.98, respectively, and remained consistent over a 100 ns simulation period, which is critical for their function. The results of this study provide a strong basis for further evaluation through in vitro/in vivo experimental validation of the safety and efficacy of the designed vaccine construct.
RETRACTED: Sung et al. Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Receptor Binding Domain on Recombinant B. subtilis on Spore Surface: A Potential COVID-19 Oral Vaccine Candidate. Vaccines 2022, 10, 2
Authors: Sung Johnny , Liu Ying , Wu Kam-Chau , Choi Man-Chung , Ma Chloe , Lin Jayman , He Emily , Leung David , Sze Eric , Hamied Yusuf , Lam Dominic , Kwong Keith
Published: November 2022

The journal retracts the article “Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Receptor Binding Domain on Recombinant B. subtilis on Spore Surface: A Potential COVID-19 Oral Vaccine Candidate” [...]
Effect of Vaccination Time Intervals on SARS-COV-2 Omicron Variant Strain Infection in Guangzhou: A Real-World Matched Case–Control Study
Authors: Li Yufen , Guo Tong , Zhong Jiayi , Fang Chuanjun , Xiong Husheng , Hu Zengyun , Zhu Yajuan , Tan Jinlin , Liu Shuang , Jing Qinlong , Zhang Dingmei
Published: November 2022

In April 2022, a COVID-19 outbreak caused by the Omicron variant emerged in Guangzhou. A case–control study was conducted to explore the relationship between vaccination intervals and SARS-CoV-2 infection in the real world. According to the vaccination dose and age information of the cases, a 1:4 matched case–control sample was established, finally including n = 242 for the case group and n = 968 for the control group. The results indicated that among the participants who received three vaccine doses, those with an interval of more than 300 days between the receipt of the first vaccine dose and infection (or the first contact with a confirmed case) were less likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 than those with an interval of less than 300 days (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.46–0.99). After age-stratified analysis, among participants aged 18–40 years who received two doses of vaccine, those who received the second dose more than 30 days after the first dose were less likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.30–0.96). Our findings suggest that we need to extend the interval between the first dose and the second dose and further explore the optimal interval between the first and second and between the second and third doses in order to improve vaccine efficacy.
Virtual Reality Induced Symptoms and Effects: Concerns, Causes, Assessment & Mitigation
Authors: Conner Nathan O. , Freeman Hannah R. , Jones J. Adam , Luczak Tony , Carruth Daniel , Knight Adam C. , Chander Harish
Published: November 2022

The utilization of commercially available virtual reality (VR) environments has increased over the last decade. Motion sickness that is commonly reported while using VR devices is still prevalent and reported at a higher than acceptable rate. The virtual reality induced symptoms and effects (VRISE) are considered the largest barrier to widespread usage. Current measurement methods have uniform use across studies but are subjective and are not designed for VR. VRISE and other motion sickness symptom profiles are similar but not exactly the same. Common objective physiological and biomechanical as well as subjective perception measures correlated with VRISE should be used instead. Many physiological biomechanical and subjective changes evoked by VRISE have been identified. There is a great difficulty in claiming that these changes are directly caused by VRISE due to numerous other factors that are known to alter these variables resting states. Several theories exist regarding the causation of VRISE. Among these is the sensory conflict theory resulting from differences in expected and actual sensory input. Reducing these conflicts has been shown to decrease VRISE. User characteristics contributing to VRISE severity have shown inconsistent results. Guidelines of field of view (FOV), resolution, and frame rate have been developed to prevent VRISE. Motion-to-photons latency movement also contributes to these symptoms and effects. Intensity of content is positively correlated to VRISE, as is the speed of navigation and oscillatory displays. Duration of immersion shows greater VRISE, though adaptation has been shown to occur from multiple immersions. The duration of post immersion VRISE is related to user history of motion sickness and speed of onset. Cognitive changes from VRISE include decreased reaction time and eye hand coordination. Methods to lower VRISE have shown some success. Postural control presents a potential objective variable for predicting and monitoring VRISE intensity. Further research is needed to lower the rate of VRISE symptom occurrence as a limitation of use.
Soil Moisture Data Assimilation in MISDc for Improved Hydrological Simulation in Upper Huai River Basin, China
Authors: Ding Zhenzhou , Lü Haishen , Ahmed Naveed , Zhu Yonghua , Gou Qiqi , Wang Xiaoyi , Liu En , Xu Haiting , Pan Ying , Sun Mingyue
Published: November 2022

In recent years, flash floods have become increasingly serious. Improving the runoff simulation and forecasting ability of hydrological models is urgent. Therefore, data assimilation (DA) methods have become an important tool. Many studies have shown that the assimilation of remotely sensed soil moisture (SM) data could help improve the simulation and forecasting capability of hydrological models. Still, very few studies have attempted to assimilate SM data from land surface process models into hydrological models to improve model simulation and forecasting accuracy. Therefore, in this study, we used the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) to assimilate the China Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS) SM product into the MISDc model. We also corrected the CLDAS SM and assimilated the corrected SM data into the hydrological model. In addition, the effects of the 5th and 95th percentiles of flow were evaluated to see how SM DA affected low and high flows, respectively. Additionally, we tried to find an appropriate size for the number of ensemble members of the EnKF for this study. The results showed that the EnKF SM DA improved the runoff simulation ability of the hydrological model, especially for the high flows of the model; however, the simulation for the low flows deteriorated. In general, SM DA positively affected the ability of the MISDc model runoff simulation.
Calcite Dissolution and Bioneutralization of Acidic Wastewater in Biosand Reactors
Authors: Holtman Gareth Alistair , Haldenwang Rainer , Welz Pamela Jean
Published: November 2022

Acidic wastewaters such as winery wastewater require treatment to increase the pH before discharge into the environment. Biosand filters have been shown to reduce the organic load while simultaneously providing a buffering function. Previous research has shown increases in pH which was assumed to mainly take place via dissolution of calcite from the sand particles. This study investigated the possible role of biotic mechanisms for pH adjustment in sand column experiments by comparing results obtained from irradiated (biotic) and non-irradiated (biotic and abiotic) sand columns extracted from biosand filters used to treat winery wastewater. The columns were fed with either synthetic winery wastewater or filtered water (control). It was shown that the specific hydroxide concentrations in the eluant from the non-irradiated columns was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in the eluant from the irradiated columns (1.1 × 10−5 vs. 4.0 × 10−6 M/kgsand−1), indicating the presence of both biotic (average 4.5 ± 0.13%) and abiotic (average 95.5 ± 0.16%) pH increases. Using multivariate statistical tools to analyze a combination of parameters linked with biotic and abiotic pH adjustment, significant differences (ANOVA, p < 0.05) were found between the four treatment groups (irradiated/non-irradiated SWW and control) and the groups showed good clustering in cluster plots (group average) linkages, and principal component analysis plots.
Sustainable Development Scenarios in the Danube Delta—A Pilot Methodology for Decision Makers
Authors: Lazar Luminita , Rodino Steliana , Pop Ruxandra , Tiller Rachel , D’Haese Nele , Viaene Peter , De Kok Jean-Luc
Published: November 2022

The Danube Delta, the second-largest wetland in Europe, provides people with multiple ecosystem services, consisting of drinking water, food, flood protection, nutrient recycling, and recreation, as it is a complex social–ecological system. Nowadays, the area faces heavy depopulation due to its failure in achieving an equilibrium between social, economic, and environmental issues. Therefore, its resurgence is the core element of its sustainable development strategy, and particular sectors such as fishing and aquaculture, agriculture, and tourism national strategies deal individually with essential issues without considering the potential conflicts that may arise from a particular sector’s development. This study develops a complex method for decision making concerning the sustainable development of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve based on the consultation of both local and higher-level stakeholders in decision making, and the identification of social, economic, and environmental key problems. After their validation by experts, we developed a system dynamics model and ran the identified scenarios together with the stakeholders and recommended policies for the sustainable development of the area. The scenario that combines the transition towards the moderate Intensification of aquaculture with ecological agriculture and slow tourism brings a reduced impact on water quality, but measures to reduce nutrients are still recommended.
Electric Vehicle Air Conditioning System and Its Optimization for Extended Range—A Review
Authors: Jose Sherin Sam , Chidambaram Ramesh Kumar
Published: November 2022

Environmental protection initiatives are speeding up the replacement of the present IC engine-based transportation system with an electric motor-driven system. In electric vehicles (EV), energy stored in batteries is used for the traction of the vehicle and the operation of the auxiliaries. The range of the electric vehicle was identified to be one of the major challenges faced by the EV segment. The optimization of the consumption of stored energy is the best solution for range improvement in an EV. Auxiliaries in the vehicle include basic accessories such as a lighting system and equipment for improved comfort such as air conditioners. Air conditioning equipment is the major power-consuming auxiliary in an EV apart from the traction motor. This review article discusses the significance and influence of different components of the air conditioning system, and methods followed by researchers to optimize the performance and reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioning system to extend the range of vehicles. The effects of thermal load and volume of space to be conditioned were also considered in this study. This review concludes by stating the different possibilities for the reduction in power consumption and emphasizes zonal air conditioning of occupant space as a solution for reducing energy consumption or increasing the range of EVs. Compared to full-space air conditioning, zonal AC can reduce power consumption by up to 51%.
Trajectory Tracking Control of Intelligent X-by-Wire Vehicles
Authors: Wang Zixu , Li Yong , Kaku Chuyo , Zheng Hongyu
Published: November 2022

Vehicle intelligence is an effective way to improve driving safety and comfort and reduce traffic accidents. The trajectory tracking control of unmanned vehicles is the core module of intelligent vehicles. As a redundant system, the X-by-wire electric vehicle has the advantage that the turning angles and driving torque of the four wheels can be precisely controlled and it has a higher degree of controllability and flexibility. In this paper, a trajectory tracking control algorithm based on a hierarchical control architecture is designed based on x-by-wire vehicles. The hierarchical control algorithm architecture includes the trajectory tracking layer, tire force distribution layer, and actuator control layer. The trajectory tracking layer uses the longitudinal force, lateral force, and yaw moment as the control variables; the model predictive control algorithm controls the vehicle to follow the desired trajectory. The tire force distribution layer is solved by transforming the tire force distribution problem into a quadratic programming problem with constraints. Based on the expected resultant force and resultant moment, the longitudinal force and lateral force of each tire in the vehicle coordinate system are obtained. The actuator control layer converts the coordinate system to obtain the longitudinal force and lateral force in the tire coordinate system, which uses the arctangent function tire model to solve the desired tire slip angle, and then obtains the vehicle steer angle and driving torque. To verify the effectiveness of the trajectory tracking control algorithm of the hierarchical control architecture, the proposed trajectory tracking control algorithm is simulated and verified through the variable speed double line change condition and the low road friction coefficient double line change condition. The simulation results show that the control algorithm proposed in this paper has the accuracy to follow the desired trajectory.Definition:
Tip Speed Ratio Optimization: More Energy Production with Reduced Rotor Speed
Authors: Hosseini Amir , Cannon Daniel Trevor , Vasel-Be-Hagh Ahmad
Published: November 2022

A wind turbine’s tip speed ratio (TSR) is the linear speed of the blade’s tip, normalized by the incoming wind speed. For a given blade profile, there is a TSR that maximizes the turbine’s efficiency. The industry’s current practice is to impose the same TSR that maximizes the efficiency of a single, isolated wind turbine on every turbine of a wind farm. This article proves that this strategy is wrong. The article demonstrates that in every wind direction, there is always a subset of turbines that needs to operate at non-efficient conditions to provide more energy to some of their downstream counterparts to boost the farm’s overall production. The aerodynamic interactions between the turbines cause this. The authors employed the well-known Jensen wake model in concert with Particle Swarm Optimization to demonstrate the effectiveness of this strategy at Lillgrund, a wind farm in Sweden. The model’s formulation and implementation were validated using large-eddy simulation results. The AEP of Lillgrund increased by approximately 4% by optimizing and actively controlling the TSR. This strategy also decreased the farm’s overall TSR, defined as the average TSR of the turbines, by 8%, leading to several structural and environmental benefits. Note that both these values are farm-dependent and change from one farm to another; hence, this research serves as a proof of concept.
Cities in Competition: Is There a Link between Entrepreneurship and Development?
Authors: Papanikolaou Zacharias , Kefala Fani , Karelakis Christos , Theodosiou George , Goulas Apostolos
Published: November 2022

Cities operate in a competitive social environment requiring local authorities to adopt marketing strategies with significant economic ratings. City marketing that is related to the meaning of a city’s name encourages activities in the city or region. The present study adopted a quantitative survey on a sample of 152 employees in companies to explore how important marketing is perceived for a city’s development. The research was done in Trikala, a city in Greece. The key conclusion was that the more critical the participants consider the interventions in the city’s natural environment, the more they believe that the city can benefit from corporate sponsorships. Subsequently, it appeared that the more they support the interventions in the structured environment of the city, the less they consider that corporate sponsorships can benefit it. It was explained that structured interventions usually involve very high investments that require funding from the central government, as sponsorships are not enough. The most substantial positive relationship was found between the importance of interventions in employment, entrepreneurship and tourism, and the importance of business sponsorships.
Políticas públicas tecnológicas: Ventaja competitiva en el sector educación en el Estado de Tabasco
Authors: Murillo-González Gilberto , Silva-Payró Martha Patricia , Martínez-Prats German , Silva-Hernández Francisca
Published: November 2022

Sin duda alguna, nuestra sociedad sufrió un cambio radical con la emergencia sanitaria, en donde la tecnología juega un papel importante para establecer a partir de su uso las herramientas de especialización para la identificación de los escenarios de alto impacto para la implementación de tecnología para el Sector Educativo. Estos escenarios involucran proyectos tecnológicos como: e-México y México Conectado, Ciudades Conectadas, los cuales establecen los objetivos y estrategias de mejorar para el control y acceso a la información en diversos espacios públicos para el uso del Internet. Así mismo como objetivo del presente estudio se analizará la estrategia para la determinación de los sitios propuestos en último programa federal de importancia para el sector educativo, que identifica 6,763 sitios. De igual forma se explicarán las principales estrategias y de visión tecnológica de este proyecto y su vinculación con las universidades para el crecimiento tecnológico en medio de esta crisis sanitaria.
ANALISIS METODE PERBAIKAN STONE COLUMN DI TANAH PASIR LEPAS PADA ZONA POTENSI LIKUIFAKSI
Authors: Listiyanti Cardina , Setiyarto Y. Djoko , Meiwa Sherly
Published: November 2022

Likuifaksi merupakan salah satu permasalahan dalam ilmu geoteknik khususnya pada tanah pasir lepas. Metode yang digunakan untuk analisis potensi likuifaksi adalah menggunakan data nilai SPT. Pada analisis ini, likuifaksi akan terjadi jika nilai faktor keamanan yang diperoleh adalah kurang dari atau sama dengan satu (FS ≤ 1). Nilai dari FS ini dihasilkan dari perbandingan nilai tingkat tahanan tanah terhadap likuifaksi (CRR) dengan nilai tingkat pembebanan siklik yang dialami tanah akibat gempa bumi (CSR). Sehingga untuk lapisan tanah yang berpotensi likuifaksi akan dihitung besar settlement yang terjadi menggunakan grafik Tokimatsu (1987) dan grafik Ishihara (1992). Akibat Peristiwa likufaksi perlu adanya langkah dalam perbaikan tanah sehingga dampak dari fenomena likuifaksi bisa direduksi. Untuk analisis perbaikan tanah itu sendiri menggunakan metode stone column. Stone column merupakan salah satu metode perbaikan tanah yang cukup baik untuk tanah yang berpotensi likuifaksi khususnya pada tanah pasir lepas. Dalam analisisnya, stone column dapat meningkatkan nilai FS atau daya dukung tanah beserta dapat mereduksi settlement yang terjadi. Selain itu, penelitian ini juga menganalisis tentang studi parametrik Stone Column. Studi parametrik ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan dari masing-masing parameter yang ditentukan dalam perhitungan stone column terhadap nilai FS atau daya dukung tanah yang dihasilkan serta reduksi settlement yang terjadi.
ANALISIS KEHILANGAN AIR PADA SALURAN IRIGASI DAERAH IRIGASI SUDI MAMPIR KECAMATAN RANCAEKEK KABUPATEN BANDUNG
Authors: Sofandi Hadi
Published: November 2022

Daerah irigasi Sudi Mampir merupakan daerah irigasi seluas 291,61 Ha yang dilayani oleh saluran irigasi sepanjang ± 6,5 KM. Sayangnya, saluran irigasi pada daerah irigasi ini tidak dapat melayani secara maksimal yang diakibatkan oleh kehilangan air pada saluran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui berapa besar kehilangan air yang terjadi pada saluran irigasi di daerah irigasi Sudi Mampir. Penelitian langsung di lokasi untuk mendapatkan data eksperimental dilakukan dengan metode pelampung untuk mencari kecepatan dan debit saluran, serta pengolahan data iklim untuk menentukan besar kehilangan air akibat evaporasi saluran.

Kehilangan air dapat disebabkan oleh evaporasi saluran, rembesan pada saluran, serta eksploitasi saluran irigasi. Kehilangan akibat evaporasi pada seluruh saluran terjadi sebanyak 0,386 lt/dt. Kehilangan air akibat rembesan terjadi sebanyak 8,325 lt/dt untuk seluruh saluran. Kehilangan air akibat eksploitasi terjadi sebanyak 4,167 lt/dt. Khususnya ketika debit yang masuk melalui dam tidak mencukupi, kehilangan air akan memperburuk keadaan sehingga petak sawah yang berada di hilir jaringan irigasi tidak dapat dilayani dengan baik.
OPTIMIZING PT SEMEN PADANG PERFORMANCE POST-COMMERCIAL CENTRALIZATION TO THE HOLDCO
Authors: Gusman* Muhammad Hanif , Furinto Asnan
Published: November 2022

This research aims to explores the beneficial extension of the Holdco strategy and formulates the suitable meso-level strategies for PT Semen Padang. This research uses primary and secondary data collection methods, identifies the environments through generic frameworks, analyses qualitative data through thematic frameworks, and formulates the result as corporate and business strategies. According to the research, Holdco set the sales target in a top-down instruction without PT Semen Padang's interference on the procurement, marketing of cement and clinker, and supply chain functions. These functions are essential and inseparable from sales targets but withdrawn to Holdco. However, Holdco allows PT Semen Padang to develop the plant process, non-cement product, non-clinker product, and enter the non-cement business. Therefore, PT Semen Padang could fulfill the strategy gap and gain a global subsidiary mandate by building a university-industry collaboration, strengthening the vertical integration, utilizing cost-saving technologies, and the outside cement chain diversification.

Keywords : Commercial Centralization, Global Subsidiary, Collaboration, Vertical Integration, Diversification
CLOSING PRICE PREDICTION OF STOCK LISTED ON THE IRAQ STOCK EXCHANGE USING ANN-LSTM
Authors: Al-Hasnawi Salim Sallal , Al-Hchemi* Laith Haleem
Published: November 2022

Financial markets are highly reactive to events and situations, as seen by the very volatile movement of stock values. As a result, investors are having difficulties guessing prices and making investment decisions, especially when statistical techniques have failed to model historical prices. This paper aims to propose an RNNs-based predictive model using the LSTM model for predicting the closing price of four stocks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX). The data used are historical closing prices provided by ISX for the period from 2/1/2019 to 24/12/2020. Several attempts were conducted to improve model training and minimize the prediction error, as models were evaluated using MSE, RMSE, and R2. The models performed with high accuracy in predicting closing price movement, despite the Intense volatility of time series. The empirical study concluded the possibility of relying on the RNN-LSTM model in predicting close prices at the ISX as well as decisions making upon.

Keywords: Stock, LSTM, Prediction, ANN, RNN, ISX
Activation of Pancreatic Acinar FXR Protects against Pancreatitis via Osgin1-Mediated Restoration of Efficient Autophagy
Authors: Zheng Yufan , Sun Wenrui , Wang Zhengyang , Liu Jiaying , Shan Cong , He Chenxi , Li Borui , Hu Xiao , Zhu Wenjia , Liu Liyan , Lan Fei , Jiang Changtao , Zhao Chao , Li Xiaobo , Sun Ning
Published: November 2022

Pancreatitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in gastroenterology, and no medications are available for treating this disease in current clinical practice. FXR plays an anti-inflammatory role in diverse inflammatory diseases, while its function in pancreatitis remains unknown. In this study, we initially observed a marked increase of nuclear FXR in pancreatic tissues of human patients with pancreatitis. Deleting the FXR in pancreatic acinar cells (FXR

acinar
Δ
/
Δ

) led to more severe pancreatitis in mouse models of caerulein-induced acute and chronic pancreatitis, while the FXR agonist GW4064 significantly attenuated pancreatitis in caerulein or arginine-induced acute pancreatitis and caerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis. FXR deletion impaired the viability and stress responses of pancreatic exocrine organoids (PEOs) in vitro. Utilizing RNA-seq and ChIP-seq of PEOs, we identified
Osgin
1 as a direct target of FXR in the exocrine pancreas, which was also increasingly expressed in human pancreatitis tissues compared to normal pancreatic tissues. Pancreatic knockdown of
Osgin
1 by AAV-pan abolished the therapeutic effects of FXR activation on pancreatitis, whereas pancreatic overexpression of
Osgin
1 effectively alleviated caerulein-induced pancreatitis. Mechanistically, we found that the FXR-OSGIN1 axis stimulated autophagic flux in the pancreatic tissues and cell lines, which was considered as the intrinsic mechanisms through which FXR-OSGIN1 protecting against pancreatitis. Our results highlight the protective role of the FXR-OSGIN1 axis in pancreatitis and provided a new target for the treatment of this disease.