bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Experimental Study on the Influence of Louver Separation Device on the Sand Collection Efficiency of Wind Erosion Instrument
Authors: Liu Zhentong , Zhu Fengwu , Huang Dongyan , Ao Man , Ma Yunhai , Meng Xianzhang
Published: November 2024

A wind erosion instrument is a core instrument for collecting sand particles in wind and sand flows and studying the laws of wind and sand movement. To study the influence of the internal structure of the wind erosion instrument on its sand collection efficiency, a built-in louver separation device was designed. Based on CFD and Fluent 2022 software, numerical analysis was conducted using an RNG k-ε model, and the discrete phase model (DPM) method was used to calculate the sand collection efficiency. The flow field analysis of the new wind–sand separator was carried out. The influence of blade inclination angle, blade thickness, and blade number on sand collection efficiency was studied using single-factor and response surface analysis methods. The optimal parameter combination was obtained as blade inclination angle of 30°, blade thickness of 1.25 mm, and blade number of 10. A simulation model was established based on the optimal combination parameters, and the performance of the wind erosion instrument before and after the addition of the louver separation device was compared. The simulation results show that adding a louver separation device can increase static pressure, alleviate short-circuit flow and back-mixing phenomena, and stabilize the flow field; increasing tangential velocity leads to an increase in particle centrifugal force; reduce axial velocity, prolong particle stagnation time, and minimize particle escape. The particle trajectory pattern is mostly a continuous spiral path, which is conducive to capturing particles and improving sand collection efficiency. Compared with the original structure, for particles with diameters ranging from 0.001–0.05 mm, 0.005–0.01 mm, 0.01–0.05 mm, 0.05–0.1 mm, and 0.1–0.5 mm, the addition of a louver separation device increased the sand collection efficiency by 32.74%, 22.55%, 33.17%, 11.45%, and 0.13%, respectively. When the wind speed is 13.8 m/s and the diameter range is 0.001–0.5 mm, the average sand collection efficiency obtained from simulation tests and wind tunnel tests is 86.18% and 84.32%, respectively, with an error of 2.2%. The simulation results are reliable. The research results show that adding a louver separation device can improve the sand collection efficiency of the wind erosion instrument, and has better overall performance compared to the original wind–sand separator. This study provides a basis for further research on the structure of wind erosion gauges and the environmental protection of farmland. Strengthening land management can effectively protect soil resources, reduce wind erosion, ensure the stability of the ecosystem, and lay the foundation for promoting the sustainable use of land.
Rooted in Sustainability: Developing an Integrated Assessment Framework for Horticulture—The Example of Potted Plants
Authors: Knauber Luise
Published: November 2024

The increasing importance of sustainability in our society also affects horticulture. Ornamental plants are a multi-billion-euro business in Germany, with EUR 4.1 billion for potted plants, EUR 1.5 billion for fruit/ornamental shrubs as well as cut flowers and EUR 0.3 billion for flower bulbs, identifying potted plants as the largest stakeholder. In terms of sustainability, the potted plant branch in Germany is interesting due to its almost year-round production and cold winters. For example, a decision must be made as to whether a greenhouse should be heated all year round, possibly with fossil fuels, or whether cuttings should be imported from warm climate zones. In order to provide a farm manager with information about the degree of sustainability of their own production and to communicate sustainable production, an assessment method is necessary. As there is no comprehensive sustainability assessment system in German horticulture so far, especially in the field of potted plants, this study aims to fill this gap. This article reviews the state of the research of theoretical sustainability assessment. As the most important topics of sustainability assessment and as essential components of the framework, the system boundaries, indicators, base value, measurement level, target values, implementation, acceptance, data collection, assessment, aggregation and weighting, as well as communication and certification, are identified and discussed. An integrated framework for the assessment of sustainability in potted plant companies is developed.
The Integration of ICT in the Sustainable Educational Processes of Children’s Emotional Self-Regulation: A Study Contextualised in Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Times
Authors: Marín-González Freddy , Pachón Lozano Sandra Pachón , Sánchez Baez Michelle Sánchez , Senior-Naveda Alexa , Guanipa-Ramirez Luis , Pinto-Pereira Melani
Published: November 2024

This article concerns the analysis and strengthening of children’s emotional self-regulation as a key process in the sustainable and comprehensive educational development of students from 6 to 8 years of age. The objective of the present study was to design a didactic proposal for technological mediation (WhatsApp) that contributes to emotional self-regulation and underpins the sustainable education of children in the context of the prevalence of COVID-19. The research design involved documentation, field, and propositional work. Regarding the documentation design, the content analysis technique of the Institutional Educational Project and the Coexistence Project of an official educational institution located in Bogotá, Colombia, were used. Regarding the field design, the survey technique was applied through a structured questionnaire for populations made up of second grade primary school students, parents, and teachers of the institution. Among the main results, it stands out that the prevalence of COVID-19 and its post-pandemic implications have generated greater use of available technologies, such as the WhatsApp application, evidencing a positive relationship between the level of emotional self-regulation of children and its use as a didactic mediation agent. These findings serve as input for the design of the interactive TICSR-WA proposal.
A Study on the Decoupling Effect Between Economic Development Level and Carbon Dioxide Emissions: An Empirical Analysis Based on Mineral Resource-Based Cities in Southwest China
Authors: Yang Runjia , Fan Xinyue , Peng Jia , Cao Jiaqi , Li Liang , Feng Tingting
Published: November 2024

Mineral resource-based cities (MRBCs) refer to cities with mining and processing of mineral resources as the main industry, so there is a close relationship between their economic development and resource consumption. However, this relationship often hinders its rapid transition towards economic diversification and low-carbon models. Based on quantifying the economic index level of 18 MRBCs in southwest China, this paper has employed the Tapio elasticity coefficient method (Tapio model) and Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC curve) to analyze the decoupling effect between the economic index and carbon dioxide. After the deep research of the “decoupling” phenomenon and its dynamic changes between economic development and carbon emissions, this paper has aimed to explore a low-carbon transformation path suitable for each city. The research results have indicated that: (1) The overall trend of carbon dioxide emissions is increasing, but the growth rate is gradually slowing down, effectively controlling the situation of carbon dioxide emissions. (2) The economic index level shows an upward trend, and the growth rate gradually increases, which signifies a positive trend in economic development. (3) The decoupling effect began in MRBCs in southwest China in 2013, and the decoupling effect was achieved in 2019.
Multi-Energy Coupling Load Forecasting in Integrated Energy System with Improved Variational Mode Decomposition-Temporal Convolutional Network-Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Model
Authors: Liu Xinfu , Liu Wei , Zhou Wei , Cao Yanfeng , Wang Mengxiao , Hu Wenhao , Liu Chunhua , Liu Peng , Liu Guoliang
Published: November 2024

Accurate load forecasting is crucial to the stable operation of integrated energy systems (IES), which plays a significant role in advancing sustainable development. Addressing the challenge of insufficient prediction accuracy caused by the inherent uncertainty and volatility of load data, this study proposes a multi-energy load forecasting method for IES using an improved VMD-TCN-BiLSTM model. The proposed model consists of optimizing the Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) parameters through a mathematical model based on minimizing the average permutation entropy (PE). Moreover, load sequences are decomposed into different Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) using VMD, with the optimal number of models determined by the average PE to reduce the non-stationarity of the original sequences. Considering the coupling relationship among electrical, thermal, and cooling loads, the input features of the forecasting model are constructed by combining the IMF set of multi-energy loads with meteorological data and related load information. As a result, a hybrid neural network structure, integrating a Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) with a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) network for load prediction is developed. The Sand Cat Swarm Optimization (SCSO) algorithm is employed to obtain the optimal hyper-parameters of the TCN-BiLSTM model. A case analysis is performed using the Arizona State University Tempe campus dataset. The findings demonstrate that the proposed method can outperform six other existing models in terms of Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Coefficient of Determination (R2), verifying its effectiveness and superiority in load forecasting.
Structural Design and Optimization of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Ejector
Authors: Jiang Hangyu , Zhao Zhou , Ni Peiyong
Published: November 2024

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) produce electrical energy using hydrogen as an energy source, characterized by enhanced energy conversion efficiency and diminished emissions, contributing to the sustainable development of energy. The hydrogen ejector is essential for improving the hydrogen utilization efficiency in PEMFCs. In this study, the theoretical design and simulation optimization of a hydrogen ejector used for a hydrogen fuel cell are performed in order to improve the efficiency of the hydrogen ejector. According to Sokolov’s design method, the dimensions of the ejector nozzle and mixing chamber were calculated. A three-dimensional fluid simulation model of the ejector was established, and the accuracy of the model was verified by the experimental results. The influences of the nozzle outlet distance, the mixing chamber diameter, the length–diameter ratio of the mixing chamber, and the nozzle curvature on the ejector ratio were studied under multiple working conditions, and the optimal structural size of the ejector was obtained to satisfy the working conditions. It was found that the maximum ejector ratio of 1.21 could be achieved at a nozzle exit distance of 9 mm, a mixing chamber diameter of 7 mm, a mixing chamber length–diameter ratio of 9, and a nozzle curvature of 0.02. This work can provide some insights into the relationship between the structural parameters and performance of hydrogen ejectors.
How to Evaluate the Operating Performance of Mid-Deep Geothermal Heat Pump Systems (MD-GHPs): A Study on a Multistage Evaluation Index System
Authors: Peng Chenwei , Deng Jiewen , Li Sishi , Guo Xiaochao , Su Yangyang , Wang Yanhui , Qiang Wenbo , Ma Minghui , Wei Qingpeng , Zhang Hui , Xie Donglin
Published: November 2024

Mid-deep geothermal heat pump systems (MD-GHPs) use mid-deep borehole heat exchangers (MDBHEs) to extract heat from the geothermal energy at a depth of 2–3 km, and have been used for space heating in China over the last decade. This paper proposes a comprehensive and multilevel evaluation-index system to analyze and evaluate the energy performance of MD-GHPs. The multilevel evaluation index system consists of a target layer, a criterion layer, and an index layer, where the criterion layer is subdivided into six aspects and the index layer includes 26 specific indices, reflecting the geothermal resources, heat transfer performance of the MDBHEs, energy efficiency of the heat pump systems, building space heating demand, grid dynamic response capability, and energy-saving and economic benefits. Then, based on both expert survey results and case study data, the entropy weight method and the analytic hierarchy process are integrated to determine indicator weight coefficients among the multilevel evaluation indices, comprehensively considering both subjective and objective analyses. Furthermore, a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model is conducted to integrate these weighted indices into a multi-criteria evaluation of MD-GHP performance. Finally, the proposed method was applied to evaluate the practical performance of four projects, returning scores of 61.56, 58.33, 72.73, and 78.41. These evaluations enable an overall assessment of the energy performance of MD-GHPs, reflecting the technical weaknesses and offering optimization guidance for system design and operation.
Effects of Biochar and Organic Acid Addition on Phosphorus State and Yield of Cotton Field Under Different Phosphate Fertilizer Application Rates
Authors: Zhang Nan , Li Jun
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of biochar and organic acid on soil phosphorus effectiveness, plant accumulation phosphorus absorption, yield composition, and phosphorus equilibrium under different phosphorus fertilizer dosage conditions. Using the field test method, different phosphate fertilizer dosage treatments (0, 50, 100, 150 kg P2O5/ha) were set, and a control group, biochar (BC), and organic acid (OA) addition treatment were set up on this basis. During the experiment, the soil fast-acting phosphorus, accumulated phosphorus absorption, and cottonseed yield of cotton were measured, and the utilization of phosphorus fertilizer and phosphorus surplus were calculated. The results showed that the addition of biochar and organic acid significantly improved the soil phosphorus content, plant accumulation phosphorus absorption, cottonseed yield, and phosphate fertilizer utilization. In particular, in terms of plant accumulation of phosphorus absorption, cottonseed production and phosphate fertilizer utilization, biochar was better than organic acids, increasing by 10.2%, 0.29%, and 0.21%, respectively. Under the conditions of phosphorus fertilizer loss, the addition of biochar can effectively improve the effectiveness of phosphorus in soil and regulate the absorption and distribution of phosphorus in cotton, thus promoting the yield of cottonseed. In summary, the addition of biochar has important application potential in phosphorus management in cotton fields, which can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of cotton fields in Xinjiang. The results provide a reference for the rational use and management of phosphate fertilizer in cotton fields and promote the sustainable development of agriculture.
An Exploration of the Relationship Between Digital Village Construction and Agroecological Efficiency in China
Authors: Yang Xinglong , Wang Yunuo , Jin Xing
Published: November 2024

Whether digital village construction can effectively promote agriculture’s green development is essential for modernizing agriculture and rural areas. Using panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2011 and 2022, this study empirically examines the relationship between digital village construction and agroecological efficiency and explores its mechanism of action and threshold effect, contributing to the exploration of agricultural digitization and sustainable development. This study shows that (1) AEE is positively associated with digital village construction; (2) the positive association size varies in regions and construction levels; (3) agricultural land transfer and technological innovation play a mediating role in the positive effect; and (4) there is a single threshold value for the positive effect of digital village construction, and after crossing the threshold value, its marginal effect shows a positive and increasing nonlinear characteristic. This study enhances our comprehension of digital village development to advance agroecological efficiency and offers theoretical insights and policy recommendations for optimizing the rural digital infrastructure and fostering sustainable agricultural growth.
Collaborative Optimization Scheduling of Source-Network-Load-Storage System Based on Ladder-Type Green Certificate–Carbon Joint Trading Mechanism and Integrated Demand Response
Authors: Wang Zhenglong , Wu Jiahui , Kou Yang , Zhang Menglin , Jiang Huan
Published: November 2024

To fully leverage the potential flexibility resources of a source-network-load-storage (SNLS) system and achieve the green transformation of multi-source systems, this paper proposes an economic and low-carbon operation strategy for an SNLS system, considering the joint operation of ladder-type green certificate trading (GCT)–carbon emission trading (CET), and integrated demand response (IDR). Firstly, focusing on the load side of electricity–heat–cooling–gas multi-source coupling, this paper comprehensively considers three types of flexible loads: transferable, replaceable, and reducible. An IDR model is established to tap into the load-side scheduling potential. Secondly, improvements are made to the market mechanisms: as a result of the division into tiered intervals and introduction of reward–penalty coefficients, the traditional GCT mechanism was improved to a more constraining and flexible ladder-type GCT mechanism. Moreover, the carbon offset mechanism behind green certificates serves as a bridge, leading to a GCT-CET joint operation mechanism. Finally, an economic low-carbon operation model is formulated with the objective of minimizing the comprehensive cost consisting of GCT cost, CET cost, energy procurement cost, IDR cost, and system operation cost. Simulation results indicate that by effectively integrating market mechanisms and IDR, the system can enhance its capacity for renewable energy penetration, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve green and sustainable development.
Long-Term Hydropower Plant Scheduling Considering Environmental and Economic Criteria
Authors: Myateg Tatiana , Mitrofanov Sergey , Xi Chen , Sekretarev Yuri , Safaraliev Murodbek , Volosatov Roman , Arestova Anna , Gulakhmadov Aminjon
Published: November 2024

This article is devoted to planning water-energy regimes for hydropower plants, taking into account economic and ecologic criteria. A new methodology based on a probabilistic model of water inflow has been proposed. The probabilistic method requires the calculation of low-water and average-water year typical hydrographs based on the probability curve. This allows the determination of the guaranteed hydropower plant generation schedule with a month time-step. According to the method considered, the mathematical model of the reservoir filling and normal power station operation has been designed. The software for the automated water-energy mode calculation is presented in this paper. The economic feasibility of maximum replacement of thermal power plants in the energy system with more environmentally friendly hydropower plant is substantiated. The methodology of water resources cost calculation and economic efficiency assessment under various hydropower plant regime scenarios have been proposed in the paper. Using the data and characteristics of HPPs and TPPs, an assessment of energy efficiency will be obtained in accordance with the developed methodology to determine the price of water for HPPs and all participants in the water management complex. The results of the implementation of the developed approach indicate that the price of electricity sales in a competitive electricity market can be brought into line with the price of electricity sales generated by thermal power plants, which increases the economic feasibility of the maximum replacement of thermal power plant capacity in the system with more economical and environmentally friendly hydropower plant. The developed method allows for an increase in the efficiency of water resources use and the efficiency of hydropower plant participation in the energy balance, which makes it possible to displace part of the power generated by thermal power plants.
Unlocking the Potential of Construction Governance: Developing Participants’ Capability Scale
Authors: Zheng Zhizhe , Su Yikun , Liu Junhao
Published: November 2024

There is a consistent lack of consensus on critical elements in the study of construction governance. To advance the practice and theoretical development of project governance, this paper aims to construct a scale for the governance capabilities of participants in construction projects. By employing agency theory, stakeholder theory, resource dependence theory, and transaction cost economics, this study examines the governance capabilities of participants in construction projects and conceptualizes a comprehensive framework for governance capabilities. Based on post-positivism, the triangulation method was used to collect data, and the Governance Capability Scale was developed through a pre-survey and formal research. The research findings identify governance capabilities across eight dimensions and 47 measurement items, encompassing business, finance, human resources, learning and innovation, marketing, organizational management, project management, and procurement. The scale has satisfactory applicability. Among these constructs, only organizational management is negatively correlated with the other constructs. The findings significantly clarify capability constructs in construction governance, aiding project managers in achieving refined management during construction. Essentially, this study advances the knowledge base of project governance. This contribution not only supports the theoretical development of governance practices but also promotes high-quality development in the construction industry.
Bitcoin Trend Prediction with Attention-Based Deep Learning Models and Technical Indicators
Authors: Lee Ming-Che
Published: November 2024

This study presents a comparative analysis of two advanced attention-based deep learning models—Attention-LSTM and Attention-GRU—for predicting Bitcoin price movements. The significance of this research lies in integrating moving average technical indicators with deep learning models to enhance sensitivity to market momentum, and in normalizing these indicators to accurately reflect market trends and reversals. Utilizing historical OHLCV data along with four key technical indicators (SMA, EMA, TEMA, and MACD), the models classify trends into uptrend, downtrend, and neutral categories. Experimental results demonstrate that the inclusion of technical indicators, particularly MACD, significantly improves prediction accuracy. Furthermore, the Attention-GRU model offers computational efficiency suitable for real-time applications, while the Attention-LSTM model excels in capturing long-term dependencies. These findings contribute valuable insights for financial forecasting, providing practical tools for cryptocurrency traders and investors.
Leveraging Digital Technologies for Public Health Education in High-Density Community Spaces: A Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Liu Ting , Luo Yiming , Pang Patrick Cheong-Iao , Xia Yuanze
Published: November 2024

Public health education (PHE) plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of public health crises, particularly in the context of high-density and aging populations. This study aims to address the challenges posed by these demographic trends in community public service spaces (CPSSs) by integrating geospatial and population data. Using bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis, this research investigates the relationship between PHE and social determinants of health across 40 CPSSs in Macao. Additionally, it highlights the underutilization of digital technologies (DTs) in PHE. A non-participatory, short-term field survey and observational study were conducted to analyze PHE data quantitatively and descriptively in Macao’s CPSSs. Moran’s I and LISA index were used to test spatial autocorrelation at 90% and 99% confidence levels. The results revealed significant positive spatial correlations between the distribution of community public service institutions (CPSIs) and the population in southern Macao, as well as between the elderly population and PHE themes and formats. PHE topics predominantly focus on health/fitness, geriatrics, chronic diseases, and mental health. Despite this, PHE remains heavily reliant on offline formats, with limited integration of DTs. Challenges such as low digital literacy and limited acceptance of DTs among community workers and the public hinder their broader adoption. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the allocation of health education resources in densely populated and aging urban areas, offering both practical recommendations and theoretical support for health policy making and implementation.
Protocol for Identifying and Retaining Critical Knowledge in a Public Health Administration
Authors: Arimany-Serrat Núria , Antentas-Peraile Maria , Tarrats-Pons Elisenda
Published: November 2024

The Secretary of Public Health (SSP) faces a looming skills gap due to retirements and rotations of civil service staff. Critical knowledge retention is crucial across all generational cohorts due to the retirement and turnover of workers. This study develops a protocol that addresses the knowledge retention needs of the four generations (Baby Boomers, X, Y, Z) that coexist in the workforce to ensure the continuity of the Public Health Secretariat. The objective of the study is to develop a protocol for the management, transfer, and retention of critical knowledge. A scoping review is conducted in Scopus and Web of Science to develop the protocol, to identify critical knowledge workers through tool scores. The instrument developed in this research includes two pilots on Baby Boomer and Millennial workers. Both workers had critical and essential knowledge for the continuity of the organisation. The Baby Boomer worker presented a higher amount of tacit, operational, and individually owned knowledge, while the Millennial worker showed a predominance of tacit technological knowledge. This protocol provides a practical and adaptable approach to identifying and prioritising critical knowledge holders, allowing organisations to map and determine the amount of essential knowledge within the workforce. An important limitation of the study is the small sample of workers who participated in the pilot test of the protocol. Further research is therefore recommended in other public administrations and across all generations in employment.
Effects of Co-Exposure to Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene, Polymorphisms of microRNA Genes, and Their Interactions on Genetic Damage in Chinese Petrochemical Workers
Authors: Li Shuangqi , Liao Xiaojing , Ma Rui , Deng Na , Wu Haimei , Zhang Zhaorui , Chen Liping , Wang Qing , Liao Qilong , Li Qianxi , Ouyang Xinyi , Xiao Yongmei , Deng Qifei
Published: November 2024

Benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) co-exist in human environments, yet their individual and combined effects on genetic damage at low exposure levels are not fully understood. Additionally, single nucleotide polymorphisms in microRNAs (mirSNPs) might be involved in cancer etiology by affecting the related early health damage. To investigate the influence of BTX exposure, mirSNPs, and their interactions on genetic damage, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 1083 Chinese petrochemical workers, quantifying the BTX cumulative exposure levels and multiple genetic damage biomarkers. Additionally, we genotyped multiple common mirSNPs. Benzene and a BTX mixture were positive associated with the olive tail moment (OTM) and tail DNA% (p < 0.05). Higher levels of toluene and xylene enhanced the association of benzene with genetic damage levels. Genotypes and/or mutant allele counts of miR-4482-related rs11191980, miR-4433-related rs136547, miR-27a-related rs2594716, miR-3130-related rs725980, and miR-3928-related rs878718 might significantly influence genetic damage levels. Stronger effect estimates of benzene/BTX exposure were found in carriers of miR-196a-2-related rs11614913 heterozygotes and of wild homozygotes of miR-1269b-related rs12451747, miR-612-related rs12803915, and miR-4804-related rs266437. Our findings provide further support of the involvement of BTX co-exposure, mirSNPs, and their gene–environment interactions in determining the severity of DNA strand break in a complex manner.
65 Years on—Aflatoxin Biomarkers Blossoming: Whither Next?
Authors: Kensler Thomas W. , Eaton David L.
Published: November 2024

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and several other related organisms and are common contaminants of numerous grains and nuts, especially maize (corn) and peanuts. Although, undoubtedly, aflatoxins have been present in the food of humans for millennia, their toxic effects were not discovered until 1960, first becoming evident as a non-infectious outbreak of poisoning of turkeys (Turkey X disease) arising from contaminated groundnut meal. The elucidation of specific chemical structures in 1963 led to the rapid characterization of aflatoxins as among the most potent chemical carcinogens of natural origin ever discovered. As a frontispiece to the Special Issue “65 Years on from Aflatoxin Discovery—A Themed Issue in Honor of Professor John D. Groopman”, we highlight many of Professor Groopman’s important contributions utilizing urinary (aflatoxin–N7–guanine) and, especially, serum (aflatoxin–albumin adducts) biomarkers; this work focused on over 40+ years of the development of analytical methods to measure biomarkers of aflatoxin exposure and their application in experimental and clinical studies. Collectively, this work serves as a template for using chemical-specific biomarkers as key tools to probe ‘exposure–disease relationships’—in this instance, dietary aflatoxins and liver cancer. New approaches to measuring carcinogen biomarkers will build upon this ‘aflatoxin paradigm’ to inform the public health implications of diverse exposures around the world.
Sindbis Virus Replicon-Based SARS-CoV-2 and Dengue Combined Vaccine Candidates Elicit Immune Responses and Provide Protective Immunity in Mice
Authors: Zhu Yihan , He Wenfeng , Hu Rui , Liu Xiahua , Li Mengzhu , Liu Yuan
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Since its emergence in 2019, the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 led to the global pandemic. Recent large-scale dengue fever outbreaks overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased cases of co-infection and posing severe public health risks. Accordingly, the development of effective combined SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus (DENV) vaccines is necessary to control the spread and prevalence of both viruses. Methods: In this study, we designed Sindbis virus (SINV) replicon-based SARS-CoV-2 and DENV chimeric vaccines using two delivery strategies: DNA-launched self-replicating RNA replicon (DREP) and viral replicon particle (VRP) systems. Results: Cellular and animal experiments confirmed that the vaccines effectively produced viral proteins and elicited strong immunogenicity. These vaccines induced robust immune responses and neutralizing activity against live SARS-CoV-2, DENV1, and DENV2 viruses. In addition, passively transferred sera from BALB/c mice immunized with these vaccines into AG129 mice provided significant protection against lethal DENV2 challenge. The transferred sera protected the mice from physical symptoms, reduced viral loads in the kidney, spleen, liver, and intestine, and prevented DENV2-induced vascular leakage in these tissues. Conclusions: Therefore, combined vaccines based on the SINV replicon system are promising candidates for pandemic control. These results lay a foundation for further development of a safe and effective combination vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and DENV.
Unlocking the Potential of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Water Management Focusing Operational Applications
Authors: Jayakumar Drisya , Bouhoula Adel , Al-Zubari Waleed Khalil
Published: November 2024

Assessing diverse parameters like water quality, quantity, and occurrence of hydrological extremes and their management is crucial to perform efficient water resource management (WRM). A successful WRM strategy requires a three-pronged approach: monitoring historical data, predicting future trends, and taking controlling measures to manage risks and ensure sustainability. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques leverage these diverse knowledge fields to a single theme. This review article focuses on the potential of AI in two specific management areas: water supply-side and demand-side measures. It includes the investigation of diverse AI applications in leak detection and infrastructure maintenance, demand forecasting and water supply optimization, water treatment and water desalination, water quality monitoring and pollution control, parameter calibration and optimization applications, flood and drought predictions, and decision support systems. Finally, an overview of the selection of the appropriate AI techniques is suggested. The nature of AI adoption in WRM investigated using the Gartner hype cycle curve indicated that the learning application has advanced to different stages of maturity, and big data future application has to reach the plateau of productivity. This review also delineates future potential pathways to expedite the integration of AI-driven solutions and harness their transformative capabilities for the protection of global water resources.
Indonesia's Diplomatic Strategy in Optimizing the Potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the Global Digital Economy Map
Authors: Putri Sylvia Octa , Adibowo Rino , Nurrahman Diyat , Nurahmat Ilham , Andini Diva Priti
Published: November 2024

This article aims to analyze Indonesia's diplomatic strategy in optimizing the potential of the internet of things on the global digital economy map. To this end, researchers elaborated on Indonesia's diplomatic strategy in optimizing the potential of the internet of things on the global digital economy map as a diplomatic tool in improving economic relations with other countries, implementing challenges. Researchers use qualitative methods by collecting literature studies, documentation studies, and internet searches. The results of this study found that the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in global economic mapping greatly affects economic growth in Indonesia, especially with the Nongsa Park project that allows all to be well integrated, and this project can also attract many investors to invest in the project
Global Policy and Advocacy Initiatives for Improving Kidney Care
Authors: Wainstein Marina , Tiv Sophanny , Arruebo Silvia , Caskey Fergus J. , Damster Sandrine , Donner Jo-Ann , Gouda Zaghloul , Jha Vivekanand , Levin Adeera , Nangaku Masaomi , Saad Syed , Ye Feng , Okpechi Ikechi G. , Bello Aminu K. , Johnson David W. , Luyckx Valerie A.
Published: November 2024

Background:

National strategies to address chronic kidney disease (CKD) are crucial to support kidney health. Lack of political support in the form of policy decisions and funding leads to fragmentation of kidney care and catastrophic health expenditure. This study used data from the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) to obtain a global overview of the existence and reach of national strategies for kidney care.

Methods:

We leveraged data from an international survey of stakeholders (clinicians, policymakers, and patient advocates) conducted by the ISN between July and September 2022. Data were extracted on existence and scope of national non-communicable disease (NCD) and/or CKD-specific strategies and policies, as well as recognition of kidney disease as a national health priority through participant perception and existence of CKD advocacy groups.

Results:

Overall, stakeholders from 167 countries responded to the survey representing 97.4% of the global population. National strategies for NCDs were reported by 56% of countries. In 29% of countries CKD was addressed within an NCD strategy while 25% of countries reported CKD-specific strategies. Countries with CKD-specific strategies were more likely to address all CKD populations (non-dialysis dependent CKD, chronic dialysis and kidney transplantation) compared to those with NCD strategies only (51.2% versus 19%). Of the 54% of countries with any CKD strategy 89% reported public funding of the full spectrum of CKD care compared to 64% of those with no CKD strategy. KF, CKD and AKI were reported to be recognized as national health priorities by 63%, 48% and 19% of countries respectively.

Conclusions:

The inclusion of CKD and kidney failure within national health strategies is frequently lacking. Countries with CKD-specific policies tend to include a broader spectrum of kidney disease populations and to fund kidney care more than those with CKD policies integrated within NCD strategies. Greater global and national prioritization of kidney health are required to reduce global inequities in access to kidney care.
Factores de Riesgo del Síndrome Dificultad Respiratoria de Origen Pulmonar en el Recién Nacido.
Authors: Medina Calle Christian Vicente , Gaibor German Gianella , Cedeño Cedeño Gigi
Published: November 2024

El Síndrome de Distres respiratorio (SDR) es una enfermedad que afecta al sistema respiratorio e influye en la adaptación del feto a la vida extrauterina haciéndolo más vulnerable. Con estas bases, se inició un estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal descriptivo, en un grupo de pacientes que ingresaron a la Unidad de (UCIN) del Hospital General Guasmo Sur en el mes de agosto del 2023 en el cual se registró un total de 10 neonatos con dificultades de origen pulmonar, el sexo que predominó era el masculino, el tipo de parto fue cesárea electiva y partos prematuros, además de tener en cuenta los antecedentes de las madres que predominaba el diagnóstico rotura prematura de membrana (RPM) seguido por las madres con hábitos tóxicos, luego del análisis de los datos, se concluye que el factor de riesgo que contribuye al mayor índice de morbilidad es la Rotura prematura de membranas (RPM). Obteniendo la conclusión que los RN a término nacidos por cesárea programada presentan mayor riesgo que los nacidos por parto normal, por estos casos es imprescindible estandarizar acciones de enfermería sobre los cuidados aplicados en RN con SDR.
Challenges and innovations in mathematics learning in high school education: The perspective of a group of teaching students.
Authors: Tomala Vergara Christian , Cuenca Flores Nerie
Published: November 2024

The teaching process of mathematics is one shrouded in various social taboos, both from the perspective of students and of professional educators. This research work seeks to determine the perspectives and opinions of a group of university students on the difficulties and challenges of teaching this subject in the high school area. For this, through a mixed evaluation of their perspectives of common cases, it was possible to determine that the problems of disinterest, frustration and academic disparities are everyday situations in high school studies, which end up appearing to be difficult and annoying for the average student to study, but which can be solved through development strategies between teachers and virtual tools according to the context in which they are found.
Educación para la paz: estado del arte de cultura de paz, discusión de las teorías y producción científica
Authors: Loyola Alvarado Octavio
Published: November 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es distinguir el avance sobre Educación para la Paz asociado a Métodos alternativos de resolución de conflictos (MARC) en Ecuador, por medio de un Estado del Arte que abarque las investigaciones realizadas entre el 2016 al 2020, para promoverla como asignatura en el Currículo oficial a través de la identificación de las diferencias entre paz y conflicto, por medio del análisis de escritos académicos sobre educación para la paz y la descripción de la noción de las principales teorías relacionadas con Cultura de Paz. El modelo de educación tradicional y su currículo enfocan sus objetivos en el desarrollo de destrezas y competencias. Bajo esta perspectiva, el conflicto es asumido como algo negativo. No toma en cuenta la violencia estructural ligada a las relaciones de poder entre docentes y estudiantes. Debido a ello se insiste en un enfoque positivo e integral del conflicto, donde se busca transformarlo en no violencia, pero a la vez conlleve un análisis crítico a la violencia estructural en las relaciones de poder. Esto permitirá la construcción de un ambiente de convivencia pacífica donde los conflictos se abordan desde la mediación y los demás Métodos alternativos de resolución de conflictos.
La competitividad como fundamento estratégico para el desarrollo económico de Venezuela
Authors: Rodríguez Lissirt Miguel
Published: November 2024

Con la presente investigación se buscó valorar la competitividad como fundamento del desarrollo económico y su relevancia dentro del desarrollo económico de Venezuela, desde la política pública para el fomento de los sectores productivos e industriales. Mediante un estudio de corte cualitativo – documental y descriptivo, en base al análisis del plan nacional de desarrollo en sus diferentes versiones desde 2000-2023. Estimando que la economía de Venezuela ha experimentado cambios significativos desde 1958, con diferentes modelos de desarrollo aplicados. A pesar de sus potencialidades y el aporte petrolero, el crecimiento económico ha decrecido, generando una depresión económica que afecta la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos y dificulta el desarrollo económico y social del país. Como también, que la competitividad económica necesita la colaboración de Estado, Empresarios y Trabajadores, con planificación estratégica para crecer y diversificar.
A apropriação privada do Centro Histórico da cidade de Salvador
Authors: Gomes Valladão Solange
Published: November 2024

Esse trabalho investiga a recente mudança de paradigma na gestão pública do patrimônio histórico, do Centro Histórico de Salvador, que passou de governos que investiam em uma revitalização modelada para o turismo (1990 a 2015), para governos que buscam modelos jurídico-financeiros modelados para a irrestrita exploração do local pelo grande capital privado (2016-2022), tratando seus bens materiais, paisagísticos e imateriais como ativos financeiros. O marco interpretativo dessa mudança foi identificado a partir da eleição do novo governo federal brasileiro, em 2019, que, por suas características de extrema-direita, acaba por revelar um inesperado alinhamento político com os governos locais (estadual e municipal) de linha esquerda e centro-direita (respectivamente), nas ideias que apresentou para a gestão dos bens culturais, dando assim mais clareza às tramas desse processo em nível local. Essa mudança segue em curso a despeito das urgentes demandas sociais que a cidade apresenta e da crescente mobilização do movimentos sociais presentes no local. A contribuição deste trabalho é dar mais consciência crítica desse processo, fortalecendo a ideia do patrimônio histórico como bem público e apoiar a militância dos movimentos sociais, uma vez que, mesmo com outra conjuntura política nacional, as articulações realizadas na gestão anterior seguem seu curso.
Comparison of Scab Warning Systems in Integrated Apple Production
Authors: Holb Imre
Published: November 2024

In the present study, the suggestions for infection risk and sprays of the most frequently used PC-based scab warning systems (RIMpro and WELTE) and the conventionally used Mills table as a reference were compared in integrated apple production. The efficacy of the spraying programs based on the three different warning systems was evaluated by assessment of apple scab incidences during primary infection periods.13 and 11 Mills infection periods were detected in 2000 and 2001, respectively, during primary infection periods (from 15 March until 5 June). Taking into consideration the heaviness of Mills infection periods, 11 and 9 sprays were applied in 2000 and 2001, respectively. The two PC-based scab warning systems detected 1-4 less infection periods and suggested 1-3 less sprayings compared to the numbers of infection periods and sprays according to the Mills table. Our results proved that the 9-11 sprays according to the Mills table could be reduced to 7-9 sprays by RIMpro scab warning systems which did not reduce the efficacy and did not increase the symptoms of leaf and fruit scab significantly. The WELTE scab warning systems detected generally one or two more infection periods and suggested one additional spray compared to RIMpro warnings and sprays.
Characteristics of Land Use and Plant Production in Transcarpathia
Authors: Taraczközi Kamilla
Published: November 2024

The character of plant cultivation and animal husbandry in different parts of Transcarpathia, are mostly determined by the location of a given region. Usually, four zones are delineated: 1. lowlands; 2. foothills and volcanic remains zone; 3. inter-mountainous subsidence and deep valley; 4. mountain zone.In county this zone divides quite visibly. By studying the soil, climatic conditions and plants, it is not difficult to see that the vertical zones play a major role in their characteristics and formations. If we go from lower to higher elevations, we can observe the qualitative difference in the environment and, of course, in the character of agriculture.Environmental pollution is a global problem of our age. In agriculture, the most important thing is to preserve the ideas of sustainable development, because only these can ensure the protection of production resources, which will ensure the continuous production of agricultural products. Present environmental conditions pose a more problematic challenge to agriculture.
Rural development possibilities of certain small regions of the schengen zone
Authors: Pásztor Szabolcs
Published: November 2024

The recession after the political changes in Hungary dramatically hit the cross-border regions which economies were neglected even in the communist times. In this paper I focused on the introduction of four small regions near the Hungarian-Ukranian border. I tried to analyse the aptitude of this regions and the capability of joining the cross-border co-operation. According to my analysis, these small regions are facing exceptionally serious, partly interited and new emerging problems as far as the employment, the qualification of labour, the standard ofinfrastructure are concerned. These problems even deteriorate the further development possibilities. I also focused on the most imminent development tasks facing the small regions falling behind.
The analysing of value measuring features of Hungarian speckled hen
Authors: Benk Ákos , Vidács Lajos , Baginé Hunyadi Ágnes , Mucsi Imre
Published: November 2024

Our College has been dealing with the crossbreeding of two Hungarian speckled hen breeds, the bare-neck and the featheredneck, to maintain the breeds since 1977. Apart from the gene preservation, we endeavour to find the best way for the production-purpose utilisation of the speckled hen stock. On the basis of our experiments the laying hens can be used in small-scale egg production. As for meat production, these pure-breds cannot compete with the various types of the colour-feathered hybrid constructions available in Hungary. On the basis of the results of the cross-breeding with cock-lines of various hybrid types for direct production purposes we can conclude that the Hungarian speckled hen is suitable as a mother line to produce meat-type chickens in alternative breeding systems.