bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstracts of the 50th Conference Synthesis and Analysis of Drugs
Authors: Marvanová Pavlína , Padrtová Tereza , Opatřilová Radka , Pazourek Jiří , Mikuš Peter
Published: January 2023

The paper is dedicated to the research output presented at the jubilee 50th edition of the international scientific conference Synthesis and Analysis of Drugs 2022 (SAL), which was organized and hosted by the Faculty of Pharmacy of Masaryk University in Brno. Since its launch in 1971, when Jozef Čižmárik from the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Comenius University in Bratislava started organizing SAL, significant progress in medicinal chemistry has been documented every year through the experimental works of researchers from different scientific institutions, both universities and academies of sciences as well as companies. We must point out long-term guest of SAL, Miroslav Protiva, co-founder of the antihistamine dosulepin and antiemetic moxastine-teoclas. As already mentioned, SAL 2022 was held at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Brno, which has been part of the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences for 25 years but became part of Masaryk University in 2021. Hence, the year 2022 was unique not only because of the 50th anniversary of this meeting but also for this year’s conference was the first within this institution. What topics were discussed among SAL conference participants? The meeting addressed all issues related to drug research—their design, preparation, analysis, and detection methods, as well as their biological activity studies, ADME studies, etc. The multidisciplinary character of the research, including topics on pharmaceutical technology and innovative dosage form investigation, was an additional value of the conference and its outcomes. We would like to thank the organization team and all participants for both high-quality research presentations resulting in the output of this paper and for the informal and friendly atmosphere.
Cascading Pose Features with CNN-LSTM for Multiview Human Action Recognition
Authors: Malik Najeeb ur Rehman , Abu-Bakar Syed Abdul Rahman , Sheikh Usman Ullah , Channa Asma , Popescu Nirvana
Published: January 2023

Human Action Recognition (HAR) is a branch of computer vision that deals with the identification of human actions at various levels including low level, action level, and interaction level. Previously, a number of HAR algorithms have been proposed based on handcrafted methods for action recognition. However, the handcrafted techniques are inefficient in case of recognizing interaction level actions as they involve complex scenarios. Meanwhile, the traditional deep learning-based approaches take the entire image as an input and later extract volumes of features, which greatly increase the complexity of the systems; hence, resulting in significantly higher computational time and utilization of resources. Therefore, this research focuses on the development of an efficient multi-view interaction level action recognition system using 2D skeleton data with higher accuracy while reducing the computation complexity based on deep learning architecture. The proposed system extracts 2D skeleton data from the dataset using the OpenPose technique. Later, the extracted 2D skeleton features are given as an input directly to the Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) architecture for action recognition. To reduce the complexity, instead of passing the whole image, only extracted features are given to the CNN-LSTM architecture, thus eliminating the need for feature extraction. The proposed method was compared with other existing methods, and the outcomes confirm the potential of the proposed technique. The proposed OpenPose-CNNLSTM achieved an accuracy of 94.4% for MCAD (Multi-camera action dataset) and 91.67% for IXMAS (INRIA Xmas Motion Acquisition Sequences). Our proposed method also significantly decreases the computational complexity by reducing the number of inputs features to 50.
The Dual Nature of Opportunity Structures Amid the Global Pandemic
Authors: Kovacheva Siyka , Rambla Xavier
Published: January 2023

We are living at a time of educational expansion in most parts of the world, which creates new opportunity structures for young people [...]
Chemical and Structural Comparison of Different Commercial Food Supplements for Silicon Uptake
Authors: Curto Yannic , Koch Marcus , Kickelbick Guido
Published: January 2023

Various food supplements for silicon uptake were compared in terms of their structures and chemical compositions. In particular, we analyzed the silanol group content, which can be an indicator of the uptake of the siliceous species in the human body. We analyzed the commercial products Original Silicea Balsam®, Flügge Siliceous Earth Powder, Pure Colloidal Silicon, and BioSil® by applying various methods such as FTIR, 29Si NMR, and TGA. The Si-OH group content of the samples containing pure silica was the highest for the Original Silicea Balsam followed by the Pure Colloidal Silicon. The siliceous earth powder revealed the lowest content of such groups and the densest structure. BioSil® contained a considerable concentration of organic molecules that stabilized orthosilicic acid. The study may help to understand the silicon uptake behavior of different food supplements depending on their chemical structure.
Restorative Effects of Park Visiting on Physiology, Psychology, and Society and the Factors Influencing Park Visiting
Authors: Gong Yangyang , Mamat Zulpiya , Shi Lei , Liu Fenglin
Published: January 2023

Park visits are beneficial for people’s physical and psychological health, as well as for the development of social relationships. This study investigated the degree of recovery of physical, psychological, and social aspects of residents in different types of parks and the influence of socio-demographic factors, personal factors, residential space attributes, and park characteristics on park visitation. The results show that tourists visiting urban parks have higher physiological and social recovery than those visiting suburban parks and that there are significant differences. Physical exercise, rest and relaxation, and spending time with family and children were the three most prevalent factors influencing park visits, while time constraints were the most important reason why residents failed to use parks. Socio demographics, residential spatial attributes, individual variables, and park characteristics explained 13.6%, 16.7%, 4.6%, and 2.9% of the total variance in park visit frequency, respectively. Residential green space, age, children under age seven, time spent in residential green space, willingness to spend time in nature, greenery, maintenance, and amenities were positively associated with park use. Income, education, home price, and distance from home to the park were negatively associated with park use. These findings have implications for park management and for future research.
Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels for Harvesting Water from Humid Air: A Review
Authors: Li Simeng , Hernandez Samuel , Salazar Natalia
Published: January 2023

Despite the shrinkage of water availability worldwide, the water demand has been climbing due to the rapidly increasing human population and the impacts of numerous hydroclimatic factors. To feed the growing population and meet with the exigent need for freshwater, new water sources must be identified and utilized. In recent years, biopolymer-based hydrogels have been explored as a sustainable and inexpensive solution to capture moisture from humid air for water supply. This review summarizes recent advances in the preparation of atmospheric water harvesting hydrogels that are synthesized based on cellulose, chitosan, and/or other biopolymers, as well as their agricultural applications. The properties and performance of different biopolymer-based hydrogels are discussed and compared. Since agriculture accounts for more than 70% of the water consumption, developing a cost-effective hydrogel-based atmospheric water harvesting/supply system could be a promising solution for relieving the elevating water stress in arid and semi-arid regions.
Spatial Analysis on the Variances of Landslide Factors Using Geographically Weighted Logistic Regression in Penang Island, Malaysia
Authors: Zulkafli Syaidatul Azwani , Abd Majid Nuriah , Rainis Ruslan
Published: January 2023

Landslides are one of the common natural disasters involving mostly movement of soil surfaces associated with gravitational attraction. Their adverse losses and significant damage, which always result in at least 17% of casualties and billions of dollars of financial losses worldwide, have made landslides the third most notorious phenomenon devastating many parts of the world. Malaysia has had multiple landslide occurrences, particularly in highly urbanized areas, such as Penang Island, owing to the declining vegetation cover in hilly terrains. Thus, this study aims to delineate the spatial relationship variances between landslide occurrences and the influencing factors in the area of interest. Ten influencing factors considered, including distance to roads, distance to rivers, distance to faults, slope angle, slope aspect, curvature, rainfall annual average, lithology, soil series, and land use. In this study, we use a software (GWR 4.0) as a medium for the analysis processing, coupled with GIS. A local statistical technique, Geographically Weighted Logistic Regression (GWLR), is primacy in capturing the geographical variation of the model coefficients that considers non-stationary variables and models their relationships, as well as processes regression coefficients over space. Goodness-of-fit criteria were used to evaluate the GWLR model, namely AICc that decrease from 872.202167 to 800.856998. Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) shows a decrease in value from 925.784185 to 945.196942. Likewise, deviance decreased from 849.931675 to 739.175630, while pdev increased from 0.379457 to 0.460321. These goodness-of-fit criteria values express GWLR as the best model for local measure. The variances in both local parameter estimates and the t-values (negative and positive values) show the level of significance for each landslide factor in influencing landslide occurrences across the study area. The results of the local parameter estimates and the t-values also show that the slope angle and the slope aspect spatially affect landslide occurrences across the study area. Therefore, a proper perspective and a thorough understanding of the certain slope condition must be established for future mitigation actions to support the agenda of SDG 15, which promotes resilience and disaster risk reduction.
The Influence of Selected Material Variables of Photocatalytic Cementitious Composites on the Self-Cleaning Properties and Air Purification Efficiency from NOx Pollutants
Authors: Kalinowski Maciej , Chilmon Karol , Jackiewicz-Rek Wioletta , Rakowski Błażej
Published: January 2023

This work aimed to investigate the influence of selected material variables on the self-cleaning and air purification efficiency in NOx pollutants of cement-based photocatalytic composites. Tests were performed on cement mortars, with seven independent variables considered: the mass ratio between cement and quartz powder to sand, the water to cement ratio, the total mass amount of photocatalysts (two different types), the mass content of nanoparticulate silica, the percentage of quartz powder replacing part of cement, and the ratio between two sands of fine granulation. Photocatalytic cementitious materials had their self-cleaning properties tested via two methods (spectrophotometry—the degradation of rhodamine B under UVA irradiation, and the change in the contact angle—via a goniometer). Air purification properties were tested in the reaction chamber under UVA and visible light at low irradiance (0.2 W/m2 for UVA, 150 W/m2 for visible). It was found that TiO2 content and the mass ratio between cement and quartz powder to sand were the most influential variables within the selected ranges of variability, with the ratio between sands and quartz content being the least significant variable of the tested properties.
Grafting Technology with Locally Selected Eggplant Rootstocks for Improvement in Tomato Performance
Authors: Latifah Evy , Antarlina Sri Satya , Sugiono Sugiono , Handayati Wahyu , Mariyono Joko
Published: January 2023

Grafting technology is one of the best alternatives to mitigate limiting factors to tomato production (Solanum lycopersicum L). The study aimed to assess grafting combinations of tomato scions and rootstocks of eggplant (S. melongena L.) varieties Gelatik, EG203 line, and Takokak (S. torvum Sw.). Tomato varieties Cervo, Karina, and Timoty were used as scions. The grafted Cervo and Timoty yielded 30% more than non-grafted plants. The results show that grafted tomatoes suppressed disease incidence by more than 20%. The suppression resulted in higher shelf-life capacity and total dissolved solids of more than 10%, red colour intensity (a+) of more than 16%, lycopene content, fruit hardness level of more than 20%, and reduced water content by more than 1%. Vitamin C content was not affected by grafting technology. There is the potential for economic performance in the market for producers and consumers. Grafting technology in tomatoes using eggplants as rootstock could reduce disease incidence and improve agronomic aspects, product quality, and nutrient contents. Different cultivars of scions and rootstock showed different responses. Grafting technology could be disseminated to farmers for economic advantages during the off-season.
Regional Corruption, Foreign Trade, and Environmental Pollution
Authors: Chen Suisui , Liu Xintian , Wang Shuhong , Wang Peng
Published: January 2023

As an effective means and an important guarantee for environmental pollution management in China, enhancing the level of foreign openness and reducing the level of regional corruption, respectively, the successful implementation of both are key steps in determining the future development of China’s transformation of trade development and green transformation. This paper attempts to systematically examine the mechanisms of regional corruption and foreign trade on environmental pollution from both theoretical and empirical levels. Using the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2004 to 2017, this study constructs a dynamic panel model with a one-stage pollution index. The system GMM is used to verify the relationship between corruption, trade, and the environment. Empirical results show that corruption reduces investment in environmental governance, R&D, and the introduction of environmental technology, and it increases environmental pollution by reducing the implementation and control of environmental policies. After excluding the effect of corruption on trade, foreign trade is conducive to the improvement of environmental pollution. Meanwhile, the intensification of corruption on pollution will be weakened with increased openness; that is, China’s expansion of foreign trade is beneficial to attenuating the pollution effect of corruption on the environment. These findings suggest that expanding trade will ultimately improve the environment and even mitigate the negative impact of corruption on the environment. Therefore, China should dredge the channel of factor flow, give full play to the vitality of market players, strictly investigate corruption, and encourage opening up.
How Can We Stabilize Soil Using Microbial Communities and Mitigate Desertification?
Authors: Dhawi Faten
Published: January 2023

The desert, which covers around one-third of Earth’s continental surface, is defined as the harshest terrestrial environment and comprises a highly extensive biome of the terrestrial ecosystem. Microorganisms are key drivers that maintain the integrity of desert terrestrial ecosystems. Over the past few decades, desertification has increased owing to changes in rainfall patterns and global warming, characterized by land degradation, loss of microbial diversity (biocrust diversity), and multifunctionality with time. Soil stabilization is a geotechnical modality that improves the physiochemical properties of the soil. Biological modality is an emerging method that attracts the scientific community for soil stabilization. Enriching the soil with microorganisms such as some bacteria geniuses (Cystobacter, Archangium, Polyangium, Myxococcus, Stigmatella and Sorangium, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Proteus, Micrococcus, and Pseudom) or Cyanobacteria (Oscillatoria pseudogeminata, Chroococcus minutus, Phormidium Tenue, and Nostoc species), and Lichens (Collema sps., Stellarangia sps., and Buellia species) might contribute to stabilizing the soil and mitigating desertification. In this timeline review article, we summarize the biological method of soil stabilization, especially focusing on the role of microorganisms in soil stabilization in the desert.
Power Quality Enhancement of Grid-Connected Renewable Systems Using a Matrix-Pencil-Based Active Power Filter
Authors: Chahine Khaled , Tarnini Mohamad , Moubayed Nazih , El Ghaly Abdallah
Published: January 2023

Power electronic converters are used for integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic into the grid. This integration gives rise to many challenges in power systems, especially regarding power quality. Indeed, integrated systems generate a non-linear current full of harmonics, which degrades power quality. Active power filters are usually used to compensate for these harmonics at the point of common coupling. In the control of active power filters, harmonics need to be extracted from the non-linear current. In this paper, the matrix pencil method―a model-based technique for estimating parameters of exponentially damped or undamped sinusoids in noise―is proposed to extract the reference signal in shunt active power filter applications. The performance of the proposed matrix pencil method is studied for current harmonic compensation and power factor correction under different modulation schemes and two DC links: an external DC voltage source and a capacitor. Using a capacitor for the DC link requires not only including a proportional-plus-integral controller to maintain a constant capacitor voltage, but also accounting for the loss current in the formulation of the matrix pencil method. Compared with the instantaneous reactive power theory and synchronous reference frame, results obtained from simulated data using MATLAB/Simulink under different loading conditions show that the proposed method corrects the power factor and affords a lower source current total harmonic distortion and fast response.
How Did the Pandemic Affect Our Perception of Sustainability? Enlightening the Major Positive Impact on Health and the Environment
Authors: Khalaf Ahmad Taha , Wei Yuanyuan , Wan Jun , Abdul Kadir Samiah Yasmin , Zainol Jamaludin , Jiang Hua , Abdalla Ahmed N.
Published: January 2023

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 virus 2 (COVID-19) virus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on 9 January 2020, the entire world has been exceptionally interested in examining the impact of this pandemic on people and the environment. The pandemic led to unprecedented measures to halt air traffic and close factories due to lockdowns, economic closures, and the stopping of transportation of all kinds. The decline in the use of coal by power plants, oil refining, and steel manufacturing had a beneficial effect on air pollution and caused a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the concept of sustainability has become more prevalent, reflecting the increasing awareness of the responsibility placed on every member of society. Sustainability is the quality and quantity of change that meets our needs without destroying the giving planet, which is the hope for the survival of future generations. We summarized and discussed the studies and research documenting these effects on the environment and health worldwide to come up with objective conclusions, and to draw some recommendations and concepts about the importance of sustainability. The significance of this article lies in that it aims to briefly review some of the positive and negative impacts observed and reported during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on health and the planet’s environment for the duration of April 2020–October 2022, and finally discuss the challenges and prospects to endorse planet sustainability. While COVID-19 had many beneficial effects on the planet’s recovery, there were also profound effects on health due to the disease itself. Government and policymakers must take measures to prevent this environmental healing process from being transient.
Public Behavior in Urban Parks during Pandemics as a Foundation for Risk Assessment by Park Managers: A Case Study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Daghistani Farouk
Published: January 2023

Accessing parks without transmitting viruses would ensure not depriving people of parks’ health benefits during pandemics. This study attempts to develop a practical tool for park managers to assess the risk of contracting respiratory contagious illnesses, decide on meaningful mitigation measures, and monitor the effect of these measures. The assessment is based on the spatial and temporal behaviors of users at each park open space type (POST), particularly the behaviors that may impact the risk of illness transmission. The researcher created a checklist, including five factors relating to users: physical distancing, density, duration of stay, percentage of users wearing masks, and frequency of surface touch; then, the implementation of the tool was demonstrated by selecting a sample zone from Jeddah waterfront park, Saudi Arabia, while COVID-19 was active. User behavior data were collected at the POSTs of the sample zone, using behavioral mapping and tracking methods. After analyzing the data using ArcGIS Desktop and SPSS Statistics software, the data were used to fill out the composed checklist to assess the risk at POSTs. The findings indicated that the waterfront railing area, playground, and pier were the POSTs with the highest risk. By using the checklist, park managers can contribute to the success of non-pharmaceutical mitigation interventions at a local scale.
Is Cycling Safe? Does It Look like It? Insights from Helsinki and Barcelona
Authors: Martínez-Díaz Margarita , Arroyo Rosa
Published: January 2023

Cycling constitutes a clean, healthy, and low-cost mode of transport. Therefore, the promotion of cycling is currently one of the main goals of administrations around the word. Former studies have shown that safety perception plays a fundamental role in the acceptance of bikes as a habitual mode of transport. In this context, this research aims to determine which variables and actions can give rise to this feeling of safety and, therefore, collaborate in the modal shift towards a more sustainable mobility. For this purpose, different strategies have been developed in two different contexts, Helsinki and Barcelona, using two different methodologies, namely expert interviews and analysis of survey data. Particularly, the methodology of analysis used includes descriptive statistics and path analysis. Results point out that safety perception highly depends on trip purpose, as significant differences are observed for daily users compared to those who cycle for sport reasons. Demographic characteristics (age, gender, etc.) and use patterns are also associated with different perceptions of safety and different behaviors. However, for any cyclist, the quality of the available infrastructure significantly influences his/her safety perception. Thus, the provision of good quality and well-structured cycling infrastructure is the most important initiative to promote cycling.
Analysis of How Green Growth and Entrepreneurship Affect Sustainable Development: Application of the Quintuple Helix Innovation Model in the African Context
Authors: Quacoe Dinah , Kong Yusheng , Quacoe Daniel
Published: January 2023

The global energy transformation is moving forward slowly, along with the continent of Africa. Although the momentum developed thus far is encouraging, there is an increasing need for transformative solutions to lessen climate change and its effects on the continent. In this article, we analyze the connection between green growth, entrepreneurship, and their effects on sustainable development in South Africa using the Quintuple Helix Innovation Model (QHIM). Hence, the purpose of the study is to foster the need for entrepreneurship and green growth for sustainable development. The quintuple helix model’s (QHIM) theoretical premise that the natural environment of society and the economy are the two fundamental factors behind innovation and the understanding that a knowledge economy requires sustainable growth are mainly supported by our findings. We accomplish this study by determining which entrepreneurial and green growth dimensions should be prioritized, respectively. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) and generalized linear model (GLM) we examine the association. We measured green growth with two main indicators which are environmental resource productivity and natural capital. Entrepreneurship was measured using entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial attitudes. Our findings revealed that more attention needs to be geared towards natural capital and entrepreneurial activity in South Africa. Decision-makers and the government will utilize the study’s findings as a guide for the zealous implementation of stated policies; recommendations are also highlighted in this study.
Screening Wild Pepper Germplasm for Resistance to Xanthomonas hortorum pv. gardneri
Authors: Tóth Zoltán Gábor , Tóth Máté , Fekete Sándor , Szabó Zoltán , Tóth Zoltán
Published: January 2023

Bacterial spot disease on peppers is caused by four species of the genus Xanthomonas. This disease causes black spot lesions not only on the leaves but also on the fruit, leading to yield and quality loss. Xanthomonas species cause major disease outbreaks in tropical, subtropical and humid continental regions worldwide. Bacterial blight caused by xanthomonads occurs on both greenhouse- and field-grown peppers and is particularly important in areas characterized by hot and humid environmental conditions. As pesticides are currently not sufficiently effective in the control of bacterial spot, the development of pepper varieties resistant to Xanthomonas species, including X. hortorum pv. gardneri, is of primary importance for sustainable production. In our research, 119 lines of Capsicum baccatum from the USDA ARS gene bank (Griffin, GA) and MATE (Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences) were tested against strains of X. hortorum pv. gardneri under greenhouse conditions. Four accessions of the wild pepper species C. baccatum appeared to be resistant to seven strains of X. hortorum pv. gardneri in greenhouse trials. The resistant genotypes of X. hortorum pv. gardneri identified in this study can be used for the resistance gene pyramidation against different bacterial spotted Xanthomonas species in pepper.
Extraction and Characterisation of Maltene from Virgin Asphalt as a Potential Rejuvenating Agent
Authors: Al-Saffar Zaid Hazim , Yaacob Haryati , Al Jawahery Mohammed S. , Yousif Salim T. , Satar Mohd Khairul Idham Mohd , Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra , Radeef Hassanain Radhi , Eltwati Ahmed Salama , Shaffie Ekarizan
Published: January 2023

The wide application of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is hindered due to the highly brittle nature of the material, which contributes a major factor towards cracking-related distresses. While the utilisation of rejuvenating agents has been shown to enhance the flexibility of RAP, they also trigger certain negative effects on the performance of asphalt mixtures. In view of this, potential rejuvenators should be able to alter the rheological properties of asphalts to limit fatigue issues and enhance the potential of low-temperature cracking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possibility of extraction and characterisation of maltene from virgin asphalt (VA) as a potential rejuvenating agent in RAP. Several physicochemical characteristics were examined, including density, viscosity, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, CHNS elemental analysis, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Finally, the stiffness modulus characteristics of the different types of asphalt binders were evaluated at low and high temperatures. The results demonstrated that maltene was successfully extracted from VA using petroleum ether. In addition, the GC–MS showed that the extracted maltene contained polar and non-polar compounds with low molecular weights compared to VA. Furthermore, the spectra curve of maltene was very similar to that of asphalt, indicating its compatibility with asphalt binder and prospective use. Finally, adding maltene to aged asphalt decreased stiffness values to 0.0063, 0.0499, and 0.0108 MPa, which are equivalent to VA values (0.0061, 0.0481, and 0.0104 MPa) at loading times of 1.0, 0.1, and 0.55 s, respectively. Meanwhile, the stiffness modulus characteristics at low temperature were restored with the addition of maltene.
Measurement and Influencing Factors of Carbon Emissions of China’s Livestock Husbandry in the Post-COVID-19 Era—Based on the Supply-Side Perspective
Authors: Hao Guoming , Zhu Honghui , Cui Yechen
Published: January 2023

The strategy of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” and the COVID-19 pandemic have become dual challenges for the high-quality development of livestock husbandry. This paper takes the carbon emissions in China’s livestock husbandry as the research object and uses the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 coefficient to measure the total carbon emissions and carbon intensity of the industry in 2008–2019. Taking the above two elements as explained variables respectively and using the two-way fixed effects model (FE-TW) that controls time and space effects, this paper specifically examines the effects of various factors in the supply side of livestock husbandry on the explained variables, and further examines the role of technology structure and scale structure. According to our measurement, total carbon emissions showed an inverted U-shaped change and carbon intensity declines in an M-shaped curve during the study period. Both total carbon emissions and carbon intensity are composed mainly of CH4 that is primarily generated by grass-fed livestock industries with spatial distribution patterns of “hill” and “cliff”, respectively, while the spatial expression of these two factors is related to the distribution of grain areas. As the test on supply side factors shows, the carbon emissions of livestock husbandry are apparently affected by its land structure, breeding structure, technical level and scale level, but the impact of the level of human capital and mechanization is not as significant as that of technological structure and scale structure. Combining the empirical results and the special background of the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper aims to provide more targeted suggestions for livestock husbandry development and carbon reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic period. It also aims to offer a reference for the promotion of green and high-quality development of livestock husbandry and the completion of the task of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. This study will help policy makers to clarify the goal of reducing carbon emissions in animal husbandry and optimize and improve the corresponding industrial and technological policies.
Education Beats at the Heart of the Sustainability in Thailand: The Role of Institutional Awareness, Image, Experience, and Student Volunteer Behavior
Authors: Raza Mohsin , Khalid Rimsha , Ivascu Larisa , Kasuma Jati
Published: January 2023

The grim effects of COVID-19 have widely obstructed every sector of life, and the education sector is not an exception. The physical meeting restrictions, lockdowns, social distancing, and movement control orders increased the dropouts of students in educational institutes. These dropouts compromised the contribution of the educational sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) and worsened the economic situation. The spike of COVID-19 shaped a curve of fears, and students are clueless as to how to mitigate its affects. Therefore, this study proposes an implication of a rare phenomenon termed as student volunteering behavior. Student volunteering behavior has the capacity to turn existing students into advocates of the institute, a great assistance to attract potential students and bring back the dropout students. This study suggests that educational institutes in Thailand should provide a better experience to students, strengthen the institute’s image, and make students aware of their services. Their memorable experiences of institutional services will enhance students’ loyalty and urge them to exhibit volunteering behavior. The result of this study indicates significant fallout of institute experience and image to student loyalty and to the student volunteering behavior. However, the study unveiled insignificant results of the relationship between institute awareness to the student loyalty and student volunteering behavior. Furthermore, the study proposes directions for further studies based on the rarer limitations.
Willingness of Saudi Adults to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose
Authors: Alshahrani Najim Z. , Ridda Iman , Rashid Harunor , Alzahrani Faris , Othman Lujain Mohammed Bin , Alzaydani Hassan Ali
Published: January 2023

Background: COVID-19 vaccine booster dose hesitancy amongst the Saudi Arabia population is a concern. The objectives of the study were to explore the Saudi public’s willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose and identify the factors affecting their willingness. Methods: From December 2021 to March 2022, an online cross-sectional survey using an anonymous, structured, and self-administered questionnaire was conducted among members of the Saudi public aged ≥18 years who did not receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Results: Of the 2101 respondents, 86.8% expressed a willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age (18 to 25 years) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.54; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.14–5.74), being single (aOR = 2.85; 95% Cl = 1.42–5.72), and prior receipt of an influenza vaccine (aOR = 2.45; 95% Cl = 1.80–3.34) were significantly associated with participants’ willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Having a bachelor’s degree or above (aOR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.81–0.99) and not following COVID-19 news (aOR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.52–0.89) were associated with a significant likelihood of having no intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Conclusions: Most Saudi people were willing to have the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, with age and prior influenza vaccination as the predictors; paradoxically, a university-level qualification was a barrier.
Metal Oxide Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes for Effective Dye Degradation and Sustainable Photocatalysis
Authors: Jagadeesh Babu Veluru , Abdul Haroon Rashid Syed Sulthan Alaudeen , Sundarrajan Subramanian , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: January 2023

The fabrication of metal oxide nanofibers using (titanium (IV) isopropoxide) and (tin (IV) tert-butoxide) of weight ratio 1:1 precursor in presence of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) as a binder using a well-known electrospinning technique is reported. The average diameter of TiO2, SnO2, and composite TiO2-SnO2 nanofibers were found to be in the range 75–110 nm. The nanofibers were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to understand the polymer evaporation temperature and further analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the morphology of the nanofibers. The oxidation states of titanium (Ti) and tin (Sn) ions were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), indicating that the TiO2 undergoes a change even after loading SnO2. The photocatalytic efficiency of the composite TiO2-SnO2 fibers was investigated to study the degradation capabilities under ultraviolet (UV) light towards industrial polluting dyes such as Alcian Blue, Alizarin Red S, Bilirubin, Brilliant Blue, Bromophenol Blue, and Rhodamine B ITC. Rhodamine B showed a significant degradation rate of about 0.0064 min−1 in comparison to the other dyes.
Special Issue: Advances in Mechanics and Control
Authors: Prado Antonio Fernando Bertachini de Almeida
Published: January 2023

The topic of mechanics and control is very important nowadays, with many applications in several fields, such as space research and the modeling of viruses [...]
A Comparative Study of Fractional Partial Differential Equations with the Help of Yang Transform
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Yasmin Humaira , Shah Rasool , Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong
Published: January 2023

In applied sciences and engineering, partial differential equations (PDE) of integer and non-integer order play a crucial role. It can be challenging to determine these equations’ exact solutions. As a result, developing numerical approaches to obtain precise numerical solutions to these kinds of differential equations takes time. The homotopy perturbation transform method (HPTM) and Yang transform decomposition method (YTDM) are the subjects of several recent findings that we describe. These techniques work well for fractional calculus applications. We also examine fractional differential equations’ precise and approximative solutions. The Caputo derivative is employed because it enables the inclusion of traditional initial and boundary conditions in the formulation of the issue. This has major implications for complicated problems. The paper lists the important characteristics of the YTDM and HPTM. Our research has numerous applications in the disciplines of science and engineering and might be seen as a substitute for current methods.
Black String Bounce to Traversable Wormhole
Authors: Lima Arthur Menezes , de Alencar Filho Geová Maciel , Furtado Neto Job Saraiva
Published: January 2023

In this work, a regular black string solution is presented from the method used by Simpson–Visser to regularize the Schwarzschild solution. As in the Simpson–Visser work, in this new black string solution, it is possible to represent both a regular black hole and a wormhole simply by changing the value of a parameter “a” used in its metric. Tensors and curvature invariants are analyzed to verify the regularity of the solution as well as the energy conditions of the system. It is found that the null energy condition is always violated for the entire space. An additional analysis of the thermodynamic properties of the regular black string is carried out, in which the modifications generated about the original solution of the black string are evaluated, specifically, the Hawking temperature, entropy, its thermal capacity, and the Helmholtz free energy. Finally, we investigate the possible stable or unstable circular orbits for photons and massive particles. The results are compared with those for the non-regular black string, seeking to make a parallel with the Simpson–Visser work.
Enabling Mobility: A Simulation Model of the Health Care System for Major Lower-Limb Amputees to Assess the Impact of Digital Prosthetics Services
Authors: Rajah Jefferson K. , Chernicoff William , Hutchison Christopher J. , Gonçalves Paulo , Kopainsky Birgit
Published: January 2023

The World Health Organization estimates that 5 to 15% of amputees in any given population have access to a prosthesis. This figure is likely to worsen as the amputee population is expected to double by 2050, straining the limited capacity of prosthetics services. Without proper and timely prosthetic interventions, amputees with major lower-limb loss experience adverse mobility outcomes, including the loss of independence, lowered quality of life, and decreased life expectancy. Presently, the use of digital technology in prosthetics (e.g., 3D imaging, digital processing, and 3D printed sockets) is contended as a viable solution to this problem. This paper uses system dynamics modeling to assess the impact of digital prosthetics service provision. Our simulation model represents the patient-care continuum and digital prosthetics market system, providing a feedback-rich causal theory of how digital prosthetics impacts amputee mobility and the corollary socio-health-economic outcomes over time. With sufficient resources for market formation and capacity expansion for digital prosthetics services, our work suggests an increased proportion of prosthesis usage and improved associated health-economic outcomes. Accordingly, our findings could provide decision support for health policy to better mitigate the accessibility problem and bolster the social impact of prosthesis usage.
A New Decision-Making Strategy for Techno-Economic Assessment of Generation and Transmission Expansion Planning for Modern Power Systems
Authors: Refaat Mohamed M. , Aleem Shady H. E. Abdel , Atia Yousry , Zahab Essam El Din Aboul , Sayed Mahmoud M.
Published: January 2023

Planning for the intensive use of renewable energy sources (RESs) has attracted wide attention to limit global warming and meet future load growth. Existing studies have shown that installing projects such as transmission lines, energy storage systems (ESSs), fault current limiters, and FACTs facilitate the integration of RESs into power systems. Different generation and transmission network expansion planning models have been developed in the literature; however, a planning model that manages multiple types of projects while maximizing the hosting capacity (HC) is not widely presented. In this paper, a novel planning framework is proposed to enhance and control the HC level of RESs by comparing various kinds of renewables, ESSs, fault current limiters, and FACTs to choose the right one, economically and technically. The proposed problem is formulated as a challenging mixed-integer non-linear optimization problem. To solve it, a solution methodology based on a developed decision-making approach and an improved meta-heuristic algorithm is developed. The decision-making approach aims to keep the number of decision variables as fixed as possible, regardless of the number of projects planned. While an improved war strategy optimizer that relies on the Runge-Kutta learning strategy is applied to strengthen the global search ability. The proposed decision-making approach depends primarily on grouping candidate projects that directly impact the same system state into four separate planning schemes. The first scheme relies on the impedance of devices installed in any path to optimally identify the location and size of the new circuits and the series-type FACTs. The second scheme is based on optimally determining the suitable types of ESSs. On the other hand, the third scheme optimizes the reactive power dispatched from the ESSs and shunt-type FACTs simultaneously. The fourth scheme is concerned with regulating the power dispatched from different types of RESs. All of the simulations, which were carried out on the Garver network and the 118-bus system, demonstrated the ability of the investigated model to select the appropriate projects precisely. Further, the results proved the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed method in obtaining high-quality solutions in fewer runs compared to the conventional method.
High-Speed Rails and City Innovation System: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Gu Jiafeng
Published: January 2023

The rapid development of high-speed rail has markedly shortened the travel time from one city to another. However, the impact of space–time compression brought about by high-speed rail on city innovation has not received sufficient attention. This paper examines the space–time compression phenomenon produced by high-speed railway networks and its impact on city innovation from 2000 to 2019 using a sample of 279 Chinese prefecture-level cities. The empirical results show that there was a strong space–time compression during this period. The development of high-speed rail can promote city innovation. However, the construction of high-speed rail also produces a siphon effect, which accelerates the convergence of innovative elements in cities with stronger innovation capabilities. Nevertheless, it has a negative spillover effect on cities with weaker innovation capabilities. Finally, policy recommendations for promoting the balanced development of city innovation and recommendations for future research are presented.
Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Hair as a Bioindicator for the Environmental Presence of Toxic and Trace Elements
Authors: Draghi Susanna , Agradi Stella , Riva Federica , Tarhan Duygu , Bilgiç Bengü , Dokuzeylül Banu , Ercan Alev Meltem , Or Mehmet Erman , Brecchia Gabriele , Vigo Daniele , Arioli Francesco , Di Cesare Federica , Curone Giulio
Published: January 2023

The return to pasture use as an alternative to intensive livestock farming implies some risks with the lack or the excessive presence of potentially toxic elements; in this regard, wild animals have been used as bioindicators for decades. Thus, the purpose of this study is quantifying Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Al, Fe, and Mg in fur from roe deer and understanding if it is a valid bioindicator tool. Hair was collected from 39 hunted roe deer and divided by age (<36 months old/≥36 months old), sex (male/female), and area of origin (urbanized/rural area). The mean concentrations of Fe, Mg, Mn, Al, Cr, and Pb were higher (p < 0.05) in the urbanized group; the mean levels of Mg and Cr were higher (p < 0.05) in older animals; and Cu, Fe, Mg, Cd, and Cr showed a higher accumulation in females. Our findings showed an age-related variation of elements, with higher concentrations in adult animals and females. In conclusion, our findings prove that hair is a valid matrix for this type of survey, and wild animals are good bioindicators for monitoring the presence of trace elements in pastures.
Predicting of Daily PM2.5 Concentration Employing Wavelet Artificial Neural Networks Based on Meteorological Elements in Shanghai, China
Authors: Guo Qingchun , He Zhenfang , Wang Zhaosheng
Published: January 2023

Anthropogenic sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) threaten ecosystem security, human health and sustainable development. The accuracy prediction of daily PM2.5 concentration can give important information for people to reduce their exposure. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and wavelet-ANNs (WANNs) are used to predict daily PM2.5 concentration in Shanghai. The PM2.5 concentration in Shanghai from 2014 to 2020 decreased by 39.3%. The serious COVID-19 epidemic had an unprecedented effect on PM2.5 concentration in Shanghai. The PM2.5 concentration during the lockdown in 2020 of Shanghai is significantly reduced compared to the period before the lockdown. First, the correlation analysis is utilized to identify the associations between PM2.5 and meteorological elements in Shanghai. Second, by estimating twelve training algorithms and twenty-one network structures for these models, the results show that the optimal input elements for daily PM2.5 concentration predicting models were the PM2.5 from the 3 previous days and fourteen meteorological elements. Finally, the activation function (tansig-purelin) for ANNs and WANNs in Shanghai is better than others in the training, validation and forecasting stages. Considering the correlation coefficients (R) between the PM2.5 in the next day and the input influence factors, the PM2.5 showed the closest relation with the PM2.5 1 day lag and closer relationships with minimum atmospheric temperature, maximum atmospheric pressure, maximum atmospheric temperature, and PM2.5 2 days lag. When Bayesian regularization (trainbr) was used to train, the ANN and WANN models precisely simulated the daily PM2.5 concentration in Shanghai during the training, calibration and predicting stages. It is emphasized that the WANN1 model obtained optimal predicting results in terms of R (0.9316). These results prove that WANNs are adept in daily PM2.5 concentration prediction because they can identify relationships between the input and output factors. Therefore, our research can offer a theoretical basis for air pollution control.