bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land Use/Land Cover Optimized SAR Coherence Analysis for Rapid Coastal Disaster Monitoring: The Impact of the Emma Storm in Southern Spain
Authors: Garzo Pedro Andrés , Fernández-Montblanc Tomás
Published: June 2023

The high exposure of coastal areas worldwide to natural and anthropogenic disasters emphasizes the relevance of disaster management processes that ensure a prompt damage detection and identification of affected areas. This paper aimed to develop a novel approach for disaster monitoring in coastal areas using SAR data. The method was based on an interferometric coherence difference analysis of Sentinel 1 data. To calibrate and validate the method, the Emma Storm, a severe coastal storm that affected the southwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula in 2018, was chosen as a case study. A coastal land use/land cover method optimization by optical and UAV field data resulted in an overall improvement of about 20% in the identification of disaster-affected areas by reducing false alarms by up to 33%. Finally, the method achieved hit and false alarm rates of about 80% and 20%, respectively, leading to the identification of approximately 30% (7000 ha) of the study area as being affected by the storm. Marshes and vegetated dunes were the most significantly impacted covers. In addition, SAR data enabled the impact assessment with a time lag of 2 days, contrasting the 25-day delay of optical data. The proposed method stands out as a valuable tool for regional-scale coastal disaster monitoring. In addition, it can be automated and operated at a low cost, making it a valuable tool for decision-making support.
Orientation-Independent Human Activity Recognition Using Complementary Radio Frequency Sensing
Authors: Muaaz Muhammad , Waqar Sahil , Pätzold Matthias
Published: June 2023

RF sensing offers an unobtrusive, user-friendly, and privacy-preserving method for detecting accidental falls and recognizing human activities. Contemporary RF-based HAR systems generally employ a single monostatic radar to recognize human activities. However, a single monostatic radar cannot detect the motion of a target, e.g., a moving person, orthogonal to the boresight axis of the radar. Owing to this inherent physical limitation, a single monostatic radar fails to efficiently recognize orientation-independent human activities. In this work, we present a complementary RF sensing approach that overcomes the limitation of existing single monostatic radar-based HAR systems to robustly recognize orientation-independent human activities and falls. Our approach used a distributed mmWave MIMO radar system that was set up as two separate monostatic radars placed orthogonal to each other in an indoor environment. These two radars illuminated the moving person from two different aspect angles and consequently produced two time-variant micro-Doppler signatures. We first computed the mean Doppler shifts (MDSs) from the micro-Doppler signatures and then extracted statistical and time- and frequency-domain features. We adopted feature-level fusion techniques to fuse the extracted features and a support vector machine to classify orientation-independent human activities. To evaluate our approach, we used an orientation-independent human activity dataset, which was collected from six volunteers. The dataset consisted of more than 1350 activity trials of five different activities that were performed in different orientations. The proposed complementary RF sensing approach achieved an overall classification accuracy ranging from 98.31 to 98.54%. It overcame the inherent limitations of a conventional single monostatic radar-based HAR and outperformed it by 6%.
2-Mercaptobenzimidazole Functionalized Copper Nanoparticles Fluorescence Probe for Sensitivity and Selectivity Detection of Cys in Serum
Authors: Liu Jing , Dou Xiaozong , Zhang Hongyan
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a 2-mercaptobenzimidazole-copper nanoparticles (MBI-CuNPs) fluorescent probe with high performance based on 2-mercaptobenzimidazole functionalized copper nanoparticles was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and used for cysteine (Cys) detection in serum. The MBI-CuNPs probe exhibits strong fluorescence emission at 415 nm under the excitation at 200 nm, which is attributed to the metal-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition through the coordination of an MBI ligand and monovalent copper. Furthermore, the MBI-CuNPs probe has a high quenching fluorescence response to Cys, and shows a good linearity relationship with Cys in 0.05–65 µM, with a detection limit of 52 nM. Moreover, the MBI-CuNPs probe could eliminate the interference of biological mercaptan Hcy and GSH with a similar structure and reaction properties, due to the strong electron-donating ability of Cys, which can quench the fluorescence of the MBI-CuNPs probe. The MBI-CuNPs probe was applied to the analysis of Cys in real serum, and the absolute recovery rate was as high as 90.23–97.00%. Such a fluorescent probe with high sensitivity and selectivity has potential applications for the early prevention of various diseases caused by abnormal Cys levels.
Longitudinal Degradation of Pavement Marking Detectability for Mobile LiDAR Sensing Technology in Real-World Use
Authors: Park Byoung-Keon D. , Sayer James R. , Clover André D. , Reed Matthew P.
Published: June 2023

Recent advancements in vehicle automation and driver-assistance systems that detect pavement markings has increased the importance of the detectability of pavement markings through various sensor modalities across weather and road conditions. Among the sensing techniques, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors have become popular for vehicle-automation applications. This study used low-cost mobile multi-beam LiDAR to assess the performance of several types of pavement marking materials installed on a limited-access highway in various conditions, and quantified the degradation in detection performance over three years. Four marking materials, HPS-8, polyurea, cold plastic, and sprayable thermoplastic, were analyzed in the current study. LiDAR reflectivity data extracted from a total of 210 passes through the test sections were analyzed. A new detectability score based on LiDAR intensity data was proposed to quantify the marking detectability. The results showed that the pavement marking detectability varied across the material types over the years. The results provide guidance for selecting materials and developing maintenance schedules when marking detectability by LiDAR is a concern.
A Novel Energy-Efficient Reservation System for Edge Computing in 6G Vehicular Ad Hoc Network
Authors: Javed Farhan , Khan Zuhaib Ashfaq , Rizwan Shahzad , Shahzadi Sonia , Chaudhry Nauman Riaz , Iqbal Muddesar
Published: June 2023

The roadside unit (RSU) is one of the fundamental components in a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET), where a vehicle communicates in infrastructure mode. The RSU has multiple functions, including the sharing of emergency messages and the updating of vehicles about the traffic situation. Deploying and managing a static RSU (sRSU) requires considerable capital and operating expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX), leading to RSUs that are sparsely distributed, continuous handovers amongst RSUs, and, more importantly, frequent RSU interruptions. At present, researchers remain focused on multiple parameters in the sRSU to improve the vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication; however, in this research, the mobile RSU (mRSU), an emerging concept for sixth-generation (6G) edge computing vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), is proposed to improve the connectivity and efficiency of communication among V2I. In addition to this, the mRSU can serve as a computing resource for edge computing applications. This paper proposes a novel energy-efficient reservation technique for edge computing in 6G VANETs that provides an energy-efficient, reservation-based, cost-effective solution by introducing the concept of the mRSU. The simulation outcomes demonstrate that the mRSU exhibits superior performance compared to the sRSU in multiple aspects. The mRSU surpasses the sRSU with a packet delivery ratio improvement of 7.7%, a throughput increase of 5.1%, a reduction in end-to-end delay by 4.4%, and a decrease in hop count by 8.7%. The results are generated across diverse propagation models, employing realistic urban scenarios with varying packet sizes and numbers of vehicles. However, it is important to note that the enhanced performance parameters and improved connectivity with more nodes lead to a significant increase in energy consumption by 2%.
Research on Detection of Ultra-Low Concentration Anthrax Protective Antigen Using Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor
Authors: Liang Ting , Chen Jingfei , Yan Rui , Jiang Huaning , Li Hexi
Published: June 2023

Background: Protective antigen (PA) is an important biomarker for the early diagnosis of anthrax, and the accurate detection of protective antigen under extremely low concentration conditions has always been a hot topic in the biomedical field. To complete the diagnosis of anthrax in a timely manner, it is necessary to detect PA at extremely low concentrations, as the amount of PA produced in the early stage of anthrax invasion is relatively small. Graphene field-effect transistor (Gr−FET) biosensors are a new type of material for preparing biosensors, with the advantages of a short detection time and ultra-low detection limit. Methods: The effect of different concentrations of diluents on the affinity of PA monoclonal antibodies was determined via an ELISA experiment. Combined with the Debye equation, 0.01 × PBS solution was finally selected as the diluent for the experiment. Then, a PA monoclonal antibody was selected as the bio-recognition element to construct a Gr−FET device based on CVD-grown graphene, which was used to detect the concentration of PA while recording the response time, linear range, detection limit, and other parameters. Results: The experimental results showed that the biosensor could quickly detect PA, with a linear range of 10 fg/mL to 100 pg/mL and a detection limit of 10 fg/mL. In addition, the biosensor showed excellent specificity and repeatability. Conclusions: By constructing a Gr−FET device based on CVD-grown graphene and selecting a PA monoclonal antibody as the bio-recognition element, a highly sensitive, specific, and repeatable Gr−FET biosensor was successfully prepared for detecting extremely low concentrations of anthrax protective antigen (PA). This biosensor is expected to have a wide range of applications in clinical medicine and biological safety monitoring.
Research on Safety Helmet Detection Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOv5s
Authors: An Qing , Xu Yingjian , Yu Jun , Tang Miao , Liu Tingting , Xu Feihong
Published: June 2023

Safety helmets are essential in various indoor and outdoor workplaces, such as metallurgical high-temperature operations and high-rise building construction, to avoid injuries and ensure safety in production. However, manual supervision is costly and prone to lack of enforcement and interference from other human factors. Moreover, small target object detection frequently lacks precision. Improving safety helmets based on the helmet detection algorithm can address these issues and is a promising approach. In this study, we proposed a modified version of the YOLOv5s network, a lightweight deep learning-based object identification network model. The proposed model extends the YOLOv5s network model and enhances its performance by recalculating the prediction frames, utilizing the IoU metric for clustering, and modifying the anchor frames with the K-means++ method. The global attention mechanism (GAM) and the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) were added to the YOLOv5s network to improve its backbone and neck networks. By minimizing information feature loss and enhancing the representation of global interactions, these attention processes enhance deep learning neural networks’ capacity for feature extraction. Furthermore, the CBAM is integrated into the CSP module to improve target feature extraction while minimizing computation for model operation. In order to significantly increase the efficiency and precision of the prediction box regression, the proposed model additionally makes use of the most recent SIoU (SCYLLA-IoU LOSS) as the bounding box loss function. Based on the improved YOLOv5s model, knowledge distillation technology is leveraged to realize the light weight of the network model, thereby reducing the computational workload of the model and improving the detection speed to meet the needs of real-time monitoring. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the original YOLOv5s network model in terms of accuracy (Precision), recall rate (Recall), and mean average precision (mAP). The proposed model may more effectively identify helmet use in low-light situations and at a variety of distances.
Research on Small Sample Multi-Target Grasping Technology Based on Transfer Learning
Authors: Zhao Bin , Wu Chengdong , Zou Fengshan , Zhang Xuejiao , Sun Ruohuai , Jiang Yang
Published: June 2023

This article proposes a CBAM-ASPP-SqueezeNet model based on the attention mechanism and atrous spatial pyramid pooling (CBAM-ASPP) to solve the problem of robot multi-target grasping detection. Firstly, the paper establishes and expends a multi-target grasping dataset, as well as introduces and uses transfer learning to conduct network pre-training on the single-target dataset and slightly modify the model parameters using the multi-target dataset. Secondly, the SqueezeNet model is optimized and improved using the attention mechanism and atrous spatial pyramid pooling module. The paper introduces the attention mechanism network to weight the transmitted feature map in the channel and spatial dimensions. It uses a variety of parallel operations of atrous convolution with different atrous rates to increase the size of the receptive field and preserve features from different ranges. Finally, the CBAM-ASPP-SqueezeNet algorithm is verified using the self-constructed, multi-target capture dataset. When the paper introduces transfer learning, the various indicators converge after training 20 epochs. In the physical grabbing experiment conducted by Kinova and SIASUN Arm, a network grabbing success rate of 93% was achieved.
Development of a Control Strategy in an Isokinetic Device for Physical Rehabilitation
Authors: Peñaloza-González Jorge Andrés , González-Mejía Sergey , García-Melo José Isidro
Published: June 2023

Robotic-assisted rehabilitation is currently being applied to improve the effectiveness of human gait rehabilitation and recover the mobility and strength after a stroke or spinal cord injury; a robotic assistant can allow the active participation of the patient and the supervision of the collected data and decrease the labor required from therapists during the patient’s training exercises. The goal of gait rehabilitation with robotic-based assistance is to restore motor function by using diverse control strategies, taking account of the physical interaction with the lower limbs of the patient. Over the last few years, researchers have extracted useful information from the patient’s biological signals that can effectively reflect movement intention and muscle activation. One way to evaluate progress in rehabilitation is through isokinetic prototype tests that describe the dynamic characteristics of an isokinetic leg extension device for rehabilitation and control action. These tests use an isokinetic system to assess muscle strength and performance in a patient during isometric or isokinetic contraction. An experimental prototype shown in the following work allows the device’s performance to be evaluated in a controlled environment before the patient’s use. New features provide a control system that can be teleoperated for distributed structures, enabling the remote operation and management of the device. In order to achieve physical recovery from musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs and the reintegration of the affected subject into society as an independent and autonomous individual in their daily activities, a control model that introduces a medical isokinetic rehabilitation protocol is presented, in which the element that carries out such protocol consists of a magnetic particle brake whose control action is strongly influenced by the dynamics of the system when in contact with the end user—specifically, the patient’s legs in the stretch from the knee to the ankle. The results of these tests are valuable for health professionals seeking to measure their patient’s progress during the rehabilitation process and determine when it is safe and appropriate to advance in their treatment.
Free-Rider Games for Cooperative Spectrum Sensing and Access in CIoT Networks
Authors: Jiang Kejian , Ma Chi , Lin Ruiquan , Wang Jun , Jiang Weibing , Hou Haifeng
Published: June 2023

With the rapid development of technologies such as wireless communications and the Internet of Things (IoT), the proliferation of IoT devices will intensify the competition for spectrum resources. The introduction of cognitive radio technology in IoT can minimize the shortage of spectrum resources. However, the open environment of cognitive IoT may involve free-riding problems. Due to the selfishness of the participants, there are usually a large number of free-riders in the system who opportunistically gain more rewards by stealing the spectrum sensing results from other participants and accessing the spectrum without spectrum sensing. However, this behavior seriously affects the fault tolerance of the system and the motivation of the participants, resulting in degrading the system’s performance. Based on the energy-harvesting cognitive IoT model, this paper considers the free-riding problem of Secondary Users (SUs). Since free-riders can harvest more energy in spectrum sensing time slots, the application of energy harvesting technology will exacerbate the free-riding behavior of selfish SUs in Cooperative Spectrum Sensing (CSS). In order to prevent the low detection performance of the system due to the free-riding behavior of too many SUs, a penalty mechanism is established to stimulate SUs to sense the spectrum normally during the sensing process. In the system model with multiple primary users (PUs) and multiple SUs, each SU considers whether to free-ride and which PU’s spectrum to sense and access in order to maximize its own interests. To address this issue, a two-layer game-based cooperative spectrum sensing and access method is proposed to improve spectrum utilization. Simulation results show that compared with traditional methods, the average throughput of the proposed TL-CSAG algorithm increased by 26.3% and the proposed method makes the SUs allocation more fair.
Fabric-Based Electrochemical Glucose Sensor with Integrated Millifluidic Path from a Hydrophobic Batik Wax
Authors: Anshori Isa , Heriawan Elfrida Vanesa , Suhayat Putri Yulianti , Wicaksono Dedy H. B. , Kusumocahyo Samuel Priyantoro , Satriawan Ardianto , Shalannanda Wervyan , Dwiyanti Latifa , Setianingsih Casi , Handayani Murni
Published: June 2023

In recent years, measuring and monitoring analyte concentrations continuously, frequently, and periodically has been a vital necessity for certain individuals. We developed a cotton-based millifluidic fabric-based electrochemical device (mFED) to monitor glucose continuously and evaluate the effects of mechanical deformation on the device’s electrochemical performance. The mFED was fabricated using stencil printing (thick film method) for patterning the electrodes and wax-patterning to make the reaction zone. The analytical performance of the device was carried out using the chronoamperometry method at a detection potential of −0.2 V. The mFED has a linear working range of 0–20 mM of glucose, with LOD and LOQ of 0.98 mM and 3.26 mM. The 3D mFED shows the potential to be integrated as a wearable sensor that can continuously measure glucose under mechanical deformation.
A New Method for Heart Disease Detection: Long Short-Term Feature Extraction from Heart Sound Data
Authors: Guven Mesut , Uysal Fatih
Published: June 2023

Heart sounds have been extensively studied for heart disease diagnosis for several decades. Traditional machine learning algorithms applied in the literature have typically partitioned heart sounds into small windows and employed feature extraction methods to classify samples. However, as there is no optimal window length that can effectively represent the entire signal, windows may not provide a sufficient representation of the underlying data. To address this issue, this study proposes a novel approach that integrates window-based features with features extracted from the entire signal, thereby improving the overall accuracy of traditional machine learning algorithms. Specifically, feature extraction is carried out using two different time scales. Short-term features are computed from five-second fragments of heart sound instances, whereas long-term features are extracted from the entire signal. The long-term features are combined with the short-term features to create a feature pool known as long short-term features, which is then employed for classification. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, various traditional machine learning algorithms with various models are applied to the PhysioNet/CinC Challenge 2016 dataset, which is a collection of diverse heart sound data. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed feature extraction approach increases the accuracy of heart disease diagnosis by nearly 10%.
Quantitation of Formoterol, Salbutamol, and Salbutamol-4′-O-Sulfate in Human Urine and Serum via UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Harps Lukas C. , Bizjak Daniel A. , Girreser Ulrich , Zügel Martina , Steinacker Jürgen M. , Diel Patrick , Parr Maria Kristina
Published: June 2023

The adrenergic beta-2 agonists formoterol and salbutamol are used for the treatment of asthma and COPD but are also misused in sports competitions. Therefore, they are included in WADA regulations. Both drugs are mainly excreted in urine after administration via inhalation. A four-armed, double-blind cross-over clinical trial was conducted involving endurance-trained participants (12 females and 12 males). Inhalation dosages of 36 μg formoterol, 1200 μg salbutamol, a combination of both, or a placebo were administered before exercise. Serum and urine were collected after exercise and 3 and 24 h after administration. Here, we show the successful quantitation of formoterol, salbutamol, and its phase II metabolite salbutamol-4′-O-sulfate in all urine and serum samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In the serum analysis, results of up to 14.2 pg/mL formoterol, 10.0 ng/mL salbutamol, and 21.4 ng/mL salbutamol-4′-O-sulfate (calculated as salbutamol equivalent) were found. In urine, maximum concentrations (after deglucuronidation) were 17.2 ng/mL formoterol, 948.5 ng/mL salbutamol, and 2738.5 ng/mL salbutamol-4′-O-sulfate. Sex-specific differences in serum concentrations as well as in urinary excretion were observed. The results pronounce the importance of the implementation and elucidation of phase II metabolites to quantitation methods in antidoping.
A Long-Distance WiFi Network as a Tool to Promote Social Inclusion in Southern Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Huerta Monica Karel , Garizurieta Jessica , González Rubén , Infante Luis-Ángel , Horna Melina , Rivera Renato , Clotet Roger
Published: June 2023

The United Nations Organization established 17 sustainable development goals in 2015, including No Poverty, Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Responsible Consumption and Production. Latin America stands out as a region marked by significant levels of inequality, encompassing disparities in income and inadequate social protection. The rural municipality of Mecayapan in the Selvas region of Veracruz state, Mexico, is a community where these issues are prominently present. Another specific challenge that exacerbates the situation is the absence of connectivity, which hinders the utilization of technological advancements in three fundamental areas: health, education, and the economy. The project began with a thorough evaluation of the geographical, social, economic, cultural, educational, and health factors within the region. Following this, the network design and implementation phase was executed, considering the available resources, prioritizing recycled materials, and utilizing simulations when required. The subsequent step involved deploying the network in a prioritized manner, utilizing strategic management approaches. To assess the impact of this implementation, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted. This likely entailed the collection of data through interviews, observations, or surveys to gain comprehensive insights into how the WiFi network influenced the community. Results indicate that the implementation of a long-distance WiFi network with wide, open-access coverage in Mecayapan will yield favorable outcomes in terms of social inclusion, poverty reduction, and the overall enhancement of residents’ quality of life. By leveraging technological advancements and promoting connectivity, the WiFi network can contribute to long-term sustainability by fostering economic development, enabling access to educational resources, facilitating communication and networking opportunities, and promoting sustainable practices in various sectors.
Starch/Silicone Elastomers and Foams
Authors: Chen Yang , Valentini David A. , Brook Michael A.
Published: June 2023

While the beneficial physical properties of silicone polymers are exploited in many sustainable applications, the high energy requirement for their synthesis compromises to a degree their sustainability. We report a strategy to mitigate this issue by filling the silicone with inexpensive and renewable starch. Elastomeric materials with covalently grafted starch, utilizing anhydride-modified silicones, permits loading of up to about 75% starch while maintaining many of the properties of the silicone. Alternatively, 50 wt.% starch-filled silicone foams can be prepared simply by mixing powdered starch with a mixture of HSi-functional silicone fluids in the presence of B(C6F5)3. The physical properties of the resulting foams are determined by the quantity of SiH, which controls the final density of the foams (ranging from 0.258–0.875 g mL−1), their Young’s modulus, and their degree of elasticity; both rigid and flexible foams were prepared. Materials with a high natural and renewable material content better adhere to green chemistry principle 7, should enhance the ease of degradation at end of life, and augment the sustainability of these silicone composites.
Assessing and Predicting Geogrid Reduction Factors after Damage Induced by Dropping Recycled Aggregates
Authors: Fleury Mateus P. , Kamakura Gustavo K. , Pitombo Cira S. , Cunha André Luiz B. N. , Ferreira Fernanda B. , Lins da Silva Jefferson
Published: June 2023

To fulfill the modern concept of sustainable construction, the civil engineering community has shown increased interest in alternative options to replace natural backfills for engineering purposes. Since Recycled Construction and Demolition Waste (RCDW) has proven to be attractive in environmental, economic, and technical aspects, its behavior should be assessed considering its interaction with other construction materials, such as geosynthetics. Bearing in mind that the backfill affects the durability of geosynthetic materials, this study aims to assess the damage caused to geogrids by RCDW dropped by transportation (dump) trucks. Moreover, this study aimed to obtain an equation to predict the reduction factor caused by the backfill drop process. In an experimental facility, six RCDW materials (with different grain size distributions) were dropped (using a backhoe loader) from 1.0 m and 2.0 m heights over three distinct geogrids; the geogrid samples were exhumed and then tested under tensile loading. The results provided a database subjected to machine learning (Artificial Neural Network—ANN) to predict the reduction factor caused by the induced damage. The results demonstrate that the increase in drop height or potential energy cannot be directly associated with the damage. However, the damage increases as the maximum grain size of uniform gradation backfill increases, which is different from the results obtained from the fall of continuous gradation backfill. Moreover, since ANNs do not have any of the traditional constraints that multiple linear regression has, this method is an attractive solution to predict the geosynthetic reduction factors, providing relative errors lower than 8% compared to the experimental investigation reported in the study.
Carbon Emission Intensity of Final Electricity Consumption: Assessment and Decomposition of Regional Power Grids in China from 2005 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Xiaocun , Zhu Qiwen , Zhang Xueqi
Published: June 2023

Electricity consumption is a crucial source of carbon emissions. Many studies have focused on the emissions relevant to electricity generation, yet it is also important to evaluate the carbon intensity of final electricity use for the emission assessment of various industries. Considering fossil fuel consumption, regional exchange, and transmission loss, this study proposed a method to assess the emission intensities of electricity generation, supply, and use. Based on statistical data, the carbon intensities of North, Northeast, East, Central, Northwest, and South China power grids were evaluated during the period from 2005 to 2020, and the driving factors including energy structure, energy intensity, clean production, supply structure, and power loss effects were discussed using Logistic Mean Divided Index (LMDI) decomposition. An overall descending trend was observed for the carbon intensity, and the national average carbon intensities of electricity generation, supply, and use were 0.599, 0.599, and 0.622 kgCO2e/kWh, respectively. The carbon intensity of South China gird was the lowest at 0.425 kgCO2e/kWh in 2020. Moreover, the energy intensity effect and clean production effect were identified as the most influential factors of carbon intensity. The proposed method and results can be helpful to assess carbon emissions relevant to final electricity use.
Investigating the Steady-State Rheological Properties of Activated Sewage Sludge for Effective Post-Treatment
Authors: Lu Hai , Li Qingpo , Chen Xinglin , Deng Huan , Yan Bojiao
Published: June 2023

Pipeline transportation has become an effective way to transport sludge from wastewater treatment plants due to its high transportation efficiency, low operating cost, and low environmental pollution. Before designing and optimizing the sludge-conveying pipeline, it is first necessary to analyze the rheological properties of the sludge. In this paper, activated sludge with varying volume concentrations (Cw) of 2.38%, 3.94%, and 5.39% was used as the research object. Under three temperature (T) conditions of 293 K, 298 K, and 303 K, the sludge concentration and temperature were investigated, and based on the results, a rheological model of activated sludge was established. The experimental results indicated that the upward and downward paths of the shear stress change curve were generally similar but did not overlap, and a hysteresis loop was formed between the two due to the characteristics of sludge shear thinning. The limiting viscosity of sludge with different concentrations increased with the increase in sludge concentration. This phenomenon was caused by the differences in the internal flocculent network structure of sludge with different concentrations and the different fluid flow effects. At different shear rates, the shear stress and sludge viscosity in the experiment decreased with the increase in temperature. The stability of the test sludge was weakened with the increase in temperature. Additionally, the viscosity of sludge decreased with the increase in shear rate and then stabilized, exhibiting shear thinning characteristics. The above rheological properties were described using the Bingham and Herschel–Bulkley models.
Lifelong Learning as a Factor in the Country’s Competitiveness and Innovative Potential within the Framework of Sustainable Development
Authors: Kuzior Aleksandra , Krawczyk Dariusz , Onopriienko Kateryna , Petrushenko Yuriy , Onopriienko Iryna , Onopriienko Volodymyr
Published: June 2023

The aim of this paper is to examine the interdependence between adult education and the competitiveness and innovative potential of the economy in the conditions of sustainable development. To examine the mentioned, we used a sample of data that includes European countries. The Global Competitiveness Index and its components were taken for research as a numerical display of the country’s competitiveness. For indicators of lifelong learning, the share of persons aged 18–64 years involved in education was taken. The paper applies correlation and regression Pearson analysis of comparative data sections. The non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test and the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test were applied to verify the data, and Vosviewer software was used for bibliometric and graphical analysis. The research findings indicate a strong correlation between lifelong education and the competitiveness and innovative potential of the economy.
Impact of Digitalization on SME Performance of the EU27: Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Kádárová Jaroslava , Lachvajderová Laura , Sukopová Dominika
Published: June 2023

This article explores the relationship between digitalization and business performance in European small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which has intensified the need for SMEs to adopt digital technologies for enhanced competitiveness. Conducted through a comprehensive literature review, this study investigates the impact of digitalization on SME performance. Employing the statistical software EViews 12, the research utilizes an econometric analysis of panel data to examine the influence of digitalization on SME performance and validate the formulated hypotheses. The dataset comprises 135 observations collected over a five-year period from 27 European countries. A linear regression model is used to test the hypotheses, revealing the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Model specifications are determined through various tests. This study’s findings demonstrate that the integration of digital technologies and digital intensity significantly drives digitalization in European SMEs, leading to positive impacts on performance. This article emphasizes the importance of digitalization in SMEs for process streamlining, productivity improvement, and enhanced customer experience, ultimately fostering business growth and development. These empirical findings provide valuable evidence for policymakers to prioritize the identification of appropriate measures for stimulating the integration of new digital tools into SME infrastructure and serve as a foundation for future research in this domain.
Characteristics and Perioperative Risk Factors for Persistent Pain after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sahni Sachin , Patel Ronak , Wang Li , Miles Sarah , Dana Elad , Khan James S.
Published: June 2023

Objective: Persistent pain is a common complication after breast cancer surgery. We sought to determine the characteristics of persistent pain after breast cancer surgery and identify perioperative risk factors associated with its development. Methods: This prospective cohort study uses data from a prior randomized controlled trial of 100 patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Patients were assessed on the presence and characteristics of pain at 3 months after surgery. Baseline and perioperative data were explored for potential associations with persistent pain in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Fifty-three percent of patients reported persistent pain 3-months after surgery. Pain was primarily located in the axilla, chest, and shoulder, with the vast majority of patients with pain (96.2%) reporting a neuropathic pain feature. The mean intensity of pain was 2.5 (standard deviation [SD] 2.4, on a 0 to 10 pain scale) and persistent pain was associated with worse quality of life scores (p = 0.004) and increased use of analgesics (p = 0.015). Variables found to be associated with persistent pain in our univariable and multivariable-adjusted analyses were preoperative employment (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.04–9.66, p = 0.042), acute postoperative pain during movement (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.06–2.51, p = 0.027), and adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.19 to 9.15, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Persistent pain after breast cancer surgery is neuropathic and is associated with reduced quality of life and increased analgesic need. Future research should focus on perioperative interventions to reduce acute postoperative pain and consideration of modified adjuvant chemotherapy regimens to address modifiable risk factors and potentially reduce the incidence of persistent pain after breast cancer surgery.
Measurement of Thickness at the Inferior Border of the Mandible Using Computed Tomography Images: A Retrospective Study including 300 Japanese Cases
Authors: Ueda Nobuhiro , Zaizen Miki , Imai Yuichiro , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: June 2023

Vascularised fibular free flaps are integral to reconstructive surgery for head and neck tumours. We investigated the morphological characteristics of the mandible to improve the incidence of plate-related complications after surgery. Using standard radiological software, thickness measurements of the inferior or posterior margin of the mandible were obtained from computed tomography images of 300 patients at seven sites: (1) mandibular symphysis, (2) midpoint between the mandibular symphysis and mental foramen, (3) mental foramen, (4) midpoint between the mental foramen and antegonial notch, (5) antegonial notch, (6) mandibular angular apex (gonion), and (7) neck lateral border of the dentate cartilage. Relationships between age, sex, height, weight, the number of remaining teeth in the mandible, and the thickness of each mandible were also investigated. Measurement point 1 had the largest median mandibular thickness (11.2 mm), and measurement point 6 had the smallest (5.4 mm). Females had thinner measurements than males at all points, with significant differences at points 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 (p < 0.001). Age and number of remaining teeth in the mandible did not correlate with mandibular thickness; however, height and weight correlated at all points except point 6. Thickness measurements obtained at the sites provide a practical reference for mandibular reconstruction. Choosing the fixation method based on the measured thickness of the mandible at each site allows for sound plating.
Combination Vaccines of Fasciola gigantica Saposin-like Protein-2 and Leucine Aminopeptidase
Authors: Changklungmoa Narin , Cheukamud Werachon , Jaikua Wipaphorn , Meemon Krai , Sobhon Prasert , Kueakhai Pornanan
Published: June 2023

Saposin-like protein-2 (SAP-2) and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) are major proteins involved in the digestive process of Fasciola gigantica (Fg). Both SAP-2 and LAP are highly expressed in F. gigantica; therefore, they could be vaccine candidates for fasciolosis. The aims of this study are (1) to observe the tissue expression of F. gigantica SAP-2 (FgSAP-2) and F. gigantica LAP (FgLAP) in F. gigantica by indirect immunofluorescence technique under confocal microscopy and (2) to test the vaccine potentials of individual and combined recombinant (r) FgSAP-2 and rFgLAP against F. gigantica in Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice (n = 10 per group). By indirect immunofluorescence-confocal microscopy, FgSAP-2 and FgLAP were localized in the caecal epithelium but at different sites: FgSAP-2 appeared in small granules that are distributed in the middle and lower parts of the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, while FgLAP appeared as a line or zone in the apical cytoplasm of caecal epithelial cells. For vaccine testing, the percent protection of combined rFgSAP-2 and rFgLAP vaccines against F. gigantica was at 80.7 to 81.4% when compared with aluminum hydroxide (alum) adjuvant and unimmunized controls, respectively. The levels of IgG1 and IgG2a in the sera were significantly increased in single and combine vaccinated groups compared with the control groups. Vaccinated mice showed reduced liver damage when compared with control groups. This study indicates that the combined rFgSAP-2 and rFgLAP vaccine had a higher vaccine potential than a single vaccine. These results support the further testing and application of this combined vaccine against F. gigantica infection in farmed livestock animals.
Added Value of Next Generation Sequencing in Characterizing the Evolution of HIV-1 Drug Resistance in Kenyan Youth
Authors: Novitsky Vlad , Nyandiko Winstone , Vreeman Rachel , DeLong Allison K. , Howison Mark , Manne Akarsh , Aluoch Josephine , Chory Ashley , Sang Festus , Ashimosi Celestine , Jepkemboi Eslyne , Orido Millicent , Hogan Joseph W. , Kantor Rami
Published: June 2023

Drug resistance remains a global challenge in children and adolescents living with HIV (CALWH). Characterizing resistance evolution, specifically using next generation sequencing (NGS) can potentially inform care, but remains understudied, particularly in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced CALWH in resource-limited settings. We conducted reverse-transcriptase NGS and investigated short-and long-term resistance evolution and its predicted impact in a well-characterized cohort of Kenyan CALWH failing 1st-line ART and followed for up to ~8 years. Drug resistance mutation (DRM) evolution types were determined by NGS frequency changes over time, defined as evolving (up-trending and crossing the 20% NGS threshold), reverting (down-trending and crossing the 20% threshold) or other. Exploratory analyses assessed potential impacts of minority resistance variants on evolution. Evolution was detected in 93% of 42 participants, including 91% of 22 with short-term follow-up, 100% of 7 with long-term follow-up without regimen change, and 95% of 19 with long-term follow-up with regimen change. Evolving DRMs were identified in 60% and minority resistance variants evolved in 17%, with exploratory analysis suggesting greater rate of evolution of minority resistance variants under drug selection pressure and higher predicted drug resistance scores in the presence of minority DRMs. Despite high-level pre-existing resistance, NGS-based longitudinal follow-up of this small but unique cohort of Kenyan CALWH demonstrated continued DRM evolution, at times including low-level DRMs detected only by NGS, with predicted impact on care. NGS can inform better understanding of DRM evolution and dynamics and possibly improve care. The clinical significance of these findings should be further evaluated.
A Case Report of Presumptive Primary Lymphedema Localized to the Face of a Dog
Authors: Poláková Nina , Lederer Kristina Anna , Richter Barbara , Panáková Lucia
Published: June 2023

Primary lymphedema (PLE) is an uncommon diagnosis in veterinary medicine, with most of the previously described cases showing lower limb edema associated with a guarded long-term prognosis. To the authors’ knowledge, this case report describes the first case of lymphedema localized unilaterally to the facial region of one-year-old German Shorthair Pointer, in which indirect CT-lymphography, combined with histopathologic examination of the skin, resulted in a tentative diagnosis of PLE.
Impact of the Covering Material on Drought Tolerance Responses and Soil Water Content in Two Cultivars of Young Blueberry Plants under Protected Cultivation
Authors: Calderón-Orellana Arturo , Hermosilla Nataly , Bastías Richard Mauricio
Published: June 2023

There is a lack of information on how protected cultivation alters plant and soil responses to water stress. The objective of this study was to understand the influence of the covering material on drought tolerance responses and soil water content in the effective rooting zone in two promising new cultivars grown under contrasting climatic conditions. (2) Methods: Two experiments were conducted in young blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) orchards, cv. Blue Ribbon and cv. Top Shelf, in two different locations in the south-central region of Chile (Linares and Traiguén) in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. Four treatments (uncovered control, net, woven, and plastic) were installed from bud break to leaf senescence. (3) Results: Woven and plastic-covered plants showed no relationship between stem water potential and stomatal conductance, while uncovered and net-covered plants showed a quadratic relationship between both variables. Under deficit irrigation, higher plant water status, stomatal conductance, and photosystem II efficiency were found in covered plants. ‘Top Shelf’ showed greater tolerance to water stress than ‘Blue Ribbon’ due to more sensitive stomatal control. (4) Conclusions: Protected cultivation delayed the onset of water stress, maintained high stomatal conductance, and reduced photoinhibition in young blueberry plants.
Experienced history in the researcher's work. Review of the monographic study Shornikova P.M. The State Doctrine of the Republic of Moldova. Moscow. 2023. 336 p.
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Stepanov V. P.
Published: June 2023

Анализируется рецензируемая монография, написанная непосредственным участником подготовки Концепции национальной политики в Республике Молдова. Представлен авторский взгляд на соглашательскую внутреннюю политику коммунистов, находящихся у власти.
The Media image of the USSR in the dimension of hashtag dynamics: the context of Russian realities
Authors:   Saratov National Research State University named after N.G. Chernyshevsky, Syusyukin V.A. , Melnichuk D.V. ,   Saratov National Research State University named after N.G. Chernyshevsky
Published: June 2023

The article analyzes the processes of constructing the media image of the USSR in the space of the social network «VKontakte». The Soviet Union, being the central political institution of the twentieth century, has left a huge legacy in the public memory and for the modern man. In today's digital society, the central topos of storing this kind of memory is social media, dictating new rules for the informational agendas of reality. The main methodological solution for this study is to turn to the analysis of the hashtag «#nazadvssr», which contains an element of social nostalgia and collective memory of the Soviet period. By analyzing the statistical graph, as well as using the socio-philosophical interpretation of the current hashtag, the authors derive a conceptual picture of the vision of the Soviet past through the eyes of contemporary Russian social media users.
Motherland and Fatherland in Ancient Russian Thought
Authors:   Moscow Art and Industrial Institute, Chikaeva T.A.
Published: June 2023

The article attempts to substantiate the point of view that the Motherland and the Fatherland are objects of knowledge and understanding, and not political construction. The analysis shows that, at least since the 11th century, Russian culture has had the idea of objects that have the key qualities of the Motherland and Fatherland. In the reconstructed concept there are contradictions, insufficient elaboration, which can be explained by its design in parallel with the organization of national life order. At the same time, the following characteristics of their Motherland and Fatherland were already defined at that time: the need for the development of man and people, the spiritual basis, connection with material objects, but not reducibility to them, subjectivity, special value, holiness, disclosure of essence in images. Old Russian thought, as well as the created images of artistic culture, are important sources for understanding the ontological and axiological essence of the Motherland and Fatherland by modern man.