bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio-Temporal Evolution Characteristics, Development Patterns, and Ecological Effects of “Production-Living-Ecological Space” at the City Level in China
Authors: Cao Yukun , Huang Xianqiao , Liu Xiangyue , Cao Bo
Published: January 2023

Effective production, living, and ecological space allocation is essential for advancing territorial policy optimization and improving the sustainability of land resource use. Based on the theory of the “production-living-ecological” space (PLES), the present study uses the spatial transfer matrix model, the coupling degree model, and ecosystem service value measurement to analyze the changes in the number and structural characteristics of the PLES and the evolution pattern of development in 336 cities in China from 2000 to 2020 and to evaluate the resulting ecological effects. The results are as follows: the living space is growing; the agricultural production space is decreasing; and the ecological space has been decreasing and then increasing. The evolution of the city space structure has five distinct patterns of development. Cities in the southeast with high urbanization rates have shifted from the pure economic expansion development pattern to the coordinated diversified development pattern. In contrast, the cities in the northeast and northwest, where ecological space accounts for an absolute proportion, still prefer the economic expansion development pattern. There is still a struggle between the “impulse of local development” and the “objective of central coordination”. The development patterns of ecological protection and the coordinated diversified development patterns have higher ecological effects among the five development approaches, confirming the effectiveness of the territorial spatial planning policy under the coordinated development objective. Meanwhile, the optimization of future spatial planning policies should consider not only the rational allocation of space but also the quality development of space.
Effects of Vehicle Air Temperature on Drivers’ Cognitive Abilities Based on EEG
Authors: Wang Xianglin , Yang Qian , Zhai Yingni , Niu Haobo , Wang Xinta
Published: January 2023

Vehicle air temperature affects drivers’ physiology, psychology, and cognitive abilities. However, the effects are difficult to quantify, especially for jobs related to driving tasks. In this research, 10 male subjects were directly exposed to four different vehicle air temperatures of 20, 23, 26, and 30 °C for 160 min. They were asked to perform cognitive tasks and subjective questionnaires, and 16 channels of EEG signals were monitored in a vehicle cabin. Based on the assessment of the EEG characteristics, the impacts of vehicle air temperature on cognitive abilities and EEG were investigated. The results showed that the cognitive ability of drivers decreased with the rising of the ambient temperature. The subjective questionnaire scores for thermal sensation, thermal comfort and brain load increased as ambient temperature rose; meanwhile, the scores for environmental acceptance, job satisfaction and willingness to work declined. As the ambient temperature rose, the normalized power of θ activity and α activity elevated, and the vigilance and frontal EEG asymmetry decreased. At 20 °C, the completion time of cognitive ability test was the shortest, the number of errors was the smallest, and the drivers could maintain high cognitive ability. At this time, the β activity component of the EEG signal increased, and the level of alertness (AL) and prefrontal asymmetry (FEA) also increased. At 23 °C, drivers’ subjective thermal comfort reached its peak: the EEG wavelet entropy values of the two segments before and after the experiment were the largest, and the wavelet entropy difference was also the largest. A suitable vehicle air temperature aroused β activity and motivation, increased driver alertness and thus enhanced cognitive performance. Therefore, to achieve high cognitive ability and thermal comfort, the vehicle air temperature should be maintained between 20 °C and 23 °C. The research results can provide a reference for the design standards of vehicle air temperature and improve the safety of driving.
Construction and Demonstration of the Evaluation System of Public Participation Level in Urban Planning Based on the Participatory Video of ‘General Will—Particular Will’
Authors: Wang Zongxiang , Chen Tianhao , Li Wei , Zhang Kai , Qi Jianwu
Published: January 2023

Under the requirement of the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity, it is an important measure for the government to respond to the demands of the public in the process of urban governance to explore more extensive and more universal means of public participation. With the advent of the Internet era, the communication method of using images as media has made public participation across time and space simple and convenient compared with the background, whereby the participation channels in past urban planning processes could not fully meet the public’s demands. We Media, represented by participatory videos, has had a huge impact on public participation with the help of the widespread influence of the Internet. Using the political analysis framework of “general will—particular will”, it is proposed that coordination between the cognitive level and the practical level is key to evaluate the level of public participation in participatory video intervention in urban planning. AHP and Delphi are used to build the index system. On the basis of adopting a comprehensive evaluation index, a coupled coordination model is introduced to build the public participation evaluation system of urban planning based on the participatory video of ‘general will—particular will’. Through the evaluation of 4770 image samples and 200 survey materials from 11 communities in Xi’an, the index system is found to display good validity. Finally, from the perspective of different stakeholders, the implementation of participatory video intervention in public participation is summarized. This paper has important theoretical value and guiding significance in clarifying the impact of participatory video intervention on public participation in urban and rural planning and promoting the effective improvement of public participation in urban planning.
Heterogeneous Impacts of Policy Sentiment with Different Themes on Real Estate Market: Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Diandian , Lv Benfu , Li Xuerong , Li Xiuting , Liu Shuqin
Published: January 2023

This paper empirically investigates the heterogeneous impacts of the media sentiment about policies with different themes on the real estate market in China. Based on the policy texts collected from both official and unofficial sources, we construct sentiment indices to capture the sentiment about policies with different themes, including real estate policies, fiscal policies, monetary policies, land policies, healthcare policies, household registration policies, and education policies, using text mining methods. Mediation models and GARCH models are then established to examine the impact of these sentiment indices on the real estate market. The E-GARCH model is established to examine the asymmetric effect of positive and negative sentiment on real estate market. The results show the following: (1) The real estate market in China is more affected by the policy sentiment on official media compared with the unofficial ones. (2) Policy sentiment affects the real estate price through the mediating variables of interest rate, real estate construction area, and real estate sales. (3) The impacts of sentiment with different themes on the volatility of the real estate market are heterogeneous. (4) The impacts of policy sentiment on official media are more pronounced in a tight government-policy environment than those in a loose one. (5) The effect of negative unofficial media policies sentiment on real estate price is bigger than the positive unofficial media policies sentiment.
Integrating Socioeconomic Biophysical and Institutional Factors for Evaluating Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammedshum Amina Abdelkadir , Mannaerts Chris M. , Maathuis Ben H. P. , Teka Daniel
Published: January 2023

This paper characterizes and compares three types of small-scale irrigation scheme practices in Northern Ethiopia. A multidisciplinary survey approach, collecting information on socioeconomic, biophysical, and institutional aspects of irrigation by the smallholder farmers, was used to investigate and compare aspects of land, water use, and crop productivity, including farmer income and livelihood sustainability. The study was conducted in the Zamra catchment, a sub-basin of the large Tekeze river basin and Nile basin tributary. Three common small-scale irrigation scheme types, i.e., traditional diversion, modern diversion, and dam (reservoir) based irrigation, were compared using four pilot survey areas. From the total of 618 farmer households in the study areas, 242 farmers were selected using stratified random sampling and participated in the survey and research. More than 100 input data were collected from the farmers related to the biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional factors affecting their work practice and livelihood. Focus group discussions were conducted with elders, the water users association committee, and women-headed households. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were used for quantitative analysis. The result indicates a significant difference between the three irrigation schemes. One important conclusion of this study was that the explanatory value of a single factor (e.g., biophysical), as commonly done in irrigation research and assessment, was seldom sufficient to explain water use, crop yield, and farmer income. Institutional and/or socioeconomic drivers also played an important role in the entire farming practice, income generation, and livelihood of the farmers. This study highlighted the value-added of the multidisciplinary approach (socioeconomic, biophysical, and institutional) for the evaluation of small-scale irrigation practices and livelihood analysis of agricultural smallholders in climate-affected regions, such as the Northern Ethiopian highlands.
Study on the Dynamic Stability of an Underground Engineering Rock Mass with a Fault-Slip Seismic Source: Case Study of a URL Exploration Tunnel
Authors: Lan Ming , Yang Rong , He Yan , Kang Qian
Published: January 2023

The application of fault-slip seismic sources is critical to the success of ground motion dynamic response analysis. Previous research established a finite seismic source to analyze stability in underground engineering. In this paper, a sophisticated numerical method based on the distinct element method (3DEC) is proposed to simulate the fault-slip seismic sources of an underground research laboratory (URL) exploration tunnel. Two indices, i.e., the peak ground velocity (PGV) and the strain energy density (SED), are used to analyze the sensitivity of the seismic source types, the seismic source radius, and the rupture velocities of the rock mass dynamic response. The simulation results indicate that a circular seismic source can be used so that the boundary produces a small singularity, with the seismic source having a remarkable influence on the PGV and SED. In addition, we consider that the rupture velocity is more suitable for engineering practices. A simulation method has been developed that allows the rock mass stability of a URL to be further explored.
Some Results on Submodules Using (μ,ν,ω)-Single-Valued Neutrosophic Environment
Authors: Hameed Muhammad Shazib , Al-Sabri Esmail Hassan Abdullatif , Ahmad Zaheer , Ali Shahbaz , Ghani Muhammad Usman
Published: January 2023

The use of a single-valued neutrosophic set (svns) makes it much easier to manage situations in which one must deal with incorrect, unexpected, susceptible, faulty, vulnerable, and complicated information. This is a result of the fact that the specific forms of material being discussed here are more likely to include errors. This new theory has directly contributed to the expansion of both the concept of fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy sets, both of which have experienced additional development as a direct consequence of the creation of this new theory. In svns, indeterminacy is correctly assessed in a way that is both subtle and unambiguous. Furthermore, membership in the truth, indeterminacy, and falsity are all completely independent of one another. In the context of algebraic analysis, certain binary operations may be regarded as interacting with algebraic modules. These modules have pervasive and complicated designs. Modules may be put to use in a wide variety of different applications. Modules have applications in a diverse range of industries and market subsets due to their adaptability and versatility. Under the umbrella of the triplet (μ,ν,ω) structure, we investigate the concept of svns and establish a relationship between it and the single-valued neutrosophic module and the single-valued neutrosophic submodule, respectively. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the algebraic structures of single-valued neutrosophic submodules under the triplet structure of a classical module and to improve the validity of this method by analyzing a variety of important facets. In this article, numerous symmetrical features of modules are also investigated, which demonstrates the usefulness and practicality of these qualities. The results of this research will allow for the successful completion of both of these objectives. The tactics that we have devised for use in this article are more applicable to a wide variety of situations than those that have been used in the past. Fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, and neutrosophic sets are some of the tactics that fall under this category.
Mobile Services for Smart Agriculture and Forestry, Biodiversity Monitoring, and Water Management: Challenges for 5G/6G Networks
Authors: Tomaszewski Lechosław , Kołakowski Robert
Published: January 2023

5G and beyond mobile networks are envisioned as the fundamental components that drive business and societal transformation. The deterioration of the natural environment and climate change have raised questions regarding the role of the mobile network ecosystem and its potential to accelerate innovations in industrial and societal sustainability. This paper describes the challenges facing 5G/6G mobile networks from sectors essential for the sustainable use of natural resources, which include smart agriculture and forestry, biodiversity monitoring, and water management. Based on recent advancements in the above-mentioned domains, the identification of use cases and their requirements are performed together with the evaluation of current and expected future support provided by 5G and 6G networks. Finally, a list of open issues and challenges to be tackled to enable the implementation of carrier-grade services for these sectors using 5G and 6G platforms is presented.
Comparison between PSMA PET/CT and MRI for Characterizing Hepatocellular carcinoma: A Real-World Study
Authors: Wong Veronica Chi Ken , Yip Joshua , Fragomeli Vincenzo , Weltman Martin , Loh Han , Le Ken , Nguyen Diep , Bui Chuong , Mansberg Robert
Published: January 2023

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PSMA PET/CT has potential as an imaging agent for the detection of HCC including early diagnosis and monitoring for recurrence following surgical resection. This study aims to compare PSMA PET to standard surveillance imaging in the detection of HCC. Patients with suspected or treated HCC were prospectively recruited from a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic. In addition to routine surveillance imaging as recommended by the multidisciplinary team, a PSMA PET/CT was performed. Imaging and clinical characteristics were compared over a follow-up period of up to 12 months. In a cohort of 19 patients with known HCC or suspected recurrent HCC, PSMA PET/CT had similar efficacy to MRI for the detection of HCC, with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 70% and sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 73% for PSMA PET/CT and MRI, respectively. PSMA PET/CT had a higher negative predictive value of 90%. In this relatively large single centre study, PSMA is shown to have promising equivalence in performance and its role should be further evaluated in multi-centre prospective trials.
A Combined Region- and Pixel-Based Deep Learning Approach for Quantifying Abdominal Adipose Tissue in Adolescents Using Dixon Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ogunleye Olanrewaju A. , Raviprakash Harish , Simmons Ashlee M. , Bovell Rhasaan T.M. , Martinez Pedro E. , Yanovski Jack A. , Berman Karen F. , Schmidt Peter J. , Jones Elizabeth C. , Bagheri Hadi , Biassou Nadia M. , Hsu Li-Yueh
Published: January 2023

Background: The development of adipose tissue during adolescence may provide valuable insights into obesity-associated diseases. We propose an automated convolutional neural network (CNN) approach using Dixon-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantity abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in children and adolescents. Methods: 474 abdominal Dixon MRI scans of 136 young healthy volunteers (aged 8–18) were included in this study. For each scan, an axial fat-only Dixon image located at the L2–L3 disc space and another image at the L4–L5 disc space were selected for quantification. For each image, an outer and an inner region around the abdomen wall, as well as SAT and VAT pixel masks, were generated by expert readers as reference standards. A standard U-Net CNN architecture was then used to train two models: one for region segmentation and one for fat pixel classification. The performance was evaluated using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) with fivefold cross-validation, and by Pearson correlation and the Student’s t-test against the reference standards. Results: For the DSC results, means and standard deviations of the outer region, inner region, SAT, and VAT comparisons were 0.974 ± 0.026, 0.997 ± 0.003, 0.981 ± 0.025, and 0.932 ± 0.047, respectively. Pearson coefficients were 1.000 for both outer and inner regions, and 1.000 and 0.982 for SAT and VAT comparisons, respectively (all p = NS). Conclusion: These results show that our method not only provides excellent agreement with the reference SAT and VAT measurements, but also accurate abdominal wall region segmentation. The proposed combined region- and pixel-based CNN approach provides automated abdominal wall segmentation as well as SAT and VAT quantification with Dixon MRI and enables objective longitudinal assessment of adipose tissues in children during adolescence.
Identification of Bone Mineral Density Deficit Using L1 Trabecular Attenuation by Opportunistic Multidetector CT Scan in Adult Patients
Authors: Castillo-López Juan Andrés , Bravo-Ontiveros Fernando , Rodea-Montero Edel Rafael
Published: January 2023

Background: Multidetector computer tomography (CT) has been used to diagnose pathologies such as osteoporosis via opportunistic screening, where the assessment of the bone structure and the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) are of great relevance. Purpose: To construct reference BMD values based on the measurement of the attenuation of the L1 vertebral body by multidetector CT scan (in the soft tissue and bone windows) in adult patients and to establish normative ranges by sex and age of BMD values. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 5080 patients who underwent multidetector CT scan between January and December 2021. Adult patients (≥18 years) with non-contrast multidetector CT scan of the abdomen or thorax–abdomen at a voltage 120 kV. The attenuation of the L1 vertebral body in Hounsfield units (HU) in both windows were compared using the Mann—Whitney U-test with α = 0.05. Additionally, the quartiles of the BMD were constructed (in both windows) grouped by sex and age. Results: Only 454 (51.30 ± 15.89 years, 243 women) patients met the inclusion criteria. There is no difference in BMD values between windows (soft tissue: 163.90 ± 57.13, bone: 161.86 ± 55.80, p = 0.625), mean L1 attenuation decreased linearly with age at a rate of 2 HU per year, and the presence of BMD deficit among patients was high; 152 of 454 (33.48%) patients presented BMD values suggestive of osteoporosis, and of these, approximately half 70 of 454 (15.42%) corresponded to patients with BMD values suggestive of a high risk of osteoporotic fracture. Conclusions: From clinical practice, the bone mineral density (BMD) of a patient in either window below the first quartile for age- and sex-matched peers suggests a deficit in BMD that cannot be ignored and requires clinical management that enables identification of the etiology, its evolution, and the consequences of this alteration.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Tourism and Hospitality in 2022
Authors:   Tourism and Hospitality Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Impact of Chewing Bags, E-Cigarettes, and Combustible Cigarettes on Arterial Stiffness and Small Airway Function in Healthy Students
Authors: Hauck Annabelle Susann , Buchwald Isabel , Watz Henrik , Trinkmann Frederik , Söling Charlotte , Rabenstein Andrea , Ruether Tobias , Mortensen Kai , Drömann Daniel , Franzen Klaas Frederik
Published: January 2023

Several substitute products are discussed as a healthier alternative to smoking, thereunder e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, e.g., chewing bags, which are increasingly used in this context. We investigated the acute effects of chewing bags compared to combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes with and without nicotine on small airways and arterial stiffness in a head-to-head design. This single-center, four-arm cross-overstudy included 20 healthy occasional smokers (25 ± 0.6 years). On four test days, participants consumed one product per day. Before, during, and after consumption, peripheral and central hemodynamic as well as arterial stiffness parameters were measured by Mobil-O-Graph™ (I.E.M., Germany). Resistance and small airway function were assessed by tremoFlo® c-100 (THORASYS Thoracic Medical Systems Inc.). The combustible cigarette and the e-cigarettes with and without nicotine significantly increased the resistance of the small airways (p < 0.05), while chewing bags had no effect. All nicotine containing products (e-cigarette with nicotine, combustible cigarette, chewing bag) as well as the e-cigarette without nicotine significantly increased parameters of hemodynamic and arterial stiffness. Changes in blood pressure and arterial stiffness were similar after smoking, vaping, and using chewing bags. We conclude that e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes have similar acute harmful effects on small airway dysfunction. All nicotine containing products are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk compared with no product use.
Photoneutrons and Gamma Capture Dose Rates at the Maze Entrance of Varian TrueBeam and Elekta Versa HD Medical Linear Accelerators
Authors: Suliman Ibrahim I. , Khouqeer Ghada A. , Mayhoub Fareed H.
Published: January 2023

Herein, we evaluated the neutron and gamma capture dose equivalent rates at the maze entrance of Varian TrueBeam and Elekta Versa HD™ medical linear accelerators (linacs) using experimental measurements as well as empirical calculations. Dose rates were measured using calibrated neutron and gamma area survey meters placed side-by-side at the measurement point of interest. Measurements were performed at a source-to-detector distance of 100 cm, with a 10 × 10 cm2 field size therapeutic X-ray beam, and a 30 × 30 × 15 cm3 solid water patient equivalent phantom, with a linac operating at 15, 10 MV, and 10 MV flattened filter-free (FFF). Dose rates were also measured at different points at the centerline along the maze towards the maze entrance. The measured dose equivalent rates at the maze entrance were comparable to those reported in the literature. The dose rates along the maze decreased exponentially towards the maze entrance and were significant for short maze lengths. The evaluated empirical methods for estimating neutron dose rates at the maze entrance of a linac proposed by Kersey, the modified Kersey method and Falcão method, agree by a factor of two from the experimental measurements. The results revealed vital radiation protection considerations owing to neutron contamination in external beam therapy.
Volatiles from Pseudomonas palleroniana Strain B-BH16-1 Suppress Aflatoxin Production and Growth of Aspergillus flavus on Coix lacryma-jobi during Storage
Authors: Zhou Shihua , Yuan Qing-Song , Wang Xiaoai , Jiang Weike , Ou Xiaohong , Yang Changgui , Gao Yanping , Wang Yanhong , Guo Lanping , Huang Luqi , Zhou Tao
Published: January 2023

Semen coicis is not only a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but also a typical food in China, with significant medical and healthcare value. Because semen coicis is rich in starch and oil, it can be easily contaminated with Aspergillus flavus and its aflatoxins (AFs). Preventing and controlling the contamination of semen coicis with Aspergillus flavus and its aflatoxins is vital to ensuring its safety as a drug and as a food. In this study, the endosphere bacteria Pseudomonas palleroniana strain B-BH16-1 produced volatiles that strongly inhibited the mycelial growth and spore formation activity of A. flavus. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry profiling revealed three volatiles emitted from B-BH16-1, of which 1-undecene was the most abundant. We obtained authentic reference standards for these three volatiles; these significantly reduced mycelial growth and sporulation in Aspergillus, with dimethyl disulfide showing the most robust inhibitory activity. Strain B-BH16-1 was able to completely inhibit the biosynthesis of aflatoxins in semen coicis samples during storage by emitting volatile bioactive components. The microscope revealed severely damaged mycelia and a complete lack of sporulation. This newly identified plant endophyte bacterium was able to strongly inhibit the sporulation and growth of Aspergillus and the synthesis of associated mycotoxins, thus not only providing valuable information regarding an efficient potential strategy for the prevention of A. flavus contamination in TCM and food, but potentially also serving as a reference in the control of toxic fungi.
Ultrasensitive Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Fumonisin B1 Detection Using Highly Luminescent Aggregation-Induced Emission Microbeads
Authors: Xu Ge , Fan Xiaojing , Chen Xirui , Liu Zilong , Chen Guoxin , Wei Xiaxia , Li Xiangmin , Leng Yuankui , Xiong Yonghua , Huang Xiaolin
Published: January 2023

Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) based on fluorescent microbeads has attracted much attention for its use in rapid and accurate food safety monitoring. However, conventional fluorescent microbeads are limited by the aggregation-caused quenching effect of the loaded fluorophores, thus resulting in low signal intensity and insufficient sensitivity of fluorescent LFIA. In this study, a green-emitting fluorophore with an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic was encapsulated in polymer nanoparticles via an emulsification technique to form ultrabright fluorescent microbeads (denoted as AIEMBs). The prepared AIEMBs were then applied in a competitive LFIA (AIE-LFIA) as signal reporters for the rapid and highly sensitive screening of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in real corn samples. High sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.024 ng/mL for FB1 was achieved by the developed AIE-LFIA. Excellent selectivity, good accuracy, and high reliability of the AIE-LFIA were demonstrated, indicating a promising platform for FB1 screening.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Trauma Care in 2022
Authors:   Trauma Care Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Mu2e Run I Sensitivity Projections for the Neutrinoless μ− → e− Conversion Search in Aluminum
Authors:   Mu2e Collaboration
Published: January 2023

The Mu2e experiment at Fermilab will search for the neutrinoless μ−→e− conversion in the field of an aluminum nucleus. The Mu2e data-taking plan assumes two running periods, Run I and Run II, separated by an approximately two-year-long shutdown. This paper presents an estimate of the expected Mu2e Run I search sensitivity and includes a detailed discussion of the background sources, uncertainties of their prediction, analysis procedures, and the optimization of the experimental sensitivity. The expected Run I 5σ discovery sensitivity is Rμe=1.2×10−15, with a total expected background of 0.11±0.03 events. In the absence of a signal, the expected upper limit is Rμe<6.2×10−16 at 90% CL. This represents a three order of magnitude improvement over the current experimental limit of Rμe<7×10−13 at 90% CL set by the SINDRUM II experiment.
Novel Exact Solution for the Bidirectional Sixth-Order Sawada–Kotera Equation
Authors: Ma Hongcai , Chen Xiaoyu , Deng Aiping
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we take the bidirectional sixth-order Sawada–Kotera equation as an instance and use a new limit approach to generate a multiple-pole solution and the degenerate of the breather wave from the N-order soliton solution. We show not only the substitution method, but also the specific mathematical expression of the double-pole, triple-pole, and the degenerate breather solution after the substitution. Meanwhile, we give the dynamic images and trajectories of the different multiple-pole solution. Moreover, we also acquire the interaction between two double-pole solutions and different nonlinear superposition solutions.
A Clinical, Pathological, Epidemiological and Molecular Investigation of Recent Outbreaks of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus in Domestic and Wild Small Ruminants in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ishag Hassan Zackaria Ali , Terab Abdelnasir Mohammed Adam , Eltahir Yassir Mohammed , El Tigani-Asil El Tigani Ahmed , Khalil Nasereldien Altaib Hussein , Gasim Esamt Faisal Malik , Yuosf Mohd Farouk , Al Yammahi Saeed Mohamed Saeed , Al Mansoori Asma Mohammed Amer , Al Muhairi Salama Suhail Mohammed , Al Hammadi Zulaikha Mohamed Abdel Hameed , Shah Asma Abdi Mohamed , Alherbawi Majd Mohamed Azmi Naser , Al Nuaimat Mervat Mari Hassan , Bensalah Oum Keltoum , Khalafalla Abdelmalik Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious animal disease affecting small ruminants, leading to significant economic losses. There has been little published data on PPR virus (PPRV) infection in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); (2) Methods: four outbreaks reported in goats and Dama gazelle in 2021 were investigated using pathological and molecular testing; (3) Results: The infected animals showed symptoms of dyspnea, oculo-nasal secretions, cough, and diarrhea. Necropsy findings were almost similar in all examined animals and compliant to the classical forms of the disease. Phylogenetic analysis based on N gene and F gene partial sequences revealed a circulation of PPRV Asian lineage IV in the UAE, and these sequences clustered close to the sequences of PPRV from United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Iran; (4) Conclusions: PPRV Asian lineage IV is currently circulating in the UAE. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first study describing PPRV in domestic small ruminant in the UAE.
Molecular Investigation of Theileria and Babesia Species in Domestic Mammals from Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Chisu Valentina , Serra Elisa , Foxi Cipriano , Chessa Giovanna , Masala Giovanna
Published: January 2023

Piroplasmoses are tick-borne diseases caused by hemoprotozoan parasites of veterinary and public health significance. This study focuses on the molecular identification and characterization of species belonging to the Theileria/Babesia genera in 152 blood samples, collected from 80 horses and 72 cattle from several farms in Sardinia, by targeting the 18S rRNA gene. The PCR results highlighted that 72% of the samples were positive for Theileria/Babesia spp., with a rate of infection of 68% and 75% for the horses and cattle, respectively. Sequencing and the BLASTn analysis showed that the 18S rRNA generated in this study has 99–100% homology with the B. bigemina, T. orientalis/sergenti/buffeli, T. equi and T. annulata strains isolated from different hosts worldwide. These findings improve the knowledge on Babesia and Theileria infections in domestic mammals and confirm the significant prevalence of piroplasmosis among subclinical and carrier animals throughout the island. Furthermore, the presence of T. annulata, reported for the first time in the study area, expands the repertoire of pathogens already detected in Sardinia. Our results gather updates on the diversity and distribution of piroplasms in Sardinia and suggest the need to develop procedures to improve animal and public health safety.
Complications in Laparoscopic Access in Standing Horses Using Cannula and Trocar Units Developed for Human Medicine
Authors: Vázquez Francisco José , Vitoria Arantza , Gómez-Arrue Javier , Fuente Sara , Barrachina Laura , de Blas Ignacio , Romero Antonio
Published: January 2023

First cannulation is a critical manoeuvre in equine laparoscopy. This retrospective study aimed at the comparison of the frequency and type of complications detected when using different human laparoscopy devices for laparoscopic access in standing horses, and the influence of body condition in such complications. Forty-four procedures were included, and retrieved data comprised cannula insertion technique, body condition, and type and frequency of complications. Laparoscopic access techniques were classified into five groups: P: pneumoperitoneum created using Veress needle prior to cannulation; T: sharp trocar; D: direct access via surgical incision; V: Visiport optical trocar and H: optical helical cannula (OHC). In groups T, D, V and H, access was achieved without prior induction of pneumoperitoneum. Complications were registered in 13/44 procedures, of which retroperitoneal insufflation was the most common (6/13). Statistically significant association was found between the complication incidence and the type of access, with group D showing the highest complication frequency (80%) and group H the lowest frequency (0%). The majority of complications (9/13) were observed in overweight horses. We conclude that devices designed for human patients can be used for laparoscopic access in standing horses, with the use of OHC minimizing the appearance of complications, especially in overweight horses with OW.
Free Vibration Characteristics of Multi-Material Lattice Structures
Authors: Gunaydin Kadir , Yavuz Ahmet , Tamer Aykut
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a modal analysis of honeycomb and re-entrant lattice structures to understand the change in natural frequencies when multi-material configuration is implemented. For this purpose, parallel nylon ligaments within re-entrant and honeycomb lattice structures are replaced with chopped and continuous carbon fibre to constitute multi-material lattice configurations. For each set, the first five natural frequencies were compared using detailed finite element models. For each configuration, three different boundary conditions were considered, which are free–free and clamping at the two sides that are parallel and perpendicular to the vertical parts of the structure. The comparison of the natural frequencies was based on mode-shape matching using modal assurance criteria to identify the correct modes of different configurations. The results showed that the natural frequency of the multi-material configurations increases from 4% to 18% depending on the configuration and material.
Environmental Impact Assessment of a Wharf Oil Spill Emergency on a River Water Source
Authors: He Fei , Ma Jie , Lai Qiuying , Shui Jian , Li Weixin
Published: January 2023

In recent years, there have been frequent water pollution emergencies, which seriously threaten the environment of water supply sources and affect the safety and quality of the water supply. These emergencies have aroused concern from the public and the government and highlight the necessity of plans for the emergency treatment of the affected water sources. In this paper, a sudden pollution of a river drinking water source is used as the research object. A mathematical simulation method was used to investigate the water quality near and downstream of a wharf in the state of a sudden oil spill. The wharf is located 1.34 km upstream of the water intake position of this river water source. Based on our investigation, we have established a risk assessment method for an oil spill emergency pollution event. Our aim was to provide a basis for the assessment of the water intake quality and water safety status of a river-based water plant and to provide technical support for developing an effective treatment plan in the event of a sudden environmental pollution accident.
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics, Water Quality, and Human Health Risks of Groundwater in Wulian, North China
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Wenxiu , Yang Peng , Feng Jianguo , Zhang Ruilin , Gao Zongjun , Jin Hongjie , Song Xiaoyu , Gao Xiaobing
Published: January 2023

Groundwater shortage and pollution are critical issues of global concern. In Wulian County, a typical hilly area, groundwater is the main source of water supply. This study investigates the current situation of groundwater pollution in Wulian City through the analysis of groundwater water chemistry characteristics, water quality evaluation, and health risk evaluation. After the analysis of the controlling factors of chemical components in groundwater and the analysis of ion sources, the main ion sources in groundwater were determined. The results showed that the major cations in groundwater were Ca2+ and Na+ and the major anions were HCO3− and SO42−. Nevertheless, NO3− exceeded the standard to different degrees in pore water (PW), fissure pore water (FPW), and fissure water (FW). The minimum NO3− concentration exceeded the standard in FW. Under the influence of rock weathering and salt rock dissolution, the main hydrochemical types of groundwater were the HCO3-Ca, HCO3-Ca·Mg, and SO4·Cl-Ca·Mg types. According to the water quality evaluation and health risk assessment, the FW area in the south had the highest water quality, where Class I water appeared and potable water was more widely distributed. The PW and FPW areas in the north had lower water quality, with higher health risks. Category V water gradually appeared in the FPW area, which is not suitable as a water supply source. Factor analysis and ion ratio analysis showed that the study area is strongly affected by anthropogenic factors. These research methods have important reference value to the research of groundwater pollution status.
Analysis of the Infiltration and Water Storage Performance of Recycled Brick Mix Aggregates in Sponge City Construction
Authors: Qi Bowen , Xu Peilong , Wu Chengzhao
Published: January 2023

With the gradual advancement of urbanization, urban hardened roofs and pavements are increasing, and the rainwater cycle is being seriously damaged; sponge city construction has become an inevitable trend to address this problem. The analysis of the infiltration and storage performance of recycled brick aggregate, which is highly absorbent and can be used as a permeable paving material in sponge cities, is of great significance. The study firstly designed a simulated rainfall test device, then carried out tests in terms of aggregate gradation, aggregate type, and aggregate grade, and finally analyzed its effect on the void structure and infiltration and water storage performance of recycled brick mix aggregates. The outcomes demonstrate that the particle size of recycled brick concrete aggregate is positively related to the water storage capacity, and the volume water storage rate of recycled sand is close to 26%. The fitting result of 1 h water storage rate under different dosage is 0.984. After 1 h of rainfall, the water storage rate is 3 times that of natural aggregate, and the volume water absorption rate is 2.5 times that of natural aggregate. This indicates that recycled brick concrete aggregate has strong permeability and water storage properties and has great potential for application in sponge city construction, and the study provides a reference for the optimal design of subsequent cities.
Optimum Coastal Slopes Exposed to Waves: Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Zandi Reza , Lari Khosro , Najafzadeh Mohammad
Published: January 2023

In this research, experimental and numerical studies of water waves in a wave tank are analyzed and how to find the optimum beach slope for numerical simulation is also investigated. First, with the aid of a wave tank (flap type), waves with different wave amplitudes are created in the laboratory, and data of generated waves are measured by different wave probes. Then, numerical simulations of the wave tank and waves with different wave amplitudes are performed in Ansys Fluent industrial software. The VOF method is used to model two-phase flow. The results of experimental and numerical simulations are compared and examined. Moreover, the effects of the beach slope on the simulation are analyzed and compared with the experimental results to obtain the best slope. The results show that the numerical simulation, by using the appropriate beach slope, can properly model the experimental results with a low CPU time. Additionally, the 1:5 beach slope is considered the best slope that can dampen the energy of the waves and prevent their reflection.
Experience of organizing a single recording center for MRI and CT research on the basis of SBHI SR «TCCH No. 5»
Authors:   SBHI SR «Tolyatti City Clinical Hospital No. 5», Tolyatti, Russia, Gizzatullina O. V.
Published: January 2023

The article deals with the issues of providing affordable and high-quality diagnostic medical care by creating a single center for recording MRI and CT scans. This article presents the experience of organizing such a center, problems and their solutions, as well as issues of interaction with other institutions in order to increase the satisfaction of the city’s population.
Parasitic contamination of environmental objects of the Astrakhan Region with helminths and protozoa for 2017–2021
Authors:   Astrakhan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Astrakhan, Russia, Arakelyan R. S. , Monina S. I. ,   Astrakhan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Astrakhan, Russia, Utkina E. D. ,   Astrakhan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Astrakhan, Russia
Published: January 2023

The sanitary and parasitological state of environmental objects of the Astrakhan region in 2017–2021 was studied. A total of 3334 samples from environmental objects were selected and examined, of which 118 samples (3.5 %) did not comply with regulatory documents — eggs and larvae of helminths were detected in these samples. Soil studies accounted for the largest share of all studies — 71.2 % (2373 samples), of which 4.4 % (105 samples) did not meet sanitary and parasitological indicators. The share of water studies accounted for 10.2 % (341 samples) of all the samples studied. Unsatisfactory findings in water amounted to 2.3 % (8 samples). Water samples were taken from the distribution network of centralized water supply and from open surface reservoirs. The results of the study revealed the relationship between the frequency of detection of eggs and larvae of specific parasites in environmental objects (water, soil) and the morbidity of the population. In addition, signs of underestimation of cases of strongyloidosis in the population of the Astrakhan region were revealed, which is confirmed by the high frequency of detection of larvae of this parasite in environmental objects in the complete absence of detected diseases. In order to prevent the spread of parasitosis in the Astrakhan region, it is necessary to strengthen control over the treatment of drinking water, conduct extensive explanatory work with the population and medical personnel on the clinic, diagnosis and prevention of parasitosis.
Topological optimization by minimum mass criterion
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Belyaev V. S. , Luchkov N. M. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Smirnov A. V. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Published: January 2023

In this article, the authors carried out the topology of optimizing the axle shaft of the front drive axle URAL-4320 according to the minimum mass criterion. Calculations make it possible to reduce the mass of a part with suitable strength characteristics, while using new technological equipment, new tools and equipment for the production of this part. With the results obtained, the introduction of a new optimized part into production will not incur additional costs, but at the same time it will reduce the weight of the entire vehicle, which in turn will affect its cross-country ability, speed, and fuel consumption.
The Akima's fitting method for quartic splines
Authors: Bica Alexandru Mihai , Curilă (Popescu) Diana
Published: January 2023

For the Hermite type quartic spline interpolating on the partition knots and at the midpoint of each subinterval, we consider the estimation of the derivatives on the knots, and the values of these derivatives are obtained by constructing an algorithm of Akima's type. For computing the derivatives on endpoints are also considered alternatives that request optimal properties near the endpoints. The error estimate in the interpolation with this quartic spline is generally obtained in terms of the modulus of continuity. In the case of interpolating smooth functions, the corresponding error estimate reveal the maximal order of approximation O(h^3). A numerical experiment is presented for making the comparison between the Akima's cubic spline and the Akima's variant quartic spline havingdeficiency 2 and natural endpoint conditions.
EXPANSÃO E INTERIORIZAÇÃO DAS LICENCIATURAS EM GEOGRAFIA NOS INSTITUTOS FEDERAIS DE EDUCAÇÃO, CIÊNCIA E TECNOLOGIA (IFS)
Authors: Verges João Vitor Gobis , Mariani Fábio , Verges Nivea Massaretto , Pires Carlos Manoel Pimenta
Published: January 2023

Os Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia (IFs) surgiram com a reorganização da Rede Federal de Educação Profissional e Tecnológica no Brasil em 2008. Possuem a obrigação em dispor de 20% de suas vagas para a formação de professores. Um dos aspectos intencionados é a interiorização de cursos de licenciaturas, auxiliando a supressão da carência nacional neste âmbito. Assim sendo, este trabalho levantou o cenário das licenciaturas em Geografia nos IFs brasileiros, compreendendo a dinâmica de interiorização do ensino superior, o surgimentos dos cursos e suas motivações. Adotou-se como metodologia o levantamento de dados através de revisão bibliográfica, nos sítios eletrônicos das autarquias e nos projetos pedagógicos de cursos (PPCs), com período terminando em 2020. Elaboraram-se quadros de surgimentos, justificativas e um mapeamento através do software livre QGIS. Conclui-se que as licenciaturas em Geografia nos IFs se mantiveram majoritariamente na faixa de ocupação tradicional do território, sobretudo nas regiões Nordeste e Sudeste. Como principais pontos de interiorização regional, encontram-se os estados do Pará e Rondônia. Com exceção do Distrito Federal, o Centro-Oeste não possuía nos IFs  o curso em questão, acompanhado da região Sul. Na perspectiva estadual, Rondônia e o Ceará são os que demonstram maior distribuição espacial dos cursos. Verifica-se, também, que a licenciatura em Geografia nos IFs é um acontecimento recente, maiormente manifestada na última fase da expansão das autarquias, tendo como argumentos centrais a carência de profissionais qualificados nas regiões de alcance das diferentes unidades, o deficit de professores no Brasil e se comportando como complementaridade.