bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impact of Travel Restrictions on the Spread of the 2020 Coronavirus Epidemic: An Advanced Epidemic Model Based on Human Mobility
Authors: Ye Xiaofei , Zhu Yi , Wang Tao , Yan Xingchen , Chen Jun , Zheng Pengjun
Published: August 2023

Infectious disease transmission can be greatly influenced by human mobility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Government implemented travel restriction policies to mitigate the impact of the disease or even block the transmission chain of it. In order to quantify the impact of these policies on the number of infections and the peak time of transmission, this research modified the traditional SIR model by considering human mobility. The proposed model was validated using a Baidu Qianxi dataset and the results indicate that the number of total infections would have increased by 1.61 to 2.69 times the current value and the peak time would have moved forward by 3 to 8 days if there were no such restriction policies. Furthermore, a mixing index α added in the proposed model showed that the proportion of residents using public transport to travel between different areas had a positive relationship with the number of infections and the duration of the epidemic.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on the Mechanical and Permeability Characteristics of Coal
Authors: Gao Heng , Lu Jun , Zhang Zetian , Li Cong , Li Yihang
Published: August 2023

The safe and efficient mining of coal seams with low porosity, low permeability, and high heterogeneity under complex geological conditions is a major challenge, with the permeability of coal seams playing a crucial role in coal mine gas extraction. The development of coal seam permeability enhancement technology can help coal mines produce safely and efficiently, while the extracted coal bed methane can be utilized as green energy. To study the effect of freezing and thawing on the evolution of the mechanical and permeability properties of coal, triaxial permeability tests were conducted on low-permeability coal under two different confining pressures. Simultaneously, dry, saturated, and freeze-thaw coal samples were set up for comparison, and the effects of water and freeze-thaw were isolated from each other. The triaxial mechanics and percolation laws of dry, saturated, and freeze-thaw coal rocks were obtained; the results show that saturated coal has the lowest initial permeability, while freeze-thawed coal has the highest initial permeability. Through analyzing the effects produced by water, freezing and thawing on coal specimens, the mechanism of the influence of freeze-thaw on the permeability evolution of coal was revealed. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for the development of gas extraction technology for low-permeability coal seams.
Sex, Age, and Regional Disparities in the Burden of Asthma in Mexico from 1990 to 2019: A Secondary Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Lopez-Bago Ana , Lascurain Ricardo , Hernandez-Carreño Pavel E. , Gallardo-Vera Francisco , Argueta-Donohue Jesus , Jimenez-Trejo Francisco , Fuentes-Zavaleta David A. , Beltran-Ontiveros Saul A. , Becerril-Camacho Delia M. , Contreras-Rodriguez Victor A. , Diaz Daniel
Published: August 2023

Asthma is the most prevalent cause of chronic respiratory diseases. Herein, we evaluate the asthma burden in Mexico based on results from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD 2019) study 2019. Using data from the GBD 2019, we estimated asthma prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted lived years (DALYs) counts and crude and age-standardized rates per 100,000 people with a 95% uncertainty interval (UI) by sex and age at the national and subnational levels in Mexico from 1990 to 2019. At the national level, asthma affected 3.35 million (95% UI, 2.59–4.37) people, with 606.0 thousand (433.0–811.1) new incident cases and 1655 (3–1931) deaths during 2019. Asthma caused a slightly higher burden in females and affected mainly age groups between 1 and 14 years of age. The burden of asthma gradually decreased from 1990 to 2010. However, during the last decade (2010–2019), prevalence increased by 8.2%, as did incidence, by 11.3%, whereas mortality and DALYs decreased by 23.3 and 1.6%, respectively. Finally, the burden of asthma displayed a heterogeneous pattern of disease at the subnational level. In conclusion, asthma causes a significant health loss in Mexico that differentially affects the population distributed among the states of the country, thus causing health disparities that should be addressed to provide sustainable asthma diagnosis and control to reduce its burden, especially in the early stages of life.
Mechanisms of Rural Sustainable Development Driven by Land Use Restructuring: A Perspective of “Scale-Space” Interactions
Authors: Yu Chao , Han Zhendong , Gao Junbo , Zheng Qian , Zhang Xinyi , Gao Haoteng
Published: August 2023

Regional development issues can be reflected in land use and addressed through land use restructuring. It is commonly recognized that strengthening the role of small towns in the coordinated and sustainable development of counties, towns, and villages is effective in solving land use problems. However, relevant studies do not focus on the county space and lack scale extensions to reflect the role and status of small towns. In this paper, an analytical framework is developed and some research hypotheses are proposed from the perspective of “Scale-Space” interaction. Then, a county in central China is used as a case study to reveal the mechanism of rural land use restructuring by comparing the changes in land use structure in different locations in recent years. The study finds that under the constraint of the basic principle of “Requisition-Compensation Balance”, the county has reorganized the spatial and landscape pattern of the countryside through extensive “demolition of the old” and “construction of the new”. Among them, towns that are distant from the county center, while improving their cohesion, give full play to their role as regional sub-centers, and are expected to become an important force driving urbanization in the future.
Optimization of Underground Cavern Sign Group Layout Using Eye-Tracking Technology
Authors: Zeng Qin , Chen Yun , Zheng Xiazhong , He Shiyu , Li Donghui , Nie Benwu
Published: August 2023

Efficient sign layouts play a crucial role in guiding driving in underground construction caverns and enhancing transportation safety. Previous studies have primarily focused on evaluating drivers’ gaze behavior in tunnels to optimize individual traffic sign layouts. However, the lack of a theoretical framework for visual perception of visual capture and information conveyed by sign groups hinders the measurement of drivers’ comprehensive visual perception and the layout optimization of sign groups. To address this gap, this study introduces a calculation method for sign group information volume and a visual cognition model, establishing a comprehensive evaluation approach for sign group visual cognition. Eye movement data, collected using eye-tracking technology, were utilized to evaluate the comprehensive visual perception and optimize the layout of sign groups. The findings indicate that a low information volume fails to enhance recognition ability and alleviate the psychological burden. Conversely, excessive information may result in overlooking signs positioned on the left and top. Furthermore, drivers are unable to improve cognitive efficiency and driving safety even with self-regulation when faced with an information volume exceeding 120 bits within a 100 m span. Overall, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method in promoting the long-term safety effect of temporary signage layouts in underground construction areas.
Pressure Drop and Heat Transfer Characteristics of TiO2/R1234yf Nanorefrigerant: A Numerical Approach
Authors: Bibin B.S. , Gundabattini Edison
Published: August 2023

Global warming is one of the most dangerous ecological issues facing the globe. Refrigerants are a major contributor to global warming. This investigation mainly focuses on the analysis of a greener nanorefrigerant. Nanorefrigerant can improve the efficiency of refrigeration and air conditioning systems that use vapor compression. In the present investigation, mathematical and computational methods are used to assess the heat transfer and pressure drop properties of TiO2/R1234yf. In order to analyze the heat transfer characteristics and the transport features of the innovative nanorefrigerant, appropriate mathematical predictive models were adapted from earlier investigations. The models are validated by the experiments using TiO2/POE nanolubricant as a test fluid. The investigation was conducted with a temperature range of 10 °C to 40 °C and a volume percentage of nano-sized TiO2 particles in R1234yf refrigerant ranging from 0.2 to 1%. According to the research, the introduction of nanoparticles increases viscosity, thermal conductivity, and density. However, as the amount of nanoparticles rises, the specific heat capacity of the nano-enhanced refrigerant decreases. The nanorefrigerant’s heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop are improved by 134.03% and 80.77%, respectively. The outcomes observed from the predictive technique and the simulation approach had an average absolute variation of 9.91%.
Vulnerability Assessment and Optimization Countermeasures of the Human–Land Coupling System of the China–Mongolia–Russia Cross-Border Transportation Corridor
Authors: Wang Xinyuan , Cheng Hao , Li Fujia , Avirmed Dashtseren , Tsydypov Bair , Zhang Menghan
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the conflicts of the human–land coupling system (HLS) in the cross-border transportation corridor areas have become increasingly severe, especially in the China–Mongolia–Russia Cross-Border Transportation Corridor (CMRTC). The vulnerability assessment of the HLS-CMRTC is the key scientific issue for regional sustainable development. Based on the nearly 20 years of a scientific expedition, we set the CMRTC as the study area, constructed the vulnerability assessment index system and quantitative model, assessed the vulnerability of the HLS-CMRTC, revealed the key influencing factors, divided vulnerability risk prevention zones, and proposed the targeted optimization countermeasures. This study found that: (1) The overall vulnerability pattern of the HLS-CMRTC showed a vulnerability level gradually increasing from south to north. (2) Permafrost instability risk, land desertification, temperature increase, and backward social development were key influences. (3) Vulnerability risk prevention zones were divided into four priority and two general zones. The targeted optimization countermeasures were proposed, such as establishing an ecological security barrier, carrying out collaborative ecological risk monitoring, and early warning. The conclusions could provide a decision-making basis for the study area to reduce the vulnerability of the HLS. They could also provide reference and scientific support for achieving sustainable development of the economy and environment in similar regions of the world.
A Highway On-Ramp Control Approach Integrating Percolation Bottleneck Analysis and Vehicle Source Identification
Authors: Li Shengnan , Yang Hu , Li Minglun , Dai Jianjun , Wang Pu
Published: August 2023

Identifying the bottleneck segments and developing targeted traffic control strategies can facilitate the mitigation of highway traffic congestion. In this study, we proposed a new method for identifying the bottleneck segment in a large highway network based on the percolation theory. A targeted on-ramp control approach was further developed by identifying the major vehicle sources of the bottleneck segment. We found that the identified bottleneck segment played a crucial role in maintaining the functional connectivity of the highway network in terms of meeting the required level of service. The targeted on-ramp control approach can more effectively enhance the service level of the highway network.
The Effect of Information Exchange Activities on Literacy in Online Health Community: The Evidence from PatientsLikeMe
Authors: Yang Ji Yeon , Ryu Gwanghui , Roh Taewoo
Published: August 2023

Online health communities (OHC) consist of individuals with shared health-related interests who exchange health-related information among themselves and for the benefit of others. Unfortunately, a notable issue within these communities is the dissemination of a substantial volume of inaccurate health information by various online health groups. Nevertheless, a dearth of research examining the impact of information-seeking activities within OHCs exists. This study aimed to examine the influence of direct and indirect health information-seeking behaviors, specifically among users diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who have reported complications in OHC, also called claims. Employing association rule mining (ARM) techniques, user data from PatientsLikeMe were extracted to capture information on users’ reported complications subsequent to being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (N = 6371). Subsequently, we utilized zero-inflated negative binomial regression (ZINB) to evaluate the effect of direct and indirect information search activities on false notes, including their interaction of them. The outcomes of this investigation have the potential to offer patients valuable insights regarding the reliability and trustworthiness of information derived from OHCs.
The Influence of Various Restoration Techniques on the Content of Selected Ions in Water of an Urban Lake
Authors: Grochowska Jolanta Katarzyna , Augustyniak-Tunowska Renata
Published: August 2023

The research was carried out on Lake Długie, which, from the mid-1950s was transformed into a receiver for domestic and storm water sewage. Together with the sewage, 51 tons of phosphates, 51 tons of ammonia, 2.6 tons of nitrates, 243 tons of calcium, and 294 tons of chlorides were introduced into the lake. The lake was completely degraded (P > 4 mg/L, N > 30 mg/L, Cl > 70 mg/L). Cutting off the sewage inflow did not improve the environmental conditions in the water body, which indicated that it was necessary to carry out further protection and restoration treatments: artificial aeration with destratification (1987–2000), a phosphorus inactivation method with the use of PAX 18 liquid coagulant (2001, 2002, 2003), cutting off the inflow of storm water (2015), and biomanipulation via the removal of macrophytes (2020). Research has shown that the protective measures carried out in the lake’s catchment area, in combination with appropriately selected restoration methods, are an example of good practices that enable the improvement of water quality. The phosphate concentrations in the bottom layers of water do not exceed 0.2 mg P/L, and the ammoniacal nitrogen does not exceed 1.2 mg N/L. The chloride content in the lake water is kept at the level of 20 mg Cl/L, and the calcium in the range from 28 to 40 mg Ca/L.
A Liquid Metal Alternate MHD Disk Generator
Authors: Alemany Antoine , Brekis Arturs , Montisci Augusto
Published: August 2023

In this paper, an electrical generator is presented for the exploitation of alternating energy. Some renewable sources are directly available in such forms, such as the wave power obtainable from the sea, but most of them can be converted to alternative forms; therefore, the proposed generator can be applied to different kinds of renewable sources. In particular, the proposed system is thought to be coupled with a thermoacoustic engine, which converts heat into mechanical vibration without using solid moving parts. This opens the proposed system to the use of most thermal sources, such as solar radiation, waste recovery, geothermic, car exhaust, and others. The object of of this present work concerns the transformation of alternating mechanical energy into electricity by using a specific type of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) disk generator. The functioning of this generator is based on the interaction between a DC magnetic field embedded in a disk structure and a conducting fluid held in an inner channel. A simplified model of the generator is presented here, and a sensitivity analysis is performed. It is shown that, under specific operating conditions, the efficiency of the system can reach 70% with a level of power of hundreds of watts.
The Application of Industrial Robot and the High-Quality Development of Manufacturing Industry: From a Sustainability Perspective
Authors: Guo Qianqian , Su Zhifang
Published: August 2023

Proposing a comprehensive evaluation measure of the high-quality development of manufacturing industry (HQDMI), the purpose of this paper is to explore whether the high-quality development of manufacturing industry (HQDMI) promotes the application of industrial robots (AIR). Evidence shows that, first, the index of HQDMI across regions shows an upward trend from 2008 to 2020. Furthermore, the application of industrial robots significantly increases the high-quality development of manufacturing industry. Our heterogeneity analysis further infers that the positive effect of AIR on HQDMI is more pronounced in wealthy and eastern regions. The mechanism analysis shows that the application of industrial robots can generate the “value-added effect of informatization” and the “resource allocation effect”. The findings provide important theoretical support for the use of industrial robots and the promotion of high-quality development.
Governance Democratic and Big Data: A Systematic Mapping Review
Authors: Hochstetter-Diez Jorge , Negrier-Seguel Marlene , Diéguez-Rebolledo Mauricio , Vásquez-Morales Felipe , Sancho-Chavarría Lilliana
Published: August 2023

The use and management of Big Data in the political sphere has posed unprecedented challenges concerning democratic governance, equity, and the rule of law. As Big Data establishes itself as a resource of growing value, it is imperative to address one of the most critical challenges: data sustainability. Data sustainability involves social and ethical considerations relating to the correct use of personal data. Lack of informed consent and transparency in collecting and using personal data raises serious concerns regarding privacy and individual rights. It is necessary to define regulations and public policies that guarantee citizens’ digital rights based on ethical and democratic standards associated with data management. This article aims to review the literature in the context of data sustainability to identify how Big Data is used, particularly emphasizing its application in the policy domain and the challenges it poses for democratic governance, equity, and law. We have used systematic mapping methodology to collect relevant papers, finding 28 papers associated with democratic governance and Big Data in the context of data sustainability. From the review of these papers, there appears to be a lack of proposals focusing on applying or implementing democratic governance and Big Data. Furthermore, there seem to be no measures to assess the application of Big Data in democratic governance. From these, the need to move towards the definition of formal models that integrate Big Data practices in democratic governance is identified.
A Novel Hybrid Approach for Prioritizing Investment Initiatives to Achieve Financial Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions Using MEREC-G and RATMI
Authors: Abdulaal Reda M. S. , Makki Anas A. , Al-Filali Isam Y.
Published: August 2023

Financial sustainability is a crucial challenge for higher education institutions due to various challenges and constraints. This necessitates determining their investment priorities accurately based on multiple criteria to ensure a sustainable income. This study puts forward a novel, hybrid approach for prioritizing the financial sustainability plan investment initiatives in higher education institutions using an updated method for the removal effects of criteria with a geometric mean (MEREC-G) and ranking the alternatives based on the trace-to-median index (RATMI) techniques. The developed approach is applied to the strategic financial sustainability plan investment initiatives at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). The study’s results prioritized the investment initiatives based on quantitative and qualitative criteria with different weights. Results also revealed the potential initiatives that can be considered quick-winning initiatives. Furthermore, results determined one high-potential initiative for each of KAU’s financial sustainability plan pillars. Based on the results, the study recommended four steps that assist KAU in ranking the initiatives effectively. Implications of the novel approach include assisting decision makers in higher education institutions to evaluate investment initiative priorities based on objective and subjective criteria to ensure the financial sustainability of their institutions.
Effect of Soil Volumetric Water Content on the CO2 Diffusion Coefficient
Authors: Sun Qisong , Hu Junguo , Jiang Junjie , Gu Kechen , Zhu Chao , Pan Chenxin , Yin Wenjie
Published: August 2023

Purpose: The soil air diffusion coefficient (Ds) is particularly important for the study of soil gas diffusion movement, and there are still many uncertainties in the widely used methods; as such, a method was designed to in situ measure the soil gas diffusion coefficient. Methods: Four different soil media were selected and studied by means of a designed in situ measurement of soil gas diffusion coefficients, and these were compared and analyzed with the predictions of several commonly used prediction models. In addition, they were combined with gas transport models to validate the results of the empirical models that were obtained by the in situ measurements. Results: The results of the data indicate that increasing the volumetric soil moisture content decreases the soil gas diffusion coefficient, with changes in the soil gas diffusion coefficient for the small-grained quartz sand medium being similar to those predicted by the Buckingham model. The soil gas diffusion coefficients for the large-grained quartz sand were similar to the Millington and Quirk model predictions at low humidity; for increased humidity, it was instead similar to the Buckingham model predictions. The soil gas diffusion coefficients of the two active media were closer to those of the SWLR model with high Cm. In addition, the R2 of the measured data was verified, by empirical modeling, to be greater than 0.54, and inversion experiments were conducted to verify that the results were consistent with those of the SWLR model. Conclusion: When measuring relative diffusion coefficients in the field, we recommend the in situ measurement method, which is more reflective of the actual situation in natural environments and provides more accurate data support for soil carbon flux studies.
Sources of Antibiotic Contamination in Wastewater and Approaches to Their Removal—An Overview
Authors: Samrot Antony V. , Wilson Samraj , Sanjay Preeth Ram Singh , Prakash Pandurangan , Sathiyasree Mahendran , Saigeetha Subramanian , Shobana Nagarajan , Pachiyappan Senthilkumar , Rajesh Vinod Vincent
Published: August 2023

In the practice of medicine, antibiotics are extremely important and are employed in the treatment of infections. A lot of antibiotics are consumed by humans and excreted via urine and feces into sewage systems and treatment plants. These are considered to be non-biodegradable, and over the years they accumulate in the aquatic environment. The presence of antibiotics in water resources causes the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a serious threat to the health of human beings. Water bodies must be adequately treated before being discharged to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. In the present article, the sources of antibiotics and strategies used for their effective removal, such as ultrafiltration, microfiltration, nanofiltration, membranous biological reactor treatment, Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP), Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Nano sorbents, are discussed. Conventional wastewater treatment plants are not able to eliminate antibiotics deposition/resistance genes effectively and efficiently. In this regard, the adsorption method is the most effective way of removing antibiotics from wastewater from various sources.
Factors Influencing Compliance with COVID-19 Disinfection Safety Guidelines among Disinfection Workers in South Korea
Authors: Son Seulki , Lee Yoon Hyeon , Jang Sarang
Published: August 2023

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the global demand for disinfection services. Disinfection work involves specialized expertise in the use of chemicals and equipment. However, many studies have not illuminated the essential knowledge and practices of disinfection workers. This study aims to investigate factors influencing disinfection practices to enhance the quality and safety of infection-control measures. A cross-sectional descriptive study among 215 disinfection workers in South Korea was undertaken. The survey questionnaire was designed to collect information on demographic characteristics, disinfection methods, knowledge of COVID-19 disinfectants and their application, and the use of personal protective equipment. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26. Participants who received COVID-19 disinfection training had more knowledge regarding disinfectant products, demonstrated greater adherence to disinfection guidelines, and used more disposable PPE items. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that being female, completing prior training on COVID-19 disinfection, obtaining disinfectant information through official education, and possessing a subjective awareness of COVID-19 disinfectants and disinfectant knowledge were associated with increased compliance with guidelines for disinfection. This study revealed a gap between perceived compliance and actual knowledge between groups. These findings highlight the importance of retraining disinfection workers, enhancing their qualifications, and promoting responsible disinfection practices.
Types of E-Consumers and Their Implications for Sustainable Consumption—A Study of the Behavior of Polish E-Consumers in the Second Decade of the 21st Century
Authors: Gajdzik Bożena , Jaciow Magdalena , Wolny Robert
Published: August 2023

This article is based on the findings of a longitudinal study examining the behavior of Polish e-consumers. A series of methodically planned and executed surveys was conducted to elucidate the evolution of online consumer behavior over the past decade. The objective of this article is to diagnose changes in the behavior of selected types of e-consumers from Generations X and Y over the last decade, and link them to the concept of sustainable consumption. The 2020 study employed a sample possessing attributes similar to the 2010 research study, maintaining the sample distribution in terms of gender, education, and age. Characterizations of the identified consumer types were derived from prevalent psychographic traits, attitudes towards oneself and others, behavioral patterns, and determinants of buying behavior. Four distinct types of Polish e-consumers were identified: HQ_type (those seeking the Highest Quality products), MS_type (those intending to Save Money during shopping), LT_type (those dedicating the Least amount of Time to shopping), and DP_type (those Deriving Pleasure from the shopping experience). The identified Polish e-consumer types were subjected to a comparative analysis spanning a decade. The findings reveal significant alterations in the behavior of e-consumers representing various types, with a trend favoring sustainable consumption. Generally, Polish e-consumers are shown to demonstrate conscious and sustainable consumption behaviors, such as effective financial management, especially evident in the MS_type group. They typically purchase products within their means, avoiding expensive credits to fulfill their “needs.” Half of the HQ_type, MS_type, and LT_type e-consumers recognize the importance of budgeting and spending tracking for informed consumption, whereas the DP_type, who enjoy shopping, tend to overlook active financial management, perceiving it as a burdensome task. Over the years, a positive shift in the HQ_type’s attitude towards spending management has been observed. A significant aspect of conscious and sustainable consumption involves planned purchases. More than half of the HQ_type, MS_type, and LT_type e-consumers adhere to ready-made shopping lists, while the more impulsive DP_type frequently opts to shop in-store without any preceding planning. This research carries both theoretical and practical implications. The repeatability of the studies renders them a fundamental source of knowledge about the studied populations over time, and serves as an exclusive means of learning about changes in market phenomena and processes in a scientific manner. The findings of this article may prove valuable for e-commerce managers in devising strategies for effective sales promotion and customer communication for different types of e-consumers.
Antihydrogen and Hydrogen: Search for the Difference
Authors: Khabarova Ksenia , Golovizin Artem , Kolachevsky Nikolay
Published: August 2023

Our universe consists mainly of regular matter, while the amount of antimatter seems to be negligible. The origin of this difference, known as the baryon asymmetry, remains undiscovered. Since the discovery of antimatter, many experiments have been carried out to study antiparticles and to compare matter and antimatter twins. Two of the most sensitive methods in physics, radiofrequency and optical spectroscopy, can be efficiently used to search for the difference. The successful synthesis and trapping of cold antihydrogen atoms opened the possibility of significantly increasing the sensitivity of matter/antimatter tests. This brief review focuses on a hydrogen/antihydrogen comparison using other independent spectroscopic measurements of single particles in traps and other simple atomic systems like positronium. Although no significant difference is detected in today’s level of accuracy, one can push forward the sensitivity by improving the accuracy of 1S–2S positronium spectroscopy, spectroscopy of hyperfine transition in antihydrogen, and gravitational measurements.
Hankel Determinant for a Subclass of Starlike Functions with Respect to Symmetric Points Subordinate to the Exponential Function
Authors: Li Zongtao , Guo Dong , Liang Jinrong
Published: August 2023

Let Ss*(ez) denote the class of starlike functions with respect to symmetric points subordinate to the exponential function, i.e., the functions which satisfy in the unit disk U the condition 2zf′(z)f(z)−f(−z)≺ez(z∈U). We obtained the sharp estimate of the second-order Hankel determinants H2,3(f) and improved the estimate of the third-order H3,1(f) for this functions class Ss*(ez).
On Performance of Marine Predators Algorithm in Training of Feed-Forward Neural Network for Identification of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Baştemur Kaya Ceren Baştemur
Published: August 2023

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used to solve many problems, such as modeling, identification, prediction, and classification. The success of ANN is directly related to the training process. Meta-heuristic algorithms are used extensively for ANN training. Within the scope of this study, a feed-forward artificial neural network (FFNN) is trained using the marine predators algorithm (MPA), one of the current meta-heuristic algorithms. Namely, this study is aimed to evaluate the performance of MPA in ANN training in detail. Identification/modeling of nonlinear systems is chosen as the problem. Six nonlinear systems are used in the applications. Some of them are static, and some are dynamic. Mean squared error (MSE) is utilized as the error metric. Effective training and testing results were obtained using MPA. The best mean error values obtained for six nonlinear systems are 2.3 × 10−4, 1.8 × 10−3, 1.0 × 10−4, 1.0 × 10−4, 1.2 × 10−5, and 2.5 × 10−4. The performance of MPA is compared with 16 meta-heuristic algorithms. The results have shown that the performance of MPA is better than other algorithms in ANN training for the identification of nonlinear systems.
Implementing a Relativistic Motor over Atomic Scales
Authors: Yahalom Asher
Published: August 2023

A relativistic motor exchanging momentum and energy with an electromagnetic field is studied. We discuss the advantages and challenges of this novel mover, giving specific emphasis to the more favorable (yet challenging) nano configurations. It specifically turns out that an isolated hydrogen atom in either a ground or excited state does not produce relativistic motor momentum.
Modified Mycotoxins and Multitoxin Contamination of Food and Feed as Major Analytical Challenges
Authors: Nešić Ksenija , Habschied Kristina , Mastanjević Krešimir
Published: August 2023

Mycotoxins, as natural products of molds, are often unavoidable contaminants of food and feed, to which the increasingly evident climate changes contribute a large part. The consequences are more or less severe and range from economic losses to worrying health problems to a fatal outcome. One of the best preventive approaches is regular monitoring of food and feed for the presence of mycotoxins. However, even under conditions of frequent, comprehensive, and conscientious controls, the desired protection goal may not be achieved. In fact, it often happens that, despite favorable analytical results that do not indicate high mycotoxin contamination, symptoms of their presence occur in practice. The most common reasons for this are the simultaneous presence of several different mycotoxins whose individual content does not exceed the detectable or prescribed values and/or the alteration of the form of the mycotoxin, which renders it impossible to be analytically determined using routine methods. When such contaminated foods enter a living organism, toxic effects occur. This article aims to shed light on the above problems in order to pay more attention to them, work to reduce their impact, and, eventually, overcome them.
Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Administration Improved after introducing Dedicated Guidelines: A Before-and-After Study from Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal (2019–2023)
Authors: Shrestha Indira , Shrestha Sulekha , Vijayageetha Mathavaswami , Koju Pramesh , Shrestha Saugat , Zachariah Rony , Khogali Mohammed
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) is important for reducing surgical site infections. The development of a dedicated hospital SAP guideline in the Dhulikhel Hospital was a recommendation from a baseline study on SAP compliance. Compliance with this new guideline was enhanced through the establishment of a hospital committee, the establishment of an antibiotic stewardship program and the funding and training of healthcare professionals. Using the baseline and a follow-up study after introducing dedicated hospital SAP guidelines, we compared: (a) overall compliance with the SAP guidelines and (b) the proportion of eligible and non-eligible patients who received initial and redosing of SAP; (2) Methods: A before-and-after cohort study was conducted to compare SAP compliance between a baseline study (July 2019–December 2019) and a follow-up study (January 2023–April 2023); (3) Results: A total of 874 patients were in the baseline study and 751 in the follow-up study. Overall SAP compliance increased from 75% (baseline) to 85% in the follow-up study (p < 0.001). Over 90% of those eligible for the initial dose of SAP received it in both studies. Inappropriate use for those not eligible for an initial dose was reduced from 50% to 38% (p = 0.04). For those eligible for redosing, this increased from 14% to 22% but was not statistically significant (p = 0.272); (4) Conclusions: Although there is room for improvement, introduction of dedicated SAP guidelines was associated with improved overall SAP compliance. This study highlights the role of operational research in triggering favorable interventions in hospital clinical care.
An Outbred Calf Model for Determining Innate Immune Sensing and Evolutionary Trajectories of a Cell Culture-Adapted Bovine Foamy Virus Variant
Authors: Materniak-Kornas Magdalena , Kubiś Piotr , Sell Bartosz , Pougialis Georgios , Löchelt Martin , Kuźmak Jacek
Published: August 2023

Bovine foamy virus (BFVbta) displays a very high degree of cell-associated replication which is unprecedented even among the other known foamy viruses. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that it can in fact adapt in vitro to high-titer (HT) cell-free transmission due to genetic changes acquired during repeated rounds of cell-free BFVbta passages in immortalized bovine MDBK cells. Molecular clones obtained from the HT BFVbta Riems cell-free variant (HT BFVbta Riems) have been thoroughly characterized in MDBK cell cultures However, during recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the source of the host cells used for virus growth and functional studies of virus replication and virus–cell interactions plays a paramount role. Established cell lines, mostly derived from tumors, but occasionally experimentally immortalized and transformed, frequently display aberrant features relating, for example. to growth, metabolism, and genetics. Even state-of-the-art organoid cultures of primary cells cannot replicate the conditions in an authentic host, especially those concerning cell diversity and the role of innate and adaptive immunity. Therefore, to determine the overall replication characteristics of the cloned wt and HT BFVbta Riems variant, we conducted a small-scale animal pilot study. The replication of the original wt BFVbta Riems isolate, as well as that of its HT variant, were analyzed. Both BFVbta variants established infection in calves, with proviruses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and induced Gag-specific antibodies. In addition, a related pattern in the host innate immune reaction was detected in the peripheral blood leukocytes of the BFV-infected calves. Surprisingly, an analysis of the Gag sequence two weeks post-inoculation revealed that the HT BFVbta variant showed a very high level of genetic reversion to the wild type (parental BFVbta genotype).
SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Bivalve Mollusk Samples of Campania, Southern Italy
Authors: Lombardi Annalisa , Voli Antonia , Mancusi Andrea , Girardi Santa , Proroga Yolande Thérèse Rose , Pierri Biancamaria , Olivares Renato , Cossentino Luigi , Suffredini Elisabetta , La Rosa Giuseppina , Fusco Giovanna , Pizzolante Antonio , Porta Amalia , Campiglia Pietro , Torre Ida , Pennino Francesca , Tosco Alessandra
Published: August 2023

SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in the feces of infected people, consequently in wastewater, and in bivalve mollusks, that are able to accumulate viruses due to their ability to filter large amounts of water. This study aimed to monitor SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in 168 raw wastewater samples collected from six wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and 57 mollusk samples obtained from eight harvesting sites in Campania, Italy. The monitoring period spanned from October 2021 to April 2022, and the results were compared and correlated with the epidemiological situation. In sewage, the ORF1b region of SARS-CoV-2 was detected using RT-qPCR, while in mollusks, three targets—RdRp, ORF1b, and E—were identified via RT-dPCR. Results showed a 92.3% rate of positive wastewater samples with increased genomic copies (g.c.)/(day*inhabitant) in December–January and March–April 2022. In the entire observation period, 54.4% of mollusks tested positive for at least one SARS-CoV-2 target, and the rate of positive samples showed a trend similar to that of the wastewater samples. The lower SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate in bivalve mollusks compared to sewages is a direct consequence of the seawater dilution effect. Our data confirm that both sample types can be used as sentinels to detect SARS-CoV-2 in the environment and suggest their potential use in obtaining complementary information on SARS-CoV-2.
Simulation of Hydrological Processes in the Jing River Basin Based on the WEP Model
Authors: Zhang Zhaoxi , Chen Yan , Zhang Guodong , Zhang Xueli
Published: August 2023

Inappropriate vegetation reconstruction in the Loess Plateau region has led to a significant increase in regional evapotranspiration and water consumption, further aggravating the shortage of soil water resources in the Loess Plateau region. The Jing River basin is a typical area for vegetation reconstruction in the Loess Plateau region. A thorough understanding of changes in hydrological processes in the Jing River basin is of significant scientific importance for efficient utilization of soil water resources and sustainable vegetation restoration in the region. In this study, the physically based Water and Energy Transfer Processes (WEP) distributed hydrological model was used to simulate key hydrological processes in the Jing River Basin during different periods before and after the implementation of cropland conversion to forest and grassland from 1980 to 2019. The results showed that after the implementation of cropland conversion to forest and grassland from 2000 to 2019, the average runoff volume in the Jing River Basin decreased by 20.91%. The most significant decrease in average runoff occurred in the central and northern parts of the basin, with a maximum reduction of 48.6%. The decrease in runoff in flood season is more obvious. The peak discharge decreased by 24.91%, and the most significant decrease occurred in the northern and central parts of the basin, ranging from 10.3% to 50.2%. The spatial distribution pattern of average soil moisture in the 0–0.8 m soil layer showed more moisture in the south and less in the north, with the minimum value occurring in certain areas in the eastern part of the basin. Overall, the implementation of cropland conversion to forest and grassland led to a certain degree of decrease in soil moisture in the basin. After the implementation of cropland conversion to forest and grassland, reference evapotranspiration fluctuated only in specific areas of the basin with no significant overall change.
Extreme Runoff Estimation for Ungauged Watersheds Using a New Multisite Multivariate Stochastic Model MASVC
Authors: Hernández-Bedolla Joel , García-Romero Liliana , Franco-Navarro Chrystopher Daly , Sánchez-Quispe Sonia Tatiana , Domínguez-Sánchez Constantino
Published: August 2023

Precipitation is influential in determining runoff at different scales of analysis, whether in minutes, hours, or days. This paper proposes the use of a multisite multivariate model of precipitation at a daily scale. Stochastic models allow the generation of maximum precipitation and its association with different return periods. The modeling is carried out in three phases. The first is the estimation of precipitation occurrence by using a two-state multivariate Markov model to calculate the non-rainfall periods. Once the rainfall periods of various storms have been identified, the amount of precipitation is estimated through a process of normalization, standardization of the series, acquisition of multivariate parameters, and generation of synthetic series. In comparison, the analysis applies probability density functions that require fewer data and, consequently, represent greater certainty. The maximum values of surface runoff show consistency for different observed return periods, therefore, a more reliable estimation of maximum surface runoff. Our approach enhances the use of stochastic models for generating synthetic series that preserve spatial and temporal variability at daily, monthly, annual, and extreme values. Moreover, the number of parameters reduces in comparison to other stochastic weather generators.
A New Acidity-Based Approach for Estimating Total Dissolved Solids in Acidic Mining Influenced Water
Authors: Barroso Ana , Valente Teresa , Marinho Reis Amélia Paula , Antunes Isabel Margarida H. R.
Published: August 2023

In natural waters, total dissolved solids (TDS) are usually estimated from electrical conductivity (EC) by applying a conversion factor (f). However, defining this conversion factor for mining influenced water is more complex since this type of water is highly mineralized and has complex chemical matrices. So, the present work aimed to establish a new conversion factor to estimate TDS from the classic parameters usually analyzed for the hydrochemical characterization of these contaminated waters. A total of 121 mining influenced water samples were collected in three mining areas representing pollution scenarios, such as acidic streams, acidic lagoons, and pit lakes. The parameters analyzed were pH, EC, sulfate, acidity, and TDS. The statistical analysis showed that TDS and acidity are related, with a high and significant correlation (r ≥ 0.964, ρ < 0.001), suggesting that this parameter could be an appropriate indicator to estimate the TDS. Moreover, although acidity analysis also involves laboratory work, the time and effort required are considerably less than the gravimetric determination of TDS. Hierarchical cluster analysis applied to these samples allowed the definition of seven classes, and their specific fmedian was calculated employing TDS/Acidity. Then, seven conversion factors were obtained for mining influenced water based on sulfate concentration and acidity degree.
Assessing Groundwater Potential in a Mid-Mountain Dryland Area of North-Central Chile through Geospatial Mapping
Authors: Deformes José Miguel , Núñez Jorge , Fairley Jerry P. , Arumí José Luis , Oyarzún Ricardo
Published: August 2023

This study utilized the Random Forest (RF) algorithm to assess groundwater potential (GWP) in the mid-mountain region of the Coquimbo region, north-central Chile. A comprehensive evaluation of twenty-one factors, primarily derived from Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and satellite data, was conducted against a database of 3822 groundwater discharge points. The majority of them consisted of shallow wells with relatively low yields. The main objective was to develop a groundwater potential (GWP) map for the study area. Among the factors considered, six variables, including two anthropogenic factors (distance to roads and presence of agricultural communities) and four natural factors (slope, elevation, concavity, and ruggedness index), were identified as the most influential indicators of GWP. The RF approach demonstrated excellent performance, achieving an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.95, sensitivity of 0.88, specificity of 0.86, and kappa coefficient of 0.74 in the test set. The majority of the study area exhibited low GWP, while only 14% of the area demonstrated high or very high GWP. In addition to providing valuable guidance for future hydrogeological investigations in the region, the GWP map serves as a valuable tool for identifying the areas that are most vulnerable to water shortages. This is particularly significant, as the region has been severely affected by extended drought, making water supply a critical concern.