bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kierkegaard on “Sobriety”: Christian Virtues, the Ethical, and Triadic Dyads
Authors: Davenport John J.
Published: November 2023

In her recent book, Kierkegaard and Religion: Personality, Character, and Virtue, Sylvia Walsh argues that Kierkegaard is not a virtue ethicist in the most common senses associated with eudaimonism, which he understands as enlightened self-interest. However, recent disputes about whether the aspects of “character” that Kierkegaard praises are virtues rely partly on whether the “ethical stage” in Kierkegaard’s moral psychology remains important within Christian faith, even when most strictly conceived in his late works. This in turn depends on how we understand the difficult works–grace relation in Kierkegaard’s conception of Christian faith. In this essay, I argue that the ethical existence sphere remains important even though, in works like Practice in Christianity and Judge for Yourself!, Kierkegaard argues that Christian faith is not a mere outgrowth or natural “development” of ethical earnestness or care—hardening the break with immanence that he introduced in earlier works. While he emphasizes a total transformation, a break from natural moral consciousness, and describes Christian qualities as a reversal of ordinary human expectations, there remains an underlying continuity with the attitudes and stances constitutive of the ethical and religiousness A (as existence spheres). This becomes visible when we identify three aspects found across the aesthetic, ethical, and Christian religious versions of major concepts in Kierkegaard’s work, including positive character terms. I use “sobriety” as discussed in Judge for Yourself! as my main example. This analysis confirms several important points advanced by Lee Barrett on the works–grace relation. The paradoxical standoff between ethical effort and grace is bridged to some extent by the continuing significance of the ethical “sphere” as a part of the “religious”, even in Kierkegaard’s late works and journal entries.
Onset Mechanisms and Prognosis of Neurally Mediated Syncope
Authors: Komiyama Tomoyoshi , Ayabe Kengo , Hasegawa Misaki , Yoshikawa Marie , Sakama Susumu , Lee Kyong-Hee , Yagishita Atsuhiko , Amino Mari , Nagata Eiichiro , Ikari Yuji , Yoshioka Koichiro , Kobayashi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2023

Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) is associated with a sudden loss of consciousness. However, the diagnostic tools and measures for prognosis management are limited. To overcome these limitations, the differences in the binding energies of Giα-protein-coupled receptors to the Glu9 and Glu12 residues on the α2B-AR gene were elucidated through the analysis of α2B-AR gene polymorphism. The suppression of the activity of adenylate cyclase (AC), which is involved in vasoconstriction, may be related to the onset of NMS. The head-up tilt (HUT) test results indicated differences in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and AC activity between patients with vasodepressor (VT)-NMS and healthy volunteers. Patients with VT-NMS had increased AC activity and decreased SBP. Conversely, in healthy volunteers, no changes in AC activity or SBP were found. These findings suggest that a high SBP and elevated AC activity at rest are likely to cause syncope. A high incidence of cardiovascular events is found in patients with negative HUT test results, highlighting the importance of investigating the cause of syncope in cases where the HUT test results are negative. Overall, our results may provide a means of assessing the risk of NMS development within healthy populations and underscore the importance of subsequent treatments for NMS.
Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Sea Ice Leads in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Wang Yueyun , Ji Qing , Pang Xiaoping , Qu Meng , Cha Mingxing , Zhang Fanyi , Yan Zhongnan , He Bin
Published: November 2023

The characteristics of sea ice leads (SILs) in the Weddell Sea are an important basis for understanding the mechanism of the atmosphere–ocean system in the Southern Ocean. In this study, we derived the sea ice surface temperature (IST) of the Weddell Sea from MODIS thermal images and then generated a daily SIL map for 2015 and 2022 by utilizing the iterative threshold method on the optimised MOD35 cloud-masked IST. The results showed that SIL variations in the Weddell Sea presented remarkable seasonal characteristics. The trend of the SIL area exhibited an initial rise followed by a decline from January to December, characterised by lower values in spring and summer and higher values in fall and winter. SILs in the Weddell Sea were predominantly concentrated between 70~78°S and 60~30°W. The coastal spatial distribution density of the SILs exceeded that of offshore regions, peaking near the Antarctic Peninsula and then near Queen Maud Land. The SIL variation was mainly influenced by dynamical factors, and there were strong positive correlations between the wind field, ocean currents, and sea-ice motion.
The Emergence of AI-Based Wearable Sensors for Digital Health Technology: A Review
Authors: Shajari Shaghayegh , Kuruvinashetti Kirankumar , Komeili Amin , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: November 2023

Disease diagnosis and monitoring using conventional healthcare services is typically expensive and has limited accuracy. Wearable health technology based on flexible electronics has gained tremendous attention in recent years for monitoring patient health owing to attractive features, such as lower medical costs, quick access to patient health data, ability to operate and transmit data in harsh environments, storage at room temperature, non-invasive implementation, mass scaling, etc. This technology provides an opportunity for disease pre-diagnosis and immediate therapy. Wearable sensors have opened a new area of personalized health monitoring by accurately measuring physical states and biochemical signals. Despite the progress to date in the development of wearable sensors, there are still several limitations in the accuracy of the data collected, precise disease diagnosis, and early treatment. This necessitates advances in applied materials and structures and using artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled wearable sensors to extract target signals for accurate clinical decision-making and efficient medical care. In this paper, we review two significant aspects of smart wearable sensors. First, we offer an overview of the most recent progress in improving wearable sensor performance for physical, chemical, and biosensors, focusing on materials, structural configurations, and transduction mechanisms. Next, we review the use of AI technology in combination with wearable technology for big data processing, self-learning, power-efficiency, real-time data acquisition and processing, and personalized health for an intelligent sensing platform. Finally, we present the challenges and future opportunities associated with smart wearable sensors.
Pig Movement Estimation by Integrating Optical Flow with a Multi-Object Tracking Model
Authors: Zhou Heng , Chung Seyeon , Kakar Junaid Khan , Kim Sang Cheol , Kim Hyongsuk
Published: November 2023

Pig husbandry constitutes a significant segment within the broader framework of livestock farming, with porcine well-being emerging as a paramount concern due to its direct implications on pig breeding and production. An easily observable proxy for assessing the health of pigs lies in their daily patterns of movement. The daily movement patterns of pigs can be used as an indicator of their health, in which more active pigs are usually healthier than those who are not active, providing farmers with knowledge of identifying pigs’ health state before they become sick or their condition becomes life-threatening. However, the conventional means of estimating pig mobility largely rely on manual observations by farmers, which is impractical in the context of contemporary centralized and extensive pig farming operations. In response to these challenges, multi-object tracking and pig behavior methods are adopted to monitor pig health and welfare closely. Regrettably, these existing methods frequently fall short of providing precise and quantified measurements of movement distance, thereby yielding a rudimentary metric for assessing pig health. This paper proposes a novel approach that integrates optical flow and a multi-object tracking algorithm to more accurately gauge pig movement based on both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the shortcomings of solely relying on tracking algorithms. The optical flow records accurate movement between two consecutive frames and the multi-object tracking algorithm offers individual tracks for each pig. By combining optical flow and the tracking algorithm, our approach can accurately estimate each pig’s movement. Moreover, the incorporation of optical flow affords the capacity to discern partial movements, such as instances where only the pig’s head is in motion while the remainder of its body remains stationary. The experimental results show that the proposed method has superiority over the method of solely using tracking results, i.e., bounding boxes. The reason is that the movement calculated based on bounding boxes is easily affected by the size fluctuation while the optical flow data can avoid these drawbacks and even provide more fine-grained motion information. The virtues inherent in the proposed method culminate in the provision of more accurate and comprehensive information, thus enhancing the efficacy of decision-making and management processes within the realm of pig farming.
Threat Modeling for Communication Security of IoT-Enabled Digital Logistics
Authors: Junejo Aisha Kanwal , Breza Michael , McCann Julie A.
Published: November 2023

The modernization of logistics through the use of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) Internet of Things (IoT) devices promises great efficiencies. Sensor devices can provide real-time or near real-time condition monitoring and location tracking of assets during the shipping process, helping to detect delays, prevent loss, and stop fraud. However, the integration of low-cost WSN/IoT systems into a pre-existing industry should first consider security within the context of the application environment. In the case of logistics, the sensors are mobile, unreachable during the deployment, and accessible in potentially uncontrolled environments. The risks to the sensors include physical damage, either malicious/intentional or unintentional due to accident or the environment, or physical attack on a sensor, or remote communication attack. The easiest attack against any sensor is against its communication. The use of IoT sensors for logistics involves the deployment conditions of mobility, inaccesibility, and uncontrolled environments. Any threat analysis needs to take these factors into consideration. This paper presents a threat model focused on an IoT-enabled asset tracking/monitoring system for smart logistics. A review of the current literature shows that no current IoT threat model highlights logistics-specific IoT security threats for the shipping of critical assets. A general tracking/monitoring system architecture is presented that describes the roles of the components. A logistics-specific threat model that considers the operational challenges of sensors used in logistics, both malicious and non-malicious threats, is then given. The threat model categorizes each threat and suggests a potential countermeasure.
A Flexible Eddy Current TMR Sensor for Monitoring Internal Fatigue Crack
Authors: Yang Fei , He Yuting , Fan Xianghong , Chen Tao , Zhang Teng , Ma Binlin
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a flexible eddy current TMR (FEC-TMR) sensor to monitor the internal crack of metal joint structures. First, the finite element model of the FEC-TMR sensor is established to analyze the influence of the sensor’s crack identification sensitivity with internal crack propagation at different depths and determine the optimal location and exciting frequency of the sensor. Then, the optimal longitudinal spacing and exciting frequency of the sensor are tested by experiment. The experimental results are consistent with the simulation results, which verify the correctness of the simulation model. Finally, the experiment is carried out for internal cracks of different depths to verify that the sensor can monitor internal cracks, and the crack identification sensitivity gradually decreases with the increase in the depth of the crack from the surface.
A Novel Polymeric Membrane Sensor for Chlorhexidine Determination
Authors: Lenik Joanna , Sokal Karolina
Published: November 2023

In the present work, potentiometric sensors with polymer membranes used for chlorhexidine (CHXD) determination were developed. The polymer membranes were plasticized with bis(2-ethylheksyl)sebacate (DOS) or 2-nitrophenyloctyl ether (o-NPOE). The active compounds used in the membrane were cyclodextrins, crown ethers, and ion exchangers. The best-constructed electrode was based on neutral heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-benzoyl)-β-cyclodextrin with lipophilic salt (KTpClBP)—potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl) borate—dissolved in plasticizer, DOS. The presented electrode is characterized by an average cationic slope of 30.9 ± 2.9 mV decade−1 within a linear range of 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−3 mol × L−1, while the value of the correlation coefficient is 0.9970 ± 0.0026. The response time was about 5 s when increasing the sample concentration and about 10 s when diluting the sample. The electrode potential is independent of the pH within a range of 4.0–9.5. The polymeric membrane sensor was successfully applied for assays of chlorhexidine digluconate in pure samples and pharmaceutical samples. The relative error from three replicate measurements was determined to be 1.1%. and the accuracy was RSD = 0.3–1.1%.
A Smart City Is a Safe City: Analysis and Evaluation of the State of Crime and Safety in Polish Cities
Authors: Tutak Magdalena , Brodny Jarosław
Published: November 2023

The concept of a smart city is based on the extensive multidimensional use of information and communication technologies to create the most favorable living conditions for residents and visitors. It is also important to create favorable conditions for economic activity while respecting the environment. One of the most important dimensions of this concept is security in the broadest sense, particularly that which concerns urban residents. This article addresses this subject by analyzing crime and determining the state of safety in 16 Polish provincial cities between 2013–2022. The measure of this state was chosen to be a set of indicators characterizing a number of registered criminal and economic offenses in the studied cities. On this basis, values of the indices of the dynamics of change for these offenses in individual cities in the analyzed period were determined. In the next stage, the number of offenses was compared to the number of residents of the cities under study and the indices of concentration for total offenses (LQT) and for individual types of offenses (LQn) were determined. Based on these results, the studied cities were divided into four concentration levels. Afterward, these results were used for a multi-criteria analysis of the safety of studied cities, which was carried out using the TOPSIS method. The calculated values of the safety index (Pi) formed the basis for creating a ranking and specifying security levels of studied cities. The results indicate a wide variation among the cities in terms of safety levels. Gdańsk, Bydgoszcz, Olsztyn and Zielona Góra were found to be the safest cities, while Szczecin was found to be the least safe. The methodology developed and the results obtained show the validity of conducting comparative research in areas relevant to the implementation of the smart cities concept. The knowledge gained can be used to build strategies and conduct policies with regard to improving safety in cities, especially those aspiring to be smart cities.
Does Participation in the “Grain for Green Program” Change the Status of Rural Men and Women? An Empirical Study of Northeast China
Authors: Zhu Yifei , Maharjan Keshav Lall
Published: November 2023

The Grain for Green (GfG) program is an afforestation project created by the Chinese Government to protect the environment. Farmers who participate in GfG return farmland to forest. Losing arable land means losing an income source, so farmers have to reorient their livelihood strategies, leading to potential changes in the gender division of labor. To assess gender differences in the impact of policies, we use indicators from the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI), which measures the status of women relative to that of men. Using sex-disaggregated data from farmers in mountainous areas of northeast China and applying the inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) estimator, we found that the status of men and women had increased with GfG participation, but women’s status had improved more than men’s. However, this was not because of their smooth participation in the program, but because of its challenges. Their decision-making skills improved unexpectedly due to pressure to protect their interests. Rural women worried about their families’ livelihoods, so they tried to improve their family welfare and diversified their income sources. In this process, women had more interactions with outside communities. Our results underline the strong need to continuously monitor the gender impacts of environmental policies.
The Road to Sustainable Logistics: Using the Fuzzy Nonlinear Multi-Objective Optimization Model to Build Photovoltaic Stations in Taiwan’s Logistics Centers
Authors: Wang Huai-Tien , Chiang Kang-Lin , Pan Nang-Fei , Lin Yu-Feng
Published: November 2023

In Taiwan, numerous company logistics centers have embraced installing solar photovoltaic power stations (SPPSs) on their rooftops. The primary objective of this study is to expedite the generation of green electricity for sale, bolstering the logistics center’s income and enhancing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) profile. How can we secure solar photovoltaic power station (SPPS) projects with expedited construction timelines, reduced investment costs, and heightened quality aligned with the long-term ESG objectives? The study applies the critical path method (CPM) to determine the item’s path. Next, the mothed leverages Zimmermann’s mathematical models for nonlinear multi-objectives and Yager’s fuzzy sets to enhance project efficiency, minimizing completion time and cost while maximizing the quality ratio. Subsequently, the project uses Liou and Wang’s defuzzification values and incorporates Dong’s fuzzy to accelerate calculations. In this case, Project HP’s item J, the construction time is reduced from 24.3 to 3.2 days, ensuring that construction quality meets an 85% standard. Item J necessitates expanding the fuzzy cost interval (4549.90, 15,416.65, 26,283.41) (it refers to a scope of possible costs). It becomes evident that construction time plays a pivotal role in controlling costs. For Project HP’s item H, the unit time quality decision ranges from TWD 238,000 to 240,000, to turn into a cost interval of TWD 215,100, 239,000, and 262,900. Consequently, cost transformation transitions from an active to a more passive role, with quality and construction time becoming the driving components. This study uses a fuzzy nonlinear multi-objective model to guide the decision analysis of SPPSs within logistics centers. This strategy enables decision-makers to streamline logistics center operations, ensuring time, cost, and quality (TCQ) alignment during SPPS installation, thereby advancing ESG sustainability goals.
Academia-Industry Linkages for Sustainable Innovation in Agriculture Higher Education in India
Authors: Soam Sudhir Kumar , Subbanna Yashavanth Basavapatna , Rathore Surya , Sumanth Kumar V. Venkata , Kumar Sanjiv , Vinayagam S. Senthil , Rakesh S. , Balasani Raghupathi , Raju Dhumantarao Thammi , Kumar Alok , Srinivasa Rao Nukella , Krishnan Pandian , Marwaha Sudeep , Agrawal Anuradha , Srinivasa Rao Cherukumalli , Agrawal Rakesh Chandra
Published: November 2023

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the World Bank have collaborated on a project entitled the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) to improve agricultural higher education in India, paving the way for sustainable higher education in agriculture. As part of this project, the present investigation was carried out through national-level workshops involving seven State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) across India, with participants from academia and industry, to strengthen ‘academia–industry collaboration’ through effective linkages. Based on the responses of 199 respondents from academia and industry, the study demonstrates an absolute need for linkages between universities and industries (p < 0.001), which are perceived to help improve higher education sustainably. Academic institutions believe that such linkages benefit students concerning their employability, entrepreneurial skills, and financial support received. At the same time, industries believe that they would benefit from novel technologies and influencing academic curricula. This article also establishes an alliance between some parts of academia and industry in the form of MoUs in the identified areas. However, many other areas need more appropriate linkage models. Both sectors, i.e., academia and industry, concur that such exposure and collaboration between the two entities will help to improve the quality of education. Moreover, such collaborations provide financial support, increase students’ employability, and improve their entrepreneurial skills. Among the areas requiring collaboration, the ‘capacity building of students’ was rated most important by academia and industry. Overall, the present study has significant implications for university administrators and industry leaders involved in enhancing academia–industry cooperation and improving the quality and sustainability of higher education in agriculture. Further, the study greatly contributes to the National Education Policy (NEP) to promote innovation among the student communities through Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Examining Changes in Consumer Spatial Structure and Sustainable Development Issues in Beijing before and after the Outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Shi Changsheng , Meng Bin , Yuan Yuting , Ou Zhiyuan , Li Xiaohang
Published: November 2023

Urban consumption spatial structure has a direct impact on the sustainable development and quality of life of urban residents. This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on Beijing’s urban consumption spatial structure within the Sixth Ring Road. Utilizing POI (Point of Interest) data and the Kernel Density method, the spatial distribution of commercial centers is analyzed. Consumption data from China UnionPay for 2019 and 2020, along with the Weighted Voronoi diagram method, are employed to assess changes in the radiation range of commercial centers. The findings indicate that: (1) owing to the pandemic’s repercussions, commercial centers at different levels and locations have different changes. (2) There is an overarching decline in UnionPay consumer spending across diverse streets in Beijing. (3) Following the epidemic, large-scale consumption hubs have maintained their dominance, ensuring the overall stability of the city’s consumption spatial pattern. In conclusion, the changes in commercial centers and the significant decrease in consumer spending underscore the dynamic interplay between urban consumption and external shocks like the pandemic. These insights are crucial for urban planning strategies aiming to enhance both resilience and sustainability in the face of unforeseen challenges. The spatial restructuring of traditional commercial centers requires nuanced urban planning. Recognizing the resilience and expansion of smaller centers suggests the importance of fostering localized economic activities. Policymakers could incentivize their development to promote community engagement and economic sustainability.
Unrevealing Voice Search Behaviors: Technology Acceptance Model Meets Anthropomorphism in Understanding Consumer Psychology in the U.S. Market
Authors: Ahn Hongmin
Published: November 2023

Voice search technology has surged in popularity in recent years, reshaping the way people interact with digital devices. This study investigates the multifaceted factors influencing voice search behaviors, considering the evolving landscape of online search methods. By integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM) and anthropomorphism theory, this research aims to offer valuable insights for developers, marketers, and policymakers interested in voice search technology. Through an online survey targeting experienced voice search consumers in the US, the study examines the impact of TAM factors (perceived usefulness, ease of use, quality satisfaction) and anthropomorphism traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism) on the intention to use voice search. Results from hierarchical regression analysis show that perceived usefulness, ease of use, and quality satisfaction positively affect the intention to use voice search. Additionally, narcissism and Machiavellianism positively affect the intention to use voice search. By merging TAM and anthropomorphism theory, this study enhances our understanding of voice search behavior and AI-driven technology adoption.
Passive Energy Conservation Strategies for Mitigating Energy Consumption and Reducing CO2 Emissions in Traditional Dwellings of Peking Area, China
Authors: Xie Liang , Fan Lai , Zhang Dayu , Liu Jixin
Published: November 2023

Within China, brick dwellings stand as archetypal relics of traditional habitation, embodying a “living fossil” status. The sustainability of these dwellings is contingent upon the integration of energy-conservation strategies. This study scrutinized and empirically assessed a representative dwelling in the Peking area. Using numerical simulations, the impact on energy consumption of factors such as insulation and glazing type, external wall thickness, insulation thickness, and solar energy utilization was evaluated. The outcomes reveal that introducing external thermal insulation—specifically, expanded polystyrene panels with a thickness of 60 mm and 40 mm for the roof and exterior walls, respectively—along with a sunspace of depth 1.5 m yielded superior energy efficiency. Additionally, substituting conventional roofing with solar tiles exhibited a potential annual electricity generation coupled with an annual solar radiation conversion efficiency of 17%. Collectively, these strategies induced a substantial reduction in annual energy consumption. This study presents tailored energy-conservation measures and provides design decision support for architects’ practical recommendations on thermal environment control of passive traditional dwellings in the Peking area.
Sustainable Transformation of Waste Soft Plastics into High-Quality Flexible Sheets
Authors: Nur-A-Tomal Md. Shahruk , Pahlevani Farshid , Bhattacharyya Saroj , Joe Bill , Wesley Charlotte , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: November 2023

Post-consumer soft plastics often face inadequate management practices, posing threats to both human life and the environment while also leading to the loss of valuable recyclable materials when not recycled. Traditional mechanical recycling methods are unsuitable for waste soft plastics due to their thin and flimsy nature. This study presents an effective, user-friendly process for converting waste soft plastics into new products, generating value, and expediting their collection and recycling without the need for pelletization. The outcome of this process was compared with products derived from traditional recycling and commercially available alternatives through various analytical techniques including tensile testing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The findings suggest that waste soft plastics can be transformed into flexible sheets without significant alterations to their properties. In particular, the ultimate tensile strength of samples recycled using the developed process in this study and traditional recycling were found to be 25.9 ± 0.4 and 25.2 ± 0.8 MPa, respectively, surpassing commercially available products by nearly 15 MPa. Additionally, a life cycle assessment revealed that producing flexible sheets from waste soft plastics using this innovative approach, rather than virgin polymer, could reduce fossil fuel depletion and global warming by 99.4% and 94.6%, respectively. This signifies the potential of the process to mitigate environmental pollution and produce high-quality products exclusively from 100% waste plastics.
A Survey of Digital Government: Science Mapping Approach, Application Areas, and Future Directions
Authors: Güler Merve , Büyüközkan Gülçin
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of digital technologies, digital transformation reshapes the functioning of governments. Digital government (DG) aims to leverage technology to enhance the delivery of public services, improve efficiency, and foster transparency. Embracing DG is a strategic imperative for governments looking to provide effective, transparent, and citizen-centric services in the 21st century. Therefore, many government organizations have intensified their DG efforts in response to its necessity. However, there is little clarity in the previous literature and a lack of uniform understanding among government employees, policymakers, and citizens regarding the concept of DG. Therefore, this study aims to analyze current DG research with science mapping, classify the research areas, and propose future directions for upcoming studies. A search was conducted on Web of Science and Scopus databases since the year 2000. VOSViewer software was used for visualizing and exploring bibliometric networks. This study is one of the first attempts to examine the DG area using the science mapping approach. Selected publications were categorized into research areas, and future directions were presented to bridge the identified research gaps. According to our results, the five main research areas are DG transformation, cybersecurity, public participation and social media, open government data and transparency, and e-Government adoption models. This study guides practitioners, academics, policymakers, and public employees in planning their future studies.
Onabotulinumtoxin-A: Previous Prophylactic Treatment Might Improve Subsequent Anti-CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies Response in Patients with Chronic Migraine
Authors: Ceccardi Giulia , Schiano di Cola Francesca , Caratozzolo Salvatore , Di Pasquale Michele , Bolchini Marco , Padovani Alessandro , Rao Renata
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether previous preventive treatment with onabotulinumtoxin-A might influence subsequent clinical response following a switch to anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The present retrospective study was conducted at the Headache Centre—Neurology Clinic at the Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia between November 2018 and May 2023. The primary objective was to assess clinical outcome (monthly headache days (MHDs), monthly migraine days (MMDs), mean analgesics consumption, and clinical disability according to Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS)) following three months (T3) of preventive treatment with anti-CGRP mAbs comparing patients who did and those who did not previously receive treatment with Onabotulinumtoxin-A. Moreover, we aimed to evaluate whether the clinical response to anti-CGRP mAbs was affected by the number of previous Onabotulinumtoxin-A administrations. At T3, compared to Onabotulinumtoxin-A naïve patients, patients who previously received Onabotulinumtoxin-A documented fewer MMDs (3.3 ± 3.7 versus 5.2 ± 5.0; p = 0.017) and a lower MIDAS score (23.2 ± 20.9 versus 37.4 ± 39.6; p = 0.013). Patients who received at least 3 onabotulinumtoxin-A administrations documented, at T3, lower MMDs compared to those who received fewer cycles (respectively, 2.1 ± 2.7 vs. 6.5 ± 4.4; p = 0.024). In conclusion, according to our data, previous treatment with onabotulinumtoxin-A might improve subsequent response to anti-CGRP mAbs preventive treatment.
Influenza A, like Omicron SARS-CoV-2, Is Similarly Detected in Saliva or Nasopharyngeal Samples via RT-qPCR
Authors: Abreu Hellen , Royer Carla Adriane , Poitevin Carolina Gracia , Kohler Ana Flávia , Rodrigues Ana Carolina , Raboni Sonia Mara , Nogueira Meri Bordignon , Cardoso Pedro Henrique , Arruda Monica Barcellos , Baptista Patrícia Alvarez da Silva , Bonatto Ana Claudia , Gradia Daniela Fiori , Adamoski Douglas , Maltempi de Souza Emanuel , Carvalho de Oliveira Jaqueline
Published: November 2023

After the Coronavirus pandemic, the importance of virus surveillance was highlighted, reinforcing the constant necessity of discussing and updating the methods for collection and diagnoses, including for other respiratory viruses. Although the nasopharyngeal swab is the gold-standard sample for detecting and genotyping SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses, its collection is uncomfortable and requires specialized teams, which can be costly. During the pandemic, non-invasive saliva samples proved to be a suitable alternative for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, but for Influenza virus the use of this sample source is not recognized yet. In addition, most SARS-CoV-2 comparisons were conducted before the Omicron variant emerged. Here, we aimed to compare Influenza A and Omicron RT-qPCR analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva self-collection in paired samples from 663 individuals. We found that both nasopharyngeal swab and saliva collection are efficient for the diagnosis of Omicron (including sub-lineages) and for Influenza A, with high sensitivity and accuracy (>90%). The kappa index is 0.938 for Influenza A and 0.905 for SARS-CoV-2. These results showed excellent agreement between the two samples reinforcing saliva samples as a reliable source for detecting Omicron and highlighting saliva as a valid sample source for Influenza detection, considering this cheaper and more comfortable alternative.
Analysis of the Economic Burden of COVID-19 on the Workers of a Teaching Hospital in the Centre of Italy: Changes in Productivity Loss and Healthcare Costs Pre and Post Vaccination Campaign
Authors: Di Fabio Sara , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Following the concerning levels of spread and severity of the infection, on 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. In response to the pandemic, governments adopted several mitigation strategies. The pandemic posed a great threat to the Italian healthcare workforce (HW), with Italy being one of the hardest-hit countries. The aim of this study is to estimate the economic burden of COVID-19 on the workforce of a teaching hospital in Central Italy. Two periods are compared: 1 March 2020–9 February 2021 vs. 10 February 2021–31 March 2022. Methods: This study is conducted from a societal perspective. The database (n = 3298) of COVID-19-confirmed cases among the HW was obtained from the occupational health office of the hospital. The first entry on the database refers to 1 March 2020. Cost data were used to assess the economic burden of COVID-19 on the hospital workforce. They include two main groups: hourly salaries and medical expenses. The cost of productivity loss, hospital admission, at-home treatments, and contact tracing and screening tests were computed for the first and second periods of the analysis. Results: The total economic burden during the first period is estimated to be around EUR 3.8 million and in the second period EUR 4 million. However, the average cost per person is smaller in the second period (EUR 1561.78) compared to the first one (EUR 5906). In both periods, the cost of productivity loss is the largest component of the economic burden (55% and 57%). The cost of hospital admission decreased by more than 60% in the second period. Conclusion: Outcomes of the analysis suggest that the economic burden of COVID-19 on the HW is higher in the first period of analysis compared to the second period. The main reason could be identified in the shift from more severe and critical confirmed cases to more asymptomatic, mild, and moderate cases. The causes of this shift are not easily detectable. Vaccination, variants of the virus, and an individual’s determinants of health could all be causes of the decrease in the economic burden of COVID-19 on the HW. COVID-19 can generate a high economic burden on healthcare workers and, more generally, on HWs. However, a comprehensive estimate of the economic burden of the pandemic needs to integrate the mental health repercussions and the long-term COVID-19 that will become evident in the coming years.
Advancing Discharge Ratings: A Novel Approach Based on Observed and Derivable GIS Factors in Alluvial Systems
Authors: Alshehri Fahad , Ross Mark
Published: November 2023

Depth–discharge rating is required at gauged and ungauged locations for hydrologic modeling of alluvial systems to evaluate streamflow and manage regional water resources. Spanning low to high-flow conditions, manual field measurements are used to develop discharge ratings at gauged locations, producing continuous flow data from automated water depth measurements. The discharge rating is dependent on channel geometry, stream slope, vegetation, roughness coefficient, sediment load, and bank stability. To construct discharge ratings for many locations within larger model domains (hundreds to thousands of km2), intensive GIS and manual (spreadsheet) data manipulation are often required. In this analysis, available USGS gauging stations and readily available GIS coverages were used to learn and implement a novel method to characterize the depth–discharge relationships for hydrologic modeling of larger or complex areas using commonly available data and normalization techniques. The improved procedure simply uses drainage area, channel slope, and channel width, readily derivable GIS data, to develop discharge ratings for gauged and ungauged sections. The discharge rating curves for 70 USGS streamflow gauges were reproduced using the procedure. Then, the produced and observed discharge rating curves were compared to evaluate the accuracy of the method. In the analysis of streamflow depth predictions, the average Root Mean Squared Error was recorded at approximately 0.38 m (≈1.24 ft), with an interquartile range between 0.21 m and 0.49 m. The Mean Error remained centered around 0 m, with interquartile values ranging from −0.24 m to 0.24 m.
Assessing Water Quality Dynamics in Tidally Influenced Blackwater Rivers along a Rural–Urban Gradient
Authors: Chaya Taryn M. , Schafer Tracey B. , Osborne Todd Z.
Published: November 2023

The aim of this research was to identify the impacts of land use and subsequent pulse-driven events on water quality across a gradient of urbanization spanning three blackwater rivers in northeast Florida that contribute to a common estuary ecosystem. Three blackwater rivers in St. Augustine, FL, were classified as rural, suburban, and urban, based on percentages of residential, industrial, and commercial parcel type. Turbidity, dissolved oxygen, fluorescent dissolved organic matter, chlorophyll a, salinity, and pH were measured at 15 min intervals from May to December 2020. Monthly phosphate, nitrate, ammonium, total coliforms, and E. coli concentrations were also examined. Principal component analyses identified the distance to the freshwater source, distance to the inlet, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH as major sources of variance between the sites. Significant physicochemical differences between sites are more likely due to a site’s proximity to an inlet or freshwater source, rather than the percent of urban parcels, and site distance to freshwater and saltwater influences should be considered due to its influence on water quality in estuarine systems. This study provides insight into potential water quality responses to urbanization, or lack thereof, and addresses challenges in selecting the optimal site locations for long-term in situ water quality monitoring studies of urbanization in blackwater rivers.
A Bayesian Network Model for Risk Management during Hydraulic Fracturing Process
Authors: Badjadi Mohammed Ali , Zhu Hanhua , Zhang Cunquan , Safdar Muhammad
Published: November 2023

The escalating production of shale gas and oil, witnessed prominently in developed nations over the past decade, has sparked interest in prospective development, even in developing countries like Algeria. However, this growth is accompanied by significant opposition, particularly concerning the method of extraction: hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking’. Concerns regarding its environmental impact, water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and potential health effects have sparked widespread debate. This study thoroughly examines these concerns, employing an innovative approach to assess the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing operations in shale gas reservoirs. Through the integration of diverse data sources, including quantitative and qualitative data, observational records, expert judgments, and global sensitivity analysis using the Sobol method, a comprehensive risk assessment model, was developed. This model carefully considered multiple condition indicators and extreme working conditions, such as pressures exceeding 110 MPa and temperatures surpassing 180° F. The integration of these varied data streams enabled the development of a robust Bayesian belief network. This network served as a powerful tool for the accurate identification of process vulnerabilities and the formulation of optimal development strategies. Remarkably, this study’s results showed that this approach led to a notable 12% reduction in operational costs, demonstrating its practical efficacy. Moreover, this study subjected its model to rigorous uncertainty and sensitivity analyses, pinpointing the most severe risks and outlining optimal measures for their reduction. By empowering decision-makers to make informed choices, this methodology not only enhances environmental sustainability and safety standards but also ensures prolonged well longevity while maximizing productivity in hydraulic fracturing operations.
Energy Cost Analysis and Operational Range Prediction Based on Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle Real-World Deployments across the United States
Authors: Qiu Yin , Dobbelaere Cristina , Song Shuhan
Published: November 2023

While the market for medium- and heavy-duty battery-electric vehicles (MHD EVs) is still nascent, a growing number of these vehicles are being deployed across the U.S. This study used over 2.3 million miles of operational data from multiple types of MHD EVs across various regions and operating conditions to address knowledge gaps in total cost of ownership and operational range. First, real-world energy cost savings were determined: MHD fleets should experience energy cost savings each year from 2021 to 2035, regardless of vehicle platform, with the greatest savings seen in transit buses (up to USD 4459 annually) and HD trucks (up to USD 3284 annually). Second, to help fleets across various geographies throughout the U.S. assess the suitability of EVs for their year-round operating needs, operational range was modeled using the XGBoost algorithm (R2: 70%) given 22 input features relevant to vehicle efficiency. Finally, this paper recommends (1) that MHD fleets apply energy-saving practices to minimize the impacts of cold temperatures and high congestion levels on vehicle efficiency and range, and (2) that local hauling fleets select trucks with a nominal range nearly double the expected maximum daily range to account for range losses under local, urban driving conditions.
The Impact of Different Levels of Typical School Provision of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports on Adolescent Physical Activity Behaviors, Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Rocliffe Padraic , O’ Keeffe Brendan T. , Sherwin Ian , Mannix-McNamara Patricia , MacDonncha Ciaran
Published: November 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports on the physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing of Irish adolescents (13–14 years). Methods: A cross-sectional sample (n = 795) of adolescents (age: 14.28 ± 0.45), enrolled at schools that are representative of higher (n = 7), moderate (n = 6) and lower (n = 7) levels of a typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports was included. A physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing questionnaire with established test–retest reliability was utilized to measure the variation in physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing. Results: Data analysis indicated a significant variation in the levels of physical activity behaviors and health across different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports. The evidence was reported both as unadjusted group level analysis and adjusted covariate analysis. Favorable outcomes for higher levels of typical school provision were found for physical activity participation, body mass index, social support from peers to participate in physical activity and enjoyment of physical education for girls and somatic health complaints and enjoyment of physical education for boys. Conclusions: The findings stemming from this inquiry enable schools to optimize their environments for health promotion and, thus, further enhance their contribution to public health policy.
Efecto de la alimentación en la productividad del cuy (Cavia porcellus) en la fase de desarrollo
Authors: Aime Cjanahuire Eliseo , Ramos Mamani Luis Adolfo , Telles Velásquez Rosario del Pilar , Padilla Mamani Miguel Ángel , Flores Aybar Hugo
Published: November 2023

La producción de cuyes es una actividad productiva que ofrece una fuente de proteína animal de alto valor nutricional para las personas que viven en zonas rurales con pocos recursos. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la alimentación en la productividad del cuy (Cavia porcellus) en la fase de desarrollo. Materiales y Metodos. La investigación se realizó en la granja para animales menores en la Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann–Tacna, durante 7 semanas con 56 cuyes machos mejorados destetados de tipo 1 y fueron distribuidos en 8 jaulas. Los animales fueron constituidos en 4 grupos o tratamientos, cada tratamiento (T) por 14 cuyes; donde T1 recibió alimentación integral y T2, T3 y T4 con alimentación mixta. Se les ofreció alimento balanceado peletizado, alfalfa y maíz forrajero en estado verde. Se evaluaron parámetros productivos como ganancia de peso vivo, conversión alimenticia y rendimiento de carcasa. Resultados. Se demostró que no hubo diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos en los parámetros productivos de ganancia de peso vivo y conversión alimenticia. Sin embargo, el rendimiento de carcasa fue significativamente mayor en el tratamiento T1 (70,54%) que en los demás tratamientos (69,35%; 68,00%; y 67,25%). Conclusiones. El uso de alimento balanceado comercial tuvo un impacto en el rendimiento de carcasa en comparación con otras raciones alimenticias. Por lo tanto, es la mejor opción para mejorar el rendimiento de carcasa del cuy.