bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Transformation and Sustainable Oriented Innovation: A System Transition Model for Socio-Economic Scenario Analysis
Authors: Pasqualino Roberto , Demartini Melissa , Bagheri Faezeh
Published: October 2021

Sustainability and digitalization are essential duties for companies to perform in the current socio-economic landscape due to risks caused by traditional manufacturing practices, and rules imposed by stakeholders and governments. Tools that help exploring uncertain future scenarios to address such a complex challenge are of vital importance for both businesses, governments, and financial institutions. This paper presents the IN4.0-SD, a novel system dynamics model to capture the dynamic interplay of industrial innovation, inequality, and inflation. The IN4.0-SD is a closed-economy System Dynamics model composed of three agents: sustainable oriented innovation business (SOIB), digital asset supplier business (DASB), and household. DASB and SOIB are both assumed to supply one product to the economy and fundamentally differ among each other in their business models. While the sustainable oriented innovation business produces and sells capital goods making revenue out of sales, digital asset supplier detaches the concept of production from sales moving toward an intangible economy, charging for a fee licence of their tools that can be distributed via a network economy. Simulations show the level of flexibility of the model in addressing a variety of scenarios, playing at the threshold of technology development, inequality rise, massive unemployment and providing an archetype for sustainable oriented innovation and digital transformation models. The findings suggested by the model analysis are used to infer conclusions for the wider society, including implications for sustainable oriented businesses and digital transformation. These are confirmed by previous studies, around the overall trend in wealth creation for large technology firms’ owners, potential impact for employment in the digital economy, and transformation for the labour market.
An insight on B2B Firms in the Age of Digitalization and Paperless Processes
Authors: Oliveira José , Azevedo António , Ferreira João J. , Gomes Sofia , Lopes João M.
Published: October 2021

In recent years and due to market demand and environmental regulations, firms have been changing their procedures regarding document production, handling, and filling. There has been a paradigm change in document sustention in order to attain such changes, from paper-based to electronic forms, resulting in the Digitization and Paperless Office Program (DPOP). The literature on digitization and paperless processes is profuse; nonetheless, it is outdated, uses only single or multiple case study approaches, and is limited to specific industries, such as healthcare or higher education. To overcome this gap, this research analyses the current implementation of the DPOP in five major sectors by using a country scale approach; consequently, this research study contributes to strengthening the literature in this area of knowledge. The methodology used is quantitative and is based on a questionnaire distributed to the most important economic sectors (education, health, trade, industry, and services) in Portugal. The results show that a DPOP positively impacts companies, as it increases profitability and, in most cases, is a sine qua non condition for negotiating with clients. Additionally, it favours companies’ image, reduces costs, and contributes to environmental sustainability. This research provides new insights into how firms using a DPOP may contribute to dematerialization and paper consumption reduction. It is also original as it covers multiple sectors using a country approach.
The Relationship between the Implementation of ERP Systems and the Financial and Non-Financial Reporting of Organizations
Authors: Barna Laura-Eugenia-Lavinia , Ionescu Bogdan-Ștefan , Ionescu-Feleagă Liliana
Published: October 2021

Numerous studies have shown that ERP systems can improve organizational performance and efficiency. Thus, the main concepts addressed in the paper are ERP systems, their performance and the manner in which they improve financial and non-financial reporting. The purpose of this paper is to observe the relationship between ERP systems and financial reporting. The role of these systems is to ensure transparency over the financial and non-financial reporting process of an organization. The research method is represented by an archival analysis (organization’s annual reports) to highlight the relationship between ERP systems and financial and non-financial reporting, given the impact of ERP systems on the information used to prepare financial and non-financial reports and how the organization changes after implementing these systems. The results highlight the significant role of ERP systems within an organization, in terms of performance and improvements in financial and non-financial reporting.
Mass Balance of C, Nutrients, and Mineralization of Nitrogen during Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Rice Straw with Cow Manure
Authors: Muhayodin Furqan , Fritze Albrecht , Rotter Vera Susanne
Published: October 2021

Anaerobic co-digestion technology (AcoD) can be used to process rice straw (RS) and cow manure (CoM) to produce energy and a digestate rich in nutrients, while the improper disposal of RS and CoM causes environmental problems. The overall effectiveness of the anaerobic digestion technology can be improved by utilizing the nutrients available in the digestate. It is also a way to reduce the usage of mineral fertilizer by recycling the nutrients available in the digestate. The co-digestion of RS with CoM was performed in a newly developed digester (F1) and in a mesophilic digester (F2) used as a reference. The mass balance of C, macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S), and their distribution into a liquid digestate (LD) and a solid digestate (SD) was investigated in both digesters. The mass balance was used to evaluate the carbon available in the biogas and in the digestate. It was also used to investigate the recovery potential of the macronutrients after the AD process. Moreover, the assessment of the resulting digestate was carried out to suggest its potential use in agriculture. The amount of C measured in the biogas was the same in both digesters (41.0% and 38.0% of the initial C). Moreover, the conversion efficiency of C from the substrate into methane was 23.4% for F1 and 21.0% for F2. The Ca, Mg, K, and P were conserved in the digestate because their recovery rates (RR) were close to 100%. However, a relatively low RR was observed for N (84.1% in F1 and 86.8% in F2) and S (87.1% in F1 and 86.5% in F2) in both the digesters. After separation n of the SD, from 79.1 to 83.4% (in F1) and 75.0 to 82.4% (in F2) of the final nutrients were available in the LD. The assessment of the SD suggested its use in agriculture not only for soil amendment but also as a K-providing organic fertilizer.
Sustainability-Oriented Macro Trends and Innovation Types—Exploring Different Organization Types Tackling the Global Sustainability Megatrend
Authors: Gaudig Anja , Ebersberger Bernd , Kuckertz Andreas
Published: October 2021

The prevailing environmental and social challenges worldwide require comprehensive and sustainability-oriented changes in central areas of society—endeavors that call for more sustainability-oriented innovations. Sustainability can be understood as a megatrend within our society comprising sustainability-oriented macro trends such as Agricultural Innovation, Circular Economy, or Clean Tech. In line with this conceptualization, the current paper analyzes to what extent different types of organizations, such as startups and established companies, have been tackling sustainability-oriented macro trends and how much they have been focusing on sustainability-oriented innovation activities within their organization types. For the study, 758 organizations from the Trendexplorer database were examined through univariate and bivariate analyses. The results underscore that sustainability can be perceived as a key driver of structural change by illustrating that different organization types focus on multiple yet diverse sustainability-oriented macro trends simultaneously while concentrating on a specific type of innovation, whereby all three types of innovations (technological, marketing, and product and service innovations) can be integrated.
Promotion of Household Waste Utilization in China: Lessons Learnt from Three Case Studies
Authors: Liu Yanran , Tian Tingting , Hao Xinyu , Zhang Qin , Yao Chengyan , Liu Guangfu
Published: October 2021

Household waste utilization has been regarded as an important pathway to promote the circular economy paradigm and sustainable development for a long time. However, relevant enterprises are facing dilemmas in terms of the backward disposal methods for food waste, inadequate recycling of low-value recyclable waste and the lack of leading enterprises, resulting in unsustainable expansion of the industry. To address these problems, we investigated governmental departments and 20 household waste utilization enterprises in China. From the investigation, three typical enterprises, representing the advanced technology for food waste, the recycling mode of recyclable waste and the cultivation mode of leading enterprises, were selected for case studies. The results indicate that applying the technology of bioconversion by maggots could improve the utilization of food waste and adopting the “online and offline” dual-channel mode could benefit the recycling of low-value recyclable waste. Additionally, leading enterprises can be cultivated by franchise mode, which can drive the utilization of household waste in China effectively. The findings enrich the theory of household waste utilization in terms of disposal methods, recycling modes and enterprise operation. Practically, this research should enlighten decision-makers to improve household waste utilization. Furthermore, the research results could be generalized in other countries, thereby advancing the household waste management worldwide.
Influence of Light Wavelengths on Visibility in Smoke during a Tunnel Fire
Authors: Koch Natalia , Niewiadomski Adam P. , Wrona Paweł
Published: October 2021

The occurrence of fire in road tunnels poses high risks to the life and health of people. The resulting smoke, fire gases and high temperatures can be the cause of poisoning and burns. Additionally, dense smoke can significantly reduce visibility, which can result in difficulties during evacuation. This paper aims to investigate the effect of specific wavelengths of visible light on visibility in smoke conditions and to determine the wavelength of light (colour) that can improve visibility in smoke-filled environments. A rubber mixture with polyester and polyamide spacers was selected as a combustible material in order to obtain more realistic conditions with respect to smoke parameters. These plastics are commonly used, among others, in tires, elements of engine plating, upholstery or truck trailer covers. Then, in a test fire chamber laboratory, the colour of light (wavelength) was determined, obtaining the highest transmittance value, understood as the amount of radiation transmitted through the substance. It has been shown that devices emitting a light wave of a specific length can significantly improve visibility in smoke-filled environment.
Consumers’ Choice between Real Estate Investment and Consumption: A Case Study in Taiwan
Authors: Tsou Wei-Ling , Sun Chen-Yi
Published: October 2021

Real estate has two major characteristics, representing a consumption good and an investment good. Family housing demands are affected by various factors such as family members, the stage that the current house is at in its life cycle, income, location preferences, and so on. To understand which kind of homebuyer backgrounds will increase the proportion of residential investment, this study applies a multinomial logit model to analyze the probability of investment or consumption decisions made by home buyers from different backgrounds in Taiwan. Empirical data show that middle-aged singles and middle-aged couples are less likely to purchase houses to be their personal residence. For young couples and young families, having a personal residence is still a primary consideration, which means that this need is a result of how they are in the early stages of their life cycle when they are not yet financially stable and may expect to have (or already have) children. Families with children show a higher demand for changing residences, which is why full-nest families and three-generation families are more frequently the owners of their personal residence. In addition, the purchase motives of full-nest families include their view of real estate as an investment good, which means that the purchasers have a stable family structure and a degree of financial stability. It also means that with their children growing up, these purchasers exhibit a higher demand for purchasing real estate as an investment the next time they change residence.
Durability and Sustainability of Cement-Stabilized Materials Based on Utilization of Waste Materials: A Literature Review
Authors: Wen Penghui , Wang Chaohui , Song Liang , Niu Liangliang , Chen Haoyu
Published: October 2021

The utilization of waste materials in cement-stabilized materials (CSMs) is an important way to promote the sustainable development of road engineering construction and solve the environmental problems caused by the accumulation of waste materials. With the increasingly prominent global environmental problems, the exploitation of natural aggravate and the production of cement are subject to strict management and restrictions. Different waste materials, such as industrial and mining wastes, construction and demolition wastes, municipal wastes, waste rubber and waste fiber, are utilized in CSMs, and this is beneficial to promote the sustainable development of CSMs. In order to promote the rational application of waste materials in CSMs, this paper systematically reviews the research on the durability and sustainable development of CSMs. The types and mixing forms of waste materials reutilized in CSMs are discussed. The effect of different waste materials on the durability of CSMs is objectively evaluated. The potential challenges of sustainable development of CSMs are proposed. This review may help to alleviate the apprehension of road workers about the utilization of waste materials in CSMs and provide useful suggestions for the large-scale application of different waste materials.
On Markov Moment Problem, Polynomial Approximation on Unbounded Subsets, and Mazur–Orlicz Theorem
Authors: Olteanu Octav
Published: October 2021

We review earlier and recent results on the Markov moment problem and related polynomial approximation on unbounded subsets. Such results allow proving the existence and uniqueness of the solutions for some Markov moment problems. This is the first aim of the paper. Our solutions have a codomain space a commutative algebra of (linear) symmetric operators acting from the entire real or complex Hilbert space H to H; this algebra of operators is also an order complete Banach lattice. In particular, Hahn–Banach type theorems for the extension of linear operators having a codomain such a space can be applied. The truncated moment problem is briefly discussed by means of reference citations. This is the second purpose of the paper. In the end, a general extension theorem for linear operators with two constraints is recalled and applied to concrete spaces. Here polynomial approximation plays no role. This is the third aim of this work.
Multifractal Model for Transient Phenomena Analysis in Laser Produced Plasmas
Authors: Irimiciuc Stefan , Agop Maricel
Published: October 2021

The pulsed laser deposition process is a complex one, encompassing a wide range of physical phenomena that act at different time scales, ranging from laser absorption to melting, plasma formation, and thin film deposition. In the past 15 years, there has been an exponential increase in theoretical models for different aspects of laser ablation phenomena, especially laser-produced plasmas. Among these. new types of models based on multifractal physics have been proposed. The models aim to describe the various dynamics reported for laser-produced plasmas in both the multifractal-type Schrodinger representation and in the multifractal-type hydrodynamic representation. The two approaches are complementary, as the Schrodinger representation uses operation procedures (invariance groups, variational principles, harmonic maps, etc.) while the hydrodynamic representation translates the dynamics of the laser-produced plasma into fluid motion of a multifractal type. The aim of this review is to report on the wide range of dynamics that can be discussed within the framework of a multifractal approach to plasma dynamics.
Fast Computation of Green Function for Layered Seismic Field via Discrete Complex Image Method and Double Exponential Rules
Authors: Liu Siqin , Zhou Zhusheng , Dai Shikun , Iqbal Ibrar , Yang Yang
Published: October 2021

A novel computational method to evaluate the Sommerfeld integral (SI) efficiently and accurately is presented. The method rewrites the SI into two parts, applying discrete complex image method (DCIM) to evaluate the infinite integral while using double exponential quadrature rules (DE rules) for the computation of the finite part. Estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) is used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of extracting DCIM compared to the generalized pencil of function (GPOF). Due to the symmetry of the horizontal layered media, the Green function, representing the seismic fields due to a point source, can be written in the form of Sommerfeld integral in cylindrical coordinate system and be calculated by the proposed method. The performance of the method is then compared to the DE rules with weighted average partition extrapolation (WA), which shows a good agreement, with computational time reduced by about 40%.
A Gradient-Free Topology Optimization Strategy for Continuum Structures with Design-Dependent Boundary Loads
Authors: Zhan Junjie , Li Jing , Liu Pai , Luo Yangjun
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the topology optimization of continuum structures with design-dependent loads is studied with a gradient-free topology optimization method in combination with adaptive body-fitted finite element mesh. The material-field series-expansion (MFSE) model represents the structural topology using a bounded material field with specified spatial correlation and provides a crisp structural boundary description. This feature makes it convenient to identify the loading surface for the application of the design-dependent boundary loads and to generate a body-fitted mesh for structural analysis. Using the dimension reduction technique, the number of design variables is significantly decreased, which enables the use of an efficient Kriging-based algorithm to solve the topology optimization problem. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using several numerical examples, among which a design problem with geometry and contact nonlinearity is included.
Fingerprint-Based Data Deduplication Using a Mathematical Bounded Linear Hash Function
Authors: Saeed Ahmed Sardar M. , George Loay E.
Published: October 2021

Due to the quick increase in digital data, especially in mobile usage and social media, data deduplication has become a vital and cost-effective approach for removing redundant data segments, reducing the pressure imposed by enormous volumes of data that must be kept. As part of the data deduplication process, fingerprints are employed to represent and identify identical data blocks. However, when the amount of data increases, the number of fingerprints grows as well, and due to the restricted memory size, the speed of data deduplication suffers dramatically. Various deduplication solutions show a bottleneck in the form of matching lookups and chunk fingerprint calculations, for which we pay in the form of storage and processors needed for storing hashes. Utilizing a fast hash algorithm to improve the fingerprint lookup performance is an appealing challenge. Thus, this study is focused on enhancing the deduplication system by suggesting a novel and effective mathematical bounded linear hashing algorithm that decreases the hashing time by more than two times compared to MD5 and SHA-1 and reduces the size of the hash index table by 50%. Due to the enormous number of chunk hash values, looking up and comparing hash values takes longer for large datasets; this work offers a hierarchal fingerprint lookup strategy to minimize the hash judgement comparison time by up to 78%. Our suggested system reduces the high latency imposed by deduplication procedures, primarily the hashing and matching phases. The symmetry of our work is based on the balance between the proposed hashing algorithm performance and its reflection on the system efficiency, as well as evaluating the approximate symmetries of the hashing and lookup phases compared to the other deduplication systems.
k-Zero-Divisor and Ideal-Based k-Zero-Divisor Hypergraphs of Some Commutative Rings
Authors: Siriwong Pinkaew , Boonklurb Ratinan
Published: October 2021

Let R be a commutative ring with nonzero identity and k≥2 be a fixed integer. The k-zero-divisor hypergraph Hk(R) of R consists of the vertex set Z(R,k), the set of all k-zero-divisors of R, and the hyperedges of the form {a1,a2,a3,…,ak}, where a1,a2,a3,…,ak are k distinct elements in Z(R,k), which means (i) a1a2a3⋯ak=0 and (ii) the products of all elements of any (k−1) subsets of {a1,a2,a3,…,ak} are nonzero. This paper provides two commutative rings so that one of them induces a family of complete k-zero-divisor hypergraphs, while another induces a family of k-partite σ-zero-divisor hypergraphs, which illustrates unbalanced or asymmetric structure. Moreover, the diameter and the minimum length of all cycles or girth of the family of k-partite σ-zero-divisor hypergraphs are determined. In addition to a k-zero-divisor hypergraph, we provide the definition of an ideal-based k-zero-divisor hypergraph and some basic results on these hypergraphs concerning a complete k-partite k-uniform hypergraph, a complete k-uniform hypergraph, and a clique.
A Modified HSIFT Descriptor for Medical Image Classification of Anatomy Objects
Authors: Khan Sumeer Ahmad , Gulzar Yonis , Turaev Sherzod , Peng Young Suet
Published: October 2021

Modeling low level features to high level semantics in medical imaging is an important aspect in filtering anatomy objects. Bag of Visual Words (BOVW) representations have been proven effective to model these low level features to mid level representations. Convolutional neural nets are learning systems that can automatically extract high-quality representations from raw images. However, their deployment in the medical field is still a bit challenging due to the lack of training data. In this paper, learned features that are obtained by training convolutional neural networks are compared with our proposed hand-crafted HSIFT features. The HSIFT feature is a symmetric fusion of a Harris corner detector and the Scale Invariance Transform process (SIFT) with BOVW representation. The SIFT process is enhanced as well as the classification technique by adopting bagging with a surrogate split method. Quantitative evaluation shows that our proposed hand-crafted HSIFT feature outperforms the learned features from convolutional neural networks in discriminating anatomy image classes.
Determination of Spinel Content in Cycled Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 Using Three-Dimensional Electron Diffraction and Precession Electron Diffraction
Authors: Quintelier Matthias , Perkisas Tyché , Poppe Romy , Batuk Maria , Hendrickx Mylene , Hadermann Joke
Published: October 2021

Among lithium battery cathode materials, Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 (LR-NMC) has a high theoretical capacity, but suffers from voltage and capacity fade during cycling. This is partially ascribed to transition metal cation migration, which involves the local transformation of the honeycomb layered structure to spinel-like nano-domains. Determination of the honeycomb layered/spinel phase ratio from powder X-ray diffraction data is hindered by the nanoscale of the functional material and the domains, diverse types of twinning, stacking faults, and the possible presence of the rock salt phase. Determining the phase ratio from transmission electron microscopy imaging can only be done for thin regions near the surfaces of the crystals, and the intense beam that is needed for imaging induces the same transformation to spinel as cycling does. In this article, it is demonstrated that the low electron dose sufficient for electron diffraction allows the collection of data without inducing a phase transformation. Using calculated electron diffraction patterns, we demonstrate that it is possible to determine the volume ratio of the different phases in the particles using a pair-wise comparison of the intensities of the reflections. Using this method, the volume ratio of spinel structure to honeycomb layered structure is determined for a submicron sized crystal from experimental three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and precession electron diffraction (PED) data. Both twinning and the possible presence of the rock salt phase are taken into account. After 150 charge–discharge cycles, 4% of the volume in LR-NMC particles was transformed irreversibly from the honeycomb layered structure to the spinel structure. The proposed method would be applicable to other multi-phase materials as well.
Performance Evaluation of Radio Frequency Interference Measurements from Microwave Links in Dense Urban Cities
Authors: Adelabu Michael Adedosu , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Ughegbe Glory Uzuazobona
Published: October 2021

Radio frequency interference (RFI) constitutes a significant problem in achieving a good quality of service in radio links. Several techniques have been proposed to identify and mitigate RFI in wireless networks. However, most of these techniques are not generalized for all propagation environments due to varying geographical features from one environment to another. The need for extensive frequency scan measurements on the links to identify the available channels, evaluate the performances of the links, and detect RFI in the channels becomes imperative. This study presents a performance evaluation of frequency scan measurements from active microwave links comprising eighteen base stations. The measurements equipment included a spectrum analyzer and a 0.6 m antenna dish. The frequency scans were taken at 6 GHz, 7 GHz, and 8 GHz with full azimuth coverage of the horizontal and vertical polarization. Measured data were processed to determine the available frequencies and RFI in the channels. The histogram and probability density function of the frequency scans were computed. The cumulative distribution functions were determined, and the statistical error characteristics of the frequency scans for the estimated normal distribution and the estimated fitness curve were derived. The short-time Fourier transform of the noisy signal was obtained, and the signal without noise was recovered using the inverse short-time Fourier transform. Analysis of the scanned signals before and after the noise removal is demonstrated. The denoised signals compare favorably with related results in the preliminary literature. Overall, these frequency scans would be beneficial in evaluating RFI measurements and spectrum planning and hold great promise for designing robust RFI detection algorithms for future wireless systems.
Modelling the Effects of Weather Conditions on Cereal Grain Contamination with Deoxynivalenol in the Baltic Sea Region
Authors: Marzec-Schmidt Katarzyna , Börjesson Thomas , Suproniene Skaidre , Jędryczka Małgorzata , Janavičienė Sigita , Góral Tomasz , Karlsson Ida , Kochiieru Yuliia , Ochodzki Piotr , Mankevičienė Audronė , Piikki Kristin
Published: October 2021

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most serious diseases of small-grain cereals worldwide, resulting in yield reduction and an accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) in grain. Weather conditions are known to have a significant effect on the ability of fusaria to infect cereals and produce toxins. In the past 10 years, severe outbreaks of FHB, and grain DON contamination exceeding the EU health safety limits, have occurred in countries in the Baltic Sea region. In this study, extensive data from field trials in Sweden, Poland and Lithuania were analysed to identify the most crucial weather variables for the ability of Fusarium to produce DON. Models were developed for the prediction of DON contamination levels in harvested grain exceeding 200 µg kg−1 for oats, spring barley and spring wheat in Sweden and winter wheat in Poland, and 1250 µg kg−1 for spring wheat in Lithuania. These models were able to predict high DON levels with an accuracy of 70–81%. Relative humidity (RH) and precipitation (PREC) were identified as the weather factors with the greatest influence on DON accumulation in grain, with high RH and PREC around flowering and later in grain development and ripening correlated with high DON levels. High temperatures during grain development and senescence reduced the risk of DON accumulation. The performance of the models, based only on weather variables, was relatively accurate. In future studies, it might be of interest to determine whether inclusion of variables such as pre-crop, agronomic factors and crop resistance to FHB could further improve the performance of the models.
AmnioClip-Plus as Sutureless Alternative to Amniotic Membrane Transplantation to Improve Healing of Ocular Surface Disorders
Authors: Hofmann Nicola , Salz Anna-Katharina , Kleinhoff Kristin , Möhle Niklas , Börgel Martin , Diedenhofen Nancy , Engelmann Katrin
Published: October 2021

The medicinal benefits of amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface disorders are well accepted worldwide. Even in high-risk keratoplasties, the concomitant use of amniotic membrane has demonstrated its value in improving graft survival. However, its seam-associated application can lead to an additional trauma. The AmnioClip ring system, into which the amniotic membrane is clamped (AmnioClip-plus, AC+), was developed to avoid this surgical intervention. The AC+ is placed on the cornea, similar to a contact lens, under local anesthesia and can therefore be applied repeatedly. Clinical practice demonstrates the easy handling, good compatibility, and efficacy of this minimally invasive method.
High-Energy Alerts in the Multi-Messenger Era
Authors: Dorner Daniela , Mostafá Miguel , Satalecka Konstancja
Published: October 2021

The observation of electromagnetic counterparts to both high energy neutrinos and gravitational waves marked the beginning of a new era in astrophysics. The multi-messenger approach allows us to gain new insights into the most energetic events in the Universe such as gamma-ray bursts, supernovas, and black hole mergers. Real-time multi-messenger alerts are the key component of the observational strategies to unravel the transient signals expected from astrophysical sources. Focusing on the high-energy regime, we present a historical perspective of multi-messenger observations, the detectors and observational techniques used to study them, the status of the multi-messenger alerts and the most significant results, together with an overview of the future prospects in the field.
Prolonged Gut Dysbiosis and Fecal Excretion of Hepatitis A Virus in Patients Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Ishizaka Aya , Koga Michiko , Mizutani Taketoshi , Lim Lay Ahyoung , Adachi Eisuke , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Ueda Ryuta , Aoyagi Haruyo , Tanaka Satoshi , Kiyono Hiroshi , Matano Tetsuro , Aizaki Hideki , Yoshio Sachiyo , Mita Eiji , Muramatsu Masamichi , Kanto Tatsuya , Tsutsumi Takeya , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi
Published: October 2021

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes transient acute infection, and little is known of viral shedding via the duodenum and into the intestinal environment, including the gut microbiome, from the period of infection until after the recovery of symptoms. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to comprehensively observe the amount of virus excreted into the intestinal tract, the changes in the intestinal microbiome, and the level of inflammation during the healing process. We used blood and stool specimens from patients with human immunodeficiency virus who were infected with HAV during the HAV outbreak in Japan in 2018. Moreover, we observed changes in fecal HAV RNA and quantified the plasma cytokine level and gut microbiome by 16S rRNA analysis from clinical onset to at least 6 months after healing. HAV was detected from clinical onset up to a period of more than 150 days. Immediately after infection, many pro-inflammatory cytokines were elicited, and some cytokines showed different behaviors. The intestinal microbiome changed significantly after infection (dysbiosis), and the dysbiosis continued for a long time after healing. These observations suggest that the immunocompromised state is associated with prolonged viral shedding into the intestinal tract and delayed recovery of the intestinal environment.
Assessment of Cidofovir for Treatment of Ocular Bovine Herpesvirus-1 Infection in Cattle Using an Ex-Vivo Model
Authors: Alling Christopher R. , Liu Chin-Chi , Langohr Ingeborg M. , Haque Muzammel , Carter Renee T. , Baker Rose E. , Lewin Andrew C.
Published: October 2021

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) infection contributes to keratoconjunctivitis, respiratory disease, and reproductive losses in cattle. The objective of this study was to determine the most appropriate ophthalmic antiviral agent for BoHV-1 inhibition using in-vitro culture and novel ex-vivo bovine corneal modeling. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of BoHV-1 were determined for cidofovir, ganciclovir, idoxuridine, and trifluridine via in-vitro plaque reduction assays. In-vitro cytotoxicity was compared amongst these compounds via luciferase assays. Trifluridine and cidofovir were the most potent BoHV-1 inhibitors in vitro, while trifluridine and idoxuridine were the most cytotoxic agents. Therefore, cidofovir was the most potent non-cytotoxic agent and was employed in the ex-vivo corneal assay. Corneoscleral rings (n = 36) from fresh cadaver bovine globes were harvested and equally divided into an uninfected, untreated control group; a BoHV-1-infected, untreated group; and a BoHV-1-infected, cidofovir-treated group. Virus isolation for BoHV-1 titers was performed from corneal tissue and liquid media. Histologic measurements of corneal thickness, epithelial cell density, and tissue organization were compared between groups. Substantial BoHV-1 replication was observed in infected, untreated corneas, but BoHV-1 titer was significantly reduced in cidofovir-treated (1.69 ± 0.08 × 103 PFU/mL) versus untreated (8.25 ± 0.25 × 105 PFU/mL, p < 0.0001) tissues by day 2 of culture. No significant differences in histologic criteria were observed between groups. In conclusion, cidofovir warrants further investigation as treatment for BoHV-1 keratoconjunctivitis, with future studies needed to assess in-vivo tolerability and efficacy.
Attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Vaccination in the Metropolitan Cities of Bologna and Palermo, Italy
Authors: Montalti Marco , Di Valerio Zeno , Rallo Flavia , Squillace Lorena , Costantino Claudio , Tomasello Francesco , Mauro Giulia Letizia , Stillo Michela , Perrone Paola , Resi Davide , Gori Davide , Vitale Francesco , Fantini Maria Pia
Published: October 2021

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is known to play a relevant role in thwarting the efforts toward reaching satisfactory influenza vaccination coverage, and has caused similar difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to describe the phenomenon and produce insights on the reasons behind VH. A survey was administered between December 2020 and February 2021 to adults living in the cities of Bologna and Palermo. Of the 443 subjects enrolled, 47.3% were likely to get the influenza vaccination, while 75.6% were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The most frequent determinants that motivated the willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine were trust in the safety of vaccines and belief that the vaccine is an effective tool. As for people’s unwillingness to be vaccinated, being exposed to information that produced doubts about the vaccine and lack of trust in a newly developed vaccine were the most frequently involved determinants. Statistically significant positive associations were found between the willingness to be vaccinated and postgraduate education and the propensity towards influenza vaccination. A negative association with being over 40 years old and of female gender was also found. These results might have an impact in better understanding individual reasons behind VH, identifying which categories are more exposed to it and which strategies should be implemented.
Effectiveness of a Community-Based Organization—Private Clinic Service Model in Promoting Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Wang Zixin , Fang Yuan , Chan Paul Shing-fong , Chidgey Andrew , Fong Francois , Ip Mary , Lau Joseph T. F.
Published: October 2021

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the community-based organization (CBO)-private clinic service model in increasing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake among unvaccinated men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hong Kong during a 12-month follow-up period. A CBO-private clinic model was implemented to promote HPV vaccination among Chinese MSM. A CBO with good access to MSM approached MSM aged 18–45 years who had never received an HPV vaccination, invited them to receive an online health promotion, and referred them to receive HPV vaccination at gay-friendly private clinics. A baseline survey and a follow-up evaluation at Month 12 were conducted. A total of 350 participants completed the baseline survey. Among 274 participants who were followed up at Month 12, 46 (16.8%) had taken up at least one dose of HPV vaccination. After adjusting for significant baseline characteristics, the perceived susceptibility (AOR:1.25, p = 0.002) and perceived severity (AOR:1.21, p = 0.003) of HPV and HPV-related diseases, perceived benefits (AOR:1.16, p = 0.03), self-efficacy to receive HPV vaccination (AOR:1.37, p = 0.001), and behavioral intention to take up HPV vaccination at baseline (AOR:6.99, p < 0.001) significantly predicted HPV vaccination uptake. The process evaluation of the program was positive. The CBO-private clinic service model was helpful in increasing HPV vaccination uptake among MSM.
Planning and Management of Coastal Buffer Zones in Taiwan
Authors: Lan Yuan-Jyh , Hsu Tai-Wen
Published: October 2021

Overuse of coastal regions may lead to coastal erosion and shoreline retreat, threatening the inherent life and property of the coast. This is because typhoon waves with storm surges frequently attack overdeveloped coasts and related structures. In the present study, coastal buffer and protection zones were defined for the management of coastal disasters. The coastal buffer zone may offer remarkable advantages to avoid improper coastal use and limit the impact of extreme events by reducing erosion, mitigating coastal disasters, improving water quality, expanding habitats, and minimizing coastal degradation. Further, factors affecting the establishment of coastal buffer zones were classified according to natural and anthropogenic characteristics. Moreover, regarding the direction of research into coastal buffer zones, themes and countermeasures for coastal buffer zone management were discussed from the perspectives of technology, planning, and management policies. Finally, the application of numerical models to assess the impact factors in coastal buffer zones are proposed.
Effect of the Presence of Virus-like Particles on Bacterial Growth in Sunlit Surface and Dark Deep Ocean Environments in the Southern East China Sea
Authors: Tsai An-Yi , Lin Ying-Tsong , Gong Gwo-Ching
Published: October 2021

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are thought to increase the dissolved organic carbon by releasing the contents of the host cell, which, in turn, can affect bacterial growth in natural aquatic environments. Yet, experimental tests have shown that the effect of VLPs on the bacterial growth rate at different depths has seldom been studied. Bacteria–VLP interaction and the effect of VLPs on bacterial growth rate in the sunlit surface (3 m) and dark, deep ocean (130 m) environments were first explored at a test site in the southern East China Sea of the northwest Pacific. Our experimental results indicated that bacterial and virus-like particle (VLP) abundance decreased with depth from 0.8 ± 0.3 × 105 cells mL−1 and 1.8 ± 0.4 × 106 VLPs mL−1 at 3 m to 0.4 ± 0.1 × 105 cells mL−1 and 1.4 ± 0.3 × 106 VLPs mL−1 at 130 m. We found that the abundance of VLPs to Bacteria Ratio (VBR) in the dark deep ocean (VBR = 35.0 ± 5.6) was higher than in the sunlit surface environment (VBR = 22.5 ± 2.1). The most interesting finding is that in the dark, deep ocean region the bacterial growth rate in the presence of VLPs was higher (0.05 h−1) than that in virus-diluted treatments (0.01 h−1). However, there was no significant difference in the bacterial growth rates between the treatments in the sunlit surface ocean region. Deep-sea ecosystems are dark and extreme environments that lack primary photosynthetic production, and our estimates imply that the contribution of recycled carbon by viral lysis is highly significant for bacterial growth in the dark, deep ocean environment. Further work for more study sites is needed to identify the relationship of VLPs and their hosts to enable us to understand the role of VLPs at different depths in the East China Sea.
Resilience Assessment and Critical Point Identification for Urban Water Supply Systems under Uncertain Scenarios
Authors: Liu Jinning , Shao Zhiguo , Wang Wei
Published: October 2021

The urban water supply system environment is becoming more complicated and unpredictable than ever before in the context of global climate change and expanding urbanization. Existing studies have adopted either static or dynamic approaches to assess the resilience of water supply systems without combining the two. Previous literature mostly establishes rigid quantitative metrics for resilience assessment, often without depicting the dynamics and adaptability of system resilience. For example, these studies usually fail to provide a critical point for identifying system resilience. To accurately describe the dynamics and adaptability of water supply system resilience under uncertain scenarios, in this study, we constructed a comprehensive framework based on the qualitative assessment of the input parameters, combining static and dynamic assessment, with the latter playing a dominant role based on the system perspective of pressure–state–influence–response. Taking Qingdao as a case study, we combined this framework with the system resilience theory, and statically assessed the five types of capitals and three attributes of resilience with the capital portfolio approach (CPA). Then, we dynamically assessed the resilience of urban water supply systems and identified critical points with the dynamic socio-technical model coupled with system resilience and the fitting analysis method. The results are as follows: (1) the static assessment results demonstrate an imbalanced development in the levels of the five types of capitals (financial capital, management efficiency, infrastructure, available water resources, and adaptation) and three attributes (robustness, recoverability, and adaptability) in the water supply systems of Qingdao. (2) The dynamic assessment results show that the current resilience trajectory of the water supply systems in Qingdao is that of a city in transition. (3) The fitting analysis shows that robustness (RB) has a linear relationship with resilience, recoverability (RE) has a non-linear relationship with resilience, and the critical points are RB = 0.70 and RE = 1.20. The research findings provide a reference for studying resilience mechanisms, internal attribute relationships, and resilience enhancement measures of urban water supply systems.
An Enhanced Flume Testing Procedure for the Study of Rill Erosion
Authors: de Oliveira Vinícius Naves , Gitirana Gilson de F. N. , dos Anjos Mascarenha Marcia Maria , Sales Mauricio Martines , Varrone Luiz Felipe Ramos , da Luz Marta Pereira
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the development and verification of an improved and cost-effective flume apparatus and corresponding testing methodology. A rigorous analysis of the flow conditions during testing was considered and an interpretation of test results was carried out following the premises of the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) rill erosion model. The apparatus and methodology were verified using statically compacted specimens of a latosol from the central region of Brazil. Tests were performed on samples with void ratios of 1.0 and 1.5 and under variable hydraulic conditions to verify the repeatability and ideal analysis time for the soil loss curves. The soil loss curves presented hyperbolic behavior, with a maximum value that appeared to be randomly behaved, which can be attributed to the complex nature of the erosion processes at later stages. The equipment and testing methodology produced erosion curves with repeatability that were superior with respect to their initial linear and transition portions. Recommendations are made regarding the adequate interpretation of the testing data and the selection of the ideal elapsed time for soil loss analysis.
Nutrients, Organic Matter, and Trace Elements in Lake Gusinoe (Transbaikalia)
Authors: Khazheeva Zinaida Ivanovna , Plyusnin Aleksey Maksimovich , Smirnova Olga Konstantinovna , Peryazeva Elena Georgievna , Sanzhanova Seseg Sergeevna , Zhambalova Dashima Ivanovna , Doroshkevich Svetlana Gennadievna , Dabaeva Viktoriya Valerievna
Published: October 2021

Lake Gusinoe is the second largest freshwater lake in Transbaikalia. Lakes serve as a source for drinking water, irrigation, and as a water source for the electricity, aquatic production, and tourism industry. Currently variations of content nutrients and organic matter differ in different areas of the lake. The content of total nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, and dissolved oxygen are distinguished more than 1.2–2.0 times. In accordance with the behavior of elements in the water, three groups of elements can be distinguished. The first group of elements, including Li, Ga, Ge, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, W, and U, were directly correlated with variations of major elements. The first group of elements showed decreasing concentrations with an increasing amount of total dissolved salt (TDS). The second group of elements, including Fe, Y, Nb, Th, and REE, were correlated oppositely with variations of TDS. The behavior of the third group of elements, including Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Pb, decoupled with TDS. The value of the Eu anomaly was positively correlated with TDS. The water of Lake Gusinoe was extremely enriched by W, Mo, V, U, Li, Sr, and Ga; moderately by Ni, Cu, Ge, As, Rb, Cd, and Pb; and minimally by Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Y, Th, and REE.