bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Extension of a Two-Strain SIR Model with Non-Monotone Incidence Functions: Analysis of Stochastic Thresholds and Disease Dynamics
Authors: BENTALEB Dounia , AMINE Saida 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this manuscript, we consider a two-strain SIR epidemic model with two non-monotonic transmission processes, moving from a deterministic to a stochastic differential framework with noise incorporated into the incidence functions. Within the stochastic regime, we identify two stochastic critical thresholds that dictate the dynamics of the disease, steering it towards either extinction or persistence in mean over time. We establish the existence of a unique positive solution using stochastic Lyapunov functions and corroborate our theoretical findings with numerical simulations, providing a concise yet comprehensive insight into the complex disease dynamics under stochastic influences.
Spillovers and legacies of land management on temperate woodland biodiversity
Authors: Bradfer-Lawrence Tom , Dobson Andrew , Finch Tom , Fuentes-Montemayor Elisa , Hanley Nicholas , Matthiopoulos Jason , Nthambi Mary , Simpson Katherine , Watts Kevin , Whytock Robin , Park Kirsty 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Species distributions are a product of both current spatial configuration of habitats and legacies of historic land use. Therefore, effectiveness of agri-environment schemes, Payment for Ecosystem Service policies, and conservation management all hinge on understanding the relative importance of, and interactions among, current and historic drivers of species distributions. Here, we explore the combined effects of spatial spillovers and temporal legacies, both within and between habitat types. We use Bayesian hierarchical occupancy models with data on 373 species from four taxa (ground beetles, birds, vascular plants, small terrestrial mammals) from a chronosequence of 134 woodlands in temperate agricultural landscapes. Both spillovers and legacies affect species richness and community composition and, critically, these effects appear to interact. Real-world combinations of spillovers and legacies result in different biodiversity responses compared to the individual drivers in isolation. Woodland patches in landscapes with more old woodland and lower amounts of historical woodland loss tend to host more birds and plant species, but fewer small mammals. Failing to account for these drivers, particularly legacy effects, gives a distorted view of habitat suitability. In consequence, the same management actions may result in unexpectedly different outcomes depending on the spatial and historical context within the landscape.
Investigation of Aquifer Storage Properties and Groundwater Contamination Risk Potential using Electrical Resistivity Technique: A Sedimentary Environment Case Study
Authors: Ekanem Aniekan M. , George Nyakno J. , Thomas Jewel E. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study involves the investigation of aquifer storage properties and contamination risk potential using electrical resistivity technique in Obot Akara and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria. The two counties are shown to comprise three to four lithological successions of sandy and gravelly layers with slight clay intercalations. Groundwater abstraction takes place in the third and fourth layers in the area at depths of 5.4 to 121.4 m depending on the locations. Two aquifer storage properties (aquifer specific yield and specific retention) were investigated. Accordingly, the results demonstrate that an inverse relation exists between the two storage properties. The aquifer specific yield and specific retention must respectively be greater and less than a threshold value of 0.15 for the aquifer to be prolific. On this basis, 94% of the study region is revealed to have good groundwater potential for sustainability of water boreholes. Groundwater contamination risk potential was investigated by using longitudinal conductance (LC) and geoelectric layer susceptibility index (GLSI) parameters. The LC results show that 87.5% of the study region has weak/poor protection while 12.5% has moderate protection against infiltrating contaminants. The GLSI results show that 21.9% of the area is typified with moderate susceptibility rating while the 78.1% left over has low susceptibility potential. The identified areas with weak/poor protection and moderate susceptibility are adjudged to have moderate/high groundwater contamination risk potential. These findings provide valuable guidelines for formulating sustainable groundwater utilization and management strategies in the area.
Evaluation of Potentially Toxic Elements and Microplastics in the Water Treatment Facility
Authors: Bhat Mansoor Ahmad , Janaszek Agata 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The potentially harmful effects of consuming potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and microplastics (MPs) regularly via drinking water are a significant cause for worry. This study investigated PTEs (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pd, Zn, Co), MPs, turbidity, pH, conductivity, and health risk assessment in the water treatment plant in Kielce, Poland. Zn had the highest concentrations throughout the water treatment facility, whereas Cd, Pb, and Co had lower concentrations (<0.1 μg/L). The order of the concentrations among the specified PTEs was like Zn˃Cu˃Ni˃Cr˃Cd˃Pb and Co. The minimum turbidity was 0.34, and the maximum was 1.9 NTU. The range of pH in water samples was 6.51 - 7.47. The conductivity was 1,203 - 1,445 ms in water samples. These identified MPs were categorized into fiber and fragments. The color of these identified MPs was blue, red, black, green, and transparent. The minimum and maximum size of the MPs was 196 and 4,018 μm, while the average size was 2,751 22 ± 1,905 μm. The average concentration of MPs per liter of the water treatment plant was 108.88 ± 55.61. The elements listed are C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, and Ti. Fe and Zn were the predominant elements seen using EDX. HQ values of the PTEs were less than one for adults and children. The human health risk associated with all detected PTEs revealed that the HQ values exhibit a satisfactory degree of non-carcinogenic adverse health risk. HI values for adults and children age groups were less than one. In most water treatment samples, the carcinogenic value exceeds the threshold value of 10−6. The PTEs and MP concentrations in drinking water are recommended to be periodically monitored to minimize consumers' environmental pollution and health risks.
Identification of optimal number and location of isolation valves in an urban water distribution network
Authors: Sime Yomif Dereje , Kansal Mitthan Lal 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Urban water distribution networks (UWDNs) are critical infrastructures that provide essential services in an urban setting. Such infrastructures are subject to frequent breakdowns, disrupting services to downstream users. Installation of isolation valves (IVs) at strategic locations can reduce such adverse impacts by isolating small segments of the network and expediting repairs, which in turn contribute to water conservation and leak control. However, determining the optimal number of IVs and their placement is a disturbing question for the researchers. This study proposes a methodology to assess the optimal number of IVs in a UWDN and identify their placement in the best of the worst possible scenarios. Based on the network topology and the associated IV costs, it identifies the optimal numbers and their places to minimize the maximum undeliverable demand. The methodology is illustrated with the help of a small water distribution network. Thereafter, the proposed methodology is applied to a real-type UWDN. The results indicate that the optimal number of IVs for the case study is 10, which should be placed at strategic locations to reduce the maximum undeliverable demand to 18% of the total demand.
Modeling run-off flow hydrographs using remote sensing data: an application to the Bashar basin, Iran
Authors: Rafiee Mohammad Rafie , Rad Sattar , Mahbod Mehdi , Zolghadr Masih , Tripathi Ravi Prakash , Azamatulla H. Md. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Precipitation is hard to access in countries like Iran, due to inadequate number of rain gauge stations. Remote sensing provides an alternative source of rainfall estimation. In this study, the effectiveness of the HEC-HMS model was evaluated using GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement Mission) satellite and rain gauge station data. The model was calibrated and validated using 5 flood events' data of a hydrometric station at the outlet of Bashar basin. Important flood parameters including peak discharge (QP), flood volume (V) and time of concentration (TC) were used to evaluate and compare the application of satellite and ground station data in the model, using various statistical indices. The accuracy of QP and V estimations using rain gauge data was higher than those obtained by satellite data. However, the difference between mean relative error (MRE) in QP estimation was about 1% (9.9% and 10.6% for rain gauge and satellite data, respectively). Conversely, higher accuracies were met for TC estimation using satellite (with MRE 9.1% and 10.2% for GPM and rain gauge data, respectively). Such results imply the sole utilization of satellite precipitation data is reliable for modeling hydrological key parameters, which can be helpful in areas with limited ground station coverage.
Comparison of machine learning models for flood forecasting in the Mahanadi River Basin, India
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Kumari Sangeeta 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Developing accurate flood forecasting models is necessary for flood control, water resources and management in the Mahanadi River Basin. In this study, convolutional neural network (CNN) is integrated with random forest (RF) and support vector regression (SVR) for making a hybrid model (CNN–RF and CNN–SVR) where CNN is used as feature extraction technique while RF and SVR are used as forecasting models. These hybrid models are compared with RF, SVR, and artificial neural network (ANN). The influence of training–testing data division on the performance of hybrid models has been tested. Hyperparameter sensitivity analyses are performed for forecasting models to select the best value of hyperparameters and to exclude the nonsensitive hyperparameters. Two hydrological stations (Kantamal and Kesinga) are selected as case studies. Results indicated that CNN–RF model performs better than other models for both stations. In addition, it is found that CNN has improved the accuracy of RF and SVR models for flood forecasting. The results of the training–testing division show that both models’ performance is better at 50–50% data division. Validation results show that both models are not overfitting or underfitting. Results demonstrate that CNN–RF model can be used as a potential model for flood forecasting in river basins.
Stochastic multi-criteria decision-making for scheduling of wind–photovoltaic–hydropower systems
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Zhang Yu , Xing Xigang , Guo Xuning , Ma Rui , Li Jieyu , Li Yunling 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
The decision-making process of wind–photovoltaic–hydropower systems involves knowledge from many fields. Influenced by the knowledge level of the decision-maker and the attribute information of the scheme set, there exists a certain uncertainty in the indicator weights. In view of this, this paper proposes a stochastic multi-criteria decision-making framework for scheduling of wind–photovoltaic–hydropower systems, which overcomes the difficulty of uncertainty in indicator weights or even completely unknown information about indicator weights at the time of decision-making. The Stochastic Multi-criteria Acceptability Analysis (SMAA) theory and the VIKOR model are introduced, and the proposed SMAA–VIKOR model makes the indicator weight space explicit. The study shows that the proposed SMAA–VIKOR model can overcome the obstacle of decision-makers’ lack of information on indicator weights. The ranking acceptability indicators calculated by the model show a more obvious trend of advantages and disadvantages, which gives full confidence to the decision-making group to formulate a plan to be implemented. It breaks through the bottleneck of group decision-making, which is difficult to make effective decisions due to the condition of incomplete information, and enriches the library of stochastic multi-criteria decision-making methods for the scientific formulation of scheduling schemes of wind–photovoltaic–hydropower systems under uncertainty conditions.
Looking at the Golden Ratio from the Blood Pressure Perspective: Assessing the Hypertensive Patients and Normotensive Subjects
Authors: Atmaca Hasan , Cuglan Bilal , Karagöz Zuhal Karaca , Yalta Kenan , Yetkin Ertan 
Published: March 2024

Background:
The representatives of mathematical concepts and indices allied to the
Golden Ratio (GR) have been shown in the human body in superimposed human hands, phalangeal
lengths of the digits, human ears, and the cardiovascular system. Recently, it has been demonstrated
that the systolic blood pressure (SBP) to diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ratio measured
by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is close to GR. Accordingly, we aimed
to evaluate the ratios between the SBP, DBP, and PP in normotensive and hypertensive patients
who were on medical treatment or not, to assess the existence of golden proportions in 24-hour ambulatory
blood pressure monitoring results.

Material and Method:
Five hundred and twenty-nine patients who underwent ABPM were retrospectively
enrolled in the study population. The ABPM was programmed to measure blood pressure
every 30 min during the daytime and 60 min night time. Based on the ABPM results, patients
were classified as hypertensive (SBP/DBP≥130/80 mmHg) and normotensive (SBP/DBP<130/80
mmHg), depending on ESC/ESH 2018 guidelines. They were also divided into two subgroups:
medicated and nonmedicated. Systolic to diastolic blood pressure ratio (SBP/DBP) and diastolic
blood pressure to pulse pressure (DBP/PP) were calculated in the usual fashion in all study populations
and subgroups.

Results:
After the exclusion of 133 patients who did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, 396 patients
were included in the statistical analysis. Mean SBP/DBP ratios were 1.66±0.15 in all the study
population, 1.63±0.11 in normotensive without medication, 1.66±0.13 in normotensive with medications,
1.62±0.15 in hypertensive without medication, and 1.76±0.20 with medications.

Conclusion:
We have documented that SBP to DBP ratios of untreated patients, irrespective of
having normal or high blood pressure, run close around the GR. However, SBP to DBP ratios of
patients having antihypertensive treatment are far from the GR.
Paeoniflorin Alleviates Anxiety and Visceral Hypersensitivity via HPA Axis and
BDNF/TrkB/PLCγ1 Pathway in Maternal Separation-induced IBS-like Rats
Authors: Liang Ruifeng , Ge Wenjing , Song Xianmei , Wang Huisen , Cui Weifeng , Zhang Xuexia , Wei Zheng , Li Gengsheng 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that significantly diminishes the quality of life for affected individuals. The
pathophysiology of IBS remains poorly understood, and available therapeutic options for IBS are limited. The crucial roles of brain-gut interaction,
which is mediated by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system in IBS, have attracted increasing
attention.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to examine the impact of paeoniflorin (PF) on anxiety and visceral hypersensitivity in maternal separation-induced
IBS-like rats.

Methods:
The IBS-like rat model was established through the implementation of Maternal Separation (MS) and subsequently subjected to various doses of
PF administered via oral gavage for 14 days. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated using the Open Field Test (OFT) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM)
test. The assessment of visceral sensitivity involved the utilization of the Abdominal Withdrawal Reflex (AWR) score and electromyographic
(EMG) responses of the external oblique muscle in response to colorectal distention. The levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH),
corticosterone (CORT), and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) were examined by ELISA. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and
immunofluorescence were employed to detect the expressions of CRH receptors 1 (CRHR1) and 2 (CRHR2). Glucocorticoid receptors (GR),
mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), and phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ1)
were examined by Western blot.

Results and Discussion:
The results showed that MS induced anxiety-like behavior and visceral hypersensitivity, while PF treatment attenuated these changes. Furthermore,
the HPA axis hyperactivity in MS rats was attenuated by PF treatment, indicated by reduced serum ACTH, CORT, and CRH levels and recovered
hippocampal CRHR1 and GR expressions. In addition, PF inhibited BDNF/TrkB signaling by downregulating the protein levels of BDNF, TrkB,
and phospho-PLCγ1 in the colon.

Conclusion:
These findings suggest that PF alleviated anxiety and visceral hypersensitivity in MS-induced IBS-like rats, which may be the modulation of HPA
axis activity and BDNF/TrkB/PLCγ1 signaling pathway.
A Review of Ultrasonic Wave Propagation through Liquid Solutions
Authors: Panda Rajalaxmi , Panda Subhraraj , Biswal Susanta Kumar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract::
Understanding the molecular interactions in liquids or liquid mixtures of binary or ternary liquids is crucial for various applications. Numerous methods and tools exist to elucidate how atoms interact in such mixtures. This review examines multiple research papers investigating molecular interactions, focusing on the acoustic/ultrasonic technique. This technique employs ultrasonic waves to probe molecular interactions.
Researchers utilized an ultrasonic interferometer to measure ultrasonic wave velocity, liquid den-sity can be determined by using a specific gravity bottle, and employed the Ostwald viscometer for viscosity measurements. Researchers derived several acoustic and thermodynamic parameters by evaluating ultrasonic wave velocity, liquid density, and viscosity.
This comprehensive study dramatically contributes to understanding the molecular interactions within specific samples, with detailed explanations provided for the observed parameters. Ultra-sonic wave propagation influences the medium's physical characteristics; it includes knowledge of the physics of liquid and solution.
How frequency and temperature affect thermo acoustical characteristics has been investigated. The nature of forces between molecules, including hydrogen bonds, charge transfer complexes, hydrogen bond breaking, and complexes, has been deduced from the investigations above.
Analysis of Remuneration System Satisfaction and Its Affecting Factors (Case Study on Specialist-Physician at Government Hospital in Jakarta)
Authors: Pratiwi Citra Sari , Meliala Andreasta 
Published: March 2024

Background: Remuneration is an important strategy to improve the competence of hospital services. Remuneration aims to motivate employees which can be achieved if the remuneration system is implemented fairly, but the gap between the ratio of the number of doctors and the average points to rates causes’ physician dissatisfaction toward the remuneration system. Analyze satisfaction level and measure remuneration satisfaction factors on Pediatricians and Obstetrics and Gynecologists at ABC Hospital Jakarta. Methods:This study used quantitative methods with multiple linear regression analysis measured by the Equity Scale and Remuneration Satisfaction Scale. Interviews were used to obtain comprehensive analysis results from respondents who were in the lower and upper limits of the questionnaire results. The interview also involved the management of ABC Hospital Jakarta.Results:Total 44 respondents consisting of 30 Pediatricians and 14 Obstetricians and Gynecologists, showed dissatisfaction with the remuneration system (45,46%), neutral (31,53%), and satisfied (23%). There was a relationship between perceptions of external fairness (P= 0,003) and procedural fairness (P= 0,002) with remuneration satisfaction. There was no relationship between perceptions of internal justice (P= 0,929) and perceptions of individual justice (P= 0,130) with remuneration satisfaction. These results were explored using interviews and the causes of doctor dissatisfaction due to the gap in the achievement of the Individual Performance Index, lots of doctor examinations that were not listed in the rates, and remuneration points did not consider the complexity of each job. Meanwhile, the dissatisfaction felt by the management was due to the lack of measurement of quality indicators in the remuneration system.Conclusion: External and procedural justices are factors that affect the satisfaction of remuneration felt by specialist-physician. The remuneration obtained at ABC Hospital Jakarta is lower than other Government Hospitals of the same type. In addition, there are binding rules, doctors' lack of understanding of the remuneration system, and lack of socialization. The management needs to formulate a more detailed remuneration system based on applicable regulations by adjusting the hospital situation.
The Role of The Marketing Mix Factors in Hospital Selection
Authors: Rahmawati Yuni , Susilowati Susilowati 
Published: March 2024

Background: The problems faced by Soerojo Hospital is currently decreasing the number of outpatient visits and decreasing customer satisfaction. Marketing mix analysis based on satisfaction surveys which on average are good based on hospital customer perceptions and targeted revenue targets from out-of-pocket sources of 30 percent require the right marketing mix tactics for potential customers in the comunity. This study will help Soerojo Hospital choose dominant factor of the marketing mix in hospital selection for making optimal marketing strategy. The aims of this study was to identify the role of the marketing mix factors on people's decisions in hospital selection. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with a descriptive, quantitative approach, cross sectional research design, 385 respondents were surveyed with questionnaires and data analysis was carried out with program packages. Results: The components of the marketing mix that occupy the top three positions are the location component with a median of 4.67(1-5), the process component with a median of 4.60 (1-5) and the cost component with a median of 4.50 (1-5). There was a significant difference between the groups who choose and did not choose Soerojo mental hospital in the doctor/staff and promotion (p value <0.05). Conclusion: The location, process and cost components are the components of the marketing mix that most influence the decision to choose a hospital. Suggestions for improvements that can be made by RSJ Prof. Dr. Soerojo Magelang based on the results of this study.