bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the impact of the transport system on the regional performance: Empirical evidence from Tunisian cities
Authors: Ghannouchi Imen , Aloulou Foued , Farhat Asma 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This study aims to estimate the performance level of 24 Tunisian cities using the DEA method from 2008 to 2016. the scores were then regressed in a set of transport related factors to assess the impact of transport infrastructure on the variation of efficiency scores between the 24 cities and to interpret its contribution to their performance. Furthermore, we used multiple metrics of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and applied \(\beta\) and \(\sigma\) convergence/divergence of productivity to detect the sense of its evolution between cities. The key findings reveal the following: (i) The majority of regions have efficiency level ranging from 50–80%. (ii) The results of the second stage reveal the motorization rate has a negative impact on efficiency because it represents a source of traffic congestion when the number of vehicles exceeds the road capacity. The population density is negatively correlated with efficiency since regions with high population density are more charged and involve more traffic problem than those with weak density. (iii) The \(\beta\) and \(\sigma\) convergence/divergence tests show that there is a convergence of TFP in the sense that the lower productive cities have a faster tendency to be more productive than the higher ones.
A New Strategy for the Synthesis of Valuable Benzenoid Aromatics from Bioderived 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zheng Shasha , Wozniak Bartosz , Kallmeier Fabian , Barath Eszter , Tin Sergey , de Vries Johannes 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
To mitigate the effects of global warming, synthesis of aromatic chemicals that play indispensable roles in our daily lives from renewable resources is of great importance. Herein, we present a new strategy to synthesize bio-based C6-aromatics from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under very mild conditions. The versatile bio-based intermediate 2,5-dioxohexanal (DOH) containing three carbonyl groups was successfully synthesized from HMF in high yield. Simple intramolecular aldol condensation of DOH and secondary amines, depending on the acid, selectively produced a range of bio-based 4-substituted phenols and 1,4-di-(dialkylamino)benzenes (Wurster’s blue analogues) in satisfactory yields. In the absence of amines, the industrially important hydroquinone was also synthesized from DOH under acidic condition. Using a similar approach, catechol was prepared from HMF via 4,5-dioxohexanal (DOA) as intermediate.
Interelectrode gas-liquid-solid three-phase flow analysis and simulation for drilling holes with high aspect ratio by micro EDM
Authors: Cao Peiyao , Tong Hao , Li Yong , Chen Jialong 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In micro electrical discharge machining (micro EDM) using the non-hollow circular cross-section tool electrode with the side flushing technique, when the aspect ratio of machined micro-hole is expected to be further increased, the discharge debris expelling speed and the working fluid renewal efficiency are weakened, which hinders the improvement of machining efficiency and accuracy with increased machining depth. In order to reveal the flow behavior of the working fluid in the micro EDM gap, so as to realize the high-precision and high-efficiency machining of micro-hole with high aspect ratio, a three-phase flow simulation model of fluid, bubble and debris is established in Fluent under the ideal assumption that the spark discharges occur continuously to generate high-pressure bubbles. The simulation results show that when the boundary condition of the flushing pressure at the side gap entrance is set to 0, the pressure wave emitted when the high-pressure bubble expands, which is formed by the instantaneous gasification of the working fluid between electrodes under high temperature, is the source of pneumatic force that drives the working fluid flow at the micron scale. Affected by the gap flow channel structure and the viscous resistance from inner wall, the flow velocity direction of the fluid dragging the discharge debris to rise up and expel will change, forming a dynamic alternation process of flowing into and out of the side machining gap entry. As the machining depth increases, due to the energy attenuation of the pressure wave propagating from the bottom gap to the side gap entrance, the expelling speed of the discharge debris decreases exponentially at the side gap entrance, resulting in the reduced machining efficiency and accuracy. However, when the simulated bubble generation frequency is increased to the MHz level, the expelling efficiency of debris has a step-like improvement. The continuous and high-frequency generation of high-pressure bubbles can maintain a high pressure gradient in the bottom gap, and the discharge debris is able to continuously move upward without falling back to accumulate in the bottom gap, which is beneficial to the stable and smooth machining process, realizing the high-precision and high-efficiency machining of micro-hole with high aspect ratio.
Structural and electronic properties of neutral and anionic boron clusters doped with Rubidium atom
Authors: Gao Jia Hui , Yuan Yu Quan , Li Yuan Yuan , Zhang Xin Cheng , Wang Ying Ying , Liu Ting , Hu Yan Fei 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Alkali metal-doped boron clusters have captured much attention because of their novel electronic properties and structural evolution. In the study of RbBn0/– system clusters, the minimum global search of the potential energy surface and structure optimization at the level of PBE1PBE by using the CALYPSO method and Gaussian package coupled with DFT calculation; the geometrical structures and electronic properties are systematically investigated. At n = 8, the ground-state structures are composed of an Rb atom above B atoms, forming a structurally stable pagoda cone. By stability analysis and charge transfer calculation, the RbB8– cluster shows more stability. It found that s-p hybridization between Rb atom and B atoms as well as s-p hybridization between B atoms is one of the reasons for the outstanding stability exhibited in the RbB80/– clusters by using DOS and HOMO-LUMO orbital contour maps. The chemical bonding of the RbB80/– groups was analyzed by using the AdNDP method, and B atoms with larger numbers readily form multi-center chemical bonds with the Rb atom. From the results of the bonding analysis, the interaction between the Rb atom and B atoms strengthens the stability of the RbB80/– clusters. It is hoped that this work provides a direction for experimental manipulation.
Zambian Mandarin CFL Teachers' Professional Development in the New Normal: Challenges and Innovations
Authors: Zhong Wanjuan , Muyunda Gift , Cheng Jun 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Mandarin Chinese language, particularly regarding foreign language teachers' professional development, has been studied in depth. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has posed various challenges in professional development (PD) particularly in the education sector where the ‘new normal’ experience is all about online interaction and distance learning. Hence, little evidence has been conducted to examine the challenges and innovations of Mandarin CFL teachers in developing countries with regard to continuous professional development during the new normal. This research study, based on sequential explanatory mixed methods research design, is aimed at exploring the availability and provision of Mandarin CFL PD opportunities in public schools in the context of Zambia and the perception of Mandarin CFL teachers on its coherence and adequacy framed from a social cultural perspective. A total of 207 Mandarin Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) male and female teachers participated in a custom-designed 15-item questionnaire, as well as four school head teachers, four school coordinators, one CPD focal participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their perceptions, practices and challenges of online school based CFL PD program during the Covid-19 lockdown. The results show that Mandarin CFL teachers have a positive perception of CFL PD programs implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic despite the practice of teacher OTPD program implementation is at low level in the sampled schools. Furthermore, the results show that Mandarin CFL teachers lack support from school management and immediate supervisors and lack of collaboration between Mandarin CFL teachers and school head teachers were among the factors that affected the implementation of CFL professional development (PD) programs during the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, the study shows that Mandarin CFL teachers with more teaching experience relatively positively perceived PD programs during the Covid-19 pandemic and Mandarin CFL teachers 2nd-degree holders practice more PD activities than 1st-disagree holders in the selected secondary schools. On the basis of these results, this study recommends that teacher educators, policy-makers, and other decision-making bodies should consider long-term ongoing professional development (PD) for teachers of Mandarin Chinese language in digital literacy.
Clinical range and outcomes of cerebral cavernous malformations in pediatric patients: A single center data results
Authors: Sel Çiğdem Genç , Köken Özlem Yayıcı , Kayılıoğlu Hülya , Yüksel Deniz , Aksoy Ayşe , Öztoprak Ülkühan , Aksoy Erhan , Oğuz Kader Karlı 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular abnormalities that have been reported in the literature to cause seizures, headaches, intracerebral hemorrhages, gait ataxia, and focal neurological deficits. This study aims to review pediatric cases of CCMs in a single reference center.
Materials and methods
The retrospective data files of 6 Turkish CCM patients were evaluated. All the patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies that included diffusion-weighted imaging, and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). During a detailed neurological examination, the clinical and family history, age at the onset of symptoms, detailed neuroimaging findings, electroencephalogram (EEG) records, and outcomes of the patients were documented.
Results
The female to male ratio was 3/3. The age at the onset of symptoms was between 2.25 and 11 years (mean: 17.37 ± 3.26 years). The neurological manifestations on admission were: intracranial hypertension and cerebral hemorrhages (n: 1), seizures (n: 2), speech delays and articulation phonation problems (n: 2), and specific learning disability disorders (n: 1). The common neuroimaging findings of all the patients were that all of them had CCMs on their SWI sequences and were type 4 on the Zambramski classification of cerebral cavernomas.
Conclusions
Specific learning disabilities, speech delays and phonation problems, and focal and multifocal epileptic EEG discharges, with or without clinical seizures, can be indicators of underlying pediatric CCMs. The sensitivity of SWI in detecting CCMs was very high in children, as all the patients’ lesions in this study were type 4 on the Zambramski classification of cerebral cavernomas.
Characterization of A Reassortant H11N9 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from Spot-billed Duck in China
Authors: Wang Bo , Han Shuyi , Yang Ziwen , Su Qianqian , He Hongxuan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
H11N9 viruses in wild birds might have provided the NA gene of human H7N9 virus in early 2013 in China, which evolved with highly pathogenic strains in 2017 and caused severe fatalities. To investigate the prevalence and evolution of the H11N9 influenza viruses, 16781 samples were collected and analyzed during 2016–2020. As a result, a novel strain of influenza A (H11N9) virus with several characteristics that increase virulence was isolated. Phylogenetic analyses showed that it was a sextuple-reassortant virus of H11N9, H3N8, H3N6, H7N9, H9N2, and H6N8 viruses present in China, similar to the H11N9 strains in Japan and Korea during the same period. This was the H11N9 strain isolated from China most recently, which add a record to viruses in wild birds. Therefore, comprehensive surveillance and enhanced biosecurity precautions are particularly important for the prediction and prevention of potential pandemics resulting from reassortant viruses with continuous evolution and expanding geographic distributions.
LEVYEFO-WTMTOA: The hybrid of the multi-tracker optimization algorithm and the electromagnetic field optimization
Authors: Safi-Esfahani Faramarz , Mirjalili Seyedali , mohammadhoseini Leili 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Many engineering optimization problems can be solved using meta-heuristics. Despite their merits, such algorithms face common challenges of early convergence rate and the imbalance between the exploitation and exploration phases. These algorithms have strengths and weaknesses considering the convergence rate, local search, and global search criteria. This study presents the new algorithm called the LEVYEFO-WTMTOA that combines the Modified Multi-Tracker Optimization Algorithm (MTOA) and the electromagnetic field optimization (EFO) approach. The LEVYEFO-WTMTOA applies the following proposals to escape from local optima: 1) the Morlet wavelet transform is used to determine the Radius of Search (RS) of the MTOA; 2) a mutation phase based on the combination of the best global position in the electromagnetic field optimization algorithm and the levy law is used in the exploration phase to update the new position 3) it has focused on balancing local and global search and escaping from the local optima trap of the MTOA. To evaluate the proposed LEVYEFO-WTMTOA algorithm, the CEC2018 benchmark suite is used, and the results are compared with the original MTOA, EFO, MEFO, MVO Levy, GSA, and COA algorithms in terms of mean error. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm performs better than the baseline algorithms. The applications of LEVYEFO-WTMTOA on several classical engineering problems are included as well.
Perceptions and acceptability of the Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) model in The Gambia: a qualitative study
Authors: Dabira Edgard Diniba , Fehr Alexandra , Beloum Nathalie ,   Jean-Pierre Van geertruyden2, Achan Jane , Erhart Annette , Martinez-Alvarez Melisa , Alessandro Umberto D' 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) studies, i.e. the deliberate infection of healthy volunteers with malaria parasites to study immune response and/or test drug or vaccine efficacy, are increasingly being conducted in malaria endemic countries, including in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there have been few studies on the perceptions and acceptability of CHMI by the local communities. This qualitative study assessed the perception and acceptability of such studies in The Gambia following the first CHMI study conducted in the country in March-May 2018. Data were collected through non-participant observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using NVivo 12 software with an inductive-deductive approach. Sixty-seven participants were involved, including volunteers enrolled in the CHMI, community stakeholders and members of the Gambian Ethics Committee. Respondents expressed a positive view about CHMI. Key motivating factors for participation were the financial compensation, comprehensive health checks, and willingness to support malaria research. Risks associated with participation were considered low. Concerns raised included the frequency of bleeding and the blood volume collected.
Assessment of indigenous knowledge of fisheries and fish processing at Lake Ziway, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Legesse Aklilu , Wakjira Mulugeta , Jimma Worku , Bayissa Tokuma Negisho 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the ecological, historical and cultural value of the traditional knowledge of fisheries by local people around Lake Ziway for better management and sustainable use of the lake resources and to sustain their livelihood. Field observations and questionnaires were used to collect data on the ecological, historical and cultural value of the traditional knowledge of fisheries from April to October 2020. The study revealed that careful consideration of ecological, historical, and socio-cultural aspects of fish and fisheries exists, and the value of this ecological and cultural knowledge provides a necessary base for the sustainable use of resources in the area. In the study area, there are traditional fishing methods such as hand kicking, pool-trapping, handpicking and others developed by the fishermen. The tools used to catch fish were made manually from locally available materials such as ‘gubo’ tree, ‘balsa’ wood, cotton thread, and others. From this point of view, it can be said that indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in the survival of poor fishermen. Therefore, this knowledge should be upgraded and documented for further usage by the coming generations. On the other hand, some fish species available in the lake are very scarce in the present studies. Therefore, detailed studies and investigations are required to take management measures for these species.
Early Postnatal Care Attendance among Postnatal Women in Ubungo Municipal Council, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a qualitative study
Authors: Panga Rehema , Mosha Idda H. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Adequate utilization of postnatal care services is associated with improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes.The World Health Organization recommends postnatal women to attend postnatal care as early as seven days after delivery because most maternal deaths occur within 7 days of the postnatal period. However, many postnatal women who deliver in health facilities attend postnatal care very late during 42 days for child immunization. Little information is known as to why postnatal women who deliver in health facilities delay initiating postnatal care clinics for seven days post-delivery. This study aimed at exploring reasons as to why women who deliver in health facilities delay attending early postnatal care services.
Methods
A cross-sectional design using a qualitative approach was used to explore factors associated with early postnatal care attendance among postnatal women in Ubungo Municipal, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Study participants were purposively selected. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic analysis approach was used to excerpt reasons for the delay in seeking early postnatal care services in Ubungo Municipality.
Findings
The finding of this study revealed lack of awareness on the appropriate time to start early postnatal care visits and the recommended number of postnatal visits, perception of postnatal women that the postnatal period is a normal condition that does not require health personnel’s attention,thus the perception that no need to initiate early postnatal care clinics (PNC) if they were not sick.
Similarly, long waiting time,transport costs, and health care providers’ attitudes were major reasons reported by postnatal women to contribute to late postnatal care attendance.
Therefore, health care providers should continue providing education to pregnant women and postnatal women on when to attend and the importance of attending early postnatal care.
Determination of feeding rate ratio in coupled fed-batch fermentation with pH feedback considering limited number of switches
Authors: Chen Chihua , Wang Juan , Zhao Feiyan , Wang Jichao 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This paper focuses on binary optimal control of fed-batch fermentation of glycerol by Klebsiella pneumoniae with pH feedback considering limited number of switches. To maximize the concentration of 1,3-propanediol at terminal time, we propose a binary optimal control problem subjected to time-coupled combinatorial constraint with the ratio of feeding rate of glycerol to that of NaOH as control variables. Based on time-scaling transformation and discretization, the binary optimal control problem is first transformed into a mixed binary parameter optimization problem consisting not only continuous variables but also binary variables, which is then divided into two subproblems via combinatorial integral approximation decomposition. Finally, a novel fruit fly optimizer with modified sine cosine algorithm and adaptive maximum dwell rounding are applied to solve the obtained subproblems numerically. Numerical results show the rationality and feasibility of the proposed method.
Stability analysis of chaotic systems from data
Authors: Margazoglou Georgios , Magri Luca 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The prediction of the temporal dynamics of chaotic systems is challenging because infinitesimal perturbations grow exponentially. The analysis of the dynamics of infinitesimal perturbations is the subject of stability analysis. In stability analysis, we linearize the equations of the dynamical system around a reference point, and compute the properties of the tangent space (i.e., the Jacobian). The main goal of this paper is to propose a method that learns the Jacobian, thus, the stability properties, from observables (data). First, we propose the Echo State Network (ESN) with the Recycle Validation as a tool to accurately infer the chaotic dynamics from data. Second, we mathematically derive the Jacobian of the Echo State Network, which provides the evolution of infinitesimal perturbations. Third, we analyse the stability properties of the Jacobian inferred from the ESN, and compare them with the benchmark results obtained by linearizing the equations. The ESN correctly infers the nonlinear solution, and its tangent space with negligible numerical errors. In detail, (i) the long-term statistics of the chaotic state; (ii) the covariant Lyapunov vectors; (ii) the Lyapunov spectrum; (iii) the finite-time Lyapunov exponents; (iv) and the angles between the stable, neutral, and unstable splittings of the tangent space (the degree of hyperbolicity of the attractor). This work opens up new opportunities for the computation of stability properties of nonlinear systems from data, instead of equations.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 68T07 · 34D08 · 37D45 · 37M22
Inhibition of DYRK1B suppresses inflammation in allergic contact dermatitis model and Th1/Th17 immune response
Authors: Wongchang Thamrong , Pluangnooch Panwadee , Hongeng Suradej , Wongkajornsilp Adisak , Thumkeo Dean , Soontrapa Kitipong 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a type IV hypersensitivity mainly mediated by Th1/Th17 immune response. Topical corticosteroid is currently the first-line treatment for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and systemic administration of immunosuppressive drugs are used in patients with severe disseminated cases. However, increased risk of adverse effects has limited their use. Thus, the development of a novel immunosuppressant for ACD with low toxicity is a challenging issue. In this study, we began our study by using a murine contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model of ACD to examine the immunosuppressive effects of DYRK1B inhibition. We found that mice treated with a selective DYRK1B inhibitor show reduced ear inflammation. In addition, a significant reduction of Th1 and Th17 cells in the regional lymph node upon DYRK1B inhibition was observed by FACS analysis. Studies in vitro further revealed that DYRK1B inhibitor does not only suppressed Th1 and Th17 differentiation, but also promotes regulatory T cells (Treg) differentiation. Mechanistically, FOXO1 signaling was enhanced due to the suppression of FOXO1Ser329 phosphorylation in the presence of DYRK1B inhibitor. Therefore, these findings suggest that DYRK1B regulates CD4 T cell differentiation through FOXO1 phosphorylation and DYRK1B inhibitor has a potential as a novel agent for treatment of ACD.