bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Knowledge and Pending Research on Sulfate Resistance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Santillán Lautaro R. , Zega Claudio J. , Irassar Edgardo F.
Published: February 2024

The building sector’s sustainability requires construction and demolition waste (CDW) to contribute to the circular economy. Among the CDW, recycled concrete aggregates (RA) have been mainly studied to replace natural aggregates. Still, the approval of their use in regulations and standards is slower. Some barriers to the adoption of RA are related to the durability of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). However, their physical and mechanical properties have been extensively studied. The durability risks associated with sulfate attacks have been solved for conventional concrete. However, sulfate attack on recycled concrete still raises numerous unsolved questions. In this literature review, the experience of sulfate attack on RAC is compiled and analyzed using a compressive framework highlighting the most relevant aspects of the new matrix in RAC and the old matrix of RA to support its relevance to the damaging sulfate process. Suggestions for further research are presented to understand the full extent of this issue and contribute to incorporating and extending recycled aggregates into existing regulations.
Coupling Relationship between Urbanization and Green Total Factor Productivity in the Context of Population Shrinkage: Evidence from the Rust Belt Region of China
Authors: Wang Xi , Wu Xiangli , Chu Nanchen , Zhang Yilin , Wang Limin
Published: February 2024

Northeast China, regarded as China’s Rust Belt, has been dealing with numerous issues related to societal transformation and ecological concerns. Data indicate that Northeast China has already become the most severely depopulated region. It is crucial for the region’s sustainable growth to figure out how to balance ecological and urban development in the face of population shrinkage. First, we measured the population shrinkage, urbanization, and green total factor productivity (GTFP) of each city. Second, we calculated the degree of coordination between urbanization and GTFP and spatially visualized it. Finally, we analyzed the influencing factors through further empirical evidence. The findings showed that Northeast China’s cities were generally becoming smaller in terms of population. Urbanization and GTFP both exhibited a climbing tendency, and overall coordination between the two grew gradually. The level of coordination declined as population shrinkage increased. Governmental, technological, and economic factors influenced the level of coordination. The role played by factors influencing coordinated development varied at different levels of shrinkage. The findings not only provide a new research perspective for understanding the coordinated development of socioeconomic and ecological environment in Northeast China, but also provide insights for further improving the relevant policies and promoting the sustainable development and transformation of the region.
Drivers and Barriers for the Adoption of Circular Economy Principles towards Efficient Resource Utilisation
Authors: Alivojvodic Vesna , Kokalj Filip
Published: February 2024

Contemporary societies, whether they have reached advanced levels of economic and social development or are still developing, need to prioritise the implementation of circular economy practices. This will facilitate the shift towards regenerative, sustainable, and closed-loop industrial systems. For now, there are some efforts to encourage patterns of production and consumption through changes in economic trends, development of institutional frameworks, harmonising regulations in the field of environmental protection, and raising the level of social awareness to achieve, above all, greater efficiency of resources. Extensive literature that deals with monitoring the implementation of the circular economy already indicates the existence of numerous barriers in this process but also notices some incentives for raising the degree of circularity of the observed systems. In this paper, the question of whether a single value can represent the level of circularity of the chosen material/product chain is researched. An overview of barriers and drivers for implementing circular economy strategies is given to structure a proper metric framework in correlation to the research question. The objective was to simplify the monitoring of circularity by developing a unique index for comparing material/product chains in similar systems. This was accomplished by using the circular material use (CMU) rate introduced in the European Union and modifying it for financial data calculation. As a result, the circular economy index, which covers all 9R strategies (CEIR), is obtained. The practical verification of model applicability was shown by determining the degree of circularity achieved for passenger cars in the four observed EU countries.
Nexus between Corporate Digital Transformation and Green Technological Innovation Performance: The Mediating Role of Optimizing Resource Allocation
Authors: Liu Kun , Liu Xuemin , Wu Zihao
Published: February 2024

Corporate digital transformation, as a key and representational component of the larger digital economy, plays a vital role in furthering both green technological innovation and the transition to a more sustainable economic model. This study collects panel data relating to firms listed on China’s A-share exchanges from 2009 to 2020 and employs textual analysis to estimate the extent of digital transformation within these organizations. It methodically examines the influence of this transformation on the volume and quality of green technological innovations. The findings reveal a substantial enhancement in both the volume and quality of green technological innovations as a result of corporate digital transformation, with a more noticeable improvement in innovation quality. This transition, driven by the mediating function of optimizing resource allocation, facilitates green technological innovation by enhancing human capital composition, curtailing information asymmetry, and augmenting investment in research and development (R&D). Heterogeneity research shows that the influence of digital transformation on green technological innovation is more pronounced in state-owned corporations, low-pollution corporations, and corporations situated in low-carbon pilot cities. Furthermore, this study discovers that the promotive influence of corporate digital transformation tends to diminish with the advancement of the corporation’s lifecycle, peaking during the growth phase. Finally, this study still has some limitations, such as its exclusive focus on Chinese corporations, the need for improvements in the measurement of digital transformation, and potential sample selection biases.
Utilizing Topic Modeling to Establish Sustainable Public Policies by Analyzing Korea’s Sports Human Rights over the Last Two Decades
Authors: Choi Na-Young , Kim Young-Vin , Ahn Hyunkyun
Published: February 2024

Human rights violations in sports reveal that athletes are continuously exposed to violence. In Korea, the negative effects of its sports powerhouse paradigm are increasingly apparent. Although discussions on human rights in sports have progressed, academic research on this has not. Sourcing information from Korea’s Press Foundation’s big data news system from 2006 to 2023, this study used term frequency, term frequency-inverse document modeling, topic term matrix extraction through latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), and LDAvis to analyze sports human rights issues and policies over time. The results revealed topics in three timeframes: in the first policy establishment period (2006–2010), the topics ranged from “Sports Human Rights Education” to “Minimum Education for Student Athletes”. In the policy transition period (2011–2018), the topics included “Strengthening Sports Human Rights Education”, “Women’s Human Rights Issues in Sports”, and “Government-Level Investigation into Sportsdom Controversies”; and in the second policy establishment period (2019–2023), the topics included “Athlete Harassment”, “Sportsdom #MeToo Movement”, “Guarantee of Student Human Rights Convenience Facilities”, and “Guarantee of Sports Human Rights”. Better mid- to long-term plans, national efforts, and education that improve awareness of human rights in sports are needed for sustainability.
The Impact of Using Renewable Energy Resources on Sustainable Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Shammre Abdullah Sultan
Published: February 2024

This study examines the impact of renewable energy on sustainable development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2019 and analyzes the kingdom’s most essential practices in this field to achieve sustainable development. The Cobb–Douglas production function is used in this study to investigate the impact of renewable energy on sustainable development using ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation. According to the findings, renewable energy consumption has a negative but insignificant effect on GDP. Additionally, traditional energy consumption has a major negative influence on GDP. The findings also demonstrate that fixed capital formulation and technical progress have a significant positive impact on Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development. Furthermore, while the labor force has a positive impact on GDP, this effect is not statistically significant. This report provides some recommendations for Saudi government policymakers to reform the country’s energy efficiency and consumption technologies in order to reduce energy waste and satisfy the goals of sustainable development. While the labor force is recognized as having a positive influence on GDP, it is notable that this result lacks statistical significance. The suggestions of these findings are mainly applicable to Saudi policymakers, and we present recommendations to improve energy competence and utilization technologies. Specially, our suggestions are intended to reduce energy dissipation and to support the objectives of sustainable development.
Navigating Uncertainty: A Framework for Optimising Public Transport Networks’ Performance
Authors: Lin Gang , Xu Honglei , Wang Shaoli , Lin Conghua , Zhang Fan , Zhu Junxiang
Published: February 2024

Public transport (PT) networks face significant challenges in achieving optimal outcomes due to the presence of risk and uncertainty. Despite the importance of optimising PT networks’ performance, limited research has applied risk management tools to tackle this issue. In response, this study presents a three-stage framework to optimise PT networks’ performance in uncertain conditions. First, we establish a PT criteria matrix using an analytic hierarchy process to develop a criteria model and calculate the criteria weightings. Second, we propose a multi-aspiration-level goal programming approach to optimise a PT network’s performance based on the weighted results. To manage uncertainty, we use Monte Carlo simulation to analyse the probability of the optimal solution. Finally, to validate our approach, we apply the three-stage framework to three case study areas in Australia. The results of this research offer significant insights into identifying the likelihood of criteria optimisation scenarios, thereby assisting decision makers in allocating resources for optimising the delivery of PT network performance solutions in accordance with government requirements.
Diverse Patterns of Understory Plant Species across Different Types of Plantations in a Mountainous Ecosystem
Authors: Luo Jie , Sardar Muhammad Fahad , Qian Zeyuan , Albasher Gadah , Li Xiang
Published: February 2024

Artificial afforestation is considered as one of the key ecological restoration measures. The early large-scale, single-species afforestation method is considered detrimental to the environment. However, there is still a lack of empirical research on the differences in understory biodiversity between monoculture and mixed forests, as well as the response mechanisms of understory plants to environmental factors. We compared the differences in understory plant diversity in different types of plantations and analyzed the differences in understory species composition and the impact of understory plants on local scales (soil organic matter, soil-available phosphorus, and distance from the road) and landscape scales (patch density, landscape fragmentation, and patch diversity) and environmental variable response mechanisms in a mountainous area. Our findings revealed that there was no significant difference in overall understory plant diversity between monoculture and mixed forests, but the perennial species and native species in the mixed forest were significantly higher than those in the monoculture. In monoculture plots, the disparity in species composition was more pronounced compared to that observed in mixed plots. Soil organic matter had a positive effect on understory plant diversity, and soil available phosphorus and distance from the road significantly affected plant diversity in monoculture forests but had no effect in mixed forests. Landscape-scale environmental factors have no effect on understory species diversity. The findings of the current study emphasize the disparities in the plant species composition between mixed and monoculture forest plantations, as well as their respective reactions to environmental factors.
Pollution Control and Well-Being in Rural Areas: A Study Based on Survey Data
Authors: Zhou Qi , Chen Jun , Liu Shanqing , Zhou Fengxiu , Wen Huwei
Published: February 2024

Pollution control is of great value in order to achieve sustainable development and meet the needs of human development. This paper utilizes data from four rounds of longitudinal surveys conducted between 2012 and 2018 as part of the China Labor Force Dynamic Survey. Employing multiple linear regression methods, it empirically investigates the impact of pollution control on the well-being of rural residents. Empirical results show that even after accounting for individual, village, and family characteristics, pollution control significantly affects the happiness of rural residents. Notably, water pollution control emerges as having the most pronounced impact on rural residents’ happiness. Furthermore, pollution control enhances the well-being of rural residents by improving the village environment, fostering family harmony, and enhancing the physical and mental health of individuals. A heterogeneity analysis indicates that pollution control exerts a stronger influence on the happiness of residents in the central and western region and ordinary villages, while its impact is somewhat weaker in the eastern region. Addressing the pollution issue remains imperative, along with stimulating the endogenous drivers of rural ecological revitalization, enhancing the effectiveness of grassroots governance in rural areas, and continually bolstering the sense of well-being and happiness among the populace.
Implementation of Non-Isolated High Gain Interleaved DC-DC Converter for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Using ANN-Based MPPT Controller
Authors: Subbulakshmy R. , Palanisamy R. , Alshahrani Saad , Saleel C Ahamed
Published: February 2024

A high conversion ratio DC-DC converter is crucial for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). A fuel cell-based non-isolated high gain integrated DC-DC converter for electric vehicles is proposed in this paper. The system comprises an interleaved boost converter (IBC) at the source end, a switched capacitor cell, coupled inductors, a passive clamp circuit, and a voltage multiplier circuit (VMC). Its significance is to achieve the voltage conversion gain of 12.33 at a conversion ratio of 0.45. The idea is to use a proton exchange membrane fuel cell to power electric vehicles through a high-gain DC-DC converter. The use of an ineffective MPPT can result in lower energy conversion efficiency. Thus, this system incorporates a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller based on a neural network, which relies on the radial basis function network (RBFN) algorithm to track the maximum power point of the PEMFC accurately. The comparative study of the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) structure with the RBFN-based MPPT technique was evaluated with that of the fuzzy logic technique using the MATLAB/Simulink platform (R2021b (MATLAB 9.11)). A 1.5 kW experimental prototype is designed with a switching frequency of 10 kHz to validate the design analysis, and its pursuance is compared between RBFN and FLC-based controllers. This manuscript will be a significant contribution towards evidencing a sustainable environment.
Autonomy Acquisition and Performance within Higher Education in Vietnam—A Road to a Sustainable Future?
Authors: Hieu Ngo Thi , Niem Le Duc
Published: February 2024

The Vietnamese Government prioritizes education as a developmental investment within its socioeconomic development programs. Subsequently, Vietnam’s higher education system (HE) is experiencing substantial transformation, emphasizing autonomy, because institutions endowed with self-governance capabilities may allocate societal resources more efficiently for developmental purposes. In this paper, we measured Vietnamese universities’ total factor productivity change (TFPCH) in the autonomy context, using it as a proxy for the sustainable performance of HE institutions. We decomposed TFPCH into Technical Efficiency Change (EFFCH) and Technology Change (TECHCH) and regressed these indices with independent variables to derive their determining factors. Notably, we employed the derived intercept as a proxy for the autonomy context of Vietnam. The DEA found significant advancements in productivity and technology, indicating a positive paradigm shift within Vietnam’s higher education system. The intercepts obtained from these regressions are positive and significant, implying that the autonomous environment supports the sustainable advancement of Vietnam’s higher education system in both components of TFPCH: the catch-up ability (EFFCH) and technological improvement (TECHCH). In addition, we found that investment in vital resources (number of laboratories, research funding, or quality accreditation) improves productivity (TFPCH) via technological improvement. We also observed that private universities experienced higher performance progress than public ones. However, we did not find any significant relationships between the university scale or the location of the main campus and their performance. To further the growth of Vietnam’s higher education system, we propose that the autonomy of institutions continues to be granted.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Cold-Rolled Steel Based on Improved Graph Attention Network
Authors: Luo Xiaoyang , Guo Rongping , Zhang Qiwen , Tang Xingchang
Published: February 2024

The prediction of mechanical properties of cold-rolled steel is very important for the quality control, process optimization, and cost control of cold-rolled steel, but it is still a challenging task to predict accurately. For the existing graph structure of graph attention networks, it is difficult to effectively establish the complex coupling relationship and nonlinear causal relationship between variables. At the same time, it is considered that the process of cold-rolled steel has typical full-flow process characteristics and the graph attention network makes it difficult to extract the path information between the central node and its higher-order neighborhood. The neural Granger causality algorithm is used to extract the latent relationship between variables, and the basic graph structure of mechanical property prediction data is constructed. Secondly, the node embedding layer is added before the graph attention network, which leverages the symmetry nature of Node2vec method by incorporating both breadth-first and depth-first exploration strategies. This ensures a balanced exploration of diverse paths in the graph, capturing not only local structures but also higher-order relationships. The combined graph attention networks are then able to effectively capture the symmetry path information between nodes and dependencies between variables. The accuracy and superiority of this method are verified by experiments in real cold-rolled steel production cases.
Study on the Direct and Indirect Photolysis of Antibacterial Florfenicol in Water Using DFT/TDDFT Method and Comparison of Its Reactivity with Hydroxyl Radical under the Effect of Metal Ions
Authors: Kang Yue , Lu Ying , Wang Se
Published: February 2024

Florfenicol (FLO) is a widely used antibacterial drug, which is often detected in the environment. In this paper, the photolysis mechanism of FLO in water was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The focus of the study is to elucidate the direct photolysis mechanism of FLO in the water environment and the indirect photolysis of free radicals (·OH, ·NO3, and ·SO4−) as active species. The effect of metal ions Ca2+/Mg2+/Zn2+ on the indirect photolysis was also investigated. The results show that the direct photolysis of FLO involves C–C/C–N/C–S bond cleavage, the C5–S7 bond cleavage is most likely to occur, and the C17–C18 cleavage reaction is not easy to occur during the direct photodegradation of FLO. The indirect photolysis of FLO is more likely to occur in the environment than direct photolysis. The main indirect photolysis involves OH-addition, NO3-addition, and SO4-addition on benzene ring. The order of difficulty in the indirect photolysis with ·OH is C2 > C3 > C4 > C5 > C6 > C1, Ca2+ can promote the indirect photolysis with ·OH, and Mg2+/Zn2+ has a dual effect on the indirect photolysis with ·OH. In other words, Mg2+ and Zn2+ can inhibit or promote the indirect photolysis with ·OH. These studies provide important information for theoretical research on the environmental behavior and degradation mechanism of drug molecules.
Metabolomics Provides Novel Insights into the Potential Toxicity Associated with Heated Tobacco Products, Electronic Cigarettes, and Tobacco Cigarettes on Human Bronchial Epithelial BEAS-2B Cells
Authors: Lenski Marie , Zarcone Gianni , Maallem Saïd , Garçon Guillaume , Lo-Guidice Jean-Marc , Allorge Delphine , Anthérieu Sébastien
Published: February 2024

Smoking is an established risk factor for various pathologies including lung cancer. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) have appeared on the market in recent years, but their safety or, conversely, their toxicity has not yet been demonstrated. This study aimed to compare the metabolome of human lung epithelial cells exposed to emissions of e-cigs, HTPs, or 3R4F cigarettes in order to highlight potential early markers of toxicity. BEAS-2B cells were cultured at the air–liquid interface and exposed to short-term emissions from e-cigs set up at low or medium power, HTPs, or 3R4F cigarettes. Untargeted metabolomic analyses were performed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Compared to unexposed cells, both 3R4F cigarette and HTP emissions affected the profiles of exogenous compounds, one of which is carcinogenic, as well as those of endogenous metabolites from various pathways including oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism. However, these effects were observed at lower doses for cigarettes (2 and 4 puffs) than for HTPs (60 and 120 puffs). No difference was observed after e-cig exposure, regardless of the power conditions. These results suggest a lower acute toxicity of e-cig emissions compared to cigarettes and HTPs in BEAS-2B cells. The pathways deregulated by HTP emissions are also described to be altered in respiratory diseases, emphasizing that the toxicity of HTPs should not be underestimated.
Assessing the Connectivity of Urban Green Spaces for Enhanced Environmental Justice and Ecosystem Service Flow: A Study of Tehran Using Graph Theory and Least-Cost Analysis
Authors: Alavi Seyed Ali , Esfandi Saeed , Khavarian-Garmsir Amir Reza , Tayebi Safiyeh , Shamsipour Aliakbar , Sharifi Ayyoob
Published: February 2024

This research aims to analyze the relationship between environmental justice and urban green space connectivity in Tehran, Iran. The evaluation of green space connectivity in this study is conducted through two distinct cost layers: one aimed at enhancing existing connections and another focused on establishing new green spaces. Key factors influencing connectivity, extracted from the relevant literature, were identified to facilitate this analysis. Employing graph theory and least-cost analysis, the results determined critical resistance factors, current connectivity and cost status, the varying degrees to which different districts benefit from green space ecosystem services, and the most effective routes for establishing green corridors. Research findings highlight significant disparities in access to these services, particularly in the underserved central districts of Tehran. Moreover, spatial analysis reveals a higher potential for enhancing east–west ecosystem service corridors due to the higher density of green hubs and lower costs in this orientation, while north–south connectivity faces more challenges. By exploring land use/land cover, and physical and socio-economic factors affecting urban green space connectivity, this study provides urban and environmental planners with a novel methodology and comprehensive insights for effective decision making, resource allocation, and land use planning.
Purification Method of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1-Infected Cells without Virions
Authors: Kawano Katsumi , Hashikura Yuki , Umekita Kunihiko
Published: February 2024

To mediate intercellular communication, cells produce extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs transport many biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids between cells and regulate pathophysiological actions in the recipient cell. However, EVs and virus particles produced from virus-infected cells are of similar size and specific gravity; therefore, the separation and purification of these two particles is often controversial. When analyzing the physiological functions of EVs from virus-infected cells, the presence or absence of virus particle contamination must always be verified. The human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected cell line, MT-2, produces EVs and virus particles. Here, we validated a method for purifying EVs from MT-2 cell culture supernatants while avoiding HTLV-1 viral particle contamination. EV fractions were collected using a combination of immunoprecipitation with Tim-4, which binds to phosphatidylserine, and polymer precipitation. The HTLV-1 viral envelope protein, gp46, was not detected in the EV fraction. Proteomic analysis revealed that EV-constituted proteins were predominant in this EV fraction. Furthermore, the EVs were found to contain the HTLV-1 viral genome. The proposed method can purify EVs while avoiding virus particle contamination and is expected to contribute to future research on EVs derived from HTLV-1-infected cells.
Investigating Temporal and Spatial Variations of Nutrient and Trace Metal Loading in Utah Lake (Utah, USA)
Authors: Wang Weihong , Zanazzi Alessandro , Cadet Eddy , Rakotoarisaona Henintsoa , Peterson Hannah
Published: February 2024

Utah Lake is one of the largest freshwater bodies in the West and a valuable resource for agricultural and recreational activities in the region. However, it has suffered elevated trace metal and nutrient levels since the pioneer settlement in 1847. The objectives of this project were as follows: (1) investigate the temporal and spatial variations of trace metal and nutrient concentrations in Utah Lake and its tributaries; (2) model trace metal and nutrient concentrations across the lake using GIS spatial analysis techniques. We collected floc layer sediment samples quarterly as well as monthly water samples for trace metal and nutrient analyses at designated sites. GIS spatial analysis techniques were used to model the trace metal and nutrient concentrations in the lake. Elevated trace metal concentrations in river and lake water samples have been detected, especially in the month of June. The GIS modeling revealed that the highest trace metal and nutrient concentrations were located at the deepest part of the lake and near the Spanish Fork River inlet, respectively. Moreover, the results indicate that Utah Lake is not well mixed horizontally but well mixed vertically. Our findings can help state agencies address issues in water quality and management related to human–environment interactions.
Economy of Scale of Energy Intensity in Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)
Authors: Rapp Alyson H. , Sowby Robert B. , Williams Gustavious
Published: February 2024

More water utilities are adopting aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) to balance long-term water supply and demand. Due to large implementation and operation costs, ASR projects need to be optimized, particularly for energy use, which is a major operating expense. This study examines the relationships among energy use, recharge, and recovery at two ASR projects in the western United States. The major finding is an economy of scale for recovery processes, but not for gravity-fed recharge processes. The economy of scale found is as follows: the energy intensity recovered decreases with volume. This suggests it is more energy-efficient to recover large volumes of water in one interval instead of recovering smaller volumes at more frequent intervals. The H2Oaks recovery process experienced a 78% decrease in energy intensity from 0 to 50,000 m3 recovered, while the Sand Hollow site experienced a 43% decrease in energy intensity from 0 to 50,000 m3 recovered. Statistical analyses of the recovery process showed p values lower than 0.0001, R2 values between 0.43 and 0.57, and a RMSE value between 0.55 and 2.1, indicating the presence of a moderate correlation between energy and volume. This economy of scale has been observed in multiple instances in water and wastewater treatment. This finding not only has applications to ASR but also to all recovery or recharge wells, whether or not they are paired with each other. Furthermore, this study confirms the need for more reliable and accessible energy data to fully understand the implications of the energy–water nexus.
Energy Transition in Urban Water Infrastructures towards Sustainable Cities
Authors: Ramos Helena M. , Pérez-Sánchez Modesto , Guruprasad Prajwal S. M. , Carravetta Armando , Kuriqi Alban , Coronado-Hernández Oscar E. , Fernandes João F. P. , Branco Paulo J. Costa , López-Jiménez Petra Amparo
Published: February 2024

The world’s water infrastructures suffer from inefficiencies, such as high energy consumption and water losses due to inadequate management practices and feeble pressure regulation, leading to frequent water and energy losses. This strains vital water and energy resources, especially in the face of the worsening challenges of climate change and population growth. A novel method is presented that integrates micro-hydropower plants, with pumps as turbines (PATs), in the water network in the city of Funchal. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the microgrid’s response to variations in the cost of energy components, showing favorable outcomes with positive net present value (NPV). PV solar and micro-wind turbines installed exclusively at the selected PRV sites within the Funchal hydro grid generate a combined 153 and 55 MWh/year, respectively, supplementing the 406 MWh/year generated by PATs. It should be noted that PATs consistently have the lowest cost of electricity (LCOE), confirming their economic viability and efficiency across different scenarios, even after accounting for reductions in alternative energy sources and grid infrastructure costs.
Novel Approaches for the Empirical Assessment of Evapotranspiration over the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Uzunlar Ali , Dis Muhammet Omer
Published: February 2024

The hydrological cycle should be scrutinized and investigated under recent climate change scenarios to ensure global water management and to increase its utilization. Although the FAO proposed the use of the Penman–Monteith (PM) equation worldwide to predict evapotranspiration (ET), which is one of the most crucial components of the hydrological cycle, its complexity and time-consuming nature, have led researchers to examine alternative methods. In this study, the performances of numerous temperature-driven ET methods were examined relative to the PM using daily climatic parameters from central stations in 11 districts of the Kahramanmaras province. Owing to its geographical location and other influencing factors, the city has a degraded Mediterranean climate with varying elevation gradients, while its meteorological patterns (i.e., temperature and precipitation) deviate from those of the main Mediterranean climate. A separate evaluation was performed via ten different statistical metrics, and spatiotemporal ET variability was reported for the districts. This study revealed that factors such as altitude, terrain features, slope, aspect geography, solar radiation, and climatic conditions significantly impact capturing reference values, in addition to temperature. Moreover, an assessment was conducted in the region to evaluate the effect of modified ET formulae on simulations. It can be drawn as a general conclusion that the Hargreaves–Samani and modified Blaney–Criddle techniques can be utilized as alternatives to PM in estimating ET, while the Schendel method exhibited the lowest performance throughout Kahramanmaras.
Using Particle Swarm Optimization with Backpropagation Neural Networks and Analytic Hierarchy Process to Optimize the Power Generation Performance of Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS)
Authors: Zhou Ling , Yan Peng , Zhang Yanjun , Lei Honglei , Hao Shuren , Ma Yueqiang , Sun Shaoyou
Published: February 2024

The optimization of the production scheme for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) in geothermal fields is crucial for enhancing heat production efficiency and prolonging the lifespan of thermal reservoirs. In this study, the 4100–4300 m granite diorite stratum in the Zhacang geothermal field was taken as the target stratum to establish a numerical model of water-heat coupling of three vertical wells. However, relying solely on numerical simulation for optimization is time-consuming and challenging for the determination of the globally optimal production plan. The present study proposes a comprehensive evaluation method for optimizing the performance of EGS power generation based on the integration of particle swarm optimization with backpropagation neural network (PSO-BPNN) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Five different PSO-BPNN models were constructed based on the numerical simulation data to predict different EGS power generation performance indexes, including the production temperature, the injection pressure, the total electricity generation, the electric energy efficiency and the levelized cost of electricity. Based on these PSO-BPNN models, the weights of various thermal development evaluation indexes were calculated by AHP to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the power generation performance of the three vertical wells EGS. The results show that the PSO-BPNN model has good prediction accuracy for EGS prediction of various performance indicators, with a coefficient of determination (R2) exceeding 0.999. The AHP evaluation of all production schemes reveals that the optimal power generation scheme entails a well spacing of 580 m, water injection rate of 56 kg/s, injection temperature of 38 °C and fracture permeability of 2.0 × 10−10 m2. Over a span of 30 years, this scheme can provide a total power generation capacity amounting to 1775 GWh, with an associated LCOE value of 0.03837 USD/kWh. This not only provides a reference for the development and optimization of geothermal systems in the Zhacang geothermal field but also provides a new idea for the optimization design of other geothermal projects.
A Study on the Efficiency of Green Technology Innovation in Listed Chinese Water Environment Treatment Companies
Authors: Wang Ying , Shi Yahan , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhu Yunjie
Published: February 2024

With the continuous advancement of the economy, the issues of resource scarcity and environmental damage are becoming increasingly severe. For example, in terms of water resources, the problems of environmental pollution and ecological imbalance in the water caused by industrial and agricultural wastewater are becoming more serious. In order to reduce water pollution, protect water resources, promote ecological balance, and reduce environmental risks, it is necessary to strengthen water environment management. This study uses the Malmquist DEA model to conduct a study on the green technology innovation efficiency (GTIE) of 24 water environment governance companies from 2019 to 2022. Corporate Research & Development investment and employee compensation are used as the input indicators, while the number of color patents obtained and operating income are employed as the output indicators. The evaluation criteria include pure technical efficiency, comprehensive technical efficiency, scale efficiency, and total factor productivity. The results show that there is significant room for improvement in the GTIE of the listed Chinese water environment governance enterprises, and there are considerable differences among different enterprises. The GTIE is significantly influenced by technological progress, the enterprise size, and the equity ratio. Therefore, water environment management enterprises should enhance their efforts in technological research and development and talent training, optimize resource allocation, improve the efficiency of green technology innovation, and effectively fulfill their social responsibilities. These measures will promote the efficient utilization of ecological water, the restoration of the water environment, and the establishment of a clean ecological environment.
Economic Prospects of Taxis Powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Palestine
Authors: Hassouna Fady M. A. , Shin Kangwon
Published: February 2024

Recently, major problems related to fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have arisen in the transportation sector. Therefore, developing transportation modes powered by alternative fuels has become one of the main targets for car manufacturers and governments around the world. This study aimed to investigate the economic prospects of using hydrogen fuel cell technology in taxi fleets in Westbank. For this purpose, a model that could predict the number of taxis was developed, and the expected economic implications of using hydrogen fuel cell technology in taxi fleets were determined based on the expected future fuel consumption and future fuel cost. After analysis of the results, it was concluded that a slight annual increase in the number of taxis in Palestine is expected in the future, due to the government restrictions on issuing new taxi permits in order to get this sector organized. Furthermore, using hydrogen fuel cells in taxi fleets is expected to become more and more feasible over time due to the expected future increase in oil price and the expected significant reduction in hydrogen cost as a result of the new technologies that are expected to be used in the production and handling of hydrogen.
Modeling the Impact of Different Policies on Electric Vehicle Adoption: An Investigative Study
Authors: Abas Pg Emeroylariffion , Tan Benedict
Published: February 2024

Electric Vehicles (EVs) emerge as a crucial solution for alleviating the environmental footprint of the transportation sector. However, fostering their widespread adoption demands effective, targeted policies. This study introduces a versatile model, amalgamating stakeholders and policies and leveraging local data with broader market applicability. It delineates two key EV adopter groups—innovators and imitators—shedding light on their evolving impact on adoption trends. A pivotal feature of the model is the factoring of EV attractiveness, comprising Life-Cycle Cost (LCC), Driving Range, Charging Time, and infrastructure availability, all of which are expected to improve with the fast technological advancement of EVs. Financial policies, notably subsidies, prove potent in boosting EV adoption but fall short of targeted sales due to imitator lag. In response, a pragmatic solution is proposed: a government-led EV acquisition of 840 EVs, coupled with a 20% subsidy on new EV purchases and a 20% tax on new ICEV purchases, potentially realizing a 30% EV sales target by 2035. Future research avenues may delve into behavioral dynamics prompting imitators’ adoption, optimizing EV infrastructure strategies, and assessing the socio-economic impacts of EVs. Interdisciplinary approaches hold promise for enriched insights for effective EV integration policies.
Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of autografts and xenografts synergy in rectifying attached keratinized gingiva deficiency
Authors: Durnovo E. A. , Galkina E. S. , Orlinskaya N. Y. , Kvashnina M. S. , Sopina A. Y.
Published: February 2024

Relevance. The complex, multi-stage surgical procedure aimed for replacing missing teeth often results in a deficiency of attached keratinized gingiva (AKG) in the intervened area. Despite numerous methods available for soft tissue volume and esthetics reconstruction, only a few demonstrate considerable long-term stability post-surgery. The quest to address this intricate issue has led to the combined utilization of autografts and xenografts Consequently, there is a need to evaluate the tissue structure obtained through this synergy via histological and immunohistochemical examination of the oral mucosa in the reconstructed region.

Materials and methods. This study involved analyzing 87 biopsies of oral mucosa obtained from 57 patients aged 28 to 59 years who had undergone previous soft tissue volume and esthetics reconstruction in the AKG zone. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations were conducted on these biopsies, collected six weeks post soft tissue operation. A section of oral mucosa from the hard palate served as the reference sample.

Results. The epithelial structure in the examined groups exhibited a well-defined basal layer with a continuous structure comprising two layers of cells without notable atypia, indicating a high cell proliferation capability. Immunohistochemical analysis targeting protein molecules revealed an absence of inflammation. The expression results of the Ki-67 antigen suggested the preservation of cell proliferation capacity and, consequently, the maintenance of tissue regenerative potential at a high level during the remote postoperative period, up to six weeks.

Conclusion. This research showcases the efficacy of employing a combination of autografts and xenografts, a conclusion drawn from comprehensive histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Consequently, this approach presents a promising and innovative alternative to conventional methods for soft tissue volume and esthetics reconstruction.
Liberatheism: On Freedom from God(s)
Authors: Eller David
Published: February 2024

Embark on a riveting intellectual journey with Liberatheism: On Freedom from God(s), as anthropologist Dr. David Eller concludes his groundbreaking trilogy on atheism, envisioning a future liberated from the age-old debates about the existence of deities. Dispelling misconceptions about atheism, Dr. Eller navigates belief, faith, and anti-theism, urging a reasoned challenge to the melodrama surrounding atheism. With a fearless critique, Eller explores the broader impact of religion, unveiling psychological trauma and advocating for the liberation of philosophy from its Christian-centric shackles. This book is more than a philosophical discourse—it’s a call to action. Offering practical guidance, the author explores the many varieties of atheism, dispels stereotypes, and provides strategies for a thoughtful shift from theism to atheism. Liberatheism is more than a challenge to religious norms; it's a manifesto for living beyond a belief in god(s). Eller invites readers to accelerate toward a deity-free existence, embracing a future where discussions about god(s) are irrelevant in the pursuit of true freedom. Engaging and enlightening, this book is a concise tour de force in the evolution of atheistic thought—a must-read that will leave you questioning, reflecting, and yearning for a world unbound by the constraints of the divine.
Digitalization of the economy as a factor of influence on the economic security of the country
Authors: Ravlyuk Vitaliy
Published: February 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the conceptual foundations of digitalization of the economy and the determination of the features of the impact of digitalization processes on economic security. Based on the analysis, it was established that the positive results of the development of the digital economy, according to the results of modern research, include: an increase in labor productivity; increasing the level of business competitiveness; reducing the level of production costs; increasing the number of jobs; partial solution to the problem of social inequality. At the same time, studies indicate negative aspects of digitalization, including: the risk of hacker attacks, which is related to the issue of protecting corporate and personal data; the so-called «digital slavery», that is, the advantage of using corporate and personal data for the purpose of manipulating the behavior of individuals; increase in the level of unemployment due to the risk of decreasing the relevance of some professions and sectors of the economy; «digital divide» – inequality in access to the digital environment in different countries or within the same country.

It has been proven that the processes of information technology implementation affect all spheres of society and various aspects of activity, including professional and personal life. Large-scale programs for the development of the digital economy and the rapid spread of information and communication technologies in all spheres of social life determine the need to develop a methodology for determining the socio-economic consequences and evaluating the level of effectiveness of the implementation process. This requires the formation of a new paradigm for the development of the digital economy and the provision of economic security in this area. The issue of using cloud technologies in the economic sphere also deserves attention. Since cloud technologies provide the possibility of duplication of information, simplification of remote work and security of important information, currently the question of popularizing the use of these technologies in both the public and private sectors has arisen. This can positively affect the level of economic security and national security in general. Also, the conducted scientific research allows us to talk about the importance of regulating issues of artificial intelligence development and introducing them in the field of economic security to preserve economic stability and general national security.
On the Statistical Properties of the Remkan Distribution
Authors: Akpan N. P. , Uwaeme O. R.
Published: February 2024

The Remkan distribution is a two-parameter lifetime distribution that has been introduced into the literature to meet the ever-growing demand for the development of new lifetime distributions to meet the goodness of fit demand of complex datasets. The mathematical properties of the Remkan distribution have been derived in the literature. This study therefore aims to derive important statistical properties including the mode, quantile function, order statistics, entropy, stochastic ordering, average absolute deviation, and mid-point and Reliability indices such as the survivorship or existence measurement function, risk measurement function, and average residual measurement lifetime function.