bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of the Emerging “Shared Mobility Hub” Concept in European Cities: Definition and a Proposed Typology
Authors: Roukouni Anastasia , Junyent Inés Aquilué , Casanovas Miquel Martí , Correia Gonçalo Homem de Almeida
Published: March 2023

Seamless, efficient transport intermodality is a key aspect of the transition of cities toward sustainable mobility. The new “shared mobility hub” concept is increasingly gaining attention as a potential way to make this urgently needed transition happen. The present paper aims to provide an insightful view of the promising concept of shared mobility hub, initially by looking into the existing literature on its definitions and how they are classified to form different typologies. Following that, a new, flexible typology framework for shared mobility hubs is proposed. This is then applied to several existing hubs in five different cities in The Netherlands (Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Helmond), Spain (Sant Cugat de Vallès, Metropolitan Area of Barcelona), and Portugal (Lisbon). As these countries have different shared mobility policies in place and their citizens have very different mobility habits, we were able to reflect on how the proposed typology functions in varied contexts. This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion of a very timely topic in Europe and worldwide, which is the need for the deployment of a new generation of mobility hubs, with an emphasis on shared mobility. We trust that the suggested typology can be useful to policy-makers, local authorities, and transport and urban planners, as it can help with the conducting of a first effective screening with regard to which type of hub is needed for each specific case.
Farmers’ Knowledge, Control Methods, and Challenges of Managing Bean Leaf Beetles (Ootheca spp.) in Uganda
Authors: Mugonza Julius , Egonyu James P. , Otim Michael H.
Published: March 2023

Bean leaf beetles (BLBs) (Ootheca spp.) are important field insect pests of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in agricultural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. A survey of 128 farmers was conducted in Arua, Hoima, Lira, and Lwengo districts in Uganda, where the common bean is a major food and income crop. This paper evaluated farmers’ knowledge, control strategies, and challenges in managing BLBs. Over 87% of the farmers in Arua and Lira could identify BLBs by local names, compared to less than 45% in Hoima and Lwengo. Less than 8% of the farmers in all districts were aware that BLBs oviposit, diapause, and then emerge from the soil. Many farmers (75%) in Lwengo perceived BLBs infestation as mild, 65.6% in Hoima thought it was moderate, and 78% and 56% in Arua and Lira respectively thought it was severe. The use of chemicals was popular in all districts and also perceived to be the most effective method for controlling BLBs. The reported obstacles to controlling BLBs were a lack of understanding of proper control methods, and the existence of fake insecticides on the market. We recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries customizes the agricultural extension information packages to include BLBs and cost-effective control strategies for them.
The Devastation of Waste Plastic on the Environment and Remediation Processes: A Critical Review
Authors: Khoaele Katleho Keneuwe , Gbadeyan Oluwatoyin Joseph , Chunilall Viren , Sithole Bruce
Published: March 2023

The devastating effect of plastic waste on the ecosystem due to the rapid increase in population has been a concern. Although stakeholders and governments invested in efforts to mitigate plastic waste, their exertions have limited to no effects as the demand for plastic increases annually. Emerging practical advancements in recycling plastic have been critical for achieving a sustainable circular economy. This study reviews the adverse effect of plastic waste on the environment and the inhabiting creature, the regulation for managing plastic waste, and their limitations. This scoping review also provides information on the current route for reducing plastic waste by defining its sources and their applications. After identifying the generation of plastic waste, the plastic polymers are categorized according to the hazard ranking of their monomers according to their environmental toxicity, damaging the inhabiting creature. The discharge pathways of plastic waste into the environment and aquatic systems leading to white pollution and climate change were also determined. Conversion of plastic waste through the remedial channel by manufacturing value-added products using techniques such as reusing, recycling, and energy recovery, reducing the disposal of plastic waste in landfills is outlined. The information on remedial processes provided in this study will help reduce plastic waste from the environment. In addition, correctly applying these suggestions may help reduce environmental pollution and the death of inhabiting creations. Further research is necessary to convert plastic waste as raw materials into high-value products to achieve a circular economy.
A Systematic Review of Factors Influencing the Vitality of Public Open Spaces: A Novel Perspective Using Social–Ecological Model (SEM)
Authors: Zhang Danning , Ling Gabriel Hoh Teck , Misnan Siti Hajar binti , Fang Minglu
Published: March 2023

A number of studies address the spatial planning, architectural design, and management of public open spaces (POSs) to curb the overuse of spaces to create high-quality spaces. Little attention has been paid to the problem of underutilization of POSs. Therefore, this paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the literature on the factors that influence the vitality of POSs, proposing Bronfenbrenner’s social–ecological model (SEM) as a conceptual framework. In this work, we conducted a systematic literature search using the PRISMA method to screen and select articles from three major databases (Science Web, Elsevier, and Scopus). Thirty-four journal articles from 2000 to 2022 were selected for the final review. This study systematically identifies and classifies a set of variables related to the vitality of POSs and develops an SEM-based framework of factors that influence the vitality of POSs. The framework examines the influence of individual user characteristics, the social environment, the physical environment, and the political environment on the vitality of POSs. Finally, strategies to improve the vitality of POSs are proposed: (1) POSs’ optimization and promotion strategies should be developed gradually, starting from the most basic needs, stage by stage; (2) To improve the vitality of POSs, we should consider both the general public and special groups; (3) Through the synergistic effect between social, material, and policy environments, the comprehensive improvement of POSs’ vitality is achieved. This study provides the latest insights into the vitality of POSs and makes a theoretical contribution by conceptualizing the SEM framework and summarizing the influencing factors at different levels. The study of these factors should also have practical implications, as the results will ultimately provide improvement strategies to help policy-makers and local communities to effectively and sustainably improve the vitality of POSs.
Are Economic Growth Pressures Inhibiting Green Total Factor Productivity Growth?
Authors: Wang Xiangyan , Li Jinye , Wang Nannan
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to reveal the impact of economic-growth pressure on green total factor productivity (GTFP) to provide a reference for promoting green development in China. Based on the economic-growth objective-management perspective, this paper takes panel data of 249 cities in China from 2006 to 2019 as a sample, using the directional distance function and the Malmquist–Luenberger Productivity Index to measure GTFP, and then using the dual fixed-effect model to empirically analyze the impact and intrinsic mechanism of economic-growth pressure on GTFP. The results show that (1) economic-growth pressure significantly inhibits GTFP and has a significant inhibitory effect on both green-technology progress and green-technology efficiency. However, the marginal negative effect on green-technology progress is stronger. (2) The inhibition effect of economic-growth pressure on GTFP is characterized by heterogeneity of economic-growth-pressure intensity, economic-development degree, and marketization level. The greater the economic-growth-pressure intensity, the higher the economic-development degree, the lower the marketization level, and the stronger the inhibition effect of economic-growth pressure on GTFP, green-technology progress, and green-technology efficiency. (3) The pressure of economic growth significantly inhibits patent innovation of green inventions and hinders the improvement of green technological innovation, leading to stagnation or retreat of green technological progress and the obstruction of GTFP improvement. The research conclusion of this paper has certain theoretical and practical significance. Based on the findings of the study, suggestions on promoting green development via economic-growth targets are given in three aspects: reforming the promotion-assessment system of officials, rationalizing the setting of economic-growth targets, and green-invention–patent-innovation-driven development.
Brand Premium and Carbon Information Disclosure Strategy: Evidence from China Listed Companies
Authors: Ma Diandian , Lv Benfu , Liu Ying , Liu Shuqin , Li Xiuting
Published: March 2023

Could the corporate carbon information disclosure strategy influence a firm’s brand value, and how does corporate carbon information affect it? Previous research mainly examines the impact of ESG information disclosure on firm value and other financial indicators, but little research has focused on the effect of carbon information on brand value. This paper focuses on the influence of corporate carbon information disclosure on brand value, and we find that it positively impacts corporate brand value. In addition, when a company chooses to adopt a more quantitative and diverse carbon information strategy, it increases its brand value. We also examine the potential mechanisms involved in how corporate carbon information disclosure influences brand value. We focus on three types of factor: analyst rating, customer attitude, and corporate financial performance, and find that higher analyst forecasts and positive customer attitudes have a positive impact on the association between the carbon information strategy and corporate brand value. In contrast, corporate financial performance provides only weak evidence. These results are consistent with demands by users for more precise guidelines from regulators and standard-setters for measuring and disclosing carbon-related information.
Study on Sustainability of Shelter Forest Construction and Protection Behavior of Farmers in the Sandstorm Area of Hexi Corridor, China
Authors: Zhang Yuzhong , Xu Xianying , Liu Hujun , Wang Li , Niu Danni
Published: March 2023

An accurate assessment of farmers’ participation in shelter forest construction and protection behavior is of great practical significance for the renewal and restoration of degraded shelter forests, improvements in the ecological environment, and the sustainable development of agroforestry. This study was based on the theory of planned behavior and structural equation modeling. The cognition and behavior of farmers in typical wind and sand areas of the Hexi Corridor were constructed to measure their participation in the construction and protection of shelter forests from the “cognition-behavior” dimension. The results showed that all three dimensions of farmers’ perceptions had a significant positive effect on farmers’ participation in the construction and protection of shelter forests. The combined path coefficients of the three dimensions were behavioral attitudes (0.337), subjective norms (0.216), and perceived behavioral control (0.170), with farmers’ behavioral attitudes having a more pronounced effect on forest construction and protection behaviors. In the behavioral response to the construction and protection of shelter forests, farmers have a positive attitude toward compensation, management, and pest control, while the response to adjustment pattern, willingness to pay, and tree species replacement is relatively insignificant. It is suggested that the government should increase the publicity of shelter forest protection, improve the ecological compensation and reward and punishment mechanism, improve the management system, and strengthen the training of farmers’ professional knowledge and skills. These measures could increase farmers’ awareness of forest construction and protection to ensure that farmers actively participate in the construction and management of shelter forests.
An Information System for Comprehensive Evaluation of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Services Value: Design and Case Application
Authors: Su Yuefei , Zhong Shuai , An Li , Shen Lei , Li Ding
Published: March 2023

The study of natural resources and ecosystem service value assessments is crucial for understanding the direct economic benefits and potential ecological, environmental, and social benefits of these resources. Existing research lacks a comprehensive information management framework design and application exploration for the practice process, and a unified and standardized technical framework has not been established, which makes it difficult to expand the functions in the future. This study uses data from various aspects such as statistical yearbooks, remote sensing satellites, and field studies, and adopts the market value method and alternative cost method to construct a natural resources and ecosystem service value indicator system and a comprehensive evaluation information system, taking Shaanxi Province as an example. The total value of natural resources and ecosystem services in Shaanxi Province is CNY 107.67 trillion, of which the value of natural resources is CNY 105.11 trillion and the value of ecosystem services is CNY 2.56 trillion. This study makes up for the deficiencies in the realization path of the existing natural resources and ecosystem service value accounting studies, solves the problems of a large number of data collection sources, integration of accession criteria, integrated assessment methods, and synchronized assessment updates in natural resources management in Shaanxi Province, and realizes the visualization and information management of natural resources and ecosystem service value accounting.
A Roadmap with Strategic Policy toward Green Hydrogen Production: The Case of Iraq
Authors: Hassan Qusay , Sameen Aws Zuhair , Salman Hayder M. , Jaszczur Marek
Published: March 2023

The study proposes a comprehensive framework to support the development of green hydrogen production, including the establishment of legal and regulatory frameworks, investment incentives, and public-private partnerships. Using official and public data from government agencies, the potential of renewable energy sources is studied, and some reasonable assumptions are made so that a full study and evaluation of hydrogen production in the country can be done. The information here proves beyond a doubt that renewable energy makes a big difference in making green hydrogen. This makes the country a leader in the field of making green hydrogen. Based on what it found, this research suggests a way for the country to have a green hydrogen economy by 2050. It is done in three steps: using green hydrogen as a fuel for industry, using green hydrogen in fuel cells, and selling hydrogen. On the other hand, the research found that making green hydrogen that can be used in Iraq and other developing countries is hard. There are technological, economic, and social problems, as well as policy consequences, that need to be solved.
Digital Twins for the Future Power System: An Overview and a Future Perspective
Authors: Song Zhao , Hackl Christoph M. , Anand Abhinav , Thommessen Andre , Petzschmann Jonas , Kamel Omar , Braunbehrens Robert , Kaifel Anton , Roos Christian , Hauptmann Stefan
Published: March 2023

The inevitable transition of the power system toward a sustainable and renewable-energy centered power system is accompanied by huge versatility and significant challenges. A corresponding shift in operation strategies, embracing more intelligence and digitization, e.g., a Cyber-Physical System (CPS), is needed to achieve an optimal, reliable and secure operation across all system levels (components, units, plants, grids) and by the use of big data. Digital twins (DTs) are a promising approach to realize CPS. In this paper, their applications in power systems are reviewed comprehensively. The review reveals that there exists a gap between available DT definitions and the requirements for DTs utilized in future power systems. Therefore, by adapting the current definitions to these requirements, a generic definition of a “Digital Twin System (DTS)” is introduced which finally allows proposing a multi-level and arbitrarily extendable “System of Digital Twin Systems (SDTSs)” idea. The SDTSs can be realized with an open-source framework that serves as a central data and communication interface between different DTSs which can interact by “Reporting Modules” and are regulated by “Control Modules” (CMs). Exemplary application scenarios involving multiple system levels are discussed to illustrate the capabilities of the proposed SDTS concept.
Country-Level Modeling of Forest Fires in Austria and the Czech Republic: Insights from Open-Source Data
Authors: Milanović Slobodan , Trailović Zoran , Milanović Sladjan D. , Hochbichler Eduard , Kirisits Thomas , Immitzer Markus , Čermák Petr , Pokorný Radek , Jankovský Libor , Jaafari Abolfazl
Published: March 2023

Forest fires are becoming a serious concern in Central European countries such as Austria (AT) and the Czech Republic (CZ). Mapping fire ignition probabilities across countries can be a useful tool for fire risk mitigation. This study was conducted to: (i) evaluate the contribution of the variables obtained from open-source datasets (i.e., MODIS, OpenStreetMap, and WorldClim) for modeling fire ignition probability at the country level; and (ii) investigate how well the Random Forest (RF) method performs from one country to another. The importance of the predictors was evaluated using the Gini impurity method, and RF was evaluated using the ROC-AUC and confusion matrix. The most important variables were the topographic wetness index in the AT model and slope in the CZ model. The AUC values in the validation sets were 0.848 (AT model) and 0.717 (CZ model). When the respective models were applied to the entire dataset, they achieved 82.5% (AT model) and 66.4% (CZ model) accuracy. Cross-comparison revealed that the CZ model may be successfully applied to the AT dataset (AUC = 0.808, Acc = 82.5%), while the AT model showed poor explanatory power when applied to the CZ dataset (AUC = 0.582, Acc = 13.6%). Our study provides insights into the effect of the accuracy and completeness of open-source data on the reliability of national-level forest fire probability assessment.
Assessing the Static and Dynamic Efficiency of Digital Economy in China: Three Stage DEA–Malmquist Index Based Approach
Authors: Zhang Guangdi , Ye Yaojun , Sun Mengya
Published: March 2023

The digital economy, a new economic form, has become an essential economic development engine in various countries. Recently, less research has been conducted on the efficiency of the digital economy, with the majority of studies instead concentrating on the industrial size of the digital economy. Therefore, to quantify and analyze the efficiency of China’s digital economy from 2013 to 2020 from both a static and dynamic perspective, this research utilized a three-stage DEA model and the Malmquist index. The findings demonstrated that after excluding external environmental factors, the scale efficiency value, integrated technical efficiency value, and pure technical efficiency value all significantly increased. This confirmed that external environmental factors uniquely influence the efficiency of the digital economy. The efficiency of the digital economy varies by location, with the eastern region tending to perform the best, and the central region tending to perform the worst. The efficiency decomposition results demonstrated that the positive growth trend of the efficiency of the digital economy is primarily due to technological advancement. Overall, there is a lot of room for growth in China’s digital economy. Each province and city should combine their own capabilities to accelerate digital construction.
Intravesical Injection of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Men without Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Post-Deobstructive Prostate Surgery
Authors: Lee Hsiang-Ying , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: March 2023

Purpose: A significant proportion of men without bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) have been reported to have overactive bladders (OAB). This article aimed to review the specific group of reports on the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections into the bladder wall. Materials and methods: Original articles reporting men with small prostates without BOO were identified through a literature search using the PubMed and EMBASE databases. Finally, we included 18 articles that reviewed the efficacy and adverse effects of BTX-A injections in men. Results: Of the 18 articles screened, 13 demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of BTX-A injections in men. Three studies compared BTX-A injection response between patients without prior prostate surgery and those undergoing prior prostate surgery, including transurethral resection of the prostate and radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients with prior RP experienced better efficacy and had a low risk of side effects. Two studies focused on patients who had undergone prior surgery for stress urinary incontinence, including male sling and artificial urethral sphincter surgery. The BTX-A injection was a safe and effective procedure for this specific group. OAB in men was found to have a different pathophysiology mechanism from that in female patients, which may decrease the efficacy of BTX-A injection in men. However, patients with small prostates and low prostate-specific antigen levels demonstrated better efficacy and tolerability after BTX-A injection. Conclusions: Although intravesical injection of BTX-A was a good option for controlling refractory OAB in men, the evidence-based guidelines are still limited. Further research is necessary to better understand the role of BTX-A injections on various aspects and histories. Therefore, treating patients using strategies tailored to their individual conditions is important.
Detection of T-2 Toxin in Wheat and Maize with a Portable Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Maragos Chris M.
Published: March 2023

T-2 toxin is a mycotoxin routinely found as a contaminant of cereal grains worldwide. A portable mass spectrometer was adapted to enable the detection of T-2 toxin in wheat and maize by APCI-MS. In order to facilitate rapid testing, a rapid cleanup was used. The method was able to detect T-2 toxin in soft white wheat, hard red wheat, and yellow dent maize and could be used to screen for T-2 at levels above 0.2 mg/kg. The HT-2 toxin was only detectable at very high levels (>0.9 mg/kg). Based on these results, the sensitivity was not sufficient to allow the application of the screening method to these commodities at levels recommended by the European Commission. With a cut-off level of 0.107 mg/kg, the method correctly classified nine of ten reference samples of wheat and maize. The results suggest that portable MS detection of T-2 toxin is feasible. However, additional research will be needed to develop an application sensitive enough to meet regulatory requirements.
Molecular Detection of Multiple Genotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi Causing Scrub Typhus in Febrile Patients from Theni District, South India
Authors: Nallan Krishnamoorthy , Rajan Gopinathan , Sivathanu Lallitha , Devaraju Panneer , Thiruppathi Balaji , Kumar Ashwani , Rajaiah Paramasivan
Published: March 2023

Scrub typhus (St) is a re-emerging mite-transmitted public health problem in Southeast Asia with escalating case incidences in the endemic areas. Though, more than 40 genotypes of the causative agent Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot) have been documented, the information on the circulating genotypes in India is scanty. A hospital-based retrospective screening was undertaken to map the circulating molecular subtypes of the etiological agent in serologically confirmed scrub typhus (St) human cases, by targeting the GroEL gene of O. tsutsugamushi using the nested polymerase chain reaction method. Nine out of 34 samples (26%) yielded positive results and DNA sequencing analysis of six positive samples out of nine revealed that the sequences were related to three major genotypes, such as Karp (HSB1, FAR1), Kato (Wuj/2014, UT76), and Kawasaki (Kuroki, Boryong, Gilliam, and Hwasung). Additionally, the St-positive samples exhibited 100% and 99.45%; 97.53% and 97.81%; 96.99% nucleotide identity with the closely related Karp, Kato, and Kawasaki-related sequences, respectively. Overall, 94% of the nucleotides were conserved, and the variable site was 20/365 (5.5%). The prevalence of multiple genotypes among human cases further stresses the need to conduct in-depth studies to map the genotypes and their clinical relevance, and the contributing risk factors for the emergence of St cases in this area.
Structural and Phylogenetic Analysis of CXCR4 Protein Reveals New Insights into Its Role in Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases in Mammals
Authors: Naheed Fouzia , Mumtaz Rabia , Shabbir Sana , Jamil Arshad , Asif Akhtar Rasool , Rahman Abdur , Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq , Essa Muhammad , Akhtar Hammad , Mahmoud Samy F. , Alghamdi Fatimah Othman , Amari Hala Abdulrahman Al , Chen Jinping
Published: March 2023

Chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is a G protein-coupled receptor that plays an essential role in immune system function and disease processes. Our study aims to conduct a comparative structural and phylogenetic analysis of the CXCR4 protein to gain insights into its role in emerging and re-emerging diseases that impact the health of mammals. In this study, we analyzed the evolution of CXCR4 genes across a wide range of mammalian species. The phylogenetic study showed species-specific evolutionary patterns. Our analysis revealed novel insights into the evolutionary history of CXCR4, including genetic changes that may have led to functional differences in the protein. This study revealed that the structural homologous human proteins and mammalian CXCR4 shared many characteristics. We also examined the three-dimensional structure of CXCR4 and its interactions with other molecules in the cell. Our findings provide new insights into the genomic landscape of CXCR4 in the context of emerging and re-emerging diseases, which could inform the development of more effective treatments or prevention strategies. Overall, our study sheds light on the vital role of CXCR4 in mammalian health and disease, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for various diseases impacting human and animal health. These findings provided insight into the study of human immunological disorders by indicating that Chemokines may have activities identical to or similar to those in humans and several mammalian species.
Flow Regime-Dependent, Discharge Uncertainty Envelope for Uncertainty Analysis with Ensemble Methods
Authors: Martin Nick , White Jeremy
Published: March 2023

A discharge uncertainty envelope is presented that provides an observation error model for data assimilation (DA) using discharge observations derived from measurement of stage using a rating curve. It uniquely represents the rating curve representation error, which is due to scale and process incompatibility between the rating curve hydrodynamic model and “true” discharge, within the observation error model. Ensemble methods, specifically, the iterative ensemble smoother (IES) algorithms in PEST++, provide the DA framework for this observation error model. The purpose of the uncertainty envelope is to describe prior observation uncertainty for ensemble methods of DA. Envelope implementation goals are (1) limiting the spread of the envelope to avoid conditioning to extreme parameter values and producing posterior parameter distributions with increased variance, and (2) incorporating a representative degree of observation uncertainty to avoid overfitting, which will introduce bias into posterior parameter estimates and predicted model outcomes. The expected uncertainty envelope is flow regime dependent and is delineated using stochastic, statistical methods before undertaking history matching with IES. Analysis of the goodness-of-fit between stochastically estimated “true” discharge and observed discharge provides criteria for the selection of best-fit parameter ensembles from IES results.
Water Footprint Assessment of Major Crops in Henan Province and Reduction Suggestions
Authors: Li Yanbin , Yin Yuyi , Zhang Wenge
Published: March 2023

Henan Province, located in the North China Plain, as one of the most important grain production bases in China, is facing severe challenges of water pressure and sustainable development caused by agricultural production. In this study, water footprint (WF) estimation and sustainability assessment of crop production were carried out for wheat and maize, two major crops in the Henan Province. Based on a set of global WF benchmark values for various crops which were established by previous studies, we calculated a set of benchmark values of blue water footprint (BWF, surface water, and groundwater) for major crops in Henan Province. Four benchmark values were calculated for each crop, and we selected two of them as the optimal and sub-optimal benchmark levels. Additionally, potential blue water savings were estimated by reducing the crop-specific BWF to different benchmark levels. According to our simulations with CROPWAT 8.0, the average annual blue water footprint of wheat production in Henan Province from 2006 to 2016 was 7914 Million m3, of which about 77% is unsustainable, and that of maize production is 703 Million m3, of which about 70% is unsustainable. When reducing the water footprint of wheat production to optimal or sub-optimal benchmark levels, approximately 2742 Million m3 or 375 Million m3 blue water can be saved, and reducing that of maize production to optimal or sub-optimal benchmark levels could save approximately 214 Million m3 or 44 Million m3 blue water.
An Effective Standalone Solar Air Gap Membrane Distillation Plant for Saline Water Desalination: Mathematical Model, Optimization
Authors: Mibarki Nawel , Triki Zakaria , Belhadj Abd-Elmouneïm , Tahraoui Hichem , Zamouche Meriem , Kebir Mohammed , Amrane Abdeltif , Zhang Jie , Mouni Lotfi
Published: March 2023

Several drinking water production techniques are being established to respond immediately to the growing needs of the population. The system of air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) is the best attractive option for the process of water desalination. This thermal process is characterized by its potential to provide drinking water at low energy costs when combined with solar energy. In this paper, the AGMD brackish water desalination unit potentialities coupled with solar energy were investigated. Ghardaïa of the south region has been considered as the field of our study. Mathematical modeling is investigated by employing MATLAB software to develop the prediction of the permeate flux related to the phenomena of heat and mass transfer. Herein, flat plate solar collectors (SFPC) were exploited as a source for heating saline water through free solar energy conversion. The further model validation of a flat solar collector made it possible for following the instantaneous evolution of the collector outlet temperature depending on the feed water temperature and the flow rate. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the results prove the possibility to produce water by the solar AGMD process with a maximum permeate flux of 8 kg·m−2·h−1 achieved at 68 °C, a feed temperature. Moreover, gained output ratio (GOR) of the unit of thermal solar desalination was estimated to be about 4.6, which decreases with increasing hot water flow and temperature.
Quantification of Groundwater Hazards Related to Fluvial Floods via Groundwater Flow Modelling: A Review
Authors: Říha Jaromír , Julínek Tomáš , Duchan David
Published: March 2023

Flood-related issues include the impact of groundwater on flood protection measures and other subsurface structures in a protected area. At the same time, subsurface elements of flood protection structures may significantly influence the natural groundwater regime and affect existing structures during non-flood periods. The paper provides an overview of hazardous factors linked to groundwater and specifies variables for the quantification of related hazards. Appropriate hydraulic groundwater flow models are presented and discussed, and their suitability for the modelling of individual typical problems and for hazard quantification is specified. The use of models and the application of CAD and GIS tools for data pre- and post-processing is mentioned in brief and demonstrated on examples of typical practical situations.
Resource Use among Six Commercial Fish Species from the South-Eastern Gill Net Fisheries, Korea
Authors: Kang Min-Gu , Lee Sang-Heon , Kim Myung-Joon , Kwak Seok-Nam , Han In-Seong , Park Joo-Myun
Published: March 2023

Dietary habits and inter-specific differences in resource use among six commercial fish species, Chelidonichthys spinosus, Cleisthenes pinetorum, Glyptocephalus stelleri, Hexagrammos otakii, Lophius litulon, and Sebastes schlegelii, collected from the southern coast of the East Sea, Korea, were analyzed using stomach content and stable isotope analyses. Teleosts were the main prey items for C. pinetorum and L. litulon, while both crabs and teleosts contributed to the diets of C. spinosus and S. schlegelii. Glyptocephalus stelleri mainly consumed polycheates and carid shrimps, and H. otakii mostly ingested crabs. The composition of prey items was significantly different in the diets of the six fish species. Further, carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope values were significantly different among the six species, indicating different trophic positions. L. litulon, C. pinetorum, and S. schlegelii had narrow niches, whereas C. spinosus, G. stelleri, and H. otakii had relatively wider niches. This study demonstrated differences in patterns of food resource use among the six fish species that were categorized into two patterns of resource use according to their main prey items: diet diversity, trophic niche width, and trophic position. These results could contribute to the understanding of trophic relationships among fish species inhabiting the East Sea, Korea.
Quantifying the Coupled Effect between Soil Moisture and Climate in the Desert Steppe Environment of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Chang Yaowen , Yi Wenying , Chen Jianpeng , Liu Xia , Meng Wenting , Fan Zhaofei , Zhang Ruiqiang , Hai Chunxing
Published: March 2023

Soil moisture is an important variable affecting land surface and climate interactions. This study used cross-wavelet and wavelet coherence methods to analyze the relationship between soil moisture and climatic factors in the study area based on the soil moisture data sequence and corresponding meteorological data observed on the surface of the desert steppe in Inner Mongolia. The results showed that soil moisture had a relatively high- or low-value period for months or even years. Soil moisture was significantly different between different slope positions and soil layers. The fluctuation and mean of soil moisture decreased gradually with the deepening of soil depth. The relationship between soil moisture and meteorological factors varied with time scales. The influence of precipitation on soil moisture was significant at time scales of 1–6 months and 10–15 months, while air temperature and soil temperature showed stable and continuous periodic influence on soil moisture at the time scale of 10–15 months. Climate indexes for the Pacific region, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and North Atlantic Oscillation index (NAO) were the main climatic factors controlling soil moisture in the Inner Mongolia desert steppe and strongly correlated with soil moisture primarily on time scales of 4–7 months and 10–15 months. Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and Indian Ocean basin-wide warming (IOBW) showed a strong lag effect on soil moisture.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): method capabilities and its use in diagnostics
Authors:   Infectious Diseases Hospital in Geoktepe etrap, Akhal velayat, Turkmenistan, Yusupova G. K.
Published: March 2023

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a method for detecting antigens and antibodies in biological fluids. The method is characterized by high accuracy and sensitivity, and allows determining not only the qualitative, but also the quantitative composition of antigens and antibodies in the body. In medicine, enzyme immunoassay is used to detect diseases that are provoked by microorganisms of variious classes, from viruses to parasites, as well as to diagnose autoimmune diseases.
Features of the use of mineral waters for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes
Authors:   North-Western State Medical University named after I. I. Mechnikov, St. Petersburg, Bakulina N. V. , Lutaenko E. A. ,   North-Western State Medical University named after I. I. Mechnikov, St. Petersburg
Published: March 2023

Mineral waters make it possible not only to influence significantly the processes of normal life, replenishing the body with the necessary microelements and biologically active substances that are produced by certain microbes living in water, and to maintain the necessary acid-base balance and water balance in the body, but, most importantly, they allow successfully treating many diseases and increasing the body»s defenses. Mineral waters contain more than 50 different chemical elements in the form of salts: bicarbonates, sulfate chlorides, metals, and microelements (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, fluorine, iodine, bromine).
Rare localization of the fungus ball
Authors:   FSBEI HE Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Rostov-on-Don, Russia,, Bykova V. V. , Tereshchenko L. A. ,   MBHI Children's City Polyclinic No. 18, Rostov-on-Don
Published: March 2023

Fungus balls of the paranasal sinuses are one of the forms of non-invasive mycosis. Typical location of fungus balls of the paranasal sinuses is maxillary, sphenoid, ethmoid, and frontal sinuses. The article describes a case of a rare localization of the fungus ball in the ethmoid bulla.
Analysis of allergopathology test results as a way to improve the quality of work of an otolaryngologist
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «South Ural State Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Kornova N. V.
Published: March 2023

The article analyzes the importance of conducting diagnostic studies in the practice of an ENT doctor. The purpose of the study: to analyze the effectiveness of modern algorithms for allergy diagnostics using molecular genetic methods and their importance for an ENT doctor.
Problems and forms of specialists» interaction when solving problems of computer addiction in adolescents. Part I
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University», Krylov A. P.
Published: March 2023

Today»s children and adolescents are immersed in both traditional and new forms of digital media. Research on traditional media, such as television, has identified health concerns and negative outcomes that correlate with the duration and content of viewing. Over the past decade, the use of digital media, including interactive and social media, has grown, and research evidence suggests that these novel media offer both benefits and risks to the health of children and teenagers. Evidence-based benefits identified from the use of digital and social media include early learning, exposure to new ideas and knowledge, increased opportunities for social contact and support, and new opportunities to access health promotion messages and information. Risks of such media include negative health effects on sleep, attention, and learning; a higher incidence of obesity and depression; exposure to inaccurate, inappropriate, or unsafe content and contacts; and compromised privacy and confidentiality.
Monitoring of the impact of vibration on the condition the surface layer of structural steels with an assessment of their mechanical and operational characteristics
Authors:   Southwest State University, Kursk, Gadalov V. N. , Gubanov O. M. ,   Group of Companies (NLMK), PJSC Novolipetsk Metallurgical Combine, Lipetsk, Petrenko V. R. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Filonovich A. V. ,   Southwest State University Kursk
Published: March 2023

The results of the study of the intensity and depth of the hardening that occurs during vibration treatment by measuring microhardness are presented. Improving the quality of the surface layer leads to increased wear resistance, metal fatigue resistance and, consequently, to increased reliability and durability of machine parts.
Numerical study of the decay model of liquid paint coatings on the example of their spraying by a centrifugal nozzle in the air
Authors:   Southwest State University, Kursk, Gadalov V. N. , Filonovich A. V. ,   Southwest State University, Kursk, Gubanov O. M., ,   Group of Companies (NLMK) PJSC Novolipetsk Metallurgical Combine, Lipetsk, Chuichenko A. A. ,   Southwest State University, Kursk
Published: March 2023

The technique of numerical simulation of the process of applying a liquid paint coating with an electric spray gun by airless spraying using a centrifugal nozzle is presented. Studies of the dynamics of the motion of a liquid paint particle in a centrifugal nozzle with a choice of its optimal parameters are presented
VARIOUS FOUNDATION DESIGN FOR INDUSTRIAL AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS WITH DIFFERENT HYDROGEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Authors:   National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, BEDOV A.I. , RYAZANOVA V.A. ,   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, GABITOV A.I. ,   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, SALOV A.S. ,   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, ISLAMGALIEVA D.R. ,   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University
Published: March 2023

The article considers the various foundation design for different regions of the Russian Federation. The calculation of the pile foundation was carried out taking into account the peculiarities of hydrogeological conditions in these regions for the multifunctional sport complex. The spatial frame modeling was performed using SCAD and Autodesk AutoCAD software packages. According the calculation S-5-30 5 m long with a section of 300x300 mm (by series) piles received for the Republic of Bashkortostan. For the Republic of Tatarstan: piles according to the S-3-30 series, 3 m long, with a section of 300x300 mm. According to the S-6-50 series, 6 m long, with a section of 500x500 mm piles are accepted for the Perm Territory. To define the price of building foundations, a local estimate calculation was composed based on bills of quantities. Based on the presented final price, it can be concluded that different categories of engineering and geological conditions complexity, imply additional activities in areas with more complex hydrogeological conditions. The cost of building the foundation for the Republic of Bashkortostan amounted to 93.711 million rubles, and turned out to be the largest in comparison with other regions, which is associated with a significant increase in the volume of work due to the installation of monolithic reinforced concrete belts. The authors noted, that analysis of engineering and geological conditions of the construction site is the determining factor in the choice of foundation structures for the designed building. The presented methodology allows to carry out a similar industrial and public buildings feasibility study in construction not only in the considered regions but throughout the Russian Federation.
THE REASONS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE FACE BRICK
Authors:   Research Institute of Building Physics Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (NIISF RAASN), BESSONOV I.V. , BULGAKOV B.I. ,   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (National Research University), LANKIN A.V. ,   Butovo plant of building materials, GOVRYAKOV I.S. ,   Research Institute of Building Physics Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (NIISF RAASN);  Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (National Research University), GORBUNOVA E.A. ,   Research Institute of Building Physics Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (NIISF RAASN);  Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (National Research University)
Published: March 2023

The main causes of the destruction of the front brick are considered. It is indicated that the properties of ceramic products during their operation in masonry largely depend on the quality of the preparation of the clay mass. Seasonal freezing of clay improves its molding and drying properties. The height of the cone during seasonal storage of clay for the climatic conditions of the Moscow region should be no more than 6 meters. It is confirmed by calculation. A critical analysis of the theory of chemical destruction of ceramic bricks during the interaction of alkalis with oxides of silicon and aluminum of the amorphous phase is presented. Calcium and magnesium ions have a much lesser effect on the corrosion processes of bricks because of the formation of easily soluble silicates and aluminates compared to sodium and potassium ions. It is proposed to separate the requirements for frost resistance of facing bricks is proposed depending on the climatic conditions of the construction.
STRUCTURЕ FORMATION AND CONSUMER PROPERTIES OF GRANULAR ASPHALT-CONCRETE MIXTURES WITH PHOSPHOGYPSUM INCLUSION AND SECONDARY POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
Authors:   Yaroslavl State Technical University, IGNATYEV A.A. ,   FAI ",   ROSDORNII", RAZGOVOROV P.B. ,   Yaroslavl State Technical University, GOTOVTSEV V.M. ,   Yaroslavl State Technical University
Published: March 2023

The effects of structure formation in disperse systems obtained by pelletizing in the manufacture of asphalt concrete mixtures with the inclusion of up to 30% phosphogypsum have been considered. In studying the physical-chemical and consumer properties of bitumen with polyethylene terephthalate additive they used the method of measuring the wetting edge angle. Microphotographs of modified binder make it possible to judge about the change of bitumen surface state. Thermal effects occurring as a result of modifying properties of such materials were registered. It was found that production of asphalt-concrete mixture by pelletizing provides high indicators of compressive strength of the hardened material. We found an increase in asphalt concrete water resistance at simultaneous introduction of polyethylene terephthalate and industrial waste phosphogypsum powder into the disperse system. Synergetic effect of the above additives on the achievement of positive effect of structure formation in asphalt-binding materials has been revealed, which reveals new prospects for their use in the production of construction works.