bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Dynamic Characteristics of the Impact Loads in a Near-Wall Double-Cavitation Bubble Collapse
Authors: Han Wei , Xu Zitian , Hao Yingjian , Ren Jiale , Li Wangxu , Gu Zhenye
Published: June 2023

Cavitation and cavitation erosion are complex hydrodynamic behaviors that significantly influence the stability and reliability of pumping units in aerospace and navigation power systems, hydraulic engineering, and other fields. Studies on cavitation have primarily and heavily focused on the collapse of multiple cavitation bubbles; understanding the movement of multiple cavitation bubbles is important for cavitation research. In this study, the collapse process of near-wall double-cavitation bubbles was numerically simulated and experimentally verified, and the evolution of the near-wall double-cavitation bubble collapse was investigated. Two different distances were altered in the study. The distance between the double-cavitation bubble and the distance between the cavitation bubbles and the wall, the effects of dimensionless parameters, such as the near-wall coefficient and the cavitation bubble spacing coefficient, the collapse time, jet angle, and impact load on the wall can be determined. It was found that the collapse time of the double-cavitation bubbles decreased in a negative exponential distribution with an increase in the cavitation bubble spacing coefficient, along with decreases in a negative exponential distribution with an increase in the near-wall coefficient. The jet angle increased in a negative exponential distribution with an increase in the cavitation bubble spacing coefficient and decreased in a negative exponential distribution with an increase in the near-wall coefficient. The impact load on the wall initially increased and then decreased in the form of a quadratic function, with an increase observed in the cavitation bubble spacing coefficient. With an increase in the near-wall coefficient, the impact load on the wall first decreased, then increased, and finally decreased in the form of a cubic function.
Study on the Stability of Coal Pillars in a Gob-Side Two-Entry Arrangement of Different Layers in Fully Mechanized Caving and the Zonal Linkage Control of “Heteromorphic” Surrounding Rock
Authors: Li Hui , Gao Sheng , Chen Dongdong , Xie Shengrong , Wu Yiyi , Feng Shaohua , Jiang Zaisheng , Guo Fangfang
Published: June 2023

To solve the problem of considerable deformation of the tailgate in a fully mechanized caving face, the position of the main roof fracture line is first obtained by theoretical calculation, combined with the results of a similar simulation test and numerical simulation analysis. The width of the section coal pillar in the tailgate is determined to be 11.5 m. Based on the distribution characteristics of deviatoric stress and the plastic zone of surrounding rock, combined with the location characteristics and geological conditions, a new zoning control design approach is proposed, a “two pillars, three zones, and three parts” arrangement for the surrounding rock of the tailgate. The targeted two-entry support design is carried out following common engineering practices. Mine pressure monitoring data were used to verify the results of the new two-entry design. The comparison shows that the supporting technology can effectively control the considerable deformation of the surrounding rock, improving stability for regular mining production.
Numerical Simulation of Optimized Step-Wise Depressurization for Enhanced Natural Gas Hydrate Production in the Nankai Trough of Japan
Authors: Xue Kunpeng , Liu Yu , Yu Tao , Lv Junchen
Published: June 2023

The utilization of natural gas hydrates as an alternative energy source has garnered significant attention due to their proven potential. Despite the successful offshore natural gas hydrate production tests, commercial exploitation has not been achieved. This study aims to enhance the understanding of gas production behavior through simulations from a single vertical well in the Nankai Trough and assess the effectiveness of the step-wise depressurization method for gas production using TOUGH + HYDRATE. The simulation results showed that the effective permeability for the water phase decreased as the hydrates were decomposed, and the invasion of the pore water from the underburden eliminated this effect. Compared with the direct depressurization method, the step-wise depressurization method significantly increased the cumulative gas production by more than 10% and mitigated the rapid generation of gas and water production during the moment of depressurization. The results also indicated that the depressurization gradient was more sensitive to the cumulative gas production than the maintenance time of depressurization. In view of the gas and water production characteristics coupled with the challenges in carrying out the step-wise depressurization method, it is suggested that a depressurization gradient of 1 MPa and a maintenance time of 1 day should be employed.
Research on Passive Design Strategies for Low-Carbon Substations in Different Climate Zones
Authors: Zhao Shuizhong , Si Jiangfeng , Chen Gang , Shi Hong , Lei Yusong , Xu Zhaoyang , Yang Liu
Published: June 2023

In the energy-saving design of substations, the building envelope thermal parameters, window-to-wall ratio, and shape factor are three crucial influencing factors. They not only affect the building’s appearance but also have an important impact on the total building energy consumption. In this paper, we applied the energy consumption simulation software DeST-c to study the influence of the above three elements on the total energy consumption of the building in a representative city with different thermal zones. The optimal envelope thermal parameters, optimal window-to-wall ratio, and optimal shape factor were derived through combination with economic analysis. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of different elements was carried out to determine the suitable passive design solutions for substations in different climate zones. It was found that the thickness of roof insulation has the greatest influence on the energy consumption of substation buildings among all envelopes. The optimal window-to-wall ratios were 0.4, 0.4~0.5, 0.3, 0.3~0.4, and 0.5 for severe cold, cold, hot summer and cold winter, hot summer and warm winter, and mild regions, respectively; and the optimal shape factors were 0.29, 0.30, 0.23, 0.31, and 0.33, respectively. The conclusions of this study can provide architects with energy-saving design strategies and suggestions for substations in different climate zones, and provide references for building energy-saving designs and air conditioning and heating equipment selection.
Quantum Probability from Temporal Structure
Authors: Ridley Michael
Published: June 2023

The Born probability measure describes the statistics of measurements in which observers self-locate themselves in some region of reality. In ψ-ontic quantum theories, reality is directly represented by the wavefunction. We show that quantum probabilities may be identified using fractions of a universal multiple-time wavefunction containing both causal and retrocausal temporal parts. This wavefunction is defined in an appropriately generalized history space on the Keldysh time contour. Our deterministic formulation of quantum mechanics replaces the initial condition of standard Schrödinger dynamics, with a network of ‘fixed points’ defining quantum histories on the contour. The Born measure is derived by summing up the wavefunction along these histories. We then apply the same technique to the derivation of the statistics of measurements with pre- and postselection.
An Overview of the Weiyi (威儀 Dignified Liturgies) of Taoism
Authors: Zhang Zehong , Luo Yang
Published: June 2023

Dignified liturgies (weiyi 威儀), one of the fundamental concepts in the Taoist scriptures, shows the overall image of Taoism displayed at the altar of the retreat (zhai 齋) and offering (jiao 醮) rituals. By examining the weiyi and Weiyi Masters in Taoist history, the dignified image of Taoist priests, the dignified duties of ritual masters, and the weiyi at the altar of the zhai and jiao rituals, we argue that the weiyi, which embodies the sacred dignity of the zhai and jiao altar, is key to understanding the meaning and function of Taoist zhai and jiao rituals. An overview of the weiyi is a new perspective in Taoist ritual studies, as in Taoist history its image as a state religion was displayed through dignified liturgies.
Secondary Traumatic Stress, Religious Coping, and Medical Mistrust among African American Clergy and Religious Leaders
Authors: Roggenbaum Laura , Wang David C. , Dryjanska Laura , Holmes Erica , Lewis Blaire A. , Brown Eric M.
Published: June 2023

Previous research has investigated the prevalence and impact of secondary traumatic stress (STS) among those working as helping professionals. However, limited studies have provided clear and coherent information about STS among clergy, pastors, and other religious leaders, despite their status as helping professionals who are implicated in times of crisis. STS is particularly salient to African American religious leaders due to cultural factors that position African American churches as trusted institutions linking local communities of color with various social services. Results from a sample of African American religious leaders confirmed the prevalence of STS along with other mental health challenges. Moreover, STS was associated with negative interactions within the church. Finally, negative religious coping and medical mistrust significantly moderated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and PTSD. These findings bear significant implications, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration and trust-building between mental health professionals and clergy.
Interpretation of Signals Recorded by Ocean-Bottom Pressure Gauges during the Passage of Atmospheric Lamb Wave on 15 January 2022
Authors: Nosov Mikhail A. , Kolesov Sergey V. , Sementsov Kirill A.
Published: June 2023

The eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcano on 15 January 2022 was the first powerful explosive eruption in history to be recorded with high quality by a wide range of geophysical equipment. The atmospheric Lamb wave caused by the explosion repeatedly circled the Earth and served as one of the reasons for the formation of tsunami waves. In this paper, the Lamb wave manifestations are analyzed in the recordings of tsunamimeters, i.e., in data from DONET and DART pressure sensors located in the area of the Japanese Islands. The work is aimed at studying the physics of the formation of pressure variations at the ocean floor in order to develop a method for isolating free gravity waves in records obtained by bottom pressure sensors. Within the framework of shallow water theory, an analysis of the response of the water layer to the atmospheric Lamb wave was performed. This response combines a forced perturbation, the amplitude of which depends on the depth of the ocean, and free gravity waves arising as a result of the restructuring of the forced perturbation on the submarine slopes. Analytical formulas are given for the amplitude and energy of the forced perturbation and free waves arising at the depth jump. With the aid of numerical simulation, the finite length of a slope was revealed to significantly affect the parameters of free waves when exceeding 50 km. The analysis of in situ data (DONET, DART) confirms the validity of theoretical concepts presented in the work. In particular, it is shown that variations of bottom pressure in the deep ocean exceed the amplitude of atmospheric pressure fluctuations in the Lamb wave.
Variation of Aerosol Optical Properties over Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Based on 10 Years of AERONET Data and MODIS MAIAC AOD Product
Authors: Ștefănie Horațiu Ioan , Radovici Andrei , Mereuță Alexandru , Arghiuș Viorel , Cămărășan Horia , Costin Dan , Botezan Camelia , Gînscă Camelia , Ajtai Nicolae
Published: June 2023

Aerosols play an important role in Earth’s climate system, and thus long-time ground- based measurements of aerosol optical properties are useful in understanding this role. Ten years of quality-assured measurements between 2010 and 2020 are used to investigate the aerosol climatology in the Cluj-Napoca area, in North-Western Romania. In this study, we analyze the aerosol optical depth (AOD), single scattering albedo (SSA) and angstrom exponent obtained by the CIMEL sun photometer, part of the aerosol robotic network (AERONET), to extract the seasonality of aerosols in the region and investigate the aerosol climatology of the area. Higher aerosol loads are found during July and August. The angstrom exponent has the lowest values in April and May, and the highest in August. The classification of aerosols using AERONET data is performed to separate dust, biomass burning, polluted urban, marine and continental-dominant aerosol mixtures. In addition, the study presents the validation efforts of the Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) dataset against AERONET AOD over a 10-year period.
Low-Cost BDS Reflectometry for Real-Time Water Surface Retrieval
Authors: Deng Ken , Zhou Peiyuan , Du Lan , Zhang Zhongkai , Liu Zejun
Published: June 2023

The official launch of the Chinese BeiDou Navigation Satellite System with global coverage (BDS-3) presents significant opportunities for various applications, including precision agriculture and autonomous driving, among others. With its global spatial coverage and hybrid space constellation comprising geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO), and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, BDS can significantly contribute to various GNSS remote sensing applications that require real-time, precise water surface height measurements with high temporal and spatial resolution, such as in tidal monitoring. In this paper, we propose a carrier-phase-based method for BDS Reflectometry (BDS-R) to precisely retrieve real-time water surface height. Firstly, the BDS-R altimetry method is introduced, along with a detailed explanation of the data processing procedures. Secondly, a quality control method tailored to the characteristics of low-cost BDS devices is developed. Thirdly, a land altimetry experiment is conducted to evaluate the precision of BDS-R and analyze the specific contribution of the BDS hybrid constellation. Finally, a water surface altimetry experiment validates the real-time monitoring capabilities for low-cost BDS-R. The results indicate that low-cost BDS-R can achieve real-time centimeter-level water level monitoring with a temporal resolution of 1 s in lakefront environments. The performance of BDS-R can be significantly improved by the BDS hybrid constellation, particularly IGSOs. It is concluded that low-cost BDS-R has great potential for promoting ground-based GNSS remote sensing applications.
A Multivariate Time Series Analysis of Ground Deformation Using Persistent Scatterer Interferometry
Authors: Rigamonti Serena , Dattola Giuseppe , Frattini Paolo , Crosta Giovanni Battista
Published: June 2023

Ground deformations in urban areas can be the result of a combination of multiple factors and pose several hazards to infrastructures and human lives. In order to monitor these phenomena, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) techniques are applied. The obtained signals record the overlapping of the phenomena, and their separation is a relevant issue. In this framework, we explored a new multi-method approach based on the combination of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and Hierarchal Clustering (HC) on the standardized results to distinguish the main trends and seasonal signals embedded in the time series of ground displacements, to understand spatial-temporal patterns, to correlate ground deformation phenomena with geological and anthropogenic factors, and to recognize the specific footprints of different ground deformation phenomena. This method allows us to classify the ground deformations at the site scale in the metropolitan area of Naples, which is affected by uplift cycles, subsidence, cavity instabilities and sinkholes. At the local scale, the results allow a kinematic classification using the extracted components and considering the effect of the radius of influence generated by each cavity, as it is performed from a theoretical point of view when the draw angle is considered. According to the results, among the classified cavities, 2% were assigned to subsidence and 11% to uplift kinematics, while the remaining were found to be stable. Furthermore, our results show that the centering of the Spatial-PCA (S-PCA) is representative of the region’s main trend, whereas Temporal-PCA (T-PCA) gives information about the displacement rates identified by each component.
Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Plume Rise Measurements in Industrial Environments
Authors: Koushafar Mohammad , Sohn Gunho , Gordon Mark
Published: June 2023

Determining the height of plume clouds is crucial for various applications, including global climate models. Smokestack plume rise refers to the altitude at which the plume cloud travels downwind until its momentum dissipates and the temperatures of the plume cloud and its surroundings become equal. While most air-quality models employ different parameterizations to forecast plume rise, they have not been effective in accurately estimating it. This paper introduces a novel framework that utilizes Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) to monitor smokestack plume clouds and make real-time, long-term measurements of plume rise. The framework comprises three stages. In the first stage, the plume cloud is identified using an enhanced Mask R-CNN, known as the Deep Plume Rise Network (DPRNet). Next, image processing analysis and least squares theory are applied to determine the plume cloud’s boundaries and fit an asymptotic model to its centerlines. The z-coordinate of the critical point of this model represents the plume rise. Finally, a geometric transformation phase converts image measurements into real-world values. This study’s findings indicate that the DPRNet outperforms conventional smoke border detection and recognition networks. In quantitative terms, the proposed approach yielded a 22% enhancement in the F1 score, compared to its closest competitor, DeepLabv3.
The Impact of an Online Professional Development Course on Teachers’ Comprehension and Self-Efficacy in Developing Students’ Self-Regulated Learning Skills
Authors: Linde Inga , Sarva Edite , Daniela Linda
Published: June 2023

The ongoing process of digitalisation requires teachers not only to use technologies in their lessons to provide high quality opportunities for learning, but also to learn through this format themselves. In recent years, a new competence-based curriculum has been implemented in Latvia, introducing new content and paying attention to self-regulated learning (SRL) as one of the transversal skills. This requires appropriate teacher professional development (TPD) and the implementation of various digital solutions in teaching and learning, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the benefits of online learning and the importance of SRL skills for ensuring sustainable lifelong learning, an online TPD course was conducted to enhance teachers’ knowledge of SRL and self-efficacy in developing students’ SRL skills. The course was attended by 126 teachers of grades 7–12. The research analyses teachers’ self-evaluation of the impact of the online TPD course on their knowledge and skills in developing students’ SRL skills, and data prove that both teachers’ theoretical understanding and competence in developing students’ SRL skills can be significantly improved through this format of TPD.
Physical Model Test on the Deformation and Fracturing Process of Underground Research Laboratory during Excavation and Overloading Test
Authors: Liu Chuancheng , Sun Xikui , Zhang Xiufeng , Zhang Qiangyong , Chen Yang , Wang Jinxi
Published: June 2023

Understanding the excavation-induced deformation and failure behaviors of the URL (underground research laboratory) for the geological disposal of HLW (high-level radioactive waste) before its construction is essential due to its high safety requirements. To reveal the interaction between structures, the effect of supporting and the characteristics of the overloading-induced damage and safety factor, we carried out a physical model test on the deep underground chamber groups consisting of one main roadway and two parking lots (one is supported, the other is not supported), and the engineering background is the URL of HLW for the geological disposal in Beishan. This type of geomechanical model test is still the first to be carried out so far. The test results confirm that the chamber group is generally stable during the excavation process. After the excavation, the displacement of the intersection is 7–33% larger than that of the non-intersection. The displacement of the supported chamber is reduced by 14–22% compared with that without support. The tension of the bolt at the vault top is greater than that at the waist of the cave. Without support, the safety coefficient of crack initiation is 1.7; the safety coefficient of local destruction is 2.1; and the safety coefficient of general demolition is 2.3. In contrast, the safety coefficient of crack initiation is 1.9; the safety coefficient of local destruction is 2.2; and the safety coefficient of general demolition is 2.4 when the rock mass is supported. The research results provide an important basis for optimizing design schemes and evaluating the safety of the construction process for URL.
The Impact of Play-Based Learning Settings on Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking Skills
Authors: Tekman Tülay Kaya , Yeniasır Mustafa
Published: June 2023

Playing, which is one of the most important emotional needs of children, is also used as an effective teaching technique by numerous educators. Educative games played with students in classroom environments with certain objectives have a critical role in reinforcing the previous knowledge of children and improving their mental skills. In addition, it is believed that when properly planned and applied, play-based learning settings and games increase learning motivation of children and reduce their school-related stress and anxiety. The purpose of this study is to reveal the effectiveness of play-based learning settings and educational games played in these settings on the sustainability of children’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking habits. For this purpose, the themes of responsibility, tolerance, self-confidence, frugality, honesty, patriotism, and empathy were determined. Before the play-based learning environment was created, preliminary information was obtained about 20 students selected for the study through a questionnaire prepared in consultation with field experts. Subsequently, play-based learning environments were created by choosing bomb, creative drama, story cubes, puppets, two truths one lie, drama, and empathy games related to the themes in question. The themes and texts were given to 10 students through games for a total of 7 weeks, 1 week for each theme. In addition, the same themes were given to the remaining 10 students through traditional education. In the eighth week, the level of understanding of each student as regards the relevant theme was revealed through the questionnaire prepared based on the opinions of the experts. It was observed that the anxiety of the students in the classroom environment decreased considerably during seven weeks with the help of the play-based learning settings. In addition, it was determined that these students were more eager to read, write, listen to, and speak texts than the students who received traditional education, and that they comprehended the themes more easily. It can be said that educational games can be used as an effective method to increase the children’s interest in lessons and school, diversify their learning experiences, improve their performance and motivation, and enhance the sustainability of education.
Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistant E. coli Strains Isolated from Farmed Broilers and Hens in Greece, Based on Phenotypic and Molecular Analyses
Authors: Xexaki Anna , Papadopoulos Dimitrios K. , Alvanou Maria V. , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Papageorgiou Konstantinos V. , Delis Georgios A. , Economou Vangelis , Kritas Spyridon K. , Sossidou Evangelia N. , Petridou Evanthia
Published: June 2023

The use of antimicrobials is beneficial for livestock health; however, their overuse and misuse may increase resistance to these compounds. Thus, the aim of the present study was the phenotypic and molecular examination of the presence of Escherichia coli antibiotic-resistant strains in broiler and laying hen farms. The resistance of E. coli strains was examined against various antibiotics, including several families of compounds such as penicillin class medications (ampicillin), cephalosporins (cefotaxime, cefoxitin, cefpodoxime and ceftazidime), sulfonamides (co-trimoxazole), quinolones (enrofloxacin and nalidixic acid), aminoglycosides (gentamicin), β-lactams (imipenem), aminoglycoside (streptomycin), and polymyxin (colistin). In total, 106 strains were investigated, sampled during the years 2016–2019 from 91 poultry farms, including 75 broiler farms and 16 laying hen farms, originating from three Regional Units in Greece. The examined isolates revealed the highest resistance rates to sulfamethoxazole (81.1%), nalidixic acid (73.6%), tetracyclin (70.8%), and streptomycin (70.8%). On the other hand, the resistance of the isolates to third generation cephalosporins was found to be at lower levels for ceftazidime (2.8%), ceftriaxone (3.7%) cefoxitin (4.7%), and cefotaxime (4.7%). Phenotypic tests showed that 13.6% and 10.2% of the isolates produced ESBL, while 2.7% and 1% produced AmpC b-lactamase, for broiler and laying hens, respectively. The prevalence of the mcr-1 gene was found to be 22.7%, detected only in broiler isolates. Based on our results, E. coli antibiotic resistance represents a critical control point in poultry production that, apart from farm animals, may affect public health as well.
Urban Ecosystem Services and Determinants of Stakeholders’ Perception for Sustainable Cities Planning in Cotonou (Benin)
Authors: Atchadé Assouhan Jonas , Kanda Madjouma , Folega Fousseni , Atela Joanes , Dourma Marra , Wala Kperkouma , Akpagana Koffi
Published: June 2023

Anarchic urbanization and land artificialization expose urban ecosystems and ecosystem services (ES) to threat. Urban ecosystems and trees play a crucial role in improving urban environments, and their management depends on the perceptions and preferences of urban residents. An assessment of the socio-ecological factors determining the perception of the actors allows for the proper design and planning of ecological urban policies and urban adaptation to climate change. The objective of this work was to determine the key determinants (factors) of urban stakeholders’ perceptions of ES in generating socio-ecological information for planning and preservation of ecosystems in Cotonou municipality. In this way, we assessed the perception and discriminating variables of the different stakeholders of urban ES provided in the city of Cotonou. Thus, 381 city dwellers were individually interviewed after statistical sampling. Focus group discussions with the stakeholders also made it possible to highlight the ES provided in the different land use units (LU). The results show that 73.23% of the city dwellers agreed that they were aware of ecosystem services. The hierarchical classification shows two homogeneous groups of perceivers with ethnicity, age, and education as statistically discriminating sociological variables (pv ˂ 0.001). Urban dwellers in the city of Cotonou perceived more SEs in the cultural and regulatory services category significantly (pv < 0.001; v-test > 3). The principal component analysis (PCA) reveals the varying availability of ES according to the different LU in the city. It will be worthwhile to apply this study in the processes of decision-making in climate and environment policy planning for sustainable cities in Africa and all over the world because it adds scientific value.
Review of Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms for Power Systems Problems
Authors: Nassef Ahmed M. , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali , Maghrabie Hussein M. , Baroutaji Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Metaheuristic optimization algorithms are tools based on mathematical concepts that are used to solve complicated optimization issues. These algorithms are intended to locate or develop a sufficiently good solution to an optimization issue, particularly when information is sparse or inaccurate or computer capability is restricted. Power systems play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy sources. Using metaheuristics to optimize the performance of modern power systems is an attractive topic. This research paper investigates the applicability of several metaheuristic optimization algorithms to power system challenges. Firstly, this paper reviews the fundamental concepts of metaheuristic optimization algorithms. Then, six problems regarding the power systems are presented and discussed. These problems are optimizing the power flow in transmission and distribution networks, optimizing the reactive power dispatching, optimizing the combined economic and emission dispatching, optimal Volt/Var controlling in the distribution power systems, and optimizing the size and placement of DGs. A list of several used metaheuristic optimization algorithms is presented and discussed. The relevant results approved the ability of the metaheuristic optimization algorithm to solve the power system problems effectively. This, in particular, explains their wide deployment in this field.
The Impact of Blockchain on Enterprises Sharing Real Data Based on Dynamic Evolutionary Game Analysis
Authors: Zheng Changjuan , Huang Xu , Xu Ying
Published: June 2023

The use of blockchain technology can ensure that data remains untampered with once it is on the chain. However, it doesn’t guarantee the authenticity of data before it enters the chain. In this study, we developed a three-party dynamic evolutionary game model involving core enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and financial institutions. Our findings indicate that a blockchain supply chain (BSC) generates more economic benefits than a traditional supply chain (TSC). We then built a dynamic evolutionary game model between core enterprises and SMEs, which revealed that SMEs are influenced by core enterprises and tend to adopt the action strategies of the latter. Additionally, we developed a dynamic evolutionary game model between core enterprises and financial institutions and compared the reward and punishment mechanisms with the synergy payoff mechanism. In the reward and punishment mechanisms, the game is a zero-sum game, where one party’s gains come at the expense of the other party. This mechanism has certain limitations and must meet specific conditions to improve the willingness of enterprises to share data. On the other hand, the synergy payoff mechanism enhances the authenticity of shared data by increasing the payoff for participants. When core enterprises play games with SMEs, the probability of core enterprises uploading real data and the distribution ratio of synergy payoff show an inverted U-shape. Similarly, core enterprises and financial institutions have comparable results in allocating synergy payoff. To leverage the synergy payoff mechanism, the distribution proportion of players participating in the synergy payoff should be considered fair. Finally, we validated our findings by simulating the models. If we can use blockchain technology to enhance the mutual trust between enterprises and banks, both banks and enterprises can achieve sustainable development.
Predicting Dynamics of Soil Salinity and Sodicity Using Remote Sensing Techniques: A Landscape-Scale Assessment in the Northeastern Egypt
Authors: Abuzaid Ahmed S. , El-Komy Mostafa S. , Shokr Mohamed S. , El Baroudy Ahmed A. , Mohamed Elsayed Said , Rebouh Nazih Y. , Abdel-Hai Mohamed S.
Published: June 2023

Traditional mapping of salt affected soils (SAS) is very costly and cannot precisely depict the space–time dynamics of soil salts over landscapes. Therefore, we tested the capacity of Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data to retrieve soil salinity and sodicity during the wet and dry seasons in an arid landscape. Seventy geo-referenced soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected during March (wet period) and September to be analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). Using 70% of soil and band reflectance data, stepwise linear regression models were constructed to estimate soil pH, EC, and ESP. The models were validated using the remaining 30% in terms of the determination coefficient (R2) and residual prediction deviation (RPD). Results revealed the weak variability of soil pH, while EC and ESP had large variabilities. The three indicators (pH, EC, and ESP) increased from the wet to dry period. During the two seasons, the OLI bands had weak associations with soil pH, while the near-infrared (NIR) band could effectively discriminate soil salinity and sodicity levels. The EC and ESP predictive models in the wet period were developed with the NIR band, achieving adequate outcomes (an R2 of 0.65 and 0.61 and an RPD of 1.44 and 1.43, respectively). In the dry period, the best-fitted models were constructed with deep blue and NIR bands, yielding an R2 of 0.59 and 0.60 and an RPD of 1.49 and 1.50, respectively. The SAS covered 50% of the study area during the wet period, of which 14 and 36% were saline and saline-sodic soils, respectively. The extent increased up to 59% during the dry period, including saline soils (12%) and saline-sodic soils (47%). Our findings would facilitate precise, rapid, and cost-effective monitoring of soil salinity and sodicity over large areas.
Land–Sea Interactions: A Spatial Planning Perspective
Authors: Innocenti Alberto , Musco Francesco
Published: June 2023

Coastal areas are the most populated areas on the planet and are the most attractive areas due to the richness of the biodiversity, natural resources, and trading reasons. Coastal cities are enlarging their boundaries fast by reclaiming land to place new growing economic sectors such as tourism, oil and gas, aquaculture, and fishery. These processes will put an extra strain on the interactions between land and sea. A crucial initiative regarding Land–Sea Interactions comes from the European Union through Directive 2014/89/EU. The directive pays special attention to the discourse surrounding Land–Sea Interactions. This study aims to analyze the existing research on Land–Sea Interactions to develop a base knowledge to determine elements and interactions with a spatial planning perspective. The research is based on a double literature review, a systematic literature review based on an open-source database, and a bibliographic search based on a key Land–Sea Interactions paper. The results identify economic sectors, natural elements, and their functions in the discourse of Land–Sea Interaction. Furthermore, this study identifies shared features and terminologies to define Land–Sea Interactions clearly. The main conclusion is that Land–Sea Interactions are human-induced and, in most cases, happen from land to sea, not vice versa. The other crucial conclusion is that specific types of natural elements can decrease the negative impact that those interactions can have either on the environment or among other human activities.
Do Environmental Taxes Affect Carbon Dioxide Emissions in OECD Countries? Evidence from the Dynamic Panel Threshold Model
Authors: Al Shammre Abdullah Sultan , Benhamed Adel , Ben-Salha Ousama , Jaidi Zied
Published: June 2023

The latest decades have been marked by rapid climate change and global warming due to the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Environmental taxes have emerged as a cost-effective way to tackle environmental degradation. However, the effectiveness of environmental taxes in reducing pollution remains a topic of ongoing debate. The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the effects of various environmental tax categories (energy, pollution, resource and transport) on CO2 emissions in 34 OECD countries between 1995 and 2019. The dynamic panel threshold regression developed by Seo and Shin (2016) is implemented to assess whether the impact of environmental taxes on CO2 emissions depends on a given threshold level. The locally weighted scatterplot smoothing analysis provides evidence for a nonlinear association between environmental taxes and CO2 emissions. The analysis indicates the existence of one significant threshold and two regimes (lower and upper) for all environmental tax categories. The dynamic panel threshold regression reveals that the total environmental tax, energy tax and pollution tax reduce CO2 emissions in the upper regime, i.e., once a given threshold level is reached. The threshold levels are 3.002% of GDP for the total environmental tax, 1.991% for the energy tax and 0.377% for the pollution tax. Furthermore, implementing taxes on resource utilization may be effective but with limited environmental effects. Based on the research results, it is recommended that countries in the OECD implement specific environmental taxes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Benchmarking Message Queues
Authors: Maharjan Rokin , Chy Md Showkat Hossain , Arju Muhammad Ashfakur , Cerny Tomas
Published: June 2023

Message queues are a way for different software components or applications to communicate with each other asynchronously by passing messages through a shared buffer. This allows a sender to send a message without needing to wait for an immediate response from the receiver, which can help to improve the system’s performance, reduce latency, and allow components to operate independently. In this paper, we compared and evaluated the performance of four popular message queues: Redis, ActiveMQ Artemis, RabbitMQ, and Apache Kafka. The aim of this study was to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each technology and to help practitioners choose the most appropriate solution for their use case. We primarily evaluated each technology in terms of latency and throughput. Our experiments were conducted using a diverse array of workloads to test the message queues under various scenarios. This enables practitioners to evaluate the performance of the systems and choose the one that best meets their needs. The results show that each technology has its own pros and cons. Specifically, Redis performed the best in terms of latency, whereas Kafka significantly outperformed the other three technologies in terms of throughput. The optimal choice depends on the specific requirements of the use case. This paper presents valuable insights for practitioners and researchers working with message queues. Furthermore, the results of our experiments are provided in JSON format as a supplement to this paper.
Toxicity and Influence of Sublethal Exposure to Sulfoxaflor on the Aphidophagous Predator Hippodamia variegata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Skouras Panagiotis J. , Karanastasi Eirini , Demopoulos Vasilis , Mprokaki Marina , Stathas George J. , Margaritopoulos John T.
Published: June 2023

Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), the variegated ladybug, is a predator of many insect pests, especially aphids. Sulfoxaflor is a chemical insecticide that can be used to control many sap-feeding insect pests, for instance, plant bugs and aphids, as an alternative to neonicotinoids in different crops. To improve the combination of the H. variegata and sulfoxaflor in an IPM (integrated pest management) program, we studied the ecological toxicity of the insecticide to the coccinellid predator at sublethal and lethal doses. We examined the influence of sulfoxaflor on larvae of H. variegata using exposure doses of 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 (maximum recommended field rate (MRFR)), and 96 ng a.i. per insect. In a 15-day toxicity test, we observed decreased adult emergence percentage and survival, as well as an increased hazard quotient. The LD50 (dose causing 50% mortality) of H. variegata due to sulfoxaflor decreased from 97.03 to 35.97 ng a.i. per insect. The total effect assessment indicated that sulfoxaflor could be grouped as slightly harmful for H. variegata. Additionally, most of the life table parameters were significantly decreased after exposure to sulfoxaflor. Overall, the results present a negative influence of sulfoxaflor on H. variegata when applied at the recommended field dose for controlling aphids in Greece, which demonstrates that this insecticide may only be employed with care when used in IPM programs.
Analyzing the Geometry and Dynamics of Viral Structures: A Review of Computational Approaches Based on Alpha Shape Theory, Normal Mode Analysis, and Poisson–Boltzmann Theories
Authors: Hsieh Yin-Chen , Delarue Marc , Orland Henri , Koehl Patrice
Published: June 2023

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlights our fragility when we are exposed to emergent viruses either directly or through zoonotic diseases. Fortunately, our knowledge of the biology of those viruses is improving. In particular, we have more and more structural information on virions, i.e., the infective form of a virus that includes its genomic material and surrounding protective capsid, and on their gene products. It is important to have methods that enable the analyses of structural information on such large macromolecular systems. We review some of those methods in this paper. We focus on understanding the geometry of virions and viral structural proteins, their dynamics, and their energetics, with the ambition that this understanding can help design antiviral agents. We discuss those methods in light of the specificities of those structures, mainly that they are huge. We focus on three of our own methods based on the alpha shape theory for computing geometry, normal mode analyses to study dynamics, and modified Poisson–Boltzmann theories to study the organization of ions and co-solvent and solvent molecules around biomacromolecules. The corresponding software has computing times that are compatible with the use of regular desktop computers. We show examples of their applications on some outer shells and structural proteins of the West Nile Virus.
Weaker Effects of the Fourth Dose of BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine on the Elderly Human Population
Authors: Dimeglio Chloé , Da-Silva Isabelle , Porcheron Marion , Panero Marie-Pierre , Staes Laetitia , Trémeaux Pauline , Villars Hélène , Izopet Jacques
Published: June 2023

The vaccines presently available are less effective in older people due to senescence of their immune systems. We measured the antibody responses of 42 adults living in nursing homes after the third and the fourth doses of an mRNA vaccine and found that the strain (BA.2 and BA.2.75: from 64 to 128, BA.5: from 16 to 32, BQ.1.1: from 16 to 64 among the uninfected) influenced the effect of the fourth dose of vaccine on neutralizing antibodies. The fourth dose also increased binding antibodies (from 1036 BAU/mL to 5371 BAU/mL among the uninfected, from 3700 BAU/mL to 6773 BAU/mL among the BA.5 infected). This effect was less significant than that of the third dose of vaccine for both neutralizing (BA.2: from 8 to 128, BA.5: from 2 to 16, BA.2.75: from 8 to 64, BQ.1.1: from 2 to 16) and binding antibodies (from 139.8 BAU/mL to 2293 BAU/mL). However, the fourth dose attained the 5000 BAU/mL threshold conferring approximately 80% protection against a SARS-CoV-2 BA.2 infection in most individuals, unlike the third.
Large Laboratory Simulator of Natural Rainfall: From Drizzle to Storms
Authors: Bosio Roberto , Cagninei Andrea , Poggi Davide
Published: June 2023

Rainfall simulators are versatile research tools that facilitate studying rain events and the many related physical phenomena. This work describes the development and validation of an indoor, large-scale rainfall simulator comprising a rain module installed 10.4 m from ground level, a redistribution screen at an adjustable distance below the rain module, and an ultra-filtered-water recirculation system. The droplet formers installed in the rain module were selected to achieve a wide range of rain intensities. The simulator was calibrated and validated using local natural rainfall data collected with a disdrometer over 30 months. The height of the rain module allows terminal velocity to be reached at ground level. At the same time, the redistribution screen and the droplet formers guarantee the wide variability of simulated rainfall in terms of intensity and the size of the drops. As a result, we show that the rain simulator, with proper calibration of the screen’s position, can reproduce measured natural rainfall over a broad range of intensities with high spatial and temporal uniformity and kinetic energy.
Preparation of ZnMgAl-Layered Double Hydroxide and Rice Husk Biochar Composites for Cu(II) and Pb(II) Ions Removal from Synthetic Wastewater
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Alazba Abdulrahman Ali , Amin Muhammad Tahir
Published: June 2023

The efficiency of a new composite material of the layered double hydroxide (LDH) of ZnMgAl and rice husk biochar (RHB) for the removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions from synthetic wastewater was investigated in this study. The images of the scanning electron microscope showed extremely fine crystalline LDH particles decorated on the rough surface of the RHB, while the successful formation of the composite adsorbent (LDH/RHB) was confirmed by the corresponding energy dispersive X-ray and the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. An equilibrium contact time of 30 and 15 min for Cu2+ and Pb2+, respectively, was proposed for the optimum performance of the batch adsorption process. The dose of the LDH/RHB adsorbent was optimized at 0.4 g L−1 yielding maximum adsorption capacities of 117 and 124 mg g−1 for Cu2+ and Pb2+, respectively, with corresponding maximum removal efficiencies of nearly 94% and 99%. A solution pH of 6.0 yielded optimum results with an increasing trend in adsorption capacities and percentage removal by changing the solution pH from 2.0 to 7.0. Based on the best fit of the pseudo-second-order kinetic model to the experimental data, chemisorption was suggested to be the controlling mechanism of adsorption. The fitting of the Langmuir model suggested a monolayer sorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+, and the application of the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm proposed physical adsorption.