bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Limits of Species Identification via a Convolutional Neural Network in a Complex Forest Scene through Simulated Imaging Spectroscopy
Authors: Chaity Manisha Das , van Aardt Jan
Published: January 2024

Imaging spectroscopy (hyperspectral sensing) is a proven tool for mapping and monitoring the spatial distribution of vegetation species composition. However, there exists a gap when it comes to the availability of high-resolution spatial and spectral imagery for accurate tree species mapping, particularly in complex forest environments, despite the continuous advancements in operational remote sensing and field sensor technologies. Here, we aim to bridge this gap by enhancing our fundamental understanding of imaging spectrometers via complex simulated environments. We used DIRSIG, a physics-based, first-principles simulation approach to model canopy-level reflectance for 3D plant models and species-level leaf reflectance in a synthetic forest scene. We simulated a realistic scene, based on the same species composition, found at Harvard Forest, MA (USA). Our simulation approach allowed us to better understand the interplay between instrument parameters and landscape characteristics, and facilitated comprehensive traceability of error budgets. To enhance our understanding of the impact of sensor design on classification performance, we simulated image samples at different spatial, spectral, and scale resolutions (by modifying the pixel pitch and the total number of pixels in the sensor array, i.e., the focal plane dimension) of the imaging sensor and assessed the performance of a deep learning-based convolutional neural network (CNN) and a traditional machine learning classifier, support vector machines (SVMs), to classify vegetation species. Overall, across all resolutions and species mixtures, the highest classification accuracy varied widely from 50 to 84%, and the number of genus-level species classes identified ranged from 2 to 17, among 24 classes. Harnessing this simulation approach has provided us valuable insights into sensor configurations and the optimization of data collection methodologies to improve the interpretation of spectral signatures for accurate tree species mapping in forest scenes. Note that we used species classification as a proxy for a host of imaging spectroscopy applications. However, this approach can be extended to other ecological scenarios, such as in evaluating the changing ecosystem composition, detecting invasive species, or observing the effects of climate change on ecosystem diversity.
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Soil Water Dynamics for Site-Specific Variable Rate Irrigation in Maize
Authors: Bantchina Bere Benjamin , Gündoğdu Kemal Sulhi , Arslan Selçuk , Ulusoy Yahya , Tekin Yücel , Pantazi Xanthoula Eirini , Dolaptsis Konstantinos , Paraskevas Charalampos , Tziotzios Georgios , Qaswar Muhammad , Mouazen Abdul Mounem
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to simulate dynamic irrigation management zones (MZs) in two maize fields for a variable rate hose reel fertigation machine (VRFM) with a four-section boom control. Soil moisture content was measured from nine and four soil moisture sensors in Field 1 (8.2 ha) and Field 2 (2.5 ha), respectively, on different dates during the 2022 crop season. Three and five MZs scenarios were simulated per irrigation and the theoretical maps were processed for implementation. The application maps fitted to the VRFM showed significant spatiotemporal variations in irrigation requirements. For instance, in Field 1, 3-MZ modelling showed that the areas requiring high (H), medium (M), and low (L)-level irrigation on 21 July were 1.60, 4.84, and 1.85 ha, respectively, even though the farmer applied uniform rate over the whole field. H-level sub-areas ranged between 1.22 ha (25 July) and 3.25 ha (7 July), showing a coefficient of variation (CV) of 43.32% for the three MZs, whereas H-level sub-areas for the five MZs varied from 0.41 ha (2 July) to 1.49 ha (7 July) with a CV value of 48.84%. High levels of within-field variability can be addressed using precise and dynamic irrigation MZs fitted to the irrigation technology used.
Response of Sunflower Yield and Water Productivity to Saline Water Irrigation in the Coastal Zones of the Ganges Delta
Authors: Sarker Khokan Kumer , Mainuddin Mohammed , Bell Richard W. , Kamar SK Shamshul Alam , Akanda Mohammad A. R. , Sarker Bidhan Chandro , Paul Priya Lal Chandra , Glover Mark , Shahadat Mustafa Kamal , Khan Mohammad Shahidul Islam , Rashid Md. Harunor , Barrett-Lennard Edward G.
Published: January 2024

The intensification of cropping systems in the salt-affected coastal zones of the Ganges Delta can boost food security in the region. The scarcity of fresh water, coupled with varying degrees of soil and water salinity are however limiting factors for the expansion of irrigated cropping in that area. In this study, we assessed the potential of growing sunflowers using combinations of low and medium saline water for irrigation. The experiments were conducted at two locations with six irrigation treatments in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018. The treatments were: T1—two irrigations at early vegetative (25–30 days after sowing; DAS) and flowering stages (60–65 DAS) with low salinity water (LSW, electric conductivity, ECw < 2 dS m−1); T2—two irrigations, one at the vegetative stage with LSW and one at the flowering stage with medium salinity water (MSW, 2 < ECw < 5dS m−1); T3—two irrigations, one at the vegetative stage with LSW and one at seed development stage (75–80 DAS) with MSW; T4—three irrigations at the vegetative, flowering and seed development stages with LSW; T5—three irrigations, at vegetative stage with LSW, and flowering and seed development stages with MSW; and T6—three irrigations, two at the vegetative and flowering stages with LSW and one at the seed development stage with MSW. Irrigation with LSW at early growth stages and MSW at later growth stages did not significantly (p < 0.05) affect the yield compared to the LSW irrigation at early and later growth stages. Crop water productivity and irrigation water productivity of sunflowers (p < 0.001) increased substantially with the decreasing amount of irrigation water with an average of 1.18 kg m−3 and 2.22 kg m−3 in 2017 and 0.92 kg m−3 and 1.29 kg m−3 in 2018, respectively. Grain yield was significantly correlated with root zone solute potential. The flowering and seed development stages of sunflowers in February–March were sensitive to both low and medium saline water irrigation for seed yield. Overall, the results show that irrigation with LSW (ECw < 2dS m−1) at early growth stages and MSW (2 < ECw < 5dS m−1) at later growth stages could be an option for dry-season sunflowers in the coastal zones of the Ganges Delta which would allow double cropping in this area.
Agreement between Ventilatory Thresholds and Bilaterally Measured Vastus Lateralis Muscle Oxygen Saturation Breakpoints in Trained Cyclists: Effects of Age and Performance
Authors: Reinpõld Karmen , Rannama Indrek , Port Kristjan
Published: January 2024

This study focused on comparing metabolic thresholds derived from local muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) signals, obtained using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), with global pulmonary ventilation rates measured at the mouth. It was conducted among various Age Groups within a well-trained cyclist population. Additionally, the study examined how cycling performance characteristics impact the discrepancies between ventilatory thresholds (VTs) and SmO2 breakpoints (BPs). Methods: Junior (n = 18) and Senior (n = 15) cyclists underwent incremental cycling tests to assess their aerobic performance and to determine aerobic (AeT) and anaerobic (AnT) threshold characteristics through pulmonary gas exchange and changes in linearity of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle SmO2 signals. We compared the relative power (Pkg) at ventilatory thresholds (VTs) and breakpoints (BPs) for the nondominant (ND), dominant (DO), and bilaterally averaged (Avr) SmO2 during the agreement analysis. Additionally, a 30 s sprint test was performed to estimate anaerobic performance capabilities and to assess the cyclists’ phenotype, defined as the ratio of P@VT2 to the highest 5 s sprint power. Results: The Pkg@BP for Avr SmO2 had higher agreement with VT values than ND and DO. Avr SmO2 Pkg@BP1 was lower (p < 0.05) than Pkg@VT1 (mean bias: 0.12 ± 0.29 W/kg; Limits of Agreement (LOA): −0.45 to 0.68 W/kg; R2 = 0.72) and mainly among Seniors (0.21 ± 0.22 W/kg; LOA: −0.22 to 0.63 W/kg); there was no difference (p > 0.05) between Avr Pkg@BP2 and Pkg@VT2 (0.03 ± 0.22 W/kg; LOA: −0.40 to 0.45 W/kg; R2 = 0.86). The bias between two methods correlated significantly with the phenotype (r = −0.385 and r = −0.515 for AeT and AnT, respectively). Conclusions: Two breakpoints can be defined in the NIRS-captured SmO2 signal of VL, but the agreement between the two methods at the individual level was too low for interchangeable usage of those methods in the practical training process. Older cyclists generally exhibited earlier thresholds in muscle oxygenation signals compared to systemic responses, unlike younger cyclists who showed greater variability and no significant differences in this regard in bias values between the two threshold evaluation methods with no significant difference between methods. More sprinter-type cyclists tended to have systemic VT thresholds earlier than local NIRS-derived thresholds than athletes with relatively higher aerobic abilities.
Interest and Perseverance Are Not Enough to Be Physically Active: The Importance of Self-Efficacy toward Healthy Eating and Healthy Weight to Move More in Adolescents
Authors: Marentes-Castillo María , Castillo Isabel , Tomás Inés , Álvarez Octavio
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: Insufficient physical activity in adolescents remains an important issue for health promotion. Given the current relevance of understanding the adoption and maintenance of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), the aim of this study was to analyze, in a sample of adolescents, the role of grit personality as an antecedent of healthy eating and healthy weight (HEW) self-efficacy and its implications for the practice of MVPA. (2) Methods: Participants were 987 adolescents (597 girls, 390 boys) aged between 15 and 19 years from Mexico and Spain. The Spanish versions of the grit personality scale, the healthy eating and weight self-efficacy scale and the global physical activity questionnaire were used to measure the variables of interest. (3) Results: Mediated regression analysis showed that grit personality was not directly related to MVPA practice. However, the results indicate the significant relationship between grit personality and HEW self-efficacy, as well as the positive and significant relationship of this self-efficacy on MVPA practice. HEW self-efficacy totally mediated the relationship between grit personality and MVPA in both boys and girls. (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that having a grit personality (i.e., having interest and perseverance) is not enough for adolescents to be physically active, but that perceiving oneself as effective in having a healthy diet and healthy weight may be the key for adolescents to move more. At the intervention level, we suggest targeting an enhancement of young people’s competence to eat healthily and regulate their weight as a strategy to enhance the performance of more MVPA, with a possible transfer between healthy behaviors (spill over).
Driving towards Sustainability: A Neural Network-Based Prediction of the Traffic-Related Effects on Road Users in the UAE
Authors: Abuzaid Haneen , Almashhour Raghad , Abu-Lebdeh Ghassan
Published: January 2024

Transportation is fundamental, granting access to goods, services, and economic opportunities. Ensuring sustainable transportation, especially in vehicular modes, is crucial for the pillars of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. High-traffic countries, like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), grapple with significant challenges to this end. This study delves into the repercussions of traffic-related incidents on UAE road users and their intricate links to the social and economic dimensions of sustainability. To achieve this, this work examines the influential demographic factors contributing to incidents, utilizing artificial neural network models to predict the likelihood of individuals experiencing traffic tickets and accidents. Findings reveal associations between gender, driving frequency, age, nationality, and reported incident frequency. Men experience more accidents and tickets than women. Age exhibits a negative linear relationship with incident occurrence, while driving experience shows a positive linear relationship. Nationalities and cultural backgrounds influence road users’ adherence to traffic rules. The predictive models in this study demonstrate their high accuracy, with 93.7% precision in predicting tickets and 95.8% in predicting accidents. These insights offer valuable information for stakeholders, including government entities, road users, contractors, and designers, contributing to the enhancement of the social and economic aspects of road sustainability.
Youth Engagement in Agribusiness: Perception, Constraints, and Skill Training Interventions in Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Boye Mortala , Ghafoor Abdul , Wudil Abdulazeez , Usman Muhammad , Prus Piotr , Fehér Alexander , Sass Roman
Published: January 2024

The participation of young people in agriculture is crucial in generating job opportunities and fostering the growth of agri-food systems in developing countries, particularly in Africa. This study aims to provide an in-depth review of existing studies on young people’s perceptions and factors influencing their participation in agribusiness. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the impact of the skill training intervention on youth engagement in agribusiness. The study also identifies and analyzes the constraints that hindered their engagement. The PRISMA guideline was followed to analyze 57 studies across Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies published from 2012 to 2022 were retrieved from various digital libraries, such as Google Scholar, Emerald Insight, Taylor & Francis Online, Wiley Online Library, and Science Direct. The review findings highlight that many young people in Africa view agriculture as a profitable industry and a means of subsistence. However, it was also observed that there are divergent opinions regarding agribusiness among young individuals. Factors such as access to finance, education, skills training, perceived social support, and prior experience in farming emerged as critical determinants influencing their decision to engage in agribusiness. Moreover, the study reveals that skill training programs positively impact youth participation in agribusiness. These interventions enhance their skills, increasing productivity, income, and employment opportunities. Nevertheless, access to finance and other essential resources, such as land and extension support, were identified as significant barriers to the involvement of young people in agribusiness. In order to promote the advancement of agri-food systems in Africa through youth participation, youth policies must prioritize access to various resources, including but not limited to capital, education, skills training, land, extension support, social support, mentoring, and private-sector involvement.
Sustainable Livestock Farming in the European Union: A Study on Beef Farms in NUTS 2 Regions
Authors: Di Vita Giuseppe , Zanchini Raffaele , De Cianni Rachele , Pippinato Liam , Mancuso Teresina , Brun Filippo
Published: January 2024

Despite the significant role of beef in the European agri-food industry, its intensification challenges environmental sustainability, a focus of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027. Balancing industry importance with sustainability is crucial. This study aims to address sustainability issues in livestock production by establishing a correlation between sustainability levels and regional specificities at the NUTS 2 level. The study aims to categorize more sustainable models, with a particular focus on cattle farming activities that exert minimal environmental pressure on renewable resources. The goal is to identify eco-friendly practices that align the best with environmental conservation efforts in agricultural settings within European Union countries. To achieve this, a survey was conducted, utilizing principal component analysis, followed by cluster and georeferenced analyses of structural and socio-economic data from the beef sector. This encompassed factors such as land use, physical farm dimensions, socio-economic and management characteristics, and environmental indicators. Sixteen indicators were extracted and analyzed from EUROSTAT datasets, referencing NUTS 2 regions, and the comprehensive analysis identified five clusters as distinct farm management models, distributed variably across the territory. The results demonstrate that the best-performing models exhibit significant differences in terms of farming intensiveness, geographical distribution, and economic profitability, underscoring a certain polarization between economic and environmental sustainability. This study innovatively guides EU sustainable agriculture initiatives by categorizing sustainability levels in diverse cattle farming contexts, considering regional specificity, and emphasizing environmental impact reduction. The results can inform policy decisions, guide financial incentives, and promote eco-friendly practices, shaping a more targeted and resilient European agricultural policy.
Measuring Displacement before and after Repair on Korean Wooden Built Heritage: Records for Authenticity and Sustainability
Authors: Moon Seang Hyen , An Dai Whan
Published: January 2024

Korean wooden built heritage is periodically repaired due to inherent material characteristics that necessitate inevitable changes. This study delves into a detailed point-by-point displacement analysis of Korean wooden built heritage, both pre- and post-repair. Specifically, this study examines the displacement of key points before repair, immediately after repair, and after a four-year interval, focusing on the Sungryeoljeon Shrine in Namhansanseong, a designated World Heritage Site. While substantial changes were observed before and immediately after repairs were made, this study revealed minimal alterations during the subsequent four-year period. However, significant displacement is anticipated when future repairs become necessary. This study posits that accumulating records, which meticulously document these displacements in Korean wooden built heritage, is critical to ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of these historic architectural treasures.
Biosorption Capability of Chitosan for Removal of Cs-137 and/or Co-60 from Radioactive Waste Solution Simulates
Authors: Mahmoud Hazem H. , Eskander Samir B. , Saleh Hosam M.
Published: January 2024

Biosorption is an impurity-free application developed from the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in everyday life and can be used to treat wastewater streams contaminated with various radionuclides. In this study, a laboratory decontamination experimental approach was developed to apply commercial chitosan as a biosorbent applied for removing radiocesium (Cs-137) and/or radiocobalt (Co-60) from spiked aqueous media. The factors assumed to affect the biosorption of both radionuclides included contact time, pH, and initial radioactivity content. In addition, the biosorbent dose and temperature of the process were studied. Both the biosorption capacity and the biosorption efficiency of the treatment process were calculated. According to FT-IR analysis, it can be assumed that the chitosan amine group (-NH2) is almost accountable for the biosorption of both radionuclides from waste solution simulates. Based on the data obtained, commercial chitosan can be considered an economical and efficient biosorbent for handling low- and medium-level radioactive wastewater streams containing cesium and/or cobalt radionuclides. The acquired data showed that 144 h is an adequate time to remove more than 94% of radiocobalt and about 93% of radiocesium, from a separate solution for each, at pH ~6.5 and using 0.5 g of commercial chitosan.
Influence of Environmental Perception on Place Attachment in Romanian Rural Areas
Authors: Darabaneanu Dragos , Maci Daniela , Oprea Ionut Mihai
Published: January 2024

This study analyzes aspects of place attachment in rural areas, as an element of social stability that determines attitudinal and behavioral patterns within a harmonious relationship between human beings and the environment. A higher level of place attachment generates efficient behavior patterns for the improvement of the problems caused by pollution and the degradation of natural environments. In the second section, we set out to measure the forms of manifestation of place attachment in rural areas and to identify effective strategies that can contribute to increasing the intensity of this phenomenon. We set out a study of the causality between environmental perception and place attachment. We carried out an investigation based on a questionnaire to determine the forms of manifestation of place attachment and environmental perception. We tested a statistical model to confirm or not the determining relationship between the two social phenomena. Our study also offers an original interpretation of environmental perception and explains the degree of intensity with which this phenomenon is felt at the individual level. The practical importance of this study lies in the fact that it offers a strategy proven by sociological analysis, which can be applied to stimulate an increase in intensity of the manifestation of feelings of place attachment, which ultimately leads to the spread of pro-environmental attitudinal and behavioral patterns.
High Salinity Alters the Adsorption Behavior of Microplastics towards Typical Pollutants and the Phytotoxicity of Microplastics to Synechococcus
Authors: Liu Wanxin , Gu Chunbo , Li Jiayao , Zhang Yihao , Zhang Xu , Zhang Pingping , Liu Xianhua
Published: January 2024

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in marine environments, and seawater desalination releases large amounts of concentrated saline water. However, little is known about how MPs alter their adsorption behavior towards other pollutants in high-salinity environments. Meanwhile, there is a lack of knowledge about the combined effect of MPs and high salinity on marine phytoplankton. In this work, the impact of high salinity on the adsorption behaviors of two types of MPs (polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) and polyvinyl chloride MPs (PVC-MPs)) towards three typical water pollutants (Pb2+, 4-chlorophenol, and levofloxacin) was investigated, and the combined effect of MPs and high salinity on Synechococcus was evaluated. The adsorption of Pb2+ and levofloxacin by PE-MPs and PVC-MPs decreased at high salinity, and the adsorption of 4-chlorophenol by PE-MPs also decreased, however, the adsorption of 4-chlorophenol by PVC-MPs increased. The SOD, CAT activities and GSH content of Synechococcus exposed to MPs were increased by the increasing salinity. When the MPs concentration was low, the increase in salinity decreased the content of chlorophyll-a. Our results demonstrated that high salinity significantly changes the adsorption behavior of common pollutants onto MPs and alters the toxic effect of MPs on Synechococcus. This study provides important information necessary for environmental risk assessments with regard to the combined stress of MPs and high salinity, promoting the sustainable development of desalination industries.
An Evaluation of the Economic Viability and Accessibility of CRCP and JPCP: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Moharekpour Milad , Shokri Manouchehr , Wellerdick Eva , Traverso Marzia , Oeser Markus , Liu Pengfei
Published: January 2024

Road infrastructure serves as a foundational driver of a nation’s economic and cultural growth. Incorporating life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), as well as considerations of availability and environmental impact, enables policymakers to make strategic decisions that not only enhance fiscal efficiency but also support sustainable progress. This paper centers on an in-depth examination of two prevalent pavement technologies: continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) and jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP). It specifically delineates the application of these methods to a hypothetical one-kilometer motorway construction in Germany. Employing LCCA for concrete pavements, the paper evaluates long-term fiscal prudence among alternative investment opportunities, factoring in resource utilization—both materials and machinery—and long-term care and upkeep obligations over the pavements’ operational lifespans. The analysis extends to appraise agency expenditures associated with the pair of pavement strategies and estimates the concomitant delay durations and costs relevant to the exemplar project. Central to this research is the investigation of road availability and its quantifiable influence on traffic efficacy, parsing through metrics such as the tally of days roads are out of service and the subsequent repercussions on vehicular flow. The investigation also proposes strategies for the reduction of embodied carbon in CRCP and JPCP systems. While accounting for variances in functional performance and vehicular comfort levels, this study contributes scientifically by tackling pragmatic engineering dilemmas involved in pavement selection, with a spotlight on minimizing costs, curtailing traffic interruptions, and mitigating ecological impacts for the duration of the pavement’s life cycle.
A Multidimensional Approach to Strengthening Connectedness with Nature in Everyday Life: Evaluating the Earthfulness Challenge
Authors: van Heel Bernadette F. , van den Born Riyan J. G. , Aarts Noelle
Published: January 2024

Connectedness with nature benefits not only human health and well-being, but also our engagement with and taking action for nature. Despite the importance of nature in everyday life, we are increasingly disconnected from nature. Consequently, the calls to reconnect with nature are increasingly loud, but how can we reconnect with nature in the midst of a busy (urban) life? In order to answer this question, we sought to contribute to understanding how people express their connectedness with nature in different contexts and how this can be strengthened through multiple pathways. To do so we used a mixed-methods approach to evaluate, with the use of leverage points, the experiences of people who participated in the Earthfulness program, a 21-day challenge with exercises to strengthen their connectedness with nature in everyday life. Earthfulness participants already felt a relatively strong connectedness with nature at the start of the challenge, and they sought ways to solidify, sustain, express, and enrich that connectedness. By participating in the challenge, people experienced a stronger connectedness with nature, expressed more dimensions of connectedness with nature, and indicated an increased willingness to act for nature. Participants identified gratitude, a reciprocal relationship with nature, and humility as drivers of their willingness to act for nature. We conclude that there are various pathways to strengthen connectedness and that leverage points represent a useful lens through which to study, understand, and implement this diversity.
Consumers’ Behavior toward Packaging Containing Agricultural Waste as a Plastic Filler for Food: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Fennell Korey , Fehlberg Jack , Singh Sukhdeep , Matuana Laurent M. , Cho Sungeun , Almenar Eva
Published: January 2024

Agricultural waste can be used as a plastic filler during the production of packaging, reducing the environmental impact and raw material consumption while supporting the circular economy. Despite so many efforts being made in development and characterization, consumers’ behavior toward packaging containing agricultural waste as a plastic filler for food is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate consumers’ awareness of and liking for packaging containing agricultural waste as a plastic filler and consumers’ perception and purchase intent of food in such packaging. Consumer survey research was conducted using an in-person questionnaire containing Likert scale, hedonic scale, and guide-type questions completed by 86 participants after showing them bread packaged in pouches made of plastic containing agricultural waste and a prompt in August of 2019. The responses were first analyzed as a whole and further evaluated using demographic and psychographic characteristics. Participants liked the use of agricultural waste to produce food packages and were willing to purchase food (bread) in this novel packaging. The aspect “reduction of harmful environmental impacts” was very important to participants if they were to purchase packaging containing agricultural waste. About 50% of participants were unsure of the performance of this packaging in terms of food quality and safety and >25% perceived no effect. Differences (p ≤ 0.05) within the groups for specific demographic and psychographic characteristics and two-way interactions between them were found. This study shows that food packaging containing agricultural waste should be well received and that packaging choices that affect the environment, like packaging containing agricultural waste, depend on consumers’ mindset. Thus, educating consumers could contribute to reducing the packaging impact on the environment and to boosting environmentally friendly packaging acceptance.
The Use of Social Media in Sustainable Green Lifestyle Adoption: Social Media Influencers and Value Co-Creation
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Chiu Dickson K. W. , Ho Kevin K. W. , So Stuart
Published: January 2024

Although prior research has highlighted the importance of social media in promotion and communication, a comprehensive framework to clarify how to use social media as a value co-creation platform to promote a green lifestyle has yet to be developed. This research aims to create and test a conceptual model for using social media as a value co-creation platform to encourage and motivate people to adopt a sustainable green lifestyle, besides mapping the process of green lifestyle adoption from the actual social media user behaviors. Two hundred and eighty-nine (289) subjects participated in an online survey in the first half of 2022, and the data collected have been analyzed using regression. The three key findings: (1) social media contact is positively associated with a sustainable green lifestyle (β = 0.234, p < 0.001); (2) value co-creation partially mediates the relationship between social media contact and a sustainable green lifestyle (indirect effect = 0.113, with Sobel test’s t-value = 5.762); and (3) surprisingly, the moderating role of social media influencers and social norms in the social media contact–sustainable green lifestyle relationship is not supported. In addition, this research supplied some reasonable and practical implementations that can help green agents and policymakers promote green behaviors.
Assessment of the Seasonal Potential of Macroalgae and Grass in the Sea of Azov for Methanogenesis and Optimization of the Digestate’s Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio
Authors: Burko Vadim , Zagorskis Alvydas , Elistratova Nelli , Khliestova Olha , Urbonavičius Jaunius , Monin Vladimir
Published: January 2024

Large amounts of macroalgae and grass are dumped on the shores of the Sea of Azov in different seasons. Aquatic plant biomass management could contribute to sustainable development. By mixing them with co-substrates in an anaerobic bioreactor, not only can biogas be extracted, but suitable fertilizers can also be obtained. This study discusses the possibility of using methanogenesis waste from Azov Sea algae and sea grass as a fertilizer for agriculture. The main criterion is the presence of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the waste products of methanogenesis. The influence of climatic and seasonal factors in the Azov region on the quality and quantity of storm emissions, on the productivity of methanogenesis, and changes in the ratio of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) during methanogenesis and in the fermented substrate has been established. The influence of the ratio of the components of the mixture in various proportions, before methanogenesis, on the productivity of methanogenesis and the change in the ratio of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) during the process of methanogenesis, and in the fermented substrate were studied. The biomass of the Sea of Azov, cattle manure and wastewater waste in various proportions, were used as components of the mixture. Recommendations are given for the selection of mixture components for methanogenesis, with predicted indicators of the ratio of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the fermented substrate.
Implications of Food Culture and Practice on the Acceptance of Alternative Meat
Authors: Fujiwara Natsumi , Tachikawa Masashi
Published: January 2024

To investigate the influence of food culture on the acceptability of meat substitutes, in 2023 we conducted a questionnaire survey on men and women aged 18–69 years (N = 1681) in Japan, a country with a food culture that regards soya as a meat substitute, focusing on ‘meaning’ in the theory of practice. Analysis of three groups—a flexible group who accept foods processed from soya as meat, a strict group who do not accept such foods as meat, and an intermediate group—showed that the flexible group tended to be more positive about the consumption of meat substitutes than the other groups. However, the flexible group was not simply more accepting, as they expressed aversion and anxiety in response to other questions. Food culture, i.e., what is understood to be meat, influences the acceptability of alternative meats. When examining the social acceptability of meat alternatives in the future, it is also important to look at social practices and historical and cultural backgrounds in a multilayered way, in addition to factors that have been emphasized in previous studies, such as consumers’ decision-making process.
Sustainable Rural Healthcare Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of Serbia
Authors: Paunović Ivan , Apostolopoulos Sotiris , Miljković Ivana Božić , Stojanović Miloš
Published: January 2024

This article deals with the under-researched phenomenon of rural health entrepreneurship and its major characteristics. The purpose of this study is to explicate the process of providing health services in rural areas of a developing country and their relation to SDGs. The paper is based on six semi-structured interviews conducted with Serbian health entrepreneurs in rural areas (two private practices, two policlinics, and two dental practices), a review of laws and strategies relevant to the field, and three sessions of discussions with eight experts (four authors and four additional experts). The research methodology follows an empirical, mixed-method case study research procedure. The results are presented in relation to the aspects of frugality, family orientation, and sustainability-oriented innovation. The timeline of the six case studies demonstrates the increasing importance of health entrepreneurs in rural areas due to the aging population and, therefore, increased needs for quality healthcare in these areas. The financing instruments have also become more formal and substantial in recent years, enabling the growth of healthcare businesses in rural areas. However, a major obstacle to further sustainable development remains the non-refundability of services before the state-owned, obligatory health fund, creating major social inequalities, especially in rural areas.
RG-Based Region Incrementing Visual Cryptography with Abilities of OR and XOR Decryption
Authors: Lin Yu-Ru , Juan Justie Su-Tzu
Published: January 2024

Visual cryptography (VC) is a cryptographic technique that allows the encryption of a secret image into multiple shares. When the shares of a qualified subset are superimposed, the original secret image can be visually recovered. Region incremental visual cryptography (RIVC) is a class of visual cryptography; it encrypts a single image into a shared image with multiple levels of secrecy, and when decrypted, the secret image of each region can be gradually recovered. Traditional VC encrypts two black-and-white images, and its recovery method is equivalent to a logical OR operation. To obtain a better recognizability of the restored image, the XORoperator becomes a simple and efficient method of encryption and decryption. Because the XOR operation needs extra cost or equipment, if the equipment cannot be obtained, the scheme can be more flexible if the secret can still be restored by using OR decryption (superimpose). In this paper, we propose a novel RIVC that allows encoding multiple secret regions of a secret image into n random grids. Both the OR operation and the XOR operation can be used as operations during decryption. The proposed scheme is evaluated by simulation, and the experimental result shows its correctness, effectiveness and practicability.
A Gradient-Based Algorithm with Nonmonotone Line Search for Nonnegative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Li Wenbo , Shi Xiaolu
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we first develop an active set identification technique, and then we suggest a modified nonmonotone line search rule, in which a new parameter formula is introduced to control the degree of the nonmonotonicity of line search. By using the modified line search and the active set identification technique, we propose a global convergent method to solve the NMF based on the alternating nonnegative least squares framework. In addition, the larger step size technique is exploited to accelerate convergence. Finally, a large number of numerical experiments are carried out on synthetic and image datasets, and the results show that our presented method is effective in calculating speed and solution quality.
Research, Application and Future Prospect of Mode Decomposition in Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Long Yun , Guo Xi’an , Xiao Tianbai
Published: January 2024

In fluid mechanics, modal decomposition, deeply intertwined with the concept of symmetry, is an essential data analysis method. It facilitates the segmentation of parameters such as flow, velocity, and pressure fields into distinct modes, each exhibiting symmetrical or asymmetrical characteristics in terms of amplitudes, frequencies, and phases. This technique, emphasizing the role of symmetry, is pivotal in both theoretical research and practical engineering applications. This paper delves into two dominant modal decomposition methods, infused with symmetry considerations: Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD). POD excels in dissecting flow fields with clear periodic structures, often showcasing symmetrical patterns. It utilizes basis functions and time coefficients to delineate spatial modes and their evolution, highlighting symmetrical or asymmetrical transitions. In contrast, DMD effectively analyzes more complex, often asymmetrical structures like turbulent flows. By performing iterative analyses on the flow field, DMD discerns symmetrical or asymmetrical statistical structures, assembling modal functions and coefficients for decomposition. This method is adapted to extracting symmetrical patterns in vibration frequencies, growth rates, and intermodal coupling. The integration of modal decomposition with symmetry concepts in fluid mechanics enables the effective extraction of fluid flow features, such as symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged vortex configurations and trace evolutions. It enhances the post-processing analysis of numerical simulations and machine learning approaches in flow field simulations. In engineering, understanding the symmetrical aspects of complex flow dynamics is crucial. The dynamics assist in flow control, noise suppression, and optimization measures, thus improving the symmetry in system efficiency and energy consumption. Overall, modal decomposition methods, especially POD and DMD, provide significant insights into the symmetrical and asymmetrical analysis of fluid flow. These techniques underpin the study of fluid mechanics, offering crucial tools for fluid flow control, optimization, and the investigation of nonlinear phenomena and propagation modes in fluid dynamics, all through the lens of symmetry.
Attack–Defense Confrontation Analysis and Optimal Defense Strategy Selection Using Hybrid Game Theoretic Methods
Authors: Jin Bao , Zhao Xiaodong , Yuan Dongmei
Published: January 2024

False data injection attacks are executed in the electricity markets of smart grid systems for financial benefits. The attackers can maximize their profits through modifying the estimated transmission power and changing the prices of market electricity. As a response, defenders need to minimize expected load losses and generator trips through load and power generation adjustments. The selection of strategies of the attacking and defending sides turns out to be a symmetric game process. This article proposes a hybrid game theory method for analyzing the attack–defense confrontation: firstly, a micro-grid-based power market model considering false data injection attacks is established using the Nash equilibrium method; secondly, the attack–defense game function is constructed and solved via the Stackelberg equilibrium algorithm. The Markov game algorithm and distributed learning algorithm are used to update equilibrium function; finally, a dynamic game behavior model of the two players is constructed through simulating the attack–defense probability. The evolutionary game method is used to select the optimal defense strategy for dynamic probability changes. Modified IEEE standard bus systems are illustrated to certify the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Robustness Analysis of Exponential Synchronization in Complex Dynamic Networks with Deviating Argumentsand Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Xie Tao , Xiong Xing
Published: January 2024

In the paper, we study the robust synchronization of complex dynamic networks (CDNs) with deviating arguments and parameter uncertainties via self-feedback control, the model involves both advanced and delayed arguments. In addition, based on the Gronwall inequality and inequality techniques, we derive upper bounds on the length of the arguments and the magnitude of the parameters, when the parameters and arguments of CDNs are below the upper bounds, the CDNs continue to exhibit exponential synchronization. In comparison to linear matrix inequalities and Lyapunov’s method in the existing literature, we obtain elaborate bounds. Finally, Several simple examples can demonstrate the effectiveness of the results.
Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation as a Bioremediation Technique for Mining Waste
Authors: Wilcox Samantha M. , Mulligan Catherine N. , Neculita Carmen Mihaela
Published: January 2024

Mining waste represents a global issue due to its potential of generating acidic or alkaline leachate with high concentrations of metals and metalloids (metal(loid)s). Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an engineering tool used for remediation. MICP, induced via biological activity, aims to precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or co-precipitate other metal carbonates (MCO3). MICP is a bio-geochemical remediation method that aims to immobilize or remove metal(loid)s via enzyme, redox, or photosynthetic metabolic pathways. Contaminants are removed directly through immobilization as mineral precipitates (CaCO3 or MCO3), or indirectly (via sorption, complexes, or inclusion into the crystal structure). Further, CaCO3 precipitates deposited on the surface or within the pore spaces of a solid matrix create a clogging effect to reduce contaminant leachate. Experimental research on MICP has shown its promise as a bioremediation technique for mining waste. Additional research is required to evaluate the long-term feasibility and potential by-products of MICP-treated/stabilized waste.
In Vitro Profiling of Toxicity Effects of Different Environmental Factors on Skin Cells
Authors: Fu Minghui , Yang Yingxin , Zhang Xiaolan , Lei Bingli , Chen Tian , Chen Yuanqi
Published: January 2024

The skin is constantly exposed to a variety of environmental threats. Therefore, the influence of environmental factors on skin damage has always been a matter of concern. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of different environmental factors, including cooking oil fumes (COFs), haze (PM2.5), and cigarette smoke (CS), on epidermal HaCaT cells and dermal fibroblast (FB) cells. Cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inflammatory cytokine levels, and collagen mRNA expression were used as toxicity endpoints. Additionally, the effects of ozone (O3) on cell viability and release of inflammatory cytokines in 3D epidermal cells were also examined. The results showed that the organic extracts of CS, COFs, and PM2.5 significantly inhibited the viability of HaCaT and FB cells at higher exposure concentrations. These extracts also increased intracellular ROS levels in FB cells. Furthermore, they significantly promoted the release of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α and TNF-α, in HaCaT cells and down-regulated the mRNA expression of collagen I, III, IV, and VII in FB cells. Comparatively, SC organic extracts exhibited stronger cytotoxicity to skin cells compared to PM2.5 and COFs. Additionally, O3 at all test concentrations significantly inhibited the viability of 3D epidermal cells in a concentration-dependent manner and markedly increased the levels of TNF-α and IL-1α in 3D epidermal cells. These findings emphasize the potential cytotoxicity of COFs, PM2.5, CS, and O3 to skin cells, which may lead to skin damage; therefore, we should pay attention to these environmental factors and take appropriate measures to protect the skin from their harmful effects.
Microplastic Distribution Characteristics and Sources on Beaches That Serve as the Largest Nesting Ground for Green Turtles in China
Authors: Zhang Ting , Li Deqin , Liu Yunteng , Li Yupei , Yu Yangfei , An Xiaoyu , Jiang Yongkang , Wang Jichao , Shi Haitao , Lin Liu
Published: January 2024

The threat of microplastics to marine animals and habitats is increasing, which may affect sea turtle nesting grounds. The Qilianyu Islands are the largest remaining green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting grounds in China. Despite being far from the mainland, microplastic pollution cannot be ignored. In this study, the level of microplastic pollution in surface sediments from three different zones, namely, the bottom, intertidal, and supratidal zone, was investigated on North Island, Qilianyu Islands. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in the supratidal zone was significantly higher than that in the bottom zone and intertidal zone (r = 3.65, p = 0.011), with the highest average abundance of microplastics located on the southwest coast of North Island. In the bottom zone, only plastic blocks (88%) and fibers (12%) were found. The main types of microplastics in the intertidal and supratidal zones were plastic blocks (48%) and foam (42%), with polyethylene (PE) (40%) and polystyrene (PS) (34%) being the predominant components. These types and components of microplastics differed from those in the surrounding seawater, but corresponding types and components were found in the plastic debris on the beach. Meanwhile, it was also observed that there were multiple instances of fragmented plastic on the beach. Thus, we suggest that the microplastics on the beach in North Island were mainly derived from the fragmentation of microplastic debris, indicating secondary microplastics. It is recommended to further strengthen the regular cleaning of plastic debris on the beach, especially the removal of small plastic debris, in order to reduce the pollution from secondary microplastics generated by the fragmentation of beach plastic debris and to better protect China’s most important sea turtle nesting site in the South China Sea.