bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Biostimulant Based on Silicon Chelates Enhances Growth and Modulates Physiological Responses of In-Vitro-Derived Strawberry Plants to In Vivo Conditions
Authors: Ambros Elena , Kotsupiy Olga , Karpova Evgeniya , Panova Ulyana , Chernonosov Alexander , Trofimova Elena , Goldenberg Boris
Published: December 2023

The purpose was to assess the effects of a biostimulant based on silicon chelates in terms of alleviation of the impact of in vivo conditions on strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. ‘Solnechnaya polyanka’) in-vitro-derived plants. As a source of silicon chelates, a mechanocomposite (MC) obtained through mechanochemical processing of rice husks and green tea was used. Root treatment of plants with 0.3 g L−1 of MC dissolved in tap water was performed at 2 weeks after planting. Control plants were watered with tap water. The greatest shoot height, number of roots per plant, root length, number of stolons per plant, daughter ramets per stolon, relative water content, cuticle thickness, and root and shoot biomasses were achieved with the MC supplementation. The improved parameters were associated with a higher silicon content of roots and shoots of the MC-treated plants. Leaf concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and abscisic acid were reduced by the MC. This effect was accompanied by enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. The phenolic profile showed upregulation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, syringic acid, and ellagic acid derivative 2, while kaempferol rutinoside and catechins were downregulated. Thus, silicon chelates improve growth and trigger the physiological processes that enhance free-radical-scavenging activity in strawberry plants in vivo.
Attenuation of a Field Strain of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Primary Chicken Culture Cells and Adaptation to Secondary Chicken Embryo Fibroblasts
Authors: Palomino-Tapia Victor A. , Zavala Guillermo , Cheng Sunny , Garcia Maricarmen
Published: December 2023

The establishment of commercial infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) live-modified vaccines has relied on serial passaging in chicken embryo (CEO) and tissue culture (TCO) for attenuation. The objective of this study was to attenuate and adapt a virulent CEO-related ILTV field strain (6340) in immortalized cells (LMH), primary chicken embryo kidney cells (CEK), chicken embryo liver cells (CEL), and chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). CEFs were refractory to parent ILTV, LMH cells produced low virus yields (~2.5 log10 TCID50 per mL), while CEK and CEL cells produced higher viral titers (≥log10 6.0 TCID50 per mL). After 52 passages in CELs, the cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed not only in hepatocytes but also in CEL fibroblasts. Once CPE was evident in CEL fibroblasts, 20 further passages in CEFs with viral titers reaching yields of ~4.4–5.5 log10 TCID50 per mL were performed. The attenuation of CEF-adapted viruses was evaluated after intra-tracheal and conjunctival inoculation in 28-day-old broilers by assessing clinical signs at five days post-inoculation (DPI). Virus CEL cells passages 80, 90, and 100, and CEF passages 10 and 20 were significantly attenuated compared to the parental strain. This is the first report of the attenuation of a virulent field CEO-related ILTV strain (RFLP Group V) in CEF cells—a cell type from a different embryonic germ layer (mesoderm) than ILTV target cells—the respiratory epithelium (endoderm). This finding underscores the potential use of CEF adaptation for the development of a live-attenuated ILTV vaccine.
Exploring the Experiences of Integrative Psychotherapists Regarding Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Filippou Anna , Giannouli Vaitsa
Published: December 2023

The coronavirus pandemic invaded every aspect of everyday life; shook individuals’ personal, social, economic, and value systems; and led to a loss of the fundamental sense of safety and predictability, marking a global health emergency. Being exposed to the adverse life events of their clients and working under higher levels of risk, psychotherapists are experiencing increased anxiety and work-related stress. The objective of the study is to acquire a better comprehension of the processes and factors that supported integrative psychotherapists in Greece to promote resilience during the pandemic, to explore possible effective interventions, and to contribute to the limited literature on psychotherapists’ ability to foster positive outcomes for themselves and ultimately for their clients. The study utilised a qualitative perspective, analysed by an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The participants experienced increased distress associated with the pandemic; however, they could develop adaptive strategies to safeguard against these adverse effects and balance personal and professional needs, maintaining resilience. In the professional field, they flexibly used the advantages of the Integrative Approach to adapt to the social conditions and the needs of the clients.
The NR4A Orphan Receptor Modulator C-DIM12 Selectively Alters Inflammatory Mediators in Myeloid Cells
Authors: Aldhafiri Sarah , Marai Mariam , Ismaiel Mohamed , Murphy Brenda , Giffney Hugh E. , Hall Thomas J. , Murphy Evelyn P. , Cummins Eoin P. , Crean Daniel
Published: December 2023

Orphan nuclear receptor subfamily 4A (NR4A) are key regulators of inflammatory responses, largely by their interactions with NF-κB. Over the last decade, several NR4A modulators have been developed, and they are showing potential as therapeutics, although their widespread use in laboratory settings is limited. Here, we have examined, using myeloid cell line THP-1, whether the NR4A modulator 3-[(4-Chlorophenyl)-(1H-indol-3-yl)methyl]-1H-indole (C-DIM12) can alter the inflammatory outcome of six inflammatory ligands: lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), flagellin (FL), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and zymosan (ZY). We demonstrate that C-DIM12 (10 µM) selectively alters the secretion of inflammatory chemokine MCP-1 following exposure to distinct inflammatory ligands in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, data obtained from THP-1 Lucia cell experiments show that 10 µM C-DIM12, and not 1 µM C-DIM12, can significantly attenuate the increased NF-κB transcriptional activity observed following the exposure to several inflammatory ligands (LPS, FL, TNFα, LTA, and ZY). Lastly, experimental analysis confirms that the cellular action(s) of C-DIM12 is independent of changes in metabolic parameters. Thus, these data contribute to the understanding of how the NR4A modulator C-DIM12 alters inflammatory responses in a myeloid cell following exposure to multiple ligands.
Analysis of Depths Derived by Airborne Lidar and Satellite Imaging to Support Bathymetric Mapping Efforts with Varying Environmental Conditions: Lower Laguna Madre, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Saylam Kutalmis , Briseno Alejandra , Averett Aaron R. , Andrews John R.
Published: December 2023

In 2017, Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) researchers at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) conducted an airborne lidar survey campaign, collecting topographic and bathymetric data over Lower Laguna Madre, which is a shallow hypersaline lagoon in south Texas. Researchers acquired 60 hours of lidar data, covering an area of 1600 km2 with varying environmental conditions influencing water quality and surface heights. In the southernmost parts of the lagoon, in-situ measurements were collected from a boat to quantify turbidity, water transparency, and depths. Data analysis included processing of Sentinel-2 L1C satellite imagery pixel reflectance to classify locations with intermittent turbidity. Lidar measurements were compared to sonar recordings, and results revealed height differences of 5–25 cm where the lagoon was shallower than 3.35 m. Further, researchers analyzed satellite bathymetry at relatively transparent lagoon locations, and the results produced height agreement within 13 cm. The study concluded that bathymetric efforts with airborne lidar and optical satellite imaging have practical limitations and comparable results in large and dynamic shallow coastal estuaries, where in-situ measurements and tide adjustments are essential for height comparisons.
Analyzing the Ionospheric Irregularities Caused by the September 2017 Geomagnetic Storm Using Ground-Based GNSS, Swarm, and FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC Data near the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly in East Africa
Authors: Atabati Alireza , Jazireeyan Iraj , Alizadeh Mahdi , Pirooznia Mahmood , Flury Jakob , Schuh Harald , Soja Benedikt
Published: December 2023

Geomagnetic storms are one of the leading causes of ionospheric irregularities, depending on their intensity. The 6–10 September 2017 geomagnetic storm, the most severe geomagnetic event of the year, resulted from an X9 solar flare and a subsequent coronal mass ejection (CME), with the first sudden storm commencements (SSC) occurring at 23:43 UT on day 06, coinciding with a Sym-H value of approximately 50 nT, triggered by a sudden increase in the solar wind. The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and disturbance storm time (Dst) increased when the first SSC occurred at 23:43 UT on 6 September. The second SSC occurred with a more vigorous intensity at 23:00 UT on 7 September, with the Kp index reaching 8 and the auroral electrojet (AE) 2500 nT. In this study, we investigated this phenomenon using data from Swarm, FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC, and ground-based GNSS networks in East Africa to measure ionospheric irregularities near the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA). In this procedure, the total electron content (TEC), amplitude scintillation (S4), and rate of TEC Index (ROTI) were implemented to recognize ionospheric irregularities appearing during the geomagnetic storm. In addition, the Langmuir plasma probes of the Swarm satellites were employed to identify the rate of electron density index (RODI). The results obtained from the different techniques indicate the effects of geomagnetic storms in terms of increased ionospheric irregularities indicated by geophysical ionospheric parameters. This study demonstrates the potential of using space-based measurements to detect the effects of a geomagnetic storm on ionospheric irregularities for regions where ground-based ionospheric observations are rarely available, such as above the oceans.
Using Keyhole Images to Map Soil Liquefaction Induced by the 1966 Xingtai Ms 6.8 and 7.2 Earthquakes, North China
Authors: Guo Yali , Xu Yueren , Li Haofeng , Lu Lingyu , Xu Wentao , Liang Peng
Published: December 2023

In March 1966, Ms 6.8 and 7.2 earthquakes occurred in Xingtai, North China, resulting in widespread soil liquefaction that caused severe infrastructure damage and economic losses. Using Keyhole satellite imagery combined with aerial images and fieldwork records, we interpreted and identified 66,442 liquefaction points and analyzed the coseismic liquefaction distribution characteristics and possible factors that influenced the Xingtai earthquakes. The interpreted coseismic liquefaction was mainly concentrated above the IX-degree zone, accounting for 80% of all liquefaction points. High-density liquefaction zones (point density > 75 pieces/km2) accounted for 22% of the total liquefaction points. Most of the interpreted liquefaction points were located at the region with a peak ground acceleration (PGA) of >0.46 g. The liquefaction area on 22 March was significantly larger than that on 8 March. The region of liquefaction was mainly limited by sandy soil conditions, water system conditions, and seismic geological conditions and distributed in areas with loose fine sand and silt deposits, a high water table (groundwater level increases before both mainshocks corresponding to the liquefaction intensive regions), rivers, and ancient river channels. Liquefaction exhibited a repeating characteristic in the same region. Further understanding of the liquefaction characteristics of Xingtai can provide a reference for the prevention of liquefaction in northern China.
A New Deep Neural Network Based on SwinT-FRM-ShipNet for SAR Ship Detection in Complex Near-Shore and Offshore Environments
Authors: Lu Zhuhao , Wang Pengfei , Li Yajun , Ding Baogang
Published: December 2023

The advent of deep learning has significantly propelled the utilization of neural networks for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) ship detection in recent years. However, there are two main obstacles in SAR detection. Challenge 1: The multiscale nature of SAR ships. Challenge 2: The influence of intricate near-shore environments and the interference of clutter noise in offshore areas, especially affecting small-ship detection. Existing neural network-based approaches attempt to tackle these challenges, yet they often fall short in effectively addressing small-ship detection across multiple scales and complex backgrounds simultaneously. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel network called SwinT-FRM-ShipNet. Our method introduces an integrated feature extractor, Swin-T-YOLOv5l, which combines Swin Transformer and YOLOv5l. The extractor is designed to highlight the differences between the complex background and the target by encoding both local and global information. Additionally, a feature pyramid IEFR-FPN, consisting of the Information Enhancement Module (IEM) and the Feature Refinement Module (FRM), is proposed to enrich the flow of spatial contextual information, fuse multiresolution features, and refine representations of small and multiscale ships. Furthermore, we introduce recursive gated convolutional prediction heads (GCPH) to explore the potential of high-order spatial interactions and add a larger-sized prediction head to focus on small ships. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of our method compared to mainstream approaches on the SSDD and SAR-Ship-Dataset. Our method achieves an F1 score, mAP0.5, and mAP0.5:0.95 of 96.5% (+0.9), 98.2% (+1.0%), and 75.4% (+3.3%), respectively, surpassing the most competitive algorithms.
A Cross-Domain Change Detection Network Based on Instance Normalization
Authors: Song Yabin , Xiang Jun , Jiang Jiawei , Yan Enping , Wei Wei , Mo Dengkui
Published: December 2023

Change detection is a crucial task in remote sensing that finds broad application in land resource planning, forest resource monitoring, natural disaster monitoring, and evaluation. In this paper, we propose a change detection model for cross-domain recognition, which we call CrossCDNet. Our model significantly improves the modeling ability of the change detection on one dataset and demonstrates good generalization on another dataset without any additional operations. To achieve this, we employ a Siamese neural network for change detection and design an IBNM (Instance Normalization and Batch Normalization Module) that utilizes instance normalization and batch normalization in order to serve as the encoder backbone in the Siamese neural network. The IBNM extracts feature maps for each layer, and the Siamese neural network fuses the feature maps of the two branches using a unique operation. Finally, a simple MLP decoder is used for end-to-end change detection. We train our model on the LEVIR-CD dataset and achieve competitive performance on the test set. In cross-domain dataset testing, CrossCDNet outperforms all the other compared models. Specifically, our model achieves an F1-score of 91.69% on the LEVIR-CD dataset and an F1-score of 77.09% on the WHU-CD dataset, where the training set was LEVIR-CD.
Fintech Adoption Factors: A Study on an Educated Romanian Population
Authors: Belascu Lucian , Negut Corina Anca , Dinca Zeno , Botoroga Cosmin Alin , Dumitrescu Dan Gabriel
Published: December 2023

Even though the literature implies that customers and banking organizations can profit from digital banking in various ways, client adoption of this service is still low, especially in emerging and developing nations. Consumers’ openness to digital services limits their willingness to adopt digital banking, especially mobile banking services. We used a quantitative research method based on a questionnaire sent during August–December 2022 to Romanian individuals and received 118 answers, which we analyzed using the logistic regression model; throughout, we determined the extent of mobile banking use, payments, and banking products needed within the population with tertiary education, as well as new developments that the shift to digitalization brings to users, with new features for existing products, cryptocurrency accounts, and fintech companies now being complementary to traditional banks. Our study presents current customer perceptions of implementing bank digitalization through mobile applications in a developing nation like Romania; here, advantages are counterbalanced by limitations and there are, undoubtedly, difficulties to be overcome in the quest for a more effective e-business framework. We determined the factors that are relevant in making people use fintech accounts using logit analysis.
Fostering Urban Cohesion: Exploring Morphological Adaptations in Budapest’s IX District through a Typological Survey
Authors: Silva Dantas Gabriel , Nagy Ildikó Réka , Szövényi Anna Andrea
Published: December 2023

In response to the imperative to enhance urban structures for global sustainability and improved quality of life, the European Union has diligently established parameters and policies fostering urban cohesion and territorial integration. Embracing the guidelines conceived by the European Commission, this research presents a case study examining morphological conditions in the IX District of Budapest, Hungary—a strategically chosen area undergoing renovation. The primary goals of the intervention are to address social and spatial segregation, enhance urban performance, and promote global resilience. Employing a Typological Survey methodology, an in-depth assessment was conducted and translated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) database. Consequently, the morphological analysis successfully identified five distinct types of elements composing the urban structure of the studied area. This analysis revealed a highly heterogeneous constitution characterized by dynamic and continuous changes, reflecting the evolving nature of the urban landscape. Findings indicate noteworthy improvements in the performance and quality of public spaces while preserving the historical morphological characteristics that have long defined this area and its urban landscape.
Data-Driven Chance-Constrained Schedule Optimization of Cascaded Hydropower and Photovoltaic Complementary Generation Systems for Shaving Peak Loads
Authors: Li Yang , Wu Feng , Song Xudong , Shi Linjun , Lin Keman , Hong Feilong
Published: December 2023

The coordinated scheduling of cascade hydropower with photovoltaic (PV) power stations can significantly improve the utilization rate of delivery transmission lines. However, the inherent uncertainty associated with photovoltaic (PV) forecasts challenges the reliable and economic operation of the complementary energy system. Against this background, in this paper, a day-ahead, chance-constrained scheduling for cascaded hydro–photovoltaic complementary generation systems (CHPSs) considering the transmission capacity is proposed. Firstly, the uncertainty of PV forecast errors is simulated by a probability density function fitted using kernel density estimation with historical sampling data. Then, a chance-constrained optimization model considering peak-shaving demands of the receiving-end power grid is developed to determine the day-ahead optimal schedules of CHPSs. Also, complex hydraulic coupling and unit operation constraints of cascade hydropower are considered in the proposed model. To deal with the nonlinear and stochastic constraints, an efficient linearization method is adopted to transform the proposed model into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility are verified by case studies. The results show that the day-ahead schedule optimized by the proposed method can fully balance peak-shaving and photovoltaic accommodation while considering photovoltaic output uncertainty.
Unveiling the Environmental–Economic Nexus: Cointegration and Causality Analysis of Air Pollution and Growth in Oman
Authors: Mohammed Mwahib , Abdel-Gadir Sufian
Published: December 2023

The complex relationship between environmental degradation—more especially, air pollution—and economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman between 1990 and 2022 is examined in this article. To identify short- and long-term dynamics in the relationship between air pollution and economic growth, we use vector error correction models and cointegration. Additionally, Granger causality analysis is used to look into the causal relationships between these important variables. This dataset includes several control variables as well as environmental quality-related factors. The empirical findings demonstrate that the variables have a consistent long-term cointegration relationship. Furthermore, our results show that energy consumption and economic growth have a statistically significant positive effect on CO2 emissions. Moreover, an annual adjustment of about 14.1% in N2O emission disequilibrium is revealed by the short-term analysis. The Granger causality study shows that there are unidirectional causal linkages between CO2 emissions, economic growth, and N2O emissions. These results have significant policy-related ramifications for Oman. Oman has to implement strong climate change policies in order to effectively cut greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, as a potential replacement for conventional oil and gas resources, the government can be a key player in promoting and supporting the use of renewable energy sources like green hydrogen.
Sustainability Reports and Disclosure of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Evidence from Indonesian Listed Companies
Authors: Gutiérrez-Ponce Herenia , Wibowo Sigit Arie
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the factors that determine disclosure of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of companies listed on the Indonesian stock exchange in the period from 2017 to 2021. The research was conducted through an exploratory study using panel data (from each company’s websites), parametric correlations, and regression models. The findings show a 60% increase in the disclosure of the SDGs in sustainability reports from 2017 to 2021, with the highest level of disclosure achieved for SDG 3 (Health and well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality education). The lowest disclosure was for SDG 14 (Life below water). The study demonstrates statistically that governance factors such as the presence of women on the board of directors and the number of board meetings positively affect SDG disclosure in listed companies in Indonesia. Factors related to companies’ profitability, environmental sensitivity, and board size do not, however, influence SDG disclosure. These findings have implications for academics, stakeholders, practitioners, and governments who are strategically positioned to achieve the SDG agenda in 2030. This study has limitations in that the data were drawn only from companies in the SRI-KEHATI Index.
TiO2-Based Mortars for Rendering Building Envelopes: A Review of the Surface Finishing for Sustainability
Authors: Bersch Jéssica Deise , Picanço Casarin Roberta , Maia Joana , Masuero Angela Borges , Dal Molin Denise Carpena Coitinho
Published: December 2023

Building envelopes coated with TiO2-based mortars benefit from depolluting, antibiological and self-cleaning effects. Therefore, photocatalytic renders are allies in the quest for sustainability in the built environment, potentially combatting atmospheric pollution, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance needs. Surface finishing characteristics of the renders influence their photocatalytic efficiency and esthetic and functional properties. In this context, this study reviews the existing literature, focusing on proven surface-affecting parameters, the surface and color of TiO2-based mortars, to explore their impacts on photoactive behavior. The incorporation of TiO2 within an additional surface layer and its mixture into the mortar in bulk were observed for surface roughness. Mainly the addition of TiO2 during casting was identified in colored mortars. Generally, a moderate surface roughness led to better photoactivity; microroughness affected self-cleaning by facilitating dirt deposition. The interaction between the surface roughness and the photocatalytic layer affected the water contact angle, regarding superhydrophilicity or superhydrophobicity. The photoactivity of colored mortars with TiO2 depended on the color and amount of the added pigments, which influenced electron–hole recombination, physically occupied active sites or, on the other hand, led to a higher formation of reactive radicals. Surface finishing can thus be designed to enhance the photoactivity of TiO2-based mortars, which is fundamental for current climate concerns and emphasizes the need for life cycle assessments and environmental protection.
The Regionally Heterogeneous Impact of China’s Environmental Regulation on the Transformation and Upgrading of Its Industrial Structure
Authors: Dou Yutian , Guan Shuai
Published: December 2023

Approaches to promoting the transformation and upgrading of China’s industrial structure represent an important issue in high-quality economic development. The upgrading of industrial structures is beneficial not only for environmental protection but also for sustainable economic development. This article first tests the correlation between environmental regulation and the transformation and upgrading of industrial structure through an impulse response function and then uses provincial panel data to analyze the regionally heterogeneous impact of environmental regulation on industrial structure upgrading. The research results indicate that: (1) the presented impulse response graph indicates that environmental regulation shocks have a significant impact on the rationalization and upgrading of industrial structure, and subsequent variance decomposition indicates that environmental regulation has a strong explanatory power on the transformation and upgrading of industrial structure; (2) overall, strengthening the level of environmental regulation is not conducive to the rationalization of industrial structure (RIS), but a strong level of environmental regulation can significantly promote the upgrading of industrial structure (UIS); and (3) at the regional level, there is significant regional heterogeneity in the impact of environmental regulation on the transformation and upgrading of industrial structure in different regions. Environmental regulation can promote UIS in China’s eastern and western regions, but it is not conducive to RIS. Environmental regulation can promote RIS in China’s central region, but it has a negative impact on UIS. The conclusion of this article provides inspiration for sustainable economic development.
Analyzing Water and Sediment Flow Patterns in Circular Forebays of Sediment-Laden Rivers
Authors: Wang Haidong , Tai Yuji , Huang Lingxiao , Yang Cheng , Jing Hefang
Published: December 2023

In the circular forebay of sediment-laden rivers, adverse flow patterns such as vortices emerge, leading to substantial sediment accumulation along the sidewalls of the diversion channel and in the forebay. This sediment accumulation significantly impacts the operational efficiency of water pumps. To address these challenges, a combination of numerical simulations and engineering experiments was employed to reveal the factors contributing to the development of these patterns. Based on these findings, seven distinct flow rates and operating conditions were introduced to obtain the optimal inlet flow rate and increase the sustainability of engineering use. The findings revealed that the different inlet flow rates exert varying influences on the flow patterns in the circular forebay, leading to changes in sediment levels in both the forebay and diversion channels. Following comprehensive comparison, Scheme 6 was identified as the optimal flow rate scheme. In this scheme, the flow uniformity, deviation angle, ratio of the vortex reduction area parameter, and rate of vortex area reduction in sections z1−3 were markedly enhanced. The effectiveness of this scheme was validated through rigorous numerical simulations and engineering experiments, thereby offering indispensable theoretical insights into the operation of pumping stations in circular forebays.
An Integrated Approach for Electronic Waste Management—Overview of Sources of Generation, Toxicological Effects, Assessment, Governance, and Mitigation Approaches
Authors: Nandan Abhishek , Suresh Albin , Saole Parth , Jeevanasai S. , Chandrasekaran Ramprasad , Meili Lucas , Wan Azelee Nur , Selvasembian Rangabhashiyam
Published: December 2023

Electronic waste (e-waste) management has become a significant challenge in recent years due to the increasing consumption of electronic devices and their improper disposal. Effective e-waste management requires a comprehensive approach that considers the environmental, economic, and social impacts of e-waste. This comprehensive review provides a critical assessment of e-waste management procedures, encompassing the stages of collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal. Emphasising the significance of embracing sustainable approaches like reusing, repairing, and recycling, the review underscores their pivotal role in mitigating the adverse environmental and human health effects of e-waste. This review provides an overview of e-waste management concerns specifically in India from its collection to the end cycle including toxicological, environmental, and human impacts and a graphical analysis of current and future e-waste trends. It emphasises the need to effectively enforce regulations and establish extended producer responsibility (EPR) to promote sustainable e-waste management practices. Additionally, the review delves into the complexities surrounding e-waste management, such as insufficient infrastructure, resource and funding constraints, and a dearth of awareness among stakeholders. It strongly underscores the necessity for a concerted endeavour involving governments, industries, and communities to tackle these obstacles and advance the cause of efficient e-waste management practices. This paper is valuable to the scientific community as it offers a thorough assessment of e-waste management, focusing on environmental, economic, and social impacts. It emphasises sustainable practices and regulatory measures, providing actionable insights to address e-waste challenges. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of e-waste management and highlights the importance of adopting sustainable practices to address the negative impacts of e-waste on the environment, human health, and the economy.
Microalgae Production on Biogas Digestate in Sub-Alpine Region of Europe—Development of Simple Management Decision Support Tool
Authors: Resman Lara , Berden Zrimec Maja , Žitko Vid , Lazar Borut , Reinhardt Robert , Cerar Ana , Mihelič Rok
Published: December 2023

In a one-and-a-half-year study conducted in the ALS6 region in Europe (Ljubljana, Slovenia), the cultivation of microalgae in anaerobic digestate from food waste, mainly Scenedesmus dimorphus and Scenedesmus quadricauda, was investigated in three ponds (1260 L each) under a greenhouse. The effects of changing digestate quality and quantity as well as seasonal fluctuations on the productivity of the microalgae were investigated in three stages: Learning/Design (SI), Testing (SII), and Verification/Calibration (SIII). A decision support tool (DST) was developed using easy-to-measure parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, mineral nitrogen forms and physical, biological parameters (OD, delayed fluorescence intensity). To control optimal pond operation, we proposed the photosynthetic culture index (PCI) as an early indicator for necessary interventions. Flocculation and nitrite levels (above 3 mg NO2-N L−1) were signals for the immediate remediation of the algae culture. Under optimal conditions in summer SIII, an average algal biomass production of 11 ± 1.5 g m−2 day−1 and a nitrogen use efficiency of 28 ± 2.6 g biomass/g N-input were achieved with the developed DST. The developed DST tool was, in this study, successfully implemented and used for the cultivation of microalgae consortia predominated by Scenedesmus dimorphus and S. quadricauda with biogas digestate. DST offers the possibility to be modified according to producers’ specific needs, facility, digestate and climate conditions, and as such, could be used for different microalgae cultivation processes with biogas digestate as a food source.
Choice Modeling of Laundry Detergent Data for Sustainable Consumption
Authors: Kholod Marina , Mokrenko Nikita , Celani Alberto , Puglisi Valentina
Published: December 2023

Consumer choice modeling takes center stage as we delve into understanding how personal preferences of decision makers (customers) for products influence demand at the level of the individual. The contemporary choice theory is built upon the characteristics of the decision maker, alternatives available for the choice of the decision maker, the attributes of the available alternatives and decision rules that the decision maker uses to make a choice. The choice set in our research is represented by six major brands (products) of laundry detergents in the Japanese market. We use the panel data of the purchases of 98 households to which we apply the hierarchical probit model, facilitated by a Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation (MCMC) in order to evaluate the brand values of six brands. The applied model also allows us to evaluate the tangible and intangible brand values. These evaluated metrics help us to assess the brands based on their tangible and intangible characteristics. Moreover, consumer choice modeling also provides a framework for assessing the environmental performance of laundry detergent brands as the model uses the information on components (physical attributes) of laundry detergents. Through a comprehensive evaluation of product performance, including brand tangible estimation, we shed light on the sustainability attributes of laundry detergents, offering a roadmap for consumers and manufacturers alike to make more informed, environmentally responsible choices of laundry detergents based on their physical attributes. Knowing the estimates of the attributes for the laundry detergent products, manufacturers can modify their physical attributes, e.g., decrease the amount of the detergent needed for one wash while increasing the total weight of the laundry powder in the package. In this way, more ecology- and consumer-friendly decisions can be made by manufacturers of laundry detergents.
Genomic Analysis of Influenza A and B Viruses Carrying Baloxavir Resistance-Associated Substitutions Serially Passaged in Human Epithelial Cells
Authors: Hickerson Brady T. , Huang Bruce K. , Petrovskaya Svetlana N. , Ilyushina Natalia A.
Published: December 2023

Baloxavir marboxil (baloxavir) is an FDA-approved inhibitor of the influenza virus polymerase acidic (PA) protein. Here, we used next-generation sequencing to compare the genomic mutational profiles of IAV H1N1 and H3N2, and IBV wild type (WT) and mutants (MUT) viruses carrying baloxavir resistance-associated substitutions (H1N1—PA I38L, I38T, and E199D; H3N2—PA I38T; and IBV—PA I38T) during passaging in normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. We determined the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide mutations (dN/dS) and identified the location and type of amino acid (AA) substitutions that occurred at a frequency of ≥30%. We observed that IAV H1N1 WT and MUT viruses remained relatively stable during passaging. While the mutational profiles for IAV H1N1 I38L, I38T, and E199D, and IBV I38T MUTs were relatively similar after each passage compared to the respective WTs, the mutational profile of the IAV H3N2 I38T MUT was significantly different for most genes compared to H3N2 WT. Our work provides insight into how baloxavir resistance-associated substitutions may impact influenza virus evolution in natural settings. Further characterization of the potentially adaptive mutations identified in this study is needed.
Emergence of Intergenogroup Reassortant G9P[4] Strains Following Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction in Ghana
Authors: Doan Yen Hai , Dennis Francis Ekow , Takemae Nobuhiro , Haga Kei , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Appiah Michael Gyasi , Lartey Belinda Larteley , Damanka Susan Afua , Hayashi Takaya , Suzuki Toshihiko , Kageyama Tsutomu , Armah George Enyimah , Katayama Kazuhiko
Published: December 2023

Rotavirus (RVA) is a leading cause of childhood gastroenteritis. RVA vaccines have reduced the global disease burden; however, the emergence of intergenogroup reassortant strains is a growing concern. During surveillance in Ghana, we observed the emergence of G9P[4] RVA strains in the fourth year after RVA vaccine introduction. To investigate whether Ghanaian G9P[4] strains also exhibited the DS-1-like backbone, as seen in reassortant G1/G3/G8/G9 strains found in other countries in recent years, this study determined the whole genome sequences of fifteen G9P[4] and two G2P[4] RVA strains detected during 2015–2016. The results reveal that the Ghanaian G9P[4] strains exhibited a double-reassortant genotype, with G9-VP7 and E6-NSP4 genes on a DS-1-like backbone (G9-P[4]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E6-H2). Although they shared a common ancestor with G9P[4] DS-1-like strains from other countries, further intra-reassortment events were observed among the original G9P[4] and co-circulating strains in Ghana. In the post-vaccine era, there were significant changes in the distribution of RVA genotype constellations, with unique strains emerging, indicating an impact beyond natural cyclical fluctuations. However, reassortant strains may exhibit instability and have a limited duration of appearance. Current vaccines have shown efficacy against DS-1-like strains; however, ongoing surveillance in fully vaccinated children is crucial for addressing concerns about long-term effectiveness.
Revealing the Concealed: Alternatives to Random Dots for Stereograms
Authors: Wade Nicholas J.
Published: December 2023

Investigations of stereoscopic depth perception were transformed via the use of computer-generated random-dot stereograms in the 1960s. They realized Wheatstone’s wish of demonstrating binocular depth without monocular object recognition, and they have been the dominant stimulus for studying stereopsis since then. Alternative carrier patterns to random dots, based on graphics, photographs, and their combinations, are presented as anaglyphs and for free fusion. A wider range of concealed patterns can be revealed with these alternatives, and presenting them as anaglyphs can yield patterns that have visual appeal independent of the depth they conceal.
The C/N Ratio’s Effect on a Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR): COD and Nitrogen Removal, Biofilm Characteristics, and Microbial Community Structure
Authors: Zhong Huiyun , Dong Liangfei , Tang Yuanyuan , Qi Lin , Wang Mengyu
Published: December 2023

In this study, a laboratory-scale membrane aerated biofilm reactor system was operated successively through four phases with different C/N ratios (7, 5, 3, and 1) for 15 days each to investigate the C/N ratio’s effect on the COD and nitrogen removal. The COD and NH4+-N removal efficiencies were slightly affected; however, NO3−-N accumulated in the C/N = 1 phase, and slight NO2−-N accumulation was observed in the C/N = 7 phase, leading to lower total nitrogen (TN) removal in the two phases. The TN removal efficiency reached the highest in the C/N = 5 phase at around 70%, and the TN concentration was reduced to 12.3 mg/L on average. Biomass and biofilm thickness had a positive correlation with C/N ratios. The C/N ratio affected not only the generation of extracellular polymeric substances but also their chemical composition. Microbial analysis revealed that a C/N ratio of 5 was the most suitable for both nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, and a higher C/N ratio favored aerobic denitrifying microbes.
Experimental Study on the Filtration Characteristics and Sediment Distribution Influencing Factors of Sand Media Filters
Authors: Zhang Wenzheng , Cai Jiumao , Zhai Guoliang , Song Lei , Lv Mouchao
Published: December 2023

The sand media filter is a crucial component of micro-irrigation filtration systems. Investigating the effects of various factors on filtration performance and the migration patterns of sediment particles within the filter can enhance the healthy operation of sand media filters. This study, based on a sand media filter model, conducts indoor hydraulic experiments, selecting different experimental factors and observation indices for research under varying conditions. Results indicate that filter thickness and raw water concentration are positively correlated with the turbidity of filtered water samples, while changes in filtration rate have no obvious impact on turbidity. When filter thickness is large, particle content differs obviously from other filter thicknesses, and the effect of raw water concentration changes on particle content is similar to that of filter thickness changes. Sediment particle size distribution within the filter layer is primarily concentrated in the upper region. By focusing on the area situated 20 cm below the filter layer surface, the sediment retention rate reached 80% or higher at a depth of 20 cm below the filter layer surface. As the depth of the filter layer increases, the sediment retention characteristics show a decreasing trend for larger particle sizes and an increasing trend for smaller particle sizes. Head loss is positively correlated with filtration rate, raw water concentrations, and filter thickness changes. It is suggested that, when meeting micro-irrigation water quality requirements, the filter material particle size can be appropriately increased to improve filtration efficiency and reduce energy consumption. These research findings are highly significant for sand media filter material selection and working condition design.
Refined Assessment and Future Projections of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall Using CMIP6 Models
Authors: Li Jiahao , Fan Lingli , Chen Xuzhe , Lin Chunqiao , Song Luchi , Xu Jianjun
Published: December 2023

Analyzing and forecasting the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) is vital for South Asia’s socio-economic stability. Using 35 climate models from the latest generation of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) to simulate and project ISMR, we integrated statistical methods, such as Taylor diagrams, comprehensive rating indicators, and interannual variability scores, to compare performance differences between various models and analyze influencing mechanisms. The results show that the majority of models effectively simulate the climatology of the ISMR. However, they exhibit limitations in accurately capturing its interannual variability. Importantly, we observed no significant correlation between a model’s ability to simulate ISMR’s general climatology and its accuracy in representing annual variability. After a comprehensive assessment, models, like BCC-ESM1, EC-Earth3-Veg, GFDL-CM4, INM-CM5-0, and SAM0-UNICON were identified as part of the prime model mean ensemble (pMME), demonstrating superior performance in spatiotemporal simulations. The pMME can accurately simulate the sea surface temperature changes in the North Indian Ocean and the atmospheric circulation characteristics of South Asia. This accuracy is pivotal for CMIP6’s prime models to precisely simulate ISMR climatic variations. CMIP6 projections suggest that, by the end of the 21st century, ISMR will increase under low, medium, and high emission scenarios, with a significant rise in rainfall under the high emission scenario, especially in the western and northern parts of India. Among the pMME, the projected increase in rainfall across India is more moderate, with an estimated increase of 30%. The findings of this study suggest that selecting the best models for regional climate downscaling research will project regional climate changes more accurately. This provides valuable recommendations for model improvements in the Indian region.
Ground-Runoff Harvesting to Increase Water Availability in Isolated Households on Hilly Mediterranean Islands: A Case Study in a Micro-Catchment of Ibiza (Spain)
Authors: Pedretti Daniele , Roig Palomeque Inés , Meier Stefan
Published: December 2023

Mediterranean islands suffer from a lack of freshwater due to persistent and recursive droughts, limited groundwater availability and mass tourism. In Ibiza (Spain), private estates disconnected from the water distribution network consume about 21% of the total freshwater demand on the island. We conducted a study to evaluate the potential of ground-runoff harvesting (GRH) as a sustainable and inexpensive solution to increase freshwater availability in isolated households in Ibiza. The study involved an innovative modular tank of 40 m3 buried in the garden of a private property. The tank intercepted runoff forming in a 12,300 m2 hilly micro-catchment. We found that an extreme rainfall event with an intensity of 65 mm/h was able to create sufficient runoff to fill up the tank in one hour. A curve-number-based rainfall-runoff model was used to simulate the experimental results and to obtain a first-cut estimation of the potential of GRH at the scale of the island. The analysis indicates that, if installed in all forest areas in Ibiza with a similar slope to the study area, a volume of 1.31×106 m3 of freshwater could be harvested per year on the island just from extreme precipitation events. Such a volume of water is equivalent to about 5% of the island’s total freshwater budget. The study concludes that GRH is a highly valuable, yet still unexploited opportunity to save large freshwater volumes in dry-climate areas like Ibiza. GRH should be promoted across Mediterranean islands, and it can be easily incorporated within local water regulations.
A Snapshot of Sales and Risk Relations at Hungarian Banks in 2022
Authors: Koltai József , Tarpataki Eleonóra
Published: December 2023

Banks’ corporate lending strategy changes from time to time, but in any case, the implementation of that strategy requires cooperation between two functions, namely the business (corporate/project contact persons, sales) and the credit approval (risk management or risk) team. Smooth cooperation may foster optimised decision-making, and improve the efficiency of banks’ processes, employee satisfaction and commitment, which, in turn, may reduce employee turnover. The benefits on the client’s side are transparency, reliability and predictability, which may increase confidence in, and satisfaction with, the bank. Therefore, it is worthwhile to review periodically how the two functions get along. We have taken such a ‘snapshot’ in our exploratory study of 2021/2022. In this study, we collected answers from 16 respondents working at banks in Hungary through an anonymous questionnaire and written in-depth interviews. The results show that the relations under scrutiny ‘leave room for improvement’. Our survey also focused on how cooperation between the two functions could be made better and more efficient. Setting up transparent and well-regulated internal processes at banks and reinforcing risk-awareness in employees proved decisive in responding to the challenges of the future.