bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Biomass Yield and Nutritional Value of Selected Indigenous Range Species from Arid Tunisia
Authors: Louhaichi Mounir , Gamoun Mouldi , Hassan Sawsan , Abdallah Mohamed A. B.
Published: September 2021

Rangelands of Tunisia show a great indigenous species diversity with considerable potential as forage for livestock. However, information on their fodder yield and quality is scanty and restricted to few species. The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritive values of selected key perennial species based on their biomass yield, chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and mineral composition. The species evaluated included four grass species (Stipa lagascae Roem. and Schult., Stipa tenacissima L., Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. Anderson, and Stipagrostis pungens (Desf.) de Winter.) and eight shrub species (Anthyllis henoniana Coss. ex Batt., Argyrolobium uniflorum (Deene.) Jaub. and Spach., Echiochilon fruticosum Desf., Gymnocarpos decander Forssk., Helianthemum kahiricum Delile., Helianthemum lippii (L.) Dum. Cours., Plantago albicans L. and Rhanterium suaveolens Desf.). Results showed that shrub species contained higher concentrations of the crude protein (CP), acid detergent lignin (ADL), but lower neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) and acid detergent fiber (ADFom) concentrations than grasses. The greatest concentration of CP was 135 g/kg DM for R. suaveolens. The greatest aNDFom concentration was found within the grasses with maximum of 744.5 g/kg DM in S. plumosa. The shrub species E. fruticosum, A. uniflorum, P. albicans, G. decander, R. suaveolens, and A. henoniana had the highest IVOMD with over 500 g/kg DM and have the potential to supply energy to livestock. Overall, the moderate to high protein, low fiber, and high in vitro digestibility measured for shrubs, suggest they have high nutritional values and can be used to enhance local livestock production.
Microstructure Dependence of Output Performance in Flexible PVDF Piezoelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Jiang Yijing , Deng Yongju , Qi Hongyan
Published: September 2021

Flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators have attracted great attention due to their ability to convert ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy for low-power wearable electronic devices. Controlling the microstructure of the flexible piezoelectric materials is a potential strategy to enhance the electrical outputs of the piezoelectric nanogenerator. Three types of flexible polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric nanogenerator were fabricated based on well-aligned nanofibers, random oriented nanofibers and thick films. The electrical output performance of PVDF nanogenerators is systematically investigated by the influence of microstructures. The aligned nanofiber arrays exhibit highly consistent orientation, uniform diameter, and a smooth surface, which possesses the highest fraction of the polar crystalline β phase compared with the random-oriented nanofibers and thick films. The highly aligned structure and the large fraction of the polar β phase enhanced the output performance of the well-aligned nanofiber nanogenerator. The highest output voltage of 14 V and a short-circuit current of 1.22 µA were achieved under tapping mode of 10 N at 2.5 Hz, showing the potential application in flexible electronic devices. These new results shed some light on the design of the flexible piezoelectric polymer-based nanogenerators.
Low-Cost Synthesis of Alumina Nanoparticles and Their Usage for Bisphenol-A Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Kam Ollé Rodrigue , Garikoe Issaka , Bakouan Corneille , Guel Boubié
Published: September 2021

Gamma-alumina nanoparticles (γANPs) were obtained from a low-cost process by using natural bauxites. The γANPs materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and were functionalized with N-cetyl-N, N, N, trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), leading to CTAB modified γ-alumina nanoparticles (γANPs-CTAB). These novel functionalized γANPs-CTAB were characterized by XRPD, FTIR, and were used as an adsorbent for bisphenol-A (BPA) removal from water. Batch investigations were conducted under different experimental conditions (e.g., adsorbent dose, agitation time, initial concentration, and pH and surfactant loading) in order to optimize BPA adsorption and to identify the adsorption mechanisms in the system γANPs-CTAB-BPA. The effect of pH on the adsorption showed that the quantity of BPA removed increased remarkably until the pH value was 4, then remained almost constant until the pH value was up to 10, and then decreased for pH values greater than 10. For an initial BPA concentration of 20 mg/L and an adsorbent dose of 12.5 g/L at a pH value of 10, the removal efficiency achieved was 91.80 ± 0.21%. The adsorption mechanism was perfectly described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm. γANPs-CTAB materials were found to be effective adsorbents for BPA removal from water.
Solving the Problem of Class Imbalance in the Prediction of Hotel Cancelations: A Hybridized Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Adil Mohd , Ansari Mohd Faizan , Alahmadi Ahmad , Wu Jei-Zheng , Chakrabortty Ripon K.
Published: September 2021

The cancelation of bookings puts a considerable strain on management decisions in the case of the hospitability industry. Booking cancelations restrict precise predictions and are thus a critical tool for revenue management performance. However, in recent times, thanks to the availability of considerable computing power through machine learning (ML) approaches, it has become possible to create more accurate models to predict the cancelation of bookings compared to more traditional methods. Previous studies have used several ML approaches, such as support vector machine (SVM), neural network (NN), and decision tree (DT) models for predicting hotel cancelations. However, they are yet to address the class imbalance problem that exists in the prediction of hotel cancelations. In this study, we have shortened this gap by introducing an oversampling technique to address class imbalance problems, in conjunction with machine learning algorithms to better predict hotel booking cancelations. A combination of the synthetic minority oversampling technique and the edited nearest neighbors (SMOTE-ENN) algorithm is proposed to address the problem of class imbalance. Class imbalance is a general problem that occurs when classifying which class has more examples compared to others. Our research has shown that, after addressing the class imbalance problem, the performance of a machine learning classifier improves significantly.
Optimizing Painting Sequence Scheduling Based on Adaptive Partheno-Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yang Jun , Sun Tong , Huang Xiuxiang , Peng Ke , Chen Zhongxiang , Qian Guoguang , Qian Zekai
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we formulate and solve a novel real-life large-scale automotive parts paint shop scheduling problem, which contains color arrangement restrictions, part arrangement restrictions, bracket restrictions, and multi-objectives. Based on these restrictions, we construct exact constraints and two objective functions to form a large-scale multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming problem. To reduce this scheduling problem’s complexity, we converted the multi-objective model into a multi-level objective programming problem by combining the rule-based scheduling algorithm and the adaptive Partheno-Genetic algorithm. The rule-based scheduling algorithm is adopted to optimize color changes horizontally and bracket replacements vertically. The adaptive Partheno-Genetic algorithm is designed to optimize production based on the rule-based scheduling algorithm. Finally, we apply the model to the actual optimization problem that contained 829,684 variables and 137,319 constraints, and solved this problem by Python. The proposed method solves the optimal solution, consuming 575 s.
Amino Acid-Based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Aqueous Environments
Authors: Li Meiyu , Liu Yize , Hu Fanjie , Ren Hongwei , Duan Erhong
Published: September 2021

The environmental pollution of phenol-containing wastewater is an urgent problem with industrial development. Natural deep eutectic solvents provide an environmentally friendly alternation for the solvent extraction of phenol. This study synthesized a series of natural deep eutectic solvents with L-proline and decanoic acid as precursors, characterized by in situ infrared spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and differential thermogravimetric analysis. Natural deep eutectic solvents have good thermal stability. The high-efficiency extraction of phenol from wastewater by natural deep eutectic solvents was investigated under mild conditions. The effects of natural deep eutectic solvents, phenol concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time on phenol extraction were studied. The optimized extraction conditions of phenol with L-prolin/decanoic acid were as follows: molar ratio, 4.2:1; reaction time, 60 min; and temperature, 50 °C. Extraction efficiency was up to 62%. The number of extraction cycles can be up to 6, and extraction rate not less than 57%. The promising results demonstrate that natural deep eutectic solvents are efficient in the field of phenolic compound extraction in wastewater.
Microwave-Boosted One-Step Synthesis of Nanocrystal N-Doped 2D Carbon/Ni Composite with High Electromagnetic Absorption Performance
Authors: Luo Pan , Lyu Song , Zhang Bowen , Wang Hui , Zhou Yanping , Zhang Bing , Huang Kama
Published: September 2021

As the problems of electromagnetic pollution and interference are becoming increasingly serious, the development of electromagnetic absorption materials with a high absorption capacity and broad absorption bandwidth are stringently needed. In this work, an N-doped 2D carbon/Ni complex is synthesized through direct microwave irradiation on a mixed solution of nickel nitrate, urea, and agarose under N2. The electromagnetic absorption performance can be tuned by controlling the Ni content. Specifically, minimum reflection loss values (RLmin) of −65.5 dB at 15.8 GHz with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.2 GHz at a sample thickness of 1.47 mm, and −55.4 dB at 11.8 GHz with an EAB of 3 GHz at a sample thickness of 1.92 mm can be obtained. The outstanding performance of electromagnetic absorption is attributed to the multiple polarization relaxation processes and the synergistic effect between 2D carbon sheets and Ni particles.
Impact of Air Pollution on Global Burden of Disease in 2019
Authors: Dhimal Meghnath , Chirico Francesco , Bista Bihungum , Sharma Sitasma , Chalise Binaya , Dhimal Mandira Lamichhane , Ilesanmi Olayinka Stephen , Trucillo Paolo , Sofia Daniele
Published: September 2021

Air pollution consisting of ambient air pollution and household air pollution (HAP) threatens health globally. Air pollution aggravates the health of vulnerable people such as infants, children, women, and the elderly as well as people with chronic diseases such as cardiorespiratory illnesses, little social support, and poor access to medical services. This study is aimed to estimate the impact of air pollution on global burden of disease (GBD). We extracted data about mortality and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to air pollution from 1990 to 2019. The extracted data were then organized and edited into a usable format using STATA version 15. Furthermore, we also estimated the impacts for three categories based on their socio-demographic index (SDI) as calculated by GBD study. The impacts of air pollution on overall burden of disease by SDI, gender, type of pollution, and type of disease is estimated and their trends over the period of 1990 to 2019 are presented. The attributable burden of ambient air pollution is increasing over the years while attributable burden of HAP is declining over the years, globally. The findings of this study will be useful for evidence-based planning for prevention and control of air pollution and reduction of burden of disease from air pollution at global, regional, and national levels.
The Influence of Variable CO2 Emission Tax Rate on Flexible Chemical Process Synthesis
Authors: Zirngast Klavdija , Kravanja Zdravko , Novak Pintarič Zorka
Published: September 2021

The emission of greenhouse gasses is a major environmental problem, and efforts are being made worldwide in various ways to encourage producers to reduce their emissions. There is a need to incorporate environmental measures into process design and synthesis, as pollution prevention is a higher priority than waste management, and in this way, more sustainable solutions can also be achieved. One possibility is to introduce a CO2 tax, the value of which is very uncertain in the future. This paper demonstrates how the CO2 tax affects the optimal results of synthesizing chemical processes using mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP). It was found that the tax increase promotes the use of better-quality raw materials and more efficient process units. Energy consumption and emissions are reduced and economic performance deteriorates. A multi-period, two-stage stochastic approach with recourse is suitable to incorporate the uncertainty of the CO2 tax in the MINLP process synthesis and gives better results than a simpler deterministic approach. In the case of the heat exchanger network synthesis, the costs obtained with the stochastic approach were 5% lower, and the emissions 7% lower than with a deterministic approach.
The Effect of Variable Air–Fuel Ratio on Thermal NOx Emissions and Numerical Flow Stability in Rotary Kilns Using Non-Premixed Combustion
Authors: el Abbassi Mohamed , Lahaye Domenico , Vuik Cornelis
Published: September 2021

One of the quickest ways to influence both the wall temperature and thermal NOx emissions in rotary kilns is to change the air–fuel ratio (AFR). The normalized counterpart of the AFR, the equivalence ratio, is usually associated with premixed flames and studies of its influence on diffusion flames are inconsistent, depending on the application. In this paper, the influence of the AFR is investigated numerically for rotary kilns by conducting steady-state simulations. We first conduct three-dimensional simulations where we encounter statistically unstable flow at high inflow conditions, which may be caused by vortex stretching. As vortex stretching vanishes in two-dimensional flow, the 2D simulations no longer encounter convergence problems. The impact of this simplification is shown to be acceptable for the thermal behaviour. It is shown that both the wall temperature and thermal NOx emissions peak at the fuel-rich and fuel-lean side of the stoichiometric AFR, respectively. If the AFR continues to increase, the wall temperature decreases significantly and thermal NOx emissions drop dramatically. The NOx validation, however, shows different results and indicates that the simulation model is simplified too much, as the measured NOx formation peaks at significantly fuel-lean conditions.
Decontamination of a Contaminated RCP Shaft Using the SP-HyBRID Process
Authors: Eun Hee-Chul , Chang Na-On , Choi Wang-Kyu , Park Sang-Yoon , Kim Seon-Byeong , Seo Bum-Kyoung , Kim Ki-Chul , An Seung-Geon
Published: September 2021

It is very important to minimize the waste generation for decontamination of the reactor coolant system in a nuclear facility. As an alternative to commercial decontamination technologies, an inorganic acid chemical decontamination (SP-HyBRID) process can be effectively applied to the decontamination because it can significantly reduce the waste generation. In this study, the decontamination of a contaminated reactor coolant pump shaft from a nuclear facility was conducted using the SP-HyBRID process. First, equipment for a mock-up test of the decontamination was prepared. Detailed experimental conditions for the decontamination were determined through the mock-up test. Under the detailed conditions, the contaminated shaft was successfully decontaminated. The dose rate on the shaft surface was greatly reduced from 1400 to 0.9 μSv/h, and the decontamination factor showed a very high value (>1500).
A Systematic Literature Review on the Automatic Creation of Tactile Graphics for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Authors: Mukhiddinov Mukhriddin , Kim Soon-Young
Published: September 2021

Currently, a large amount of information is presented graphically. However, visually impaired individuals do not have access to visual information. Instead, they depend on tactile illustrations—raised lines, textures, and elevated graphics that are felt through touch—to perceive geometric and various other objects in textbooks. Tactile graphics are considered an important factor for students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields seeking a quality education because teaching materials in these fields are frequently conveyed with diagrams and geometric figures. In this paper, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify the current state of research in the field of automatic tactile graphics generation. Over 250 original research papers were screened and the most appropriate studies on automatic tactile graphic generation over the last six years were classified. The reviewed studies explained numerous current solutions in static and dynamic tactile graphics generation using conventional computer vision and artificial intelligence algorithms, such as refreshable tactile displays for education and machine learning models for tactile graphics classification. However, the price of refreshable tactile displays is still prohibitively expensive for low- and middle-income users, and the lack of training datasets for the machine learning model remains a problem.
Educational Influencers on Instagram: Analysis of Educational Channels, Audiences, and Economic Performance
Authors: Gil-Quintana Javier , Vida de León Emilio
Published: September 2021

Influencers have positioned themselves as opinion leaders capable of influencing large social groups, extending their presence to areas such as education. Instagram is one of the most consolidated social networks focused on the image where citizens interested in educational areas can find information from specialized channels on this topic. The purpose of this study is to analyze, during the period of confinement by COVID-19, the use of Instagram by educational influencers to consolidate their channel in new audiences, influence through interaction with their followers and create their transmedia production. Using a mixed methodological approach, a descriptive analysis of a sample of 810,200 users and a content analysis of 13 profiles of educational influencers is applied. The results show educational influencers as true experts in the use of Instagram, managing visually pleasing and harmonious profiles for new audiences. These influencers reach a large number of users, mostly women between the ages of 25 and 45 with an interest in “motherhood” on the platform. Educational influencers use digital marketing codes in their social networks, with a communicative style adapted to this type of space that seeks to increase the interaction and participation of new audiences and, as a consequence, economic profitability. There is a high number of influencers whose objective is to share educational resources, using their accounts as showcases for their transmedia educational production and for the sale or promotion of their productions and creations.
Methodological Proposal for the Detection of the Composing Elements of Vulnerability Regarding Disinformation
Authors: Puebla-Martínez Belén , Navarro-Sierra Nuria , Alcolea-Díaz Gema
Published: September 2021

We live in a hyper-informed society that is constantly being fed with information stimuli. That information may not be correct, and society may be vulnerable to it. We present a methodological proposal with a mixed approach that allows the learning of the characteristics and weaknesses of news consumers in the face of disinformation. Said methodology moves away from the traditional model, and with it a new, much more complete and complex way of conducting discussion groups is carried out. The qualitative approach is carried out through the creation of an online community in which subjects are encouraged to participate in different activities and tests. On the other hand, in order to obtain quantitative data, a quasi-experimental survey where respondents are exposed to various stimuli created ad hoc, which seeks to measure the interest and credibility of different news items through an orthogonal design, is carried out. The use of this methodology will allow for an expansive and intensive approach to the knowledge of societal vulnerability factors, and with the subsequent results, a solid basis of disinformation can be established, which will allow for the development of a series of strategies to combat disinformation.
Contextuality in Neurobehavioural and Collective Intelligence Systems
Authors: Sulis William
Published: September 2021

Contextuality is often described as a unique feature of the quantum realm, which distinguishes it fundamentally from the classical realm. This is not strictly true, and stems from decades of the misapplication of Kolmogorov probability. Contextuality appears in Kolmogorov theory (observed in the inability to form joint distributions) and in non-Kolmogorov theory (observed in the violation of inequalities of correlations). Both forms of contextuality have been observed in psychological experiments, although the first form has been known for decades but mostly ignored. The complex dynamics of neural systems (neurobehavioural regulatory systems) and of collective intelligence systems (social insect colonies) are described. These systems are contextual in the first sense and possibly in the second as well. Process algebra, based on the Process Theory of Whitehead, describes systems that are generated, transient, open, interactive, and primarily information-driven, and seems ideally suited to modeling these systems. It is argued that these dynamical characteristics give rise to contextuality and non-Kolmogorov probability in spite of these being entirely classical systems.
How COVID-19 Could Change the Economics of the Plastic Recycling Sector
Authors: Issifu Ibrahim , Deffor Eric Worlanyo , Sumaila Ussif Rashid
Published: September 2021

The price of oil has a great influence on prices of recycled plastics and, therefore, plastic recycling efforts. Here, we analyze the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on crude oil price and how this, in turn, is likely to affect the degree of plastic recycling that takes place. Impulse response functions and variance decompositions, calculated from the structural vector autoregression, suggest that changes in crude oil prices are key drivers of the price of recycled plastics. The findings highlight that because plastics are made from the by-products of oil, falling oil prices increase the cost of recycling. Therefore, the price of recycled plastics should be supported using taxes while encouraging sustained behavioral changes among consumers and producers to selectively collect and recycle personal protective equipment so that they do not clog our landfills or end up in our water bodies as plastic waste.
Vortioxetine Add-On to Methylphenidate for the Treatment of Symptoms of Sickness Behavior in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Bortoletto Riccardo , Puttini Elena , Zoccante Leonardo , Colizzi Marco
Published: September 2021

Youth with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may suffer from comorbid difficulties, such as anxiety–depressive symptoms, social withdrawal, and somatic complaints. Although stimulants remain the ADHD cornerstone treatment, mental fatigue, school problems and low self-esteem may persist, often being the most unacceptable symptoms for these patients. We present two cases of adolescents (14 and 15 years old) with methylphenidate-treated ADHD, where cognitive fatigability, depressive thoughts, anxiety, irritability, and poor social relationships remained. Based on clinical observation and the completion of parent and child rating scales, the aforementioned manifestations appeared to progressively reduce by the time of the subsequent control visits planned 1, 3, and 5 months after, following the use of vortioxetine (up to 10 mg/day) as add-on therapy to methylphenidate. No significant side effects were reported in both cases in a follow-up period of 3 months, also supporting the stability of the observed clinical improvement. Vortioxetine monotherapy has already been tested for the treatment of anxiety–depressive symptoms in youth, as well as ADHD in adulthood. The cases presented here suggest that vortioxetine could also be an effective option for ADHD treatment in childhood and adolescence, warranting further investigation of its potential benefits as both a monotherapy and adjunctive therapy to stimulants.
Addressing Stakeholder Concerns Regarding the Effective Use of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics
Authors: Fletcher Carly A. , Niemenoja Karolina , Hunt Rhiannon , Adams Jill , Dempsey Alan , Banks Craig E.
Published: September 2021

Bio-based and biodegradable materials have the potential to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics across a range of products and contribute to a more circular economy. However, the uptake of these materials will not succeed unless consumers, manufacturers, and regulators are convinced of their efficacy. Investigating performance and safety concerns put forward by academic and non-academic communities, this paper assesses whether these concerns are being adequately addressed by current policy and regulation. In addition, measures to overcome significant concerns are developed through a series of stakeholder engagement events, informed by the Prospex-CQI-and STIR methodology. Discussions across the stakeholder engagement events have highlighted several concerns that create barriers to market up-take of bio-based and biodegradable plastic products, including the continued confusion regarding terminology and resultant communication, difficulties in navigating the plethora of documents related to safety, the appropriateness of safety documents when applied to new products, and the overall suitability and sustainability of such materials as an alternative to traditional plastics. To overcome these concerns, a series of recommendations for research, policy, and practice are made with respect to the following key areas of concern: regulation and legislative instruments, material quality and performance, market penetration and availability, waste management infrastructure, sourcing and supply chain, communication and information provision, and material health and safety.
Stay Home—The Impact of Social Distancing in Families during COVID-19 Lockdown: The Case of Cyprus
Authors: Neocleous Gregory
Published: September 2021

Everyone has experiences that make them feel upset, disappointed, or fatigued. When these types of feelings are combined with certain life events or situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, they often lead to mounting tension and stress. A crisis is a disruption or breakdown in a person’s or a family’s normal or usual pattern of functioning. The aims and objectives of this study are to explore how lockdown and social distancing had an impact on family relations in Cyprus and to what extent affected stress level of participants. By examining the impact of social distancing among adults 18 and older (N = 160), valuable conclusions were extracted. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to strengthen the idea of using alternative approaches in social preventions and/or interventions in crisis in order to deal with stress. The study argues that the disruption of usual patterns of functioning, in addition to other psychosocial and economic factors, diminishes the quality of life, resulting in tension and stress in a family environment. On the other hand, findings from the current study indicate an enhancement of relationships in challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of Drought and Changing Water Sources on Water Use and Soil Salinity of Almond and Pistachio Orchards: 2. Modeling
Authors: Helalia Sarah A. , Anderson Ray G. , Skaggs Todd H. , Šimůnek Jirka
Published: September 2021

California is increasingly experiencing drought conditions that restrict irrigation deliveries to perennial nut crops such as almonds and pistachios. During drought, poorer quality groundwater is often used to maintain these crops, but this use often results in secondary salinization that requires skilled management. Process-based models can help improve management guidelines under these challenging circumstances. The main objective of this work was to assess seasonal soil salinity and root water uptake as a function of irrigation water salinity and annual rain amounts. The manuscript presents a comparison of three-year experimental and numerically simulated root zone salinities in and below the root zone of almond and pistachio drip-irrigated orchards at multiple locations in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV), California, with different meteorological characteristics. The HYDRUS-1D numerical model was calibrated and validated using field measurements of soil water contents and soil solute bulk electrical conductivities at four root zone depths and measured soil hydraulic conductivities. The remaining soil hydraulic parameters were estimated inversely. Observations and simulations showed that the effects of rain on root zone salinity were higher in fields with initially low salinities than in fields with high salinities. The maximum reduction in simulated root water uptake (7%) occurred in response to initially high soil salinity conditions and saline irrigation water. The minimum reduction in simulated water uptake (2.5%) occurred in response to initially low soil salinity conditions and a wet rain year. Simulated water uptake reductions and leaching fractions varied at early and late times of the growing season, depending on irrigation water salinity. Root water uptake reduction was highly correlated with the cumulative effects of using saline waters in prior years, more than salt leaching during a particular season, even when rain was sufficient to leach salts during a wet year.
Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cell Response to Acute Exercise and Exercise Training in Older Obese Women
Authors: Bates Lauren C. , Hanson Erik D. , Levitt Michael M. , Richie Bryan , Erickson Elise , Bartlett David B. , Phillips Melody D.
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Obesity is a major global public health concern as it is associated with many of the leading causes of preventable deaths. Exercise reduces obesity-induced inflammation; however, it is unknown how exercise training may impact mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in overweight/obese (OW) post-menopausal women. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate (i) circulating MAIT-cells at rest in OW vs. Lean women, (ii) the response of MAIT-cells to a single bout of combined aerobic and resistance exercise, and (iii) the effects of 12 weeks of exercise training (EX) or educational program (ED) on the MAIT-cell response in OW. (2) Methods: OW completed an acute exercise session or sitting control, underwent 12 weeks of exercise training or received educational materials, and then repeated the exercise session/sitting control. Lean post-menopausal women provided a baseline comparison. (3) Results: OW had lower circulating MAIT-cells at rest than Lean prior to exercise training; however, after training EX displayed improved MAIT-cell frequency. Additionally, prior to training EX did not exhibit MAIT-cell mobilization/egress, however, both improved after training. (4) Conclusions: Reduced MAIT-cell frequency and ability to mobilize/egress were potentially partially rescued in EX after 12 weeks of exercise training; however, further research is needed to elucidate age or obesity-induced attenuations in MAIT-cells.
Many-Objective Hybrid Optimization Method for Impeller Profile Design of Low Specific Speed Centrifugal Pump in District Energy Systems
Authors: Tong Zheming , Xin Jiage , Ling Chengzhen
Published: September 2021

Low specific speed centrifugal pumps (LSSCP) are widely utilized in district energy systems to promote the integration of renewable energy. However, the performance of LSSCP becomes inefficient due to harsh operating conditions resulting in substantial increase in energy consumption. Many-objective optimization is significant in improving the performance of LSSCP and promoting the sustainability of district energy systems. Among the existing optimization methods, global optimization methods are limited by high computational cost when solving many-objective optimization problems, and gradient-based optimization methods face difficulties in locating the global optimum. In the present study, a hybrid optimization method was developed for solving many-objective optimization problems of LSSCP. The LSSCP optimization result of the hybrid algorithm was compared with that of the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA), so as to demonstrate the capacity of the proposed method. In the designed flow condition without cavitation, the hydraulic efficiency obtained by the hybrid optimization algorithm was found to be 9.5%, 5.4%, and 4.7% higher than those of the original, NSGA-II, and NSGA-III optimized results, respectively. The shaft power was 10.3%, 8.7% and 5.1% less than said three optimized results. The maximum turbulent kinetic energy in the flow passage obtained from the hybrid optimization was only 2.2 J/kg, which was 67% and 46% less than that of the NSGA-II and NSGA-III optimized results, respectively. In the designed flow condition with cavitation, the net positive suction head critical optimized by the hybrid model was 0.857 m, which was substantially reduced compared with the original and NSGA- II optimized results.
Experimental Study of Blended Binders with Metakaolin
Authors: Cremona Christian , Vildaer Stéphanie , Cadillac Maxim
Published: September 2021

Three metakaolins are evaluated for use as supplementary cementitious materials in cement-based systems. The metakaolins vary in mineralogical composition and in fabrication (traditional and flash calcination), but are quite similar in their surface area (16–19 m2/g), but are quite similar in mineralogical composition. Performance of metakaolin mixtures will be compared to two control mixtures (standard concrete for foundation C40/50 and high performance concrete C60/75). In this study, the properties of fresh concrete and the mechanical and durability properties of hardened concrete will be examined. The rheological behaviour are aimed to determine the effect of metakaolin on mixture workability. Compressive, tensile and flexural strength and elastic modulus will be measured at various concrete ages. The influence of metakaolin on durability is assessed through rapid chloride migration and carbonation measurements. For high performance concrete mixtures, drying and autogenous shrinkage will be monitored and creep measurements are performed and compared.
A Core Curriculum for Sustainability Leadership
Authors: Novy Julia Wells , Banerjee Banny , Matson Pamela
Published: September 2021

In response to the scale, complexity, and urgency of the sustainability challenges societies face, there has been both rapid growth in the broad field of sustainability science and technology, as well as sustainability education globally. Yet, demand for sustainability education still far outstrips supply, and the gap between current reality and achieving the goal of intergenerational well-being is widening. There is a need for greater understanding, innovation, and alignment in sustainability education to ensure programs are effective in cultivating agents of change with capabilities pertinent to and commensurate with the nature of the challenge. Through a highly consultative, multi-year process, we used systems design, combining a systems perspective with the iterative design and inquiry process from design thinking, as well as grounded theory to develop a model of a “New Leader”, and an associated curriculum and pedagogy to cultivate these change agents. The resulting Change Leadership for Sustainability Program at Stanford University offers a set of perspectives, frameworks, and tools and a pedagogical approach that prepares students to study and lead change effectively in any social-environmental system, no matter the sector or topic of interest, with an explicit normative goal of intergenerational well-being. After testing and evaluating the Program’s curriculum and pedagogy over the past five years through both master’s and executive programs, we have found that the development of specific competencies is an essential element of sustainability education, yet it is also crucial to focus on cultivating the identity, perspectives, and agency of these New Leaders in order to prepare them for maximum impact.
Global Optimization Algorithm Based on Kriging Using Multi-Point Infill Sampling Criterion and Its Application in Transportation System
Authors: Song Xiaodong , Li Mingyang , Li Zhitao , Liu Fang
Published: September 2021

Public traffic has a great influence, especially with the background of COVID-19. Solving simulation-based optimization (SO) problem is efficient to study how to improve the performance of public traffic. Global optimization based on Kriging (KGO) is an efficient method for SO; to this end, this paper proposes a Kriging-based global optimization using multi-point infill sampling criterion. This method uses an infill sampling criterion which obtains multiple new design points to update the Kriging model through solving the constructed multi-objective optimization problem in each iteration. Then, the typical low-dimensional and high-dimensional nonlinear functions, and a SO based on 445 bus line in Beijing city, are employed to test the performance of our algorithm. Moreover, compared with the KGO based on the famous single-point expected improvement (EI) criterion and the particle swarm algorithm (PSO), our method can obtain better solutions in the same amount or less time. Therefore, the proposed algorithm expresses better optimization performance, and may be more suitable for solving the tricky and expensive simulation problems in real-world traffic problems.
A Study on the Current Impact on Island Tourism Development under COVID-19 Epidemic Environment and Infection Risk: A Case Study of Penghu
Authors: Wu Chien-Hung
Published: September 2021

The present study examined the impact on island tourism development during the COVID-19 epidemic environment and infection risk by using Penghu as a case study. Using a mixed re-search methodology, 534 questionnaires were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 for Windows statistical software with statistical tests and t-tests. The views of scholars, experts, residents, and tourists on the questionnaire results were then compiled and finally examined by multivariate validation analysis. The results showed that different stakeholders maintained different perspectives on a number of economic, social, and environmental issues in the epidemic environment with risks of infection. Residents considered that the preservation of marine culture and the lack of resting and parking facilities for tourists are the issues that need to be improved in the development of Penghu tourism. Visitors believe that improving littering, vessel mooring space, pollution from heavy oil discharges, landscape and historic site protection, surface litter and pollution in the harbor, marine habitat, heavy oil spills, tourist litter, and threats from invasive species will help attract tourists to visit and spend money.
Influence of Fishery Cooperative Support on Safety Factor Input Behavior of Aquaculturists: The Intermediary Role of Order Fishery and Product Certification
Authors: Chai Panfeng , Hu Qiuguang
Published: September 2021

This paper used 586 survey data of aquaculturists in the Shandong and Zhejiang provinces of China and built two intermediary effect models by incorporating fishery cooperative support, order fisheries participation, product quality certification, and safety factor input behavior into the same theoretical analysis framework in order to verify the direct influence of fishery cooperative support on safety factor input behavior of aquaculturists, as well as the intermediary effect of order fisheries participation and product quality certification in the relationship between fishery cooperative support and safety factor input behavior of aquaculturists. The research concluded that fishery cooperative support has a significant positive influence on safety factor input behavior. Participation in order fisheries and product quality certification have a partial intermediary effect in the relationship between fishery cooperative support and safety factor input behavior of aquaculturists; their intermediary effect accounts for 10.3% and 33.7% of the total effect. The research conclusions can provide reference and suggestions for China’s fisheries to better carry out green aquaculture.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Natural Coating Application in Prolonging Shelf-Life in Plumcot Fruits
Authors: Jung Seok-Kyu , Choi Hyun-Sug
Published: September 2021

This study was carried out to assess the morphological characteristics, fruit quality, and antioxidant levels in sucrose ester-coated ‘Harmony’ plumcots (Prunus salicina Lindl. × P. armeniaca L.). Fruit samples in the control group were left untreated, with two further groups undergoing coating either after 0 days of cold storage (0 d CS) or after 7 days of cold storage (7 d CS) to evaluate changes in post-harvest quality at three-day intervals throughout 12 days of room temperature storage (12 DAS). Coating treatment significantly reduced fruit respiration during storage time in the 0 d CS samples, with this being attributed to the clogging of pores in peel stomata and lenticel, as observed on the fruits under scanning electron microscopy; however, the same effect was not observed in the 7 d CS samples from fruits with a high initial CO2 concentration. The coating delayed fruit softening and discoloration during storage in the 0 d CS samples, extending the shelf-life of the fruits for approximately 9 days. However, the coating treatment was found to reduce total flavonoid and anthocyanin content at 6 DAS and 12 DAS in both groups.
Reactive Oxygen Species Detection Using Fluorescence in Enchytraeus crypticus—Method Implementation through Ag NM300K Case Study
Authors: Gomes Susana I. L. , Neves Ana B. , Scott-Fordsmand Janeck J. , Amorim Mónica J. B.
Published: September 2021

An imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in a living organism results in oxidative stress. Measures of such imbalance can be used as a biomarker of stress in ecotoxicology. In this study, we implemented the ROS detection method based on the oxidant-sensing probe dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), detected by fluorescence microscopy, in Enchytraeus crypticus adults and cocoons, i.e., also covering the embryo stage. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a well-known ROS inducer, was used both to optimize the method and as positive control. Implementation was successful, and the method was used to assess ROS formation in E. crypticus cocoons and adults when exposed to the reference silver nanomaterial Ag NM300K, at two effect concentrations (EC20 and EC50) for both hatching and reproduction over 3 and 7 days. The measured ROS levels varied with time, concentration, and developmental stage, with higher levels detected in adults compared with cocoons. In cocoons, ROS levels were higher at the EC20 than the EC50, which could be explained by non-monotonic concentration-response curve for hatching and reproduction, as previously observed. The increase in ROS levels at day 3 preceded the oxidative damage, as reported to occur later (day 7) in adults. The DCFH-DA method was successfully implemented here and can be further used as a new tool to detect ROS formation in E. crypticus, especially after short-term exposure to chemicals, including nanomaterials. We recommend the use of 3 and 7 days in the exposure design for this assessment.
Theoretical Calculation on the Reaction Mechanisms, Kinetics and Toxicity of Acetaminophen Degradation Initiated by Hydroxyl and Sulfate Radicals in the Aqueous Phase
Authors: Xu Mengmeng , Yao Junfang , Sun Simei , Yan Suding , Sun Jingyu
Published: September 2021

The •OH and SO4•− play a vital role on degrading pharmaceutical contaminants in water. In this paper, theoretical calculations have been used to discuss the degradation mechanisms, kinetics and ecotoxicity of acetaminophen (AAP) initiated by •OH and SO4•−. Two significant reaction mechanisms of radical adduct formation (RAF) and formal hydrogen atom transfer (FHAT) were investigated deeply. The results showed that the RAF takes precedence over FHAT in both •OH and SO4•− with AAP reactions. The whole and branched rate constants were calculated in a suitable temperature range of 198–338 K and 1 atm by using the KiSThelP program. At 298 K and 1 atm, the total rate constants of •OH and SO4•− with AAP were 3.23 × 109 M−1 s−1 and 4.60 × 1010 M−1 s−1, respectively, considering the diffusion-limited effect. The chronic toxicity showed that the main degradation intermediates were harmless to three aquatic organism, namely, fish, daphnia, and green algae. From point of view of the acute toxicity, some degradation intermediates were still at harmful or toxic level. These results provide theoretical guidance on the practical degradation of AAP in the water.
Comparative Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Content among Various Flavored Disposable Vape Bars, including Cool (Iced) Flavored Bars
Authors: Yogeswaran Shaiesh , Muthumalage Thivanka , Rahman Irfan
Published: September 2021

Studies have shown that aerosols generated from flavored e-cigarettes contain Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), promoting oxidative stress-induced damage within pulmonary cells. Our lab investigated the ROS content of e-cigarette vapor generated from disposable flavored e-cigarettes (vape bars) with and without nicotine. Specifically, we analyzed vape bars belonging to multiple flavor categories (Tobacco, Minty Fruit, Fruity, Minty/Cool (Iced), Desserts, and Drinks/Beverages) manufactured by various vendors and of different nicotine concentrations (0–6.8%). Aerosols from these vape bars were generated via a single puff aerosol generator; these aerosols were then individually bubbled through a fluorogenic solution to semi-quantify ROS generated by these bars in H2O2 equivalents. We compared the ROS levels generated by each vape bar as an indirect determinant of their potential to induce oxidative stress. Our results showed that ROS concentration (μM) within aerosols produced from these vape bars varied significantly among different flavored vape bars and identically flavored vape bars with varying nicotine concentrations. Furthermore, our results suggest that flavoring chemicals and nicotine play a differential role in generating ROS production in vape bar aerosols. Our study provides insight into the differential health effects of flavored vape bars, in particular cool (iced) flavors, and the need for their regulation.