bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Differences and Convergence of Carbon Emissions Intensity in Cities along the Yellow River Basin in China
Authors: Chen Xiaolan , Meng Qinggang , Shi Jianing , Liu Yufei , Sun Jing , Shen Wanfang
Published: July 2022

Since the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) in China have become a primary national strategy, the low-carbon economy is crucial. To formulate effective emission mitigation policies for the YRB, we need to comprehensively understand the characteristics of the spatial agglomeration of the carbon emissions intensity in the YRB and its regional heterogeneity. Therefore, based on the relevant data from 2005 to 2017, we first scientifically measure the carbon emissions intensity of 57 cities along the YRB. Then, we analyze the spatial agglomeration characteristics and long-term transfer trends of carbon emission intensity using exploratory spatial data analysis methods and Markov chains. Finally, the Dagum Gini coefficient and the variation coefficient method are used to study the regional differences and differential evolution convergence of the carbon emissions intensity in the YRB. The results show that the carbon emissions intensity of the YRB has dropped significantly with the spatial distribution characteristics “high in the west and low in the east”, and there is a significant spatial autocorrelation phenomenon. In addition, the probability of a shift in urban carbon intensity is low, leading to a “club convergence” and a “Matthew effect” in general and across regions. Inter-regional differences have always been the primary source of spatial differences in carbon emissions intensity in the YRB, and the intra-regional differences in carbon emissions intensity in the lower YRB show a significant convergence phenomenon. The research results may provide a reference for the regional coordinated development of a low-carbon economy in the YRB, and serve to guide the win-win development model of ecological environment protection and economic growth in the YRB.
Design of a Double-Layer Electrothermal MEMS Safety and Arming Device with a Bistable Mechanism
Authors: Wang Kexin , Hu Tengjiang , Zhao Yulong , Ren Wei , Liu Jiakai
Published: July 2022

Considering the safety of ammunition, safety and arming (S&A) devices are usually designed in pyrotechnics to control energy transfer through a movable barrier mechanism. To achieve both intelligence and miniaturization, electrothermal actuators are used in MEMS S&A devices, which can drive the barrier to an arming position actively. However, only when the actuators’ energy input is continuous can the barrier be stably kept in the arming position to wait for ignition. Here, we propose the design and characterization of a double-layer electrothermal MEMS S&A Device with a bistable mechanism. The S&A device has a double-layer structure and four groups of bistable mechanisms. Each bistable mechanism consists of two V-shape electrothermal actuators to drive a semi-circular barrier and a pawl, respectively, and control their engagement according to a specific operation sequence. Then, the barrier can be kept in the safety or the arming position without energy input. To improve the device’s reliability, the four groups of bistable mechanisms are axisymmetrically placed in two layers to constitute a double-layer barrier structure. The test results show that the S&A device can use constant-voltage driving or the capacitor–discharge driving to drive the double-layer barrier to the safety or the arming position and keep it on the position passively by the bistable mechanism.
Analysis and Characterization of Optimized Dual-Frequency Vibration Energy Harvesters for Low-Power Industrial Applications
Authors: Bouhedma Sofiane , Hu Siyang , Schütz Arwed , Lange Fred , Bechtold Tamara , Ouali Mohammed , Hohlfeld Dennis
Published: July 2022

We present a multiresonant vibration energy harvester designed for ultra-low-power applications in industrial environments together with an optimized harvester design. The proposed device features dual-frequency operation, enabling the harvesting of energy over a wider operational frequency range. It has been designed such that its harvesting bandwidth range is [50, 100] Hz, which is a typical frequency range for vibrations found in industrial applications. At an excitation level of 0.5 g, a maximum mean power output of 6 mW and 9 mW can be expected at the resonance frequencies of 63.3 and 76.4 Hz, respectively. The harvester delivers a power density of 492 µW/cm2. Design optimization led to improved harvester geometries yielding up to 2.6 times closer resonance frequencies, resulting in a wider harvesting bandwidth and a significantly higher power output.
Late Paleozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt: Constraints of Detrital Zircon U-Pb Ages from the Southern Margin of North China Block
Authors: Yang Wentao , Fang Te , Wang Yanpeng , Sha Hao
Published: July 2022

The tectonic evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt in the Late Paleozoic has long been controversial, especially due to the limitation of the Mianlue Ocean subduction time. Basin formation and sedimentary development in the southern North China Block are closely related to the tectonic evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt, which is an effective entry point to study basin–mountain interaction. We present new detrital zircon U–Pb data from the Shihezi Formation in the Luonan area in the southern margin of the North China Block. The results show that the bottom sample has two major peaks at 288 Ma and 448 Ma, with weak peaks at 908, 1912 Ma and 2420 Ma. The top sample has one major peak at 297 Ma, with weak peaks at 1933 Ma and 2522 Ma. Combined with the published paleocurrent data and lithofacies paleogeography, the sediments of the bottom sample were sourced from the North Qinling Belt, Inner Mongolia Palaeo-Uplift and the basement of the North China Block. The top sample originated mainly from the Inner Mongolia Palaeo-Uplift and the basement of the North China Block. Comparing the obtained zircon U-Pb ages with the published relevant data in the North China Block, it is found that the provenance area shifted from the Qinling Orogenic Belt to the Inner Mongolia Paleo-Uplift in the Late Carboniferous–Permian, and the Qinling Orogenic Belt could hardly provide provenance for the southern North China Block in the Middle Permian. The uplift of the Qinling Orogenic Belt in the Late Carboniferous may be the continuation of Caledonian orogeny in the Early Paleozoic, whereas the uplift of the Inner Mongolia Palaeo-Uplift is related to the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt during the Late Paleozoic. This tectonic transformation occurred when the Qinling Orogenic Belt no longer supplied sediments to the southern North China Block in the Middle Permian, and the Mianlue Ocean subduction did not occur until at least the Late Permian.
Lone Pair…π Contacts and Structure Signatures of r(UNCG) Tetraloops, Z-Turns, and Z-Steps: A WebFR3D Survey
Authors: Zirbel Craig L. , Auffinger Pascal
Published: July 2022

Z-DNA and Z-RNA have long appeared as oddities to nucleic acid scientists. However, their Z-step constituents are recurrently observed in all types of nucleic acid systems including ribosomes. Z-steps are NpN steps that are isostructural to Z-DNA CpG steps. Among their structural features, Z-steps are characterized by the presence of a lone pair…π contact that involves the stacking of the ribose O4′ atom of the first nucleotide with the 3′-face of the second nucleotide. Recently, it has been documented that the CpG step of the ubiquitous r(UNCG) tetraloops is a Z-step. Accordingly, such r(UNCG) conformations were called Z-turns. It has also been recognized that an r(GAAA) tetraloop in appropriate conditions can shapeshift to an unusual Z-turn conformation embedding an ApA Z-step. In this report, we explore the multiplicity of RNA motifs based on Z-steps by using the WebFR3D tool to which we added functionalities to be able to retrieve motifs containing lone pair…π contacts. Many examples that underscore the diversity and universality of these motifs are provided as well as tutorial guidance on using WebFR3D. In addition, this study provides an extensive survey of crystallographic, cryo-EM, NMR, and molecular dynamics studies on r(UNCG) tetraloops with a critical view on how to conduct database searches and exploit their results.
Tetrahydropyridines’ Stereoselective Formation, How Lockdown Assisted in the Identification of the Features of Its Mechanism
Authors: Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Iliyasov Taigib M. , Karpenko Kirill A. , Akchurin Radmir N. , Minyaev Mikhail E.
Published: July 2022

The multicomponent reaction of aldehydes, cyano-containing C-H acids, esters of 3-oxocarboxylic acid and ammonium acetate led to unexpected results. The boiling of starting materials in methanol for one to two hours resulted in the formation of polysubstituted 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridines with two or three stereogenic centers. During the 2020 lockdown, we obtained key intermediates of this six-step domino reaction. A number of fast and slow reactions occurred during the prolonged stirring of the reaction mass at rt. Sequence: 1. Knoevenagel condensation; 2. Michael addition; 3. Mannich reaction; 4. cyclization—fast reactions and cyclization of the product polysubstituted 2-hydroxypiperidine—was isolated after 40 min stirring at rt. Further monitoring proved the slow dehydration of 2-hydroxypiperidine to obtain 3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine after 7 days. Then, four-month isomerization occurred with 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine formation. All reactions were stereoselective. Key intermediates and products structures were verified by X-ray diffraction analysis. Additionally, we specified conditions for the selective intermediates’ preparation.
Functionalized C3-Symmetric Building Blocks—The Chemistry of Triaminotrimesic Acid
Authors: Schmidt Lisa , Wagner Danny , Nieger Martin , Bräse Stefan
Published: July 2022

A series of C3-symmetric fully substituted benzenes were prepared based on alkyl triamino-benzene-tricarboxylates. Starting with a one step-synthesis, the alkyl triamino-benzene-tricarboxylates were synthesized using the corresponding cyanoacetates. The reactivity of these electronically sophisticated compounds was investigated by the formation of azides, the click reaction of the azides and a Sandmeyer-like reaction. Caused by the low stability of triaminobenzenes, direct N-alkylation was rarely reported. The use of the stable alkyl triamino-benzene-tricarboxylates allowed us total N-alkylation under standard alkylation conditions. The molecular structures of the C3-symmetric structures have been corroborated by an X-ray analysis.
Thermally Conductive and Electrically Insulated Silicone Rubber Composites Incorporated with Boron Nitride−Multilayer Graphene Hybrid Nanofiller
Authors: Deng Bangjun , Shi Yangyang , Zhang Xiaowen , Ma Wenshi , Liu Hai , Gong Chunli
Published: July 2022

Thermally conductive and electrically insulating composites are important for the thermal management of new generation integrated and miniaturized electronic devices. A practical and eco−friendly electrostatic self−assembly method was developed to prepare boron nitride−multilayer graphene (BN−MG) hybrid nanosheets. Then, BN−MG was filled into silicone rubber (SR) to fabricate BN−MG/SR composites. Compared with MG/SR composites with the same filler loadings, BN−MG/SR composites exhibit dramatically enhanced electrical insulation properties while still maintaining excellent thermal conductivity. The BN−MG/SR with 10 wt.% filler loading shows a thermal conductivity of 0.69 W·m−1·K−1, which is 475% higher than that of SR (0.12 W·m−1·K−1) and only 9.2% lower than that of MG/SR (0.76 W·m−1·K−1). More importantly, owing to the electron blocking effect of BN, the electron transport among MG sheets is greatly decreased, thus contributing to the high−volume resistivity of 4 × 1011 Ω cm for BN−MG/SR (10 wt.%), which is fourorders higher than that of MG/SR (2 × 107 Ω·cm). The development of BN−MG/SR composites with synergetic properties of high thermal conductivity and satisfactory electrical insulation is supposed to be a promising candidate for practical application in the electronic packaging field.
Critical Role of the Acetylene Content and Fe/C Ratio on the Thickness and Density of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Grown at Low Temperature by a One-Step Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition Process
Authors: Combrisson Antoine , Charon Emeline , Pinault Mathieu , Reynaud Cécile , Mayne-L’Hermite Martine
Published: July 2022

The present work explores the role of the carbon source content and the Fe/C ratio on the synthesis of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) by one-step aerosol-assisted CCVD operated at a medium temperature (615 °C) on aluminum substrates. The main objective was to overcome the limitations of VACNT growth, constituting a drawback for applications requiring thick VACNTs. By using acetylene as carbon feedstock and ferrocene as a catalyst precursor, we demonstrate that when acetylene content is reduced to 1.5 vol%, it is possible to grow VACNT carpets up to 700 µm thick while maintaining constant VACNT growth for a long duration (up to 160 min). The carbon conversion yield is significantly improved when the acetylene content reaches 1.5 vol%. The Al surface roughness also influences VACNT growth. An optimum Fe/C ratio of 0.8 wt.% coupled with a low acetylene content gives the highest growth rate (5.4 µm/min) ever reported for a thermal aerosol-assisted CCVD process operated at such a low temperature. The CNT number density can be controlled by varying the Fe/C ratio, enabling high density growth (e.g., 1.3 × 1011 CNT/cm2).
The Use of Polymer Blends in the Treatment of Ocular Diseases
Authors: Arribada Raquel Gregorio , Behar-Cohen Francine , de Barros Andre Luis Branco , Silva-Cunha Armando
Published: July 2022

The eye is an organ with limited drug access due to its anatomical and physiological barriers, and the usual forms of ocular administration are limited in terms of drug penetration, residence time, and bioavailability, as well as low patient compliance. Hence, therapeutic innovations in new drug delivery systems (DDS) have been widely explored since they show numerous advantages over conventional methods, besides delivering the content to the eye without interfering with its normal functioning. Polymers are usually used in DDS and many of them are applicable to ophthalmic use, especially biodegradable ones. Even so, it can be a hard task to find a singular polymer with all the desirable properties to deliver the best performance, and combining two or more polymers in a blend has proven to be more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. This review was carried out to assess the use of polymer blends as DDS. The search conducted in the databases of Pubmed and Scopus for specific terms revealed that although the physical combination of polymers is largely applied, the term polymer blend still has low compliance.
Holism of Religious Beliefs as a Facet of Intercultural Theology and a Challenge for Interreligious Dialogue
Authors: Strahovnik Vojko
Published: July 2022

Religious beliefs are intertwined with religion or religious tradition. This article argues for a holistic understanding of religious beliefs and suggests that the formation and maintenance of religious beliefs are holistically sensitive to the background information, which includes the culture’s meaning–value system. Beliefs embed appreciation of this background without the believer being explicitly conscious of how it has shaped them. This presents a problem for interreligious dialogue. In an interreligious dialogue, actors rarely recognise that one or more actors have no direct and unmediated access to this background. Any model of intercultural theology must thus understand religious belief holistically if it purports to facilitate interreligious dialogue. Holism is a vital epistemic and pragmatic facet of intercultural theology. Intercultural theology can use several strategies that could circumvent this problem—for example, analogies, metaphors, narratives, and even jokes. These are important for two reasons: First, they allow us to recognise that someone lacks an understanding of a cultural background; second, they effectively convey relevant aspects of a cultural background. The article concludes by outlining the significance of epistemic humility for interreligious and intercultural understanding.
Thermal Comfort in the Design Classroom for Architecture in the Cold Area of China
Authors: Shi Zhiqiang , Liu Qianni , Zhang Zhongjun , Yue Tianhao
Published: July 2022

A field study of thermal comfort in a design classroom for teaching architecture and dormitory rooms in a cold area of China was conducted to provide a better understanding of the thermal comfort of students, and to clarify the energy saving potential of such building spaces. Respondents were the same for both the classroom and dormitories field survey, with a total of 89 students majoring in architecture. The students’ subjective thermal responses and their environmental parameters for two months before and after heating were collected and compared, and the results showed that when respondents adjusted their clothing it was not necessarily to adapt to the thermal environment but may have been due to habituation. The thermal neutral operative temperature was determined to be 23.1 °C in the design classroom and the thermal sensation was maintained at neutral-cool in the dormitory rooms. Although there were significant differences between the thermal environments in the classroom and dormitories, thermal acceptability was close to 100%. In the design classroom, the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) predicted the indoor thermal environment relatively accurately, while in dormitory rooms, the PMV underestimated the thermal sensations. Students can tolerate lower temperatures, showing adaptability to the environment.
Spatiotemporal Variations of Extreme Precipitation in Wuling Mountain Area (China) and Their Connection to Potential Driving Factors
Authors: Du Hong , Xia Jun , Yan Yi , Lu Yumeng , Li Jinhua
Published: July 2022

Changes in extreme precipitation have become a significant issue of regional disaster risk assessment and water resources management. Extreme precipitation variability is affected by multiple factors and shows disparities across different regions. Especially in mountain areas, geographic feature and local characteristics put more complexity and uncertainty on the changes of precipitation extremes. In this study, ten extreme precipitation indices of Wuling Mountain Area (WMA) during 1960–2019 have been used to analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of precipitation extremes. The relationships between extreme precipitation and potential driving factors, including geographic factors, global warming, local temperature, and climate indices, were investigated via correlation analysis. The results indicated that extreme precipitation tends to have a shorter duration and stronger intensity in WMA. Decreasing trends in R10mm, R20mm, R25mm, and the consecutive wet days (CWD) series account for 92%, 68%, 52%, and 96% of stations, while most stations in WMA have rising trends in Rx1day (68%), SDII (64%), R95p (72%), and R99p (72%). Significant abrupt changes in extreme precipitation indices mainly occurred in the 1980s–1990s. Geographic factors, local temperature, and climate indices exert different impacts on extreme precipitation. Longitude and elevation instead of latitude significantly affect extreme precipitation indices except for the maximum duration of wet spells. Global warming is likely to increase the intensity and decrease the duration of extreme precipitation, while the influence of local temperature is not exactly the same as that of global warming. The study reveals that summer monsoon indices are the dominant climate factor for variations of precipitation extremes in WMA. The correlation coefficient between extreme precipitation indices (such as Rx1day, R95p, R99p) and the East Asian summer monsoon index is around 0.5 and passed the significant test at the 0.01 level. The weakening of the summer monsoon indices tends to bring extreme precipitation with stronger intensity. The findings provide more understanding of the drivers and reasons of extreme precipitation changes in the mountain area.
Factors Influencing Parents’ Awareness of Children’ Education Investment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wati Andy Prasetyo , Sahid Sheerad
Published: July 2022

Parents’ awareness of the importance of education greatly influences decision-making on educational extensions for children. Because more and more parents are aware of the importance of education in supporting the survival of children in the future, parents will be more aware of expanding education to a higher level for the benefit of the children, the environment, and the future. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence parents’ awareness in investment decision-making for children’s education. To address this issue, we use Cooper’s approach combined with the prism method, which offers a methodological framework and reporting procedure for the current review. Six main factors have emerged to answer the objective of this study, namely out-of-pocket expenses, forgone earnings, returns on investment, educational design, educational process, quality of education, and competitiveness. These findings show that decision-making for education transfers is not only seen from the side of government policy but also from the family side, illustrating the need for continuous synergy between the government policy and parents’ awareness of it, so that the improvement of superior human resources through education continues optimally.
Closing the Gap: Potentials of ESE Distance Teaching
Authors: Fiedler Sonja T. , Heyne Thomas , Bogner Franz X.
Published: July 2022

Environmental and sustainability education (ESE) traditionally relies on green teaching environments and active participation. Thus, during the lockdown phase, a gap between curricular goals and learning outcomes appeared. This study investigates the impact of ESE distance teaching on 288 Bavarian fifth-graders and learning factors that could bridge this gap. The influence of digital preferences on learning progress is examined and compared with the influence of fascination levels. A negative correlation between spending time outside in nature and spending time inside in front of a digital device is expected. A control group completed a learning unit about biological topics such as plant identification and environmental factors, as well as ESE topics such as characteristics of sustainable agriculture, at an out-of-school ESE center. The experimental group completed the same learning unit in distance teaching. Fascination with Biology (FBio) and Digital Nativity Assessment Scale (DNAS) were applied in addition to a customized knowledge test. Both values seem to have a positive impact on learning outcomes. There were no significant differences between the control and experimental group. Surprisingly, Fascination and Digital Nativity show a low, if not negligible, relationship. Implications for digital ESE, especially between outdoor learning centers and schools, are discussed.
Study on Influence Factors of Compressive Strength of Low Density Backfill Foamed Concrete Used in Natural Gas Pipeline Tunnel
Authors: Li Chunbao , Li Xiaotian , Guan Di , Li Shen , Lv Wenpu , Cong Ziqin , Soloveva Valentina Y. , Dalerjon Hojiboev , Qin Pengju , Liu Xiaohui
Published: July 2022

Foamed concrete is mostly used for backfilling of long-distance tunnels and compressive strength is an important technical index to control the quality of foamed concrete. The influence factors on compressive strength of low-density foamed concrete were obtained by the single factor test method based on the targeted dry density and compressive strength. The results show that the HT composed of pollution-free animal protein oil and vegetable oil is an efficient foaming agent and can produce stable foams. The cementation ability of cement can be fully expressed when a water to cement ratio of 0.45~0.5 is employed, making foamed concrete have a compressive strength higher than 2 MPa. The foam content is inversely proportional to the compressive strength and dry density of foamed concrete, and the volume ratio of slurry to foam should be 2:1~3:1. The content of fly ash is also inversely proportional to the compressive strength but positively proportional to the dry density. When the content of admixture is 40~55%, the compressive strength of foamed concrete with low density is not less than 2 MPa. The mixing proportion can be changed in the reasonable range to meet the requirements of different projects.
A Study on the Competitiveness for the Diffusion of Smart Technology of Construction Industry in the Era of 4th Industrial Revolution
Authors: Lee Baul , Park Seung-Kook
Published: July 2022

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is bringing about enormous changes in various aspects of the construction industry. This influence is emerging as a smart technology and is regarded as a productivity innovation in the construction industry. In addition, several countries are attempting policies to diffuse technological innovation into various industries, such as those related to legal systems, investments, and additional markets. These policies commonly have the intention to encourage various industrial factors that are related to smart-construction competitiveness. Therefore, this study analyzed the competitiveness from an industrial perspective to revitalize smart technologies in the construction industry. For this purpose, the acceptance of innovation within the Korean construction industry (KCI) was reviewed through diffusion-innovation theory, and then competitiveness factors were driven by the literature, based on Porter’s diamond model. Factors are measured by the contractors who utilize smart technologies, analyzing the competitiveness priority and differences between them. The main finding is that the “Demand Condition” is the most important industrial competitiveness for embedding smart technology in the early stage of construction industry. Moreover, to reduce the risks related to developing technologies, it suggested that distinct policies are required in accordance with the contractors. These findings are going to be helpful for policy makers as references for developing policies to embed smart technology in the construction industry.
Water Sustainability in the Context of Global Warming: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Olosutean Horea , Cerciu Maria
Published: July 2022

Sustainable water use is becoming a key problem in the present time, since global warming is having a strong impact on usable water resources. This study aims to provide a systematic bibliometric analysis on water sustainability in the context of global warming, in order to provide a clearer view on the existing research trends and to find eventual gaps in research that can be exploited in the future. The selection and analysis of the most relevant papers discussing the chosen topic pointed out a strong increase in research in the last period, dominated by US scientists and research entities, with researchers focusing on either the present impact of global warning on water sustainability and its effects on water supply and ecosystem functioning, or on problem solving and creating a framework for water sustainability in the context of global warming, or on the future perspectives and potential solutions for achieving water sustainability in the future period. The study pointed out that only 6% of the article regarding water sustainability include information about global warming, with an increasing trend in the latter period in both the number of articles and citations, but the field of study seems to be incipient, with a large number of journals publishing a very low number of articles. The main drawbacks identified were the orientation of a large majority of the studies on present day problems and not on future approaches, the complete lack of studies regarding the role of preserving natural habitats or of spontaneous renaturalization, as well as the relative absence of including cultural aspects in addressing water-sustainability issues.
E-Learning as an Instrument for Managing Knowledge in the Field of Sustainable Development in a Chemical Company in Poland
Authors: Dereń Aldona Małgorzata , Skonieczny Jan , Łukaszczykiewicz Sylwia
Published: July 2022

The driving force of civilizational change was and is the development of science, education, and great ideas that determine human actions, shaping the attitudes and behavior of individuals, organizations, and entire societies. Such an idea is sustainable development, an anticipation of the possible future challenges of society, so knowledge about it should be communicated to a wide audience because action is possible when various entities have the appropriate knowledge. Implementing the concept of a sustainable organization requires an organization to change its mindset (testing existing principles, beliefs, or behaviors) and to take steps to build an organizational culture so that the idea of sustainability applies to all levels in the organization, i.e., jobs, processes, and strategies. The changes should go in the long-term direction, not just be short-term actions. What is needed, then, is a deep analysis of existing resources and an understanding that the organization does not operate in a vacuum, but interacts with the natural environment, the local community, employees, shareholders, and stakeholders. The purpose of the article is to identify ways to implement the concept of sustainability through knowledge management using an e-learning platform in the relationship ecosystem using the example of the chemical company ‘Grupa Azoty’ Group. A case study method was used, which allowed the analysis of the issue of sustainable development in the context of knowledge management and corporate e-learning. In addition, an analysis of the state and prospects of the chemical industry in Poland during the period of sustainable transformation as a business environment for ‘Grupa Azoty’ Group was carried out. For the described company, the development and implementation of an e-learning platform can support the implementation of a sustainable development strategy.
Properties of Air Lime Mortar with Bio-Additives
Authors: Manoharan Abirami , Umarani C.
Published: July 2022

Lime mortar has been a primary binding material in ancient mortar, and is one of the main reasons behind solid and stable constructions that remain stable even after thousands of years. The benefits of lime are innumerable: it is minimally processed and used with a lesser carbon footprint and embodied energy and, most crucially, it is a carbon absorbent. This research experiments with the strength properties (compression) of lime at 28, 56, and 100 days of air curing. The investigation studies the durability using water absorption, UPV test, and carbonation parameters after 100 days of exposure to air. The tested materials are subjected to SEM analysis to find the morphology of the reaction that takes place and the products that are formed. We also performed a comparative study of two different fermented additives by the duration of fermentation (1 day and 10 days) and two different doses of additives (Jaggery and Kadukkai) with air lime. The bio-additives were experimented with using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy for the formation of new enriching compounds, which improved the qualities of traditional lime mortar. The formation of fat and protein in the additives was found using IS 7219-1973 (a method for the determination of protein in foods and feeds). Using the AOAC method, the presence of fat confirms the improvement in strength and durability properties. The phytochemical analysis details the alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins. Quantification of phenols and flavonoids adds to the beneficial aspects of the fermented additives. The experimental results indicate that using naturally fermented organic materials in the lime has made the structures stronger with the stable build of calcite and vaterite components. The self-healing capacity of lime mortar makes it time resistant.
Harmonic Blaschke–Minkowski Homomorphism
Authors: Xiao Hongying , Wang Weidong , Li Zhaofeng
Published: July 2022

Centroid bodies are a continuous and GL(n)-contravariant valuation and play critical roles in the solution to the Busemann–Petty problem. In this paper, we introduce the notion of harmonic Blaschke–Minkowski homomorphism and show that such a map is represented by a spherical convolution operator. Furthermore, we consider the Shephard-type problem of whether ΦK⊆ΦL implies V(K)≤V(L), where Φ is a harmonic Blaschke–Minkowski homomorphism. Some important results for centroid bodies are extended to a large class of valuations. Finally, we give two interesting results for even and odd harmonic Blaschke–Minkowski homomorphisms, separately.
In Vitro Techniques and Measurements of Phage Characteristics That Are Important for Phage Therapy Success
Authors: Glonti Tea , Pirnay Jean-Paul
Published: July 2022

Validated methods for phage selection, host range expansion, and lytic activity determination are indispensable for maximizing phage therapy outcomes. In this review, we describe some relevant methods, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and categorize them as preliminary or confirmatory methods where appropriate. Experimental conditions, such as the composition and consistency of culture media, have an impact on bacterial growth and, consequently, phage propagation and the selection of phage-resistant mutants. The phages require different experimental conditions to be tested to fully reveal their characteristics and phage therapy potential in view of their future use in therapy. Phage lytic activity or virulence should be considered as a result of the phage, its host, and intracellular/environmental factors, including the ability of a phage to recognize receptors on the bacterial cell surface. In vitro quantitative and qualitative measurements of phage characteristics, further validated by in vivo experiments, could be incorporated into one system or mathematical model/formula, which could predict a potential successful outcome of clinical applications.
Attitudes to Vaccine Mandates among Late Adopters of COVID-19 Vaccines in Zimbabwe
Authors: Makadzange Azure Tariro , Gundidza Patricia , Lau Charles , Dietrich Janan , Beta Norest , Myburgh Nellie , Elose Nyasha , Ndhlovu Chiratidzo , James Wilmot , Stanberry Lawrence
Published: July 2022

Despite sufficient supply, <25% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine mandates have previously been effective in increasing vaccine uptake. Attitudes to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and vaccines for children in African populations are not well understood. We surveyed late-adopters presenting for COVID-19 vaccination one year after program initiation in Zimbabwe. Logistic regression models were developed to evaluate factors associated with attitudes to mandates. In total, 1016 adults were enrolled; 690 (67.9%) approved of mandating vaccination for use of public spaces, 686 (67.5%) approved of employer mandates, and 796 (78.3%) approved of mandating COVID-19 vaccines for schools. Individuals of lower economic status were twice as likely as high-income individuals to approve of mandates. Further, 743 (73.1%) participants indicated that they were extremely/very likely to accept vaccines for children. Approval of vaccine mandates was strongly associated with perceptions of vaccine safety, effectiveness, and trust in regulatory processes that approved vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy is an important driver of low vaccine coverage in Africa and can be mitigated by vaccine mandates. Overall, participants favored vaccine mandates; however, attitudes to mandates were strongly associated with level of education and socioeconomic status.
Physicochemical Investigation of Rainfall for Managed Aquifer Recharge in Punjab (Pakistan)
Authors: Zakir-Hassan Ghulam , Punthakey Jehangir F. , Shabir Ghulam , Yasmeen Fozia , Sultan Muhammad , Ashraf Hadeed , Sohoo Ihsanullah , Majeed Faizan
Published: July 2022

In a water-scarce country such as Pakistan, rainfall is the third-largest source of freshwater. In most of the urban cities of the country, rainwater is mixed with sewerage and is rendered useless for managed aquifer recharge purposes. Therefore, this study investigates the rainfall potential for managed aquifer recharge in Lahore (Pakistan). The present research was designed and conducted by the Irrigation Research Institute (IRI). Three different sites were selected for rainwater sample collection across the study area (Lahore), ranging from urban to rural areas. The rainwater samples were collected and divided into three categories (direct capture, rooftop runoff, street runoff). For longer rainfall events, the effect of time on the quality of the collected rainwater samples was also studied. Spatiotemporal trends of turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, carbonates, bicarbonates, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and hardness in the collected rainwater samples were investigated. In terms of TDS, results indicated that directly captured rainwater is most suitable for managed aquifer recharge (TDS < 50 ppm), followed by rooftop runoff (TDS < 100 ppm). In addition, the quality of rainwater samples collected at the rural site was comparatively better. Moreover, the quality of rainwater samples improved after the initial ten minutes. All in all, this study concludes that direct capture of rainwater is the most suitable option for managed aquifer recharge.
Effects of Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate (LAE) on Biofilm Detachment: Shear Rate, Concentration, and Dosing Time
Authors: Sun Peng-Fei , Kim Taek-Seung , Ham So-Young , Jang Yong-Sun , Park Hee-Deung
Published: July 2022

Biofilm formation is one of the main obstacles in membrane treatment. The non-oxidizing biocide ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE) is promising for mitigating biofilm development on membrane surfaces. However, the operating conditions of LAE and their impact on biofilm detachment are not comprehensively understood. In this study, a real-time in vitro flow cell system was utilized to observe biofilm dispersal caused by the shear rate, concentration, and treatment time of LAE. This confirmed that the biofilm was significantly reduced to 68.2% at a shear rate of 3.42 s−1 due to the increased physical lifting force. LAE exhibited two different mechanisms for bacterial inactivation and biofilm dispersal. Biofilms treated with LAE at sub-growth inhibitory concentrations for a longer time could effectively detach the biofilm formed on the surface of the glass slides, which can be attributed to the increased motility of microorganisms. However, a high concentration (i.e., bactericidal concentration) of LAE should be seriously considered because of the inactivated sessile bacteria and their residual debris remaining on the surface. This study sheds light on the effect of LAE on biofilm detachment and provides insights into biofouling mitigation during the membrane process.
Understanding the Use of Heterogenous Data in Tackling Urban Flooding: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Ren Ming , Zhang Ziqi , Zhang Jun , Mora Luca
Published: July 2022

Data-driven approaches to urban flooding management require a comprehensive understanding of how heterogenous data are leveraged in tackling this problem. In this paper, we conduct an integrative review of related studies, and this is structured based on two angles: tasks and data. From the selected 69 articles on this topic, diverse tasks in tackling urban flooding are identified and categorized into eight categories, and heterogeneous data are summarized by their content type and source into eight categories. The links between tasks and data are identified by synthesizing what data are used to support the tasks in the studies. The task–data links are a many-to-many relationship in the sense that one particular data category supports multiple tasks, and one particular task uses data from multiple categories. The future research opportunities are also discussed based on our observations. This paper serves a signpost for researchers who wish to gain an overview of the heterogenous data and their use in this field and lays a foundation for studies that aim to develop a data-driven approach to tackle urban flooding.
Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės kanceliarijos knygų rūšys (1522–1540): kaita ir tęstinumas
Authors: Karalius Laimontas
Published: July 2022

TYPES OF THE GRAND DUCHY OF LITHUANIA CHANCELLERY BOOKS (1522–1540):
CHANGES AND CONTINUITY

This article is dedicated to the issues relating to the types of the GDL chancellery books.
The analysed chancellery books are genetically related to the chancellery and represent
the information processing and storage processes used therein. What we have in mind are the chancellery registers of the issued and received documents rather than books of document transcriptions (cartularies). This is speaking in terms of medieval diplomacy. In the framework of the modern archival science, this would be the books of the GDL chancellery acts (records). All the books attributable to the defined period from 1522 to 1540 have been analysed, categorized, and characterized. Orderly books of the chancellery of Albertas Goštautas (Olbracht Gasztołd), the Chancellor and the Voivode of Vilnius, have been chosen as the object of the research. The result of the conducted research is the necessity to change the historiographic perception of the orderly books of the abovementioned Chancellor. Two clearly distinctive and chronologically isolated stages of the principles of chancellery book formation have been discovered and justified when combining the aspects of change and continuity.
PERENCANAAN KEBUTUHAN MATERIAL MENGGUNAKAN METODE LOT-SIZING DENGAN PENERAPAN METODE FORECASTING TIME SERIES DALAM PERENCANAAN PRODUKSI DI KONVEKSI XYZ
Authors: Anggela Pepy , Febriandini Febriandini , Wahyudi Tri
Published: July 2022

Konveksi XYZ merupakan industri yang bergerak di bidang  produksi sekaligus memasarkan atau melakukan penjualan baju gamis. Usaha ini didirikan pada tahun 2012  di Kabupaten Sambas, Kalimantan Barat.  Berdasarkan data historis yang diperoleh, permintaan baju gamis di Konveksi XYZ mengalami fluktuasi tidak menentu yang menyebabkan perusahaan terkadang melakukan produksi dalam jumlah yang belebih dan memproduksi dalam jumlah yang tidak mencukupi, sehingga menyebabkan kegiatan penjualan yang tidak optimal. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengoptimalkan rencana produksi untuk memenuhi permintaan di masa mendatang. Tahapan dalam penelitian ini adalah pengumpulan data, plotting data, peramalan dengan menggunakan metode time series, melakukan uji validasi terhadap metode yang terpilih, membuat RRP, melakukan perencanaan agregat, membuat jadwal induk produksi, membuat RCCP dan melakukan perencanaan kebutuhan material menggunakan 4 metode lot-sizing, yaitu metode LFL, EOQ, POQ dan FPR.. Hasil  penelitian menunjukkan bahwa metode terbaik  adalah metode centered moving average, dikarenakan memiliki nilai MSE terkecil yaitu 4050,13, MAD terkecil yaitu 47,11 serta MAPE terkecil yaitu 11,06%. Total biaya yang dibutuhkan untuk produksi baju gamis selama 12 periode yaitu sebesar Rp 319.120.000,00. Sedangkan perencanaan kebutuhan bahan baku digunakan metode LFL dan metode POQ, dengan total biaya bahan baku baju gamis yang diperlukan untuk 12 periode kedepan yaitu sebesar Rp 428.884.300. Diperoleh biaya untuk masing-masing bahan baku yaitu, bahan baku kain sebesar Rp 456.460.000, resleting sebesar Rp 10.448.000, kancing baju sebesar 1.036.000, kain vislin sebesar Rp 1.840.000, benang jahit sebesar Rp 7.836.000 dan benang obras sebesar Rp 5.224.000. . Sehingga dampak dari penelitian ini ialah, dapat meminimalkan biaya kebutuhan bahan baku.
ANALISIS PERBAIKAN KUALITAS PELAYANAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEPUASAN PELANGGAN DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE SERVQUAL, IPA, DAN REGRESI LINEAR BERGANDA
Authors: Saputra Dandi Dwi
Published: July 2022

Berkembangnya sepeda motor dari tahun ke tahun makin meningkat, populasi kendaraan sepeda motor membutuhkan perawatan atau servis rutin agar motor tetap layak jalan. Muncul banyak bengkel-bengkel kompetitor membuat persaingan semakin meningkat dan memikirkan cara memberikan pelayanan yang sesuai harapan pelanggan. Terjadinya pandemi membuat banyak sektor usaha mengalami penurunan omset pendapatan.Bagaimana menganalisis tingkat kepuasan pelanggan dan faktor apa saja yang mempengaruhi kualitas pelayanan dengan tujuan memperbaiki kualitas pelayanan. Metode Service Quality adalah metode yang sering digunakan untuk mengukur kualitas layanan, Importance Performance Analysis mencari prioritas atribut pelayanan, dan regresi linear berganda mengetahui pengaruh kualitas pelayanan terhadapat kepuasan pelanggan.Dari hasil perhitungan service quality menunjukkan tingkat kinerja dimensi pada umumnya lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan kinerja perusahaan sehingga menghasilkan nilai gap pada tiap dimensinya bernilai positif. Terdapat 1 atribut pertanyaan yang masuk kuadran ini dan menjadi prioritas perbaikan .berdasarkan model regresi ppengaruh dimensi kualitas pelayanan terhadap kepuasan pelanggan adalah sebesar 63.5%, sedangkan 36,5.% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain di luar penelitian.maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa secara umum layanan yang diberikan oleh PT.Thamrin Brothers Sako Kenten sudah memenuhi harapan para pelanggan, dan penyebab naik turunnya omset diperkiraan ada faktor dari luar.s, didapatkan atribut yang masuk dalam kuadran 1 dan menjadi prioritas utama dalam perbaikan, yaitu karyawan menginformasikan kerusakan kendaraan, disimpulkan keempat dimensi kualitas pelayanan tidak berpengaruh terhadap kepuasan pelanggan. Sedangkan satu atribut pertanyaan berpengaruh terhadap kepuasan pelanggan.

Kata Kunci: Kualitas Layanan, Service Quality, IPA, Regresi linear berganda
Virtual Staining, Segmentation, and Classification of Blood Smears for Label-Free Hematology Analysis
Authors: Kaza Nischita , Ojaghi Ashkan , Robles Francisco E.
Published: July 2022

Objective and Impact Statement
. We present a fully automated hematological analysis framework based on single-channel (single-wavelength), label-free deep-ultraviolet (UV) microscopy that serves as a fast, cost-effective alternative to conventional hematology analyzers.
Introduction
. Hematological analysis is essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of several diseases but requires complex systems operated by trained personnel, costly chemical reagents, and lengthy protocols. Label-free techniques eliminate the need for staining or additional preprocessing and can lead to faster analysis and a simpler workflow. In this work, we leverage the unique capabilities of deep-UV microscopy as a label-free, molecular imaging technique to develop a deep learning-based pipeline that enables virtual staining, segmentation, classification, and counting of white blood cells (WBCs) in single-channel images of peripheral blood smears.
Methods
. We train independent deep networks to virtually stain and segment grayscale images of smears. The segmented images are then used to train a classifier to yield a quantitative five-part WBC differential.
Results.
Our virtual staining scheme accurately recapitulates the appearance of cells under conventional Giemsa staining, the gold standard in hematology. The trained cellular and nuclear segmentation networks achieve high accuracy, and the classifier can achieve a quantitative five-part differential on unseen test data.
Conclusion
. This proposed automated hematology analysis framework could greatly simplify and improve current complete blood count and blood smear analysis and lead to the development of a simple, fast, and low-cost, point-of-care hematology analyzer.
A New Combination in Encalypta (Encalyptaceae, Bryophyta)
Authors: Brinda John C. , Ignatov Michael S. , Fedosov Vladimir E.
Published: July 2022

A new combination, Encalypta robbinsii (Sainsbury) Brinda, Ignatov & Fedosov, is established as the correct name for the taxon long known as Bryobartramia novae-valesiae (Broth. ex G. Roth) I. G. Stone & G. A. M. Scott.