bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gardening School to Support Youth Inclusion and Environmental Sustainability in Morocco
Authors: Idrissi Boutaybi Salma , Hartikainen Tiia , Benyamina Yahia , Laine Sofia
Published: December 2024

Youth research has, for decades, focused on examining current societal conditions and their potential shortcomings for young people in areas such as education, income, work, and gender equality. However, it has been less common to integrate planetary boundaries and so-called “overshoot” areas—such as biodiversity loss or climate change—into youth research. This paradigm shift is increasingly necessary, as six out of nine planetary boundaries have already been crossed, and the planet remains on track for approximately 2.7 degrees Celsius (°C) peak warming by 2100. In addition to planetary threats, Morocco faces social challenges, particularly high unemployment. Unemployment is highest among young people aged 15 to 24, reaching 25% over the past decade, nearly double the global youth unemployment rate. This article analyzes a case study we refer to as the “Gardening School” in Morocco, a country facing significant climate stress. It aims to (a) explore new methods for conducting more globally oriented youth research that is ethical and environmentally friendly and (b) examine the wellbeing of young people and their environment, as well as how to support and strengthen both. The findings of this article highlight the potential for youth research to develop new approaches, especially when conducted alongside young people and educational and sustainable environments. These environments enable younger generations to deepen their connection to and understanding of biodiversity, sustainability, and climate change, while learning to use natural resources in a sustainable and ethical manner. This approach ultimately aims to ensure a livable future for the coming generations and foster sustainable employment opportunities.
Decoding Consumer Minds in the Age of Online Accommodation Reviews: A Client Profiling Approach
Authors: Ciocoiu Patricia Elena , Ivasciuc Ioana Simona , Ispas Ana
Published: December 2024

In the era of online accommodation reviews, understanding the consumer mind is essential for the hospitality industry. This study seeks to profile consumers based on their reservation decisions made after reviewing online feedback and to explore the complex relationship between consumer perceptions and their decision-making processes. To lay a solid foundation for this research, a thorough bibliometric analysis was conducted to map the existing literature and identify key trends in the field. Data were collected using a non-probability convenience sampling method through an online survey targeting Romanian residents. Performing a hierarchical cluster analysis, followed by a K-means cluster analysis, distinct consumer segments with varying levels of trust and responsiveness were identified. The four primary clusters are Young Risk-Averse Planners, Trust-Oriented Quality Seekers, Skeptical Detail Seekers and Independent Value Seekers. Each segment displayed unique preferences regarding the types of reviews they value and their influence on booking decisions. These findings highlight the need for hotel managers and marketers to develop tailored strategies that cater to the diverse needs of consumers, enhancing service delivery and promoting sustainable tourism practices. This research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of online reviews and stresses the importance of understanding consumer perceptions in navigating the complexities of today’s hospitality industry.
A State-of-the-Art Review of Hydraulic Fracturing in Geothermal Systems
Authors: Xie Zhiqiang , Han Dongya , Li Jiangteng , Li Kaihui
Published: December 2024

As a renewable and green energy source, geothermal energy holds tremendous developmental value. Hydraulic fracturing plays a significant role in enhancing geothermal energy extraction by improving reservoir permeability and creating pathways for fluid flow. Previous reviews have primarily focused on specific aspects of hydraulic fracturing, such as fracturing processes, cyclic hydraulic fracturing, and sustainability metrics, without comprehensively addressing the gaps in experimental and modeling approaches under real geothermal conditions. This work aims to bridge these gaps by summarizing the current studies on hydraulic fracturing methods, examining critical factors such as loading scheme, injection fluid, and rate, identifying limitations, and proposing potential solutions. Key findings reveal that rock temperature, sample size, and confining pressure significantly influence fracture propagation. However, laboratory experiments often fail to replicate field-scale conditions, particularly for temperatures exceeding 200 °C and for large rock samples. Numerical and theoretical models, although insightful, require further validation through experimental data. To address these limitations, this study suggests potential approaches suitable for hydraulic fracturing under real-world conditions, such as ultra-high-temperature, high-stress environments, and large-scale experiments, which are critical for advancing geothermal systems. This work can serve as a foundation for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of geothermal energy extraction through hydraulic fracturing.
Structure Improvement of Two-Cylinder Engine Cooling Water Jacket Based on Flow Field Simulation
Authors: Yang Lei , Lu Guangtao , Wang Tao
Published: December 2024

The flow and heat transfer of the coolant directly affect the cooling performance, thermal load, and emissions of gasoline engine. The accurate estimation of heat transfer and temperature distribution within engines is crucial for studying thermal stresses and calculating engine performance. This study focuses on the design of a new cooling water jacket structure for a two-cylinder gasoline engine. In the novel structure, the coolant flows from the cylinder block to the cylinder head and then returns to the cylinder block, providing better cooling for the cylinder head. The three-dimensional simulation results show that the overall flow velocity of this structure ranges between 0.1 m/s and 3 m/s, which meets the design requirement of 0.1 m/s to 5 m/s. However, there are still some flow dead zones in this structure, which may lead to insufficient heat transfer. Therefore, the water jacket structure is further optimized. After optimization, the pressure drop between the inlet and outlet is decreased, and the velocity distribution becomes more rational. Both the flow velocity and the heat transfer coefficient meet the design targets. These results can provide theoretical guidance for the structural improvement of the water jacket and approaches to studying the flow characteristics of the coolants.
The Storage and Production of Bioenergy Using Macroalgae Biomass—Part I: Ensiling
Authors: Ditchfield Arlene K. , Kerrison Philip D. , Mair Alison , Hurst George , Green David H. , Stanley Michele S. , Fedenko Jeffrey , Hughes Adam D.
Published: December 2024

Ensiling is a promising low-cost preservation approach that allows for a year-round supply of kelp feedstock for biofuel production via anaerobic digestion. In this study, farm-grown kelps of known age were ensiled with and without the addition of lactic acid bacterial (LAB) inoculant for a duration of up to one year in order to test long-term storage suitability. The study looked at the impacts of different bacterial inoculums on the chemical and microbial composition over the duration of storage. Significant fluctuations in the pH were observed during ensiling, leading to some cases of secondary fermentation and a loss of volatile components; however, over 12 months, the total mass loss was <2% on average. Biochemical compositional changes occurred in the silage over a period of 12 months, but protein, lipid and carbohydrate content remained suitable for biogas production. Microbial analysis showed variability in the bacterial distribution between the ensiled samples that was coincident with pH variability. Despite this variability, the bacterial communities underwent a succession with a selection for ensilage bacteria and drop in spoilage organisms. This shift supports the viability of this ensiled material for future usage. The impact of ensiling on bioenergy production through anaerobic digestion is explored in the second part of this two-part paper.
Pursuing Cleaner Skies: A Study on the Impact of China’s Environmental Protection Tax Law on Haze Pollution
Authors: Zhang Wuxin , Pan Haiying
Published: December 2024

Haze pollution control is integral to green development, and fiscal and taxation policies are fundamental mechanisms supporting this effort. This study leverages the implementation of China’s Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) Law as a quasi-natural experiment to assess the impact and mechanisms of the greening of the tax system on haze pollution based on panel data from 281 prefecture-level cities in China from 2012 to 2021. The findings indicate that (1) the implementation of the EPT Law significantly reduces haze pollution, with results confirmed after a series of robustness tests; (2) the EPT Law controls haze pollution through promoting cleaner industrial structure, fostering green technological innovation, and strengthening the rigidity of environmental law enforcement; (3) fiscal decentralization enhances the inhibitory effect of the implementation of the EPT Law on haze pollution; (4) the haze-reduction effect of the EPT Law is especially notable in non-old industrial bases, areas with less pressure on officials’ promotions, and areas with higher public environmental awareness. This study not only enriches research on the policy effects of the EPT Law but also contributes to the environmental sustainable development goal of greening the tax system and continuously fighting for blue skies.
Durability and Bearing Capacity Assessment of Existing Bridge Pile Foundations for Sustainable Highway Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Jian , Huang Linxuan , Gao Qiang , Ding Hejie , Ren Zhe , Liu Chuanxiao , Cheng Guangtan , Wu Duohua
Published: December 2024

Conducting a reasonable assessment of whether the durability and bearing capacity of concrete used in existing bridge pile foundations can meet all requirements is an important prerequisite for ensuring the reuse of existing bridge pile foundations. With this in mind, this study evaluates the project of the Beijing–Taibei Highway in Shandong Province that must be restored and enlarged. Using static load and concrete durability testing methods, the bearing capacity characteristics and durability of seven existing bridge pile foundations were investigated. Using attribute identification theory, a systematic technique for determining the reuse value of existing piles is proposed. The test examination findings demonstrate that the change curve corresponding to the pile foundation’s ultimate bearing capacity matches the concrete compressive strength curve. The pile foundations had lower ultimate bearing capacity than average. The concrete compressive strengths of the three test piles were 18%, 16.3%, and 17.5% lower than the average compressive strengths of the seven test piles. A comprehensive durability evaluation method for assessing existing piles can effectively evaluate the reuse value of existing piles and promote sustainable highway reconstruction and expansion projects.
Anticipating Mode Shifts Owing to Automated Vehicles Based on a Tourist Behavior Model: Case Study on Travel to Kagoshima
Authors: Zhou Ruixiang , Oeda Yoshinao
Published: December 2024

A decrease in group travel and increase in individual and family travel has led to the diversification of travel demand needs in Japan. In Japan, railways and airlines are the main competitors of personal vehicles for mid- and long-distance travel. The use of a personal vehicle can better meet diverse travel needs by offering greater flexibility; moreover, the development of motorization and the improvement of road networks have placed vehicles in a leading position among mode choices for tourism purposes. At present, Level 3 autonomous driving on expressways has become technically feasible; hence, a mode shift from public transportation to automated vehicles is anticipated because of the reduction in driving fatigue and inherent advantage in terms of greater flexibility conferred by autonomous driving. This shift could contribute to more sustainable travel patterns by optimizing route planning and reducing congestion through more efficient vehicle operations. In this study, a survey was conducted on tourism travel to Kagoshima Prefecture. The collected data were used to construct tourist behavior models, including a mid- and long-distance mode choice model that considers driving fatigue and a tourist attraction visit duration model based on a random utility model. The validity of the model is corroborated by statistical tests showing high goodness-of-fit to the observed data. The results of this model forecast a change in the modal share after the introduction of automated vehicles, with a focus on reducing driving fatigue. These predictions can contribute to the development of future transportation policies and the promotion of tourism.
Nitrite Cycling in Freshwater Ecosystems: A Case Study of an Artificial Reservoir in Eastern China Using Nitrite Dual Isotopes Combined with a Geochemical Model
Authors: Li Xinwei , Zhang Xingzhou , Yang Yuanyuan , Li Yingying , Jia Lujie , Chen Yangjun
Published: December 2024

Reservoirs are hotspots for emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide; however, the nitrite cycling processes associated with nitrous oxide production therein remain poorly understood, limiting a better assessment of the potential for reservoirs to emit nitrous oxide. Accordingly, this study presents the application of the natural abundance isotope technique combined with a geochemical model to elucidate the nitrite cycling in the freshwater aquaculture and non-aquaculture zones of a large artificial reservoir in eastern China. We employed nitrite dual isotopes to identify nitrite transformation processes. Additionally, a steady-state model was used to estimate the rates of these processes as well as the residence time of nitrite. Our findings indicate that nitrite production in this reservoir may be primarily driven by ammonia oxidation. However, the pathways of nitrite removal differ notably between the aquaculture and non-aquaculture zones, suggesting a significant impact of the aquaculture activities. The steady-state model calculations revealed that nitrification may be more pronounced in the aquaculture zones compared to the non-aquaculture zones, which may be related to the altered balance of competition for substrates between phytoplankton and microbes induced by aquaculture activities. Moreover, we observed a latitude-dependent increase in the significance of nitrite oxidation in natural environments, highlighting potential implications for regional and global nitrogen cycling. Our study highlights the complexity of the nitrite cycle and emphasizes the roles of both natural and anthropogenic factors in shaping nitrogen dynamics within freshwater reservoirs. This understanding contributes to a more accurate assessment of the greenhouse gas emission potential of reservoirs, offering valuable implications for the adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices to mitigate climate impacts and support global sustainable development goals.
Chinese-Style Fiscal Decentralization, Government Innovation Investment, and Regional Innovation
Authors: Hu Yujie , Gao Yanlei , Wang Xiudong
Published: December 2024

Innovation is a key driver of high-quality economic development. Building strong relationships between central and local financial authorities, with a clear division of powers and responsibilities and well-coordinated fiscal resources, is both practical and significant. Such collaboration enhances the government’s ability to support scientific and technological innovation, leading to improved outcomes. In this study, multiple mechanisms of fiscal decentralization and government innovation investment in regional innovation were explored based on Chinese-style fiscal decentralization, the theory of fiscal decentralization, and the innovation system. Provincial panel data from 2008 to 2021 were used to examine both the direct effect of fiscal decentralization and the mediating effect of government innovation investment on regional innovation. The results show that fiscal decentralization distorts the government’s fiscal expenditure behavior, significantly inhibiting regional innovation enhancement. The results of a mechanism analysis demonstrate that fiscal decentralization weakens the government’s support and guidance for scientific and technological innovation, but increasing innovation investment can offset this effect and enhance the regional innovation level. Overall, fiscal decentralization negatively affects regional innovation by inhibiting the government’s innovation investment. To address these challenges, the fiscal system requires deeper reform, adjusting the relationship between central and local governments. Additional measures should include improving the government’s performance appraisal system, guiding local authorities to adopt appropriate performance perspectives, increasing fiscal expenditure and the government’s role in scientific and technological innovation, and enhancing independent scientific and technological innovation.
Information Asymmetry in the European Funds Market: Impact on Resource Allocation and Sustainable Development
Authors: Piuaru Brenda-Andreea , Tescașiu Bianca , Epuran Gheorghe , Mosora Mihaela Hrisanta , Ivasciuc Ioana Simona
Published: December 2024

The European Funds market is a key mechanism for fostering regional development and economic growth within the European Union, yet its efficiency can be undermined by information asymmetry, which complicates fund absorption processes. This paper investigates the European Funds market and explores how adverse selection and moral hazard impact the dynamics of the fund allocation. Through qualitative research, the authors assess the European Funds market, identify its key stakeholders, and explore factors influencing funds absorption. Findings reveal complex interactions among European Union institutions, managing authorities, beneficiaries, and consultants. The research highlights economic, administrative, institutional, and social factors that affect fund absorption rates and pinpoint adverse selection and moral hazard as primary consequences of information asymmetry in the European Funds market. By emphasizing the importance of effective communication processes and describing the experiences of various actors in European-funded projects, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. This paper offers a new perspective on the European Funds market and links information asymmetry to inefficiencies in fund allocation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the European Funds market, fostering transparency, enhancing institutional capacities, and promoting sustainability in the governance of public funds.
Agri-Food Policies and Family Farms’ Commercialization: Insights from Brazil
Authors: Wesz Junior Valdemar João , Piras Simone , Grisa Catia , Ghinoi Stefano
Published: December 2024

Brazil is one of the main agricultural producers in the world, and its agri-food system has been experiencing concentration and intensification. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the Brazilian government has implemented different interventions to support family agriculture, such as the National Programme for Strengthening Family Farming (PRONAF), the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Programme (ATER), and different seed distribution programs. Despite the social and economic relevance of these programs, there is a lack of quantitative studies investigating their impact on the resilience of family farms, primarily the promotion of commercialization. We aim to fill this gap by applying propensity score matching techniques to household-level data from the 2014 Brazilian National Household Sample Survey. Only this survey has recorded this type of information to date. We compare the commercialization behavior of policy recipients with that of non-recipients, accounting for interaction effects between different policies. Our results show that PRONAF has had a significant positive impact on family farmers’ propensity to engage in commercialization, and the effect increases if they also have access to technical assistance. Technical assistance alone has a positive effect, while seed distribution appears not to make a significant difference. Our results suggest that an appropriate policy mix can increase the resilience of family farms in emerging countries.
Applying Entropy Weighting and 2-Tuple Linguistic T-Spherical Fuzzy MCDM: A Case Study of Developing a Strategic Sustainability Plan for Istanbul Airport
Authors: Mizrak Filiz , Polat Levent , Tasar Sezin Acik
Published: December 2024

This study presents a novel sustainability plan tailored for Istanbul Airport, leveraging advanced decision-making methodologies to address the urgent need for sustainable practices in aviation. By integrating the entropy weighting and 2-tuple linguistic T-spherical fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models, the study offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating and prioritizing sustainability criteria based on expert input from 12 professionals. The novelty of this research lies in its unique combination of advanced MCDM techniques with cutting-edge technologies, including IoT-enabled monitoring systems, digital twin models, blockchain-based sustainability reporting, and carbon capture initiatives, tailored specifically for large-scale airport operations. The study develops a phased implementation roadmap comprising three stages: (1) a short-term focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy infrastructure, achieving significant cost reductions within a 3–7.5-year payback period; (2) medium-term initiatives integrating IoT and digital twins to enhance operational efficiency; and (3) long-term measures incorporating carbon capture and blockchain for transparency and compliance. Key implementation steps include upgrading energy systems, deploying IoT sensors, creating digital replicas of airport infrastructure, and establishing regulatory and stakeholder collaboration frameworks. This research contributes a replicable framework for airports worldwide, bridging theoretical models with actionable solutions.
Digital Rural Construction and the Welfare of Disadvantaged Children: Exploring the Roles of Government and NGOs
Authors: Liu Qiong , Zhu Cuiying
Published: December 2024

As global sustainable development goals progress, improving the welfare of vulnerable rural populations has become a critical issue for many countries. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2022, this paper examines the impact of Digital Rural Construction (DRC) on the welfare of disadvantaged rural children. Specifically, it explores the mechanisms through which DRC enhances child welfare, focusing on information access, educational resource availability, and medical service accessibility. Additionally, the roles of government and non-governmental organizations in moderating this process are analyzed. The findings show that DRC significantly improves children’s health, education, and psychological well-being. Furthermore, interventions by governments and non-governmental organizations amplify these positive effects, with non-governmental interventions proving particularly effective. This study not only addresses a gap in the literature on the mechanisms linking DRC and child welfare but also offers valuable insights for policymakers from a sustainability perspective.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution of Sales Volume of New Energy Vehicles in China and Analysis of Influencing Factors
Authors: Sun Run , Yang Kun , Peng Zongqi , Pan Meie , Su Danni , Zhang Mingfeng , Ma Lusha , Ma Jingcong , Li Tao
Published: December 2024

China’s transportation carbon emissions account for 10% of the total, with nearly 90% originating from road transport. Additionally, China is the world’s largest automotive demand market. Therefore, in the context of achieving the “dual carbon” goals, the promotion and application of new energy vehicles (NEVs) are particularly crucial. However, the current situation regarding the promotion trends and driving mechanisms of NEVs in China remains unclear. Therefore, this study, based on panel data, explores the spatial-temporal evolution of NEV sales in China from 2016 to 2022 through spatial analysis. Simultaneously, based on correlation analysis and geographical detectors, this study qualitatively and quantitatively investigates the driving factors of NEV sales in China. The results show that: (1) China’s NEV sales will increase by 5.7 million units in the seven years from 2016 to 2022, which is an extremely fast growth rate; (2) There are significant spatial-temporal heterogeneities in the sales of NEVs in China. Sales in the eastern region constitute the largest share among the four major economic regions, accounting for 61% by 2022. The northeastern region has the lowest sales, representing only 2.9% of the national total. (3) Among different provinces, the sales in coastal provinces such as Guangdong, ZheJiang, and Jiangsu are much higher than in inland provinces like Tibet and QingHai. (4) The contribution rates of driving factors vary across regions. Overall, however, the order of influence factors is as follows: road length (0.49) > proportion of the tertiary industry (0.48) > road area (0.40). Therefore, infrastructure is identified as the primary influencing factor for the promotion of NEV. This study has revealed the spatial-temporal evolution of NEV sales and their driving mechanisms, aiming to provide theoretical support for the promotion of NEVs in China.
Industrial Sufficiency: A Conceptual Methodological Framework
Authors: Schmidhäuser Paul , Inhofer Max , Buchholz Annika , Mais Franziska , Miehe Robert
Published: December 2024

Implementing sustainability strategies is essential for the future viability of companies. While companies have been focusing intensively on the operationalization of efficiency and consistency for quite some time, sufficiency approaches are rare. As a result, there is a lack of fundamental understanding of the concept, its inherent potential, as well as a lack of basic implementation concepts for strategies, management systems, and product and process development. Based on a literature review using Scopus and Web of Science according to the PRISMA approach, this paper develops a definition for the concept of industrial sufficiency and presents three general industrial sufficiency strategies (frugality, longevity, and specificity) regarding three distinct business determinants (product, production, and business model). The investigation shows that not only can there be overlaps between the three general sustainability strategies (efficiency, consistency, and sufficiency) but that individual measures are also mutually dependent at different levels. In addition, significant conflicts of objectives for implementation in industrial practice are revealed.
Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Tolerance in Bacteria: A Review
Authors: Nnaji Nnabueze Darlington , Anyanwu Chukwudi U , Miri Taghi , Onyeaka Helen
Published: December 2024

Heavy metal pollution from industrial activities and poor waste disposal poses significant environmental and health threats to humans and animals. This calls for sustainable approaches to the cleanup of heavy metals. This review explores metal tolerance mechanisms of bacteria such as the formation of biofilms, efflux systems, and enzymatic detoxification. These mechanisms allow bacteria communities to adapt and survive in contaminated environments. These adaptations are enhanced by mutations in the bacteria genes and by horizontal gene transfers, enabling bacteria species to survive under environmental stress while simultaneously contributing to nutrient cycling and the decomposition of organic matter. This review further explores the symbiotic interactions between bacteria, plants, and animals. These relationships enhance the metal tolerance ability of the different living organisms involved and are also very important in the bioremediation and phytoremediation of heavy metals. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, Rhizobium, and Bacillus species are very important contributors to phytoremediation; they improve heavy metal uptake, improve the growth of roots, and plants resilience to stress. Moreover, this review highlights the importance of genetically engineered bacteria in closed-loop systems for optimized metal recovery. This offers environmentally friendly and sustainable options to the traditional remediation methods. Engineered Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 and Pseudomonas putida strain 15420352 overexpressing metallothioneins have shown enhanced metal-binding capabilities, which makes them very effective in the treatment of industrial wastewaters and in biosorption applications. The use of engineered bacteria for the cleanup of heavy metals in closed-loop systems promotes the idea of a circular economy by recycling metals, thus reducing environmental waste. Multidisciplinary research that integrates synthetic biology, microbial ecology, and environmental science is very important for the advancement of metal bioremediation technologies. This review’s analysis on bacterial metal tolerance, symbiosis, and bioengineering strategies offers a pathway to effective bioremediation options, for the reclamation of heavy metal-polluted environments while promoting sustainable environmental practices.
High-Efficiency and Ultrawideband Polarization Conversion Metasurface Based on Topology and Shape Optimizaiton Design Method
Authors: Liu Chuan , Tang Yi , Wang Jian
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a two-stage optimization method for designing an ultrawideband polarization conversion metasurface. By integrating topology and shape optimization techniques, the proposed method expands the design space to achieve enhanced polarization conversion bandwidth. The first stage employs genetic-algorithm-based topology optimization to establish the initial structural configuration through binary coding. Subsequently, the second stage refines the design through shape optimization by extracting and modifying the boundaries of the topology-optimized structure. The optimized design demonstrates high polarization conversion efficiency (>90%) across 4.08–14.39 GHz, yielding a relative bandwidth of 111.64%, which represents a 4.88% improvement compared to topology-only optimization. This enhancement demonstrates the effectiveness of our combined optimization method in ultrawideband polarization conversion metasurface design, offering a promising method for developing high-performance electromagnetic devices.
Implementing the MOLS Table for n Up to 500
Authors: Miller Alice , Abel R. Julian R. , Valkov Ivaylo , Fraser Douglas
Published: December 2024

Latin squares are an essential tool in the construction of combinatorial designs. Optimal solutions for problems such as scheduling problems and permutation arrays for powerline communication rely on the ability to construct sets of mutually orthogonal Latin squares (MOLS) that are as large as possible. Although constructions of suitable sets are known, they are scattered among a wide variety of sources, and can be both difficult to understand and contain errors. We describe our experience implementing the largest known sets of MOLS of order n, for n up to 500. We give a source for each construction, provide additional hints for the difficult cases, and correct some errors along the way. We also give constructions for new sets of MOLS of order n, where n is 486, 567, 622, 635, 754, 756, 764, 766, 774, 778, 802, 810, 822, 826, 894, 906, 916, 920 or 936.
Minimization of Construction and Operation Costs of the Fuel Cell Bus Transportation System
Authors: Chiang Po-Han , Ke Bwo-Ren , Yen Shi-Jim , Chien Wei-Che
Published: December 2024

This paper took the actual bus transportation system as the object, simulated the operating state of the system, replaced all the current diesel engine buses with fuel cell buses using electrolysis-produced hydrogen, and completed the existing timetable and routes. In the study, the numbers of hydrogen production stations and hydrogen storage stations, the maximum hydrogen storage capacity of the buses, the supplementary hydrogen capacity of the buses, and the hydrogen production capacity of the hydrogen storage stations were used as the optimal adjustment parameters for minimizing the ten-year construction and operating costs of the fuel cell bus transportation system by the artificial bee colony algorithm. Two hydrogen supply methods, decentralized and centralized hydrogen production, were analyzed. This paper used the actual bus timetable to simulate the operation of the buses, including 14 transfer stations and 112 routes. The results showed that the use of centralized hydrogen production and partitioned hydrogen production transfer stations could indeed reduce the construction and operating costs of the fuel cell bus transportation system. Compared with the decentralized hydrogen production case, the construction and operating costs could be reduced by 6.9%, 12.3%, and 14.5% with one, two, and three zones for centralized hydrogen production, respectively.
Constant Companionship Without Disturbances: Enhancing Transparency to Improve Automated Tasks in Urban Rail Transit Driving
Authors: Ding Tiecheng , Zhi Jinyi , Yu Dongyu , Li Ruizhen , He Sijun , Wu Wenyi , Jing Chunhui
Published: December 2024

Enhancing transparency through interface design is an effective method for improving driving safety while reducing driver workloads, potentially fostering human–machine collaboration. However, to ensure system usability and safety, operator psychological factors and operational performance must be well balanced. This study investigates how the introduction of transparency design into urban rail transit driving tasks influences drivers’ situational awareness (SA), trust in automation (TiA), sense of agency (SoA), workload, operational performance, and visual behavior. Three transparency driver–machine interface (DMI) information conditions were evaluated: DMI1, which provided continuous feedback on vehicle operating status and actions; DMI1+2, which added inferential explanations; and DMI1+2+3, which further incorporated proactive predictions. Results from simulated driving experiments with 32 participants indicated that an appropriate level of transparency significantly enhanced TiA and SoA, thereby yielding the greatest acceptance. High transparency significantly aided in predictable takeover tasks but affected gains in TiA and SoA, increased workload, and disrupted perception-level SA. Compared with previous research findings, this study indicates the presence of a disparity in transparency needs for low-workload tasks. Therefore, caution should be exercised when introducing high-transparency designs in urban rail transit driving tasks. Nonetheless, an appropriate transparency interface design can enhance the driving experience.
Numerical Simulations of Thermodynamic Processes in the Chamber of a Liquid Piston Compressor for Hydrogen Applications
Authors: Bezrukovs Valerijs , Bezrukovs Vladislavs , Konuhova Marina , Bezrukovs Deniss , Kaldre Imants , Popov Anatoli I.
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the results of numerical simulations examining the thermodynamic processes during hydraulic hydrogen compression, using COMSOL Multiphysics® 6.0. These simulations focus on the application of hydrogen compression systems, particularly in hydrogen refueling stations. The computational models employ the CFD and heat transfer modules, along with deforming mesh technology, to simulate gas compression and heat transfer dynamics. The superposition method was applied to simplify the analysis of hydrogen and liquid piston interactions within a stainless-steel chamber, accounting for heat exchange between the hydrogen, the oil (working fluid), and the cylinder walls. The study investigates the effects of varying compression stroke durations and initial hydrogen pressures, providing detailed insights into temperature distributions and energy consumption under different conditions. The results reveal that the upper region of the chamber experiences significant heating, highlighting the need for efficient cooling systems. Additionally, the simulations show that longer compression strokes reduce the power requirement for the liquid pump, offering potential for optimizing system design and reducing equipment costs. This study offers crucial data for enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic hydrogen compression systems, paving the way for improved energy consumption and thermal management in high-pressure applications.
Contamination Characteristics of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Multi-Vector Environment in Typical Regional Fattening House
Authors: Wang Kai , Shen Dan , Guo Zhendong , Zhong Qiuming , Huang Kai
Published: December 2024

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging as significant environmental contaminants, posing potential health risks worldwide. Intensive livestock farming, particularly swine production, is a primary contributor to the escalation of ARG pollution. In this study, we employed metagenomic sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to analyze the composition of microorganisms and ARGs across four vectors in a typical swine fattening facility: dung, soil, airborne particulate matter (PM), and fodder. Surprisingly, soil and PM harbored a higher abundance of microorganisms and ARGs than dung. At the same time, fodder was more likely to carry eukaryotes. Proteobacteria exhibited the highest propensity for carrying ARGs, with proportions 9–20 times greater than other microorganisms. Furthermore, a strong interrelation among various ARGs was observed, suggesting the potential for cooperative transmission mechanisms. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing soil and PM as significant reservoirs of ARGs in swine facilities alongside dung. Consequently, targeted measures should be implemented to mitigate their proliferation, mainly focusing on airborne PM, which can rapidly disseminate via air currents. Proteobacteria, given their remarkable carrying capacity for ARGs with the primary resistance mechanism of efflux, represent a promising avenue for developing novel control strategies against antibiotic resistance.
Mimicking Wormholes in Born–Infeld Electrodynamics
Authors: Beltrán Jiménez Jose , Garay Luis J. , Pérez Garrote María
Published: December 2024

We compute the evolution of linear perturbations on top of a background solution of a general nonlinear electromagnetic theory. This evolution can be described in terms of two effective metrics, and we analyze under what conditions they are conformally related so that they can be regarded as analog models of non-trivial gravitational fields in the eikonal approximation. This is the case in Born–Infeld theory. For the background created by a static point electric charge in the Born–Infeld theory, the effective metric describes a wormhole geometry for light rays. Depending on the impact parameter, incoming light rays are either scattered to infinity or approach the wormhole slowing down their pace until they hit the charge at vanishing speed. The same effective wormhole geometry is obtained for a magnetic monopole and a dyon and we relate it to the duality invariance of Born–Infeld electromagnetism. Finally, we analyze the scalar Dirac–Born–Infeld theory and show that the effective wormhole geometry is not generated by a particle with scalar charge.
Correction: Abdulrahim et al. Evaluation of Tissue Tropism and Horizontal Transmission of a Duck Enteritis Virus Vectored Vaccine in One-Day-Old Chicken. Viruses 2024, 16, 1681
Authors: Abdulrahim Yassin , You Yingying , Wang Linggou , Bi Zhixiang , Xie Lihua , Chen Saisai , Kaufer Benedikt B. , Damiani Armando Mario , Huang Kehe , Wang Jichun
Published: December 2024

In the original publication [...]
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus: Insights into Pathogenesis, Immune Evasion, and Technological Innovations in Oncolytic and Vaccine Development
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Mustaf , Okesanya Olalekan John , Ukoaka Bonaventure Michael , Ibrahim Adamu Muhammad , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: December 2024

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) represents a significant advancement in therapeutic medicine, offering unique molecular and cellular characteristics that make it exceptionally suitable for medical applications. The bullet-shaped morphology, RNA genome organization, and cytoplasmic replication strategy provide fundamental advantages for both vaccine development and oncolytic applications. VSV’s interaction with host cells through the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) and its sophisticated transcriptional regulation mechanisms enables precise control over therapeutic applications. The virus demonstrates remarkable versatility through its rapid replication cycle, robust immune response induction, and natural neurotropism. Recent technological innovations in VSV engineering have led to enhanced safety protocols and improved therapeutic modifications, particularly in cancer treatment. Attenuation strategies have successfully addressed safety concerns while maintaining the therapeutic efficacy of the virus. The molecular and cellular interactions of VSV, particularly its immune modulation capabilities and tumor-selective properties, have proven valuable in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. This review explores these aspects, while highlighting the continuing evolution of VSV-based therapeutic approaches in precision medicine.
A Randomized, Blinded, Vehicle-Controlled Dose-Ranging Study to Evaluate and Characterize Remdesivir Efficacy Against Ebola Virus in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Zumbrun Elizabeth E. , Garvey Carly B. , Wells Jay B. , Lynn Ginger C. , Van Tongeren Sean A. , Steffens Jesse T. , Wetzel Kelly S. , Wetzel Darrell L. , Esham Heather L. , Garza Nicole L. , Lee Eric D. , Scruggs Jennifer L. , Rossi Franco D. , Brown Elizabeth S. , Weidner Jessica M. , Gomba Laura M. , O’Brien Kristan A. , Jay Alexandra N. , Zeng Xiankun , Akers Kristen S. , Kallgren Paul A. , Englund Ethan , Meinig J. Matthew , Kugelman Jeffrey R. , Moore Joshua L. , Bloomfield Holly A. , Norris Sarah L. , Bryan Tameka , Scheuerell Christie H. , Walters Jesse , Mollova Nevena , Blair Christiana , Babusis Darius , Cihlar Tomas , Porter Danielle P. , Singh Bali , Hedskog Charlotte , Bavari Sina , Warren Travis K. , Bannister Roy
Published: December 2024

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes severe disease in humans, with mortality as high as 90%. The small-molecule antiviral drug remdesivir (RDV) has demonstrated a survival benefit in EBOV-exposed rhesus macaques. Here, we characterize the efficacy of multiple intravenous RDV dosing regimens on survival of rhesus macaques 42 days after intramuscular EBOV exposure. Thirty rhesus macaques underwent surgical implantation of telemetry devices for the fine-scale monitoring of body temperature and activity, as well as central venous catheters, to enable treatment administration and blood collection. Treatment, consisting of a loading dose of RDV followed by once-daily maintenance doses for 11 days, was initiated 4 days after virus exposure when all animals were exhibiting disease signs consistent with incipient EBOV disease as well as quantifiable levels of EBOV RNA in plasma. In the RDV treatment groups receiving loading/maintenance doses of 5/2.5 mg/kg, 10/5 mg/kg, and 20/10 mg/kg, a total of 6 of 8 (75%), 7 of 8 (87.5%), and 5 of 7 (71.4%) animals survived, respectively. In the vehicle control group, one of seven animals (14.3%) survived. The improved survival rate compared to the control group was statistically significant only for the 10/5 mg/kg RDV treatment group. This treatment regimen also resulted in a significantly lower systemic viral load compared to the vehicle control after a single RDV treatment. All three RDV regimens produced a significantly lower systemic viral load after two treatments. For most animals, RDV treatment, regardless of dose, resulted in the amelioration of many of the clinical–pathological changes associated with EBOV disease in this model.
Pichia pastoris-Derived β-Glucan Capsules as a Delivery System for DNA Vaccines
Authors: Pinho Samara Sousa de , Invenção Maria da Conceição Viana , Silva Anna Jéssica Duarte , Macêdo Larissa Silva de , Espinoza Benigno Cristofer Flores , Leal Lígia Rosa Sales , da Gama Marco Antonio Turiah Machado , Moura Ingrid Andrêssa de , Silva Micaela Evellin dos Santos , Souza Débora Vitória Santos de , Lara Marina Linhares , Alves Julia Nayane Soares Azevedo , Freitas Antonio Carlos de
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: DNA vaccines are rapidly produced and adaptable to different pathogens, but they face considerable challenges regarding stability and delivery to the cellular target. Thus, effective delivery methods are essential for the success of these vaccines. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of capsules derived from the cell wall of the yeast Pichia pastoris as a delivery system for DNA vaccines. Methods: The capsules were extracted from the yeast Pichia pastoris strain GS115, previously grown in a YPD medium. pVAX1 expression vector was adopted to evaluate the DNA vaccine insertion and delivery. Three encapsulation protocols were tested to identify the most effective in internalizing the plasmid. The presence of plasmids inside the capsules was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy, and the encapsulation efficiency was calculated by the difference between the initial concentration of DNA used for insertion and the concentration of unencapsulated DNA contained in the supernatant. The capsules were subjected to different temperatures to evaluate their thermostability and were co-cultured with macrophages for phagocytosis analysis. HEK-293T cells were adopted to assess the cytotoxicity levels by MTT assay. Results: The microscopy results indicated that the macrophages successfully phagocytosed the capsules. Among the protocols tested for encapsulation, the one with 2% polyethylenimine for internalization showed the highest efficiency, with an encapsulation rate above 80%. However, the vaccine capsules obtained with the protocol that used 5% NaCl showed better thermal stability and encapsulation efficiency above 63% without induction of cell viability loss in HEK 293T. Conclusions: We successfully described a vaccine delivery system using yeast capsules derived from Pichia pastoris, demonstrating its potential for DNA vaccine delivery for the first time. Additional studies will be needed to characterize and improve this delivery strategy.