bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neighbours in the City: “Four Animal Spirits” in Beijing from the 19th Century to the Present
Authors: Ju Xi
Published: March 2023

In northern China, four animals—the fox, weasel, hedgehog, and snake—are commonly believed to have the magical power of immortality, and they are referred to as the Four Animal Spirits (四大门, sidamen). Researchers have regarded these spirits as part of a form of shamanism, but what I learned from my fieldwork in Beijing suggests a different understanding. From the 19th century to the present day, many inhabitants of Beijing have consistently believed that the Four Animal Spirits have their own personalities, intentionalities, and social organisation. They can change their status through self-cultivation, and they share the city with humans, who are their neighbours. As humans can understand animals, these animals can understand humans and respond rationally to changes happening in the world. These beliefs are not unique to Beijing’s residents; indeed, similar ideas can be found in classical Chinese literature before the Han Dynasty (202–220 BCE); moreover, these beliefs differ significantly from the widely accepted theory of shamanism. Knowing about the Four Animal Spirits does not constitute a window into or a way of organising human societies; the Four Animal Spirits do not represent a cultural structure or deep unconsciousness. They provide knowledge about the relationship between humans and animals and entice people to learn about these animals, live with them, and, ultimately, construct a world in which humans and animals can coexist.
Effects of Surface Wave-Induced Mixing and Wave-Affected Exchange Coefficients on Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Jialin , Liu Qingxiang , Sun Jian , Li Rui , Guan Changlong
Published: March 2023

Surface waves perform a crucial role in modulating tropical cyclone (TC) systems and have proved to be key for numerical TC predictions. In this study, we investigate the effects of wave-induced mixing and wave-affected surface exchange coefficients using a coupled ocean–atmosphere–wave model for two real TC cases: Shanshan (2018) and Megi (2010). The results demonstrate that wave-affected surface exchange coefficients enhance air–sea heat fluxes and have a significantly positive effect on simulated TC intensity, size, and strengthening process. In contrast, the wave-induced mixing has a negative impact on TC intensity and size and is not conducive to TC intensification and maintenance. The net effect of these two factors is a balance between the wave-affected positive contribution and the negative contribution from wave-induced sea surface temperature cooling. We find that the effect of wave-induced mixing on a TC system depends on the local thermal structure of the ocean. When the thermocline is weak and there is warm water at the wave-induced mixing penetration depth, the negative effect of the wave-induced mixing is weak. However, when there is cold subsurface water and a strong thermocline, wave-induced mixing has a significant impact, which exceeds the wave-driven positive feedback.
Snowfall Variation in Eastern Mediterranean Catchments
Authors: Voudouri Kalliopi Artemis , Ntona Maria Margarita , Kazakis Nerantzis
Published: March 2023

This study aims to present and analyze the time series of the snow parameters focusing on representative geographical areas of the Eastern Mediterranean (i.e., Greece and Italy) and to examine their seasonal variability, in terms of region and geography. The satellite retrievals were firstly validated against in-situ retrievals for 67 common days, with a mean bias equal to −0.018 cm, with a near-Gaussian distribution, showing the good performance of the satellite snow detection. The satellite-based analysis resulted in increasing trends of snow water equivalent, attributed to the enhanced values between 2000 and 2009; however, decreasing trends are found starting from 2010 until now of −1.79 × 10−17 and −2.31 × 10−18 over the two representative areas of Greece (e.g., Thessaloniki and Kozani). A similar pattern is found for the snow water equivalent in the Italian study area, with a decreasing trend of −4.45 × 10−18. The presented results contribute to a better understanding of the spatial snow distribution and the snow coverage seasonality that could be crucial for the long-term groundwater management, by combining snow data trends from in-situ data and satellite statistics.
Semantic Segmentation of High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images Based on Sparse Self-Attention and Feature Alignment
Authors: Sun Li , Zou Huanxin , Wei Juan , Cao Xu , He Shitian , Li Meilin , Liu Shuo
Published: March 2023

Semantic segmentation of high-resolution remote sensing images (HRSI) is significant, yet challenging. Recently, several research works have utilized the self-attention operation to capture global dependencies. HRSI have complex scenes and rich details, and the implementation of self-attention on a whole image will introduce redundant information and interfere with semantic segmentation. The detail recovery of HRSI is another challenging aspect of semantic segmentation. Several networks use up-sampling, skip-connections, parallel structure, and enhanced edge features to obtain more precise results. However, the above methods ignore the misalignment of features with different resolutions, which affects the accuracy of the segmentation results. To resolve these problems, this paper proposes a semantic segmentation network based on sparse self-attention and feature alignment (SAANet). Specifically, the sparse position self-attention module (SPAM) divides, rearranges, and resorts the feature maps in the position dimension and performs position attention operations (PAM) in rearranged and restored sub-regions, respectively. Meanwhile, the proposed sparse channel self-attention module (SCAM) groups, rearranges, and resorts the feature maps in the channel dimension and performs channel attention operations (CAM) in the rearranged and restored sub-channels, respectively. SPAM and SCAM effectively model long-range context information and interdependencies between channels, while reducing the introduction of redundant information. Finally, the feature alignment module (FAM) utilizes convolutions to obtain a learnable offset map and aligns feature maps with different resolutions, helping to recover details and refine feature representations. Extensive experiments conducted on the ISPRS Vaihingen, Potsdam, and LoveDA datasets demonstrate that the proposed method precedes general semantic segmentation- and self-attention-based networks.
A Sound and Vibration Fusion Method for Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearings under Speed-Varying Conditions
Authors: Wan Haibo , Gu Xiwen , Yang Shixi , Fu Yanni
Published: March 2023

The fault diagnosis of rolling bearings is critical for the reliability assurance of mechanical systems. The operating speeds of the rolling bearings in industrial applications are usually time-varying, and the monitoring data available are difficult to cover all the speeds. Though deep learning techniques have been well developed, the generalization capacity under different working speeds is still challenging. In this paper, a sound and vibration fusion method, named the fusion multiscale convolutional neural network (F-MSCNN), was developed with strong adaptation performance under speed-varying conditions. The F-MSCNN works directly on raw sound and vibration signals. A fusion layer and a multiscale convolutional layer were added at the beginning of the model. With comprehensive information, such as the input, multiscale features are learned for subsequent classification. An experiment on the rolling bearing test bed was carried out, and six datasets under various working speeds were constructed. The results show that the proposed F-MSCNN can achieve high accuracy with stable performance when the speeds of the testing set are the same as or different from the training set. A comparison with other methods on the same datasets also proves the superiority of F-MSCNN in speed generalization. The diagnosis accuracy improves by sound and vibration fusion and multiscale feature learning.
Self-Declared and Measured Prevalence of Glucocorticoid Use in Polish Athletes
Authors: Pokrywka Andrzej , Berezovska Daria , Lewandowska-Pachecka Sylwia , Krzywański Jarosław , Rynkowski Michał , Wicka Mariola , Kwiatkowska Dorota , Faiss Raphael
Published: March 2023

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are included in the list of prohibited substances and methods in sport published annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In its 2022 update, the WADA list prohibits all injectable routes of administration of GCs for use during in-competition periods. Previously, GCs were prohibited in-competition when administered by oral, intravenous, intramuscular, or rectal routes, but local injections (in addition to topical applications) were allowed. This study first investigated the prevalence of GC use by athletes in Poland, declared in 2130 doping control forms, and the related 2130 urine samples analysed at the Polish Anti-Doping Laboratory. Second, the validity of the analytical methodology to detect GCs was evaluated with the updated WADA requirement for substance-specific minimum reporting levels and considering the proposed washout periods. Despite the new regulation in place, the use of 30 different GC preparations were declared in a total of 162 occurrences (8% of the tests) with therapeutic purposes. Laboratory analyses resulted in the presence of GCs in 16 occurrences with only two samples with a concentration triggering an adverse analytical finding. Our study allowed us to confirm that the applied methodology for the determination of GCs in urine samples (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry) remains fully valid after the latter regulation change while the challenge to assess the timing and administration route for GCs persists.
Study on the Response of Tunnel Lining under Fault Dislocation
Authors: Bao Liangliang , Wei Feng
Published: March 2023

In order to clarify the influence of fault dislocation on tunnel lining, the FEM and single factor variable methods were used to explore the influence of the degree of fault dislocation, dip angle, width, the intersection angle between the strike and the tunnel axis, and the fault dislocation form on the lining structure response, based on which length of the lining anti-dislocation set-up for engineering design was obtained. The research shows that the maximum displacement of the lining is basically consistent with the fault displacement; with the increase of the fault width, the overall fortification range of the tunnel increases. Among the three types of fault dislocation, the axial force of the lining caused by reverse fault dislocation is the largest, the level of normal fault is the moderate, and the strike-slip fault is the smallest. With the increase of the intersection angle between the fault strike and the tunnel axis, the lining gradually changes from tension-shear failure to shear failure. It is suggested that the tunnel should cross the fault at a large angle as far as possible. If it is unavoidable to cross the fault when selecting the tunnel route in the project, the tunnel axis should be selected to cross the fault vertically as far as possible.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Sustainable Power Systems and Optimization
Authors: Bai Xiaoqing , Wei Chun , Li Peijie , Xiao Dongliang
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the installed capacity of renewable energy in power systems has increased rapidly to resolve global climate warming issues and promote sustainable development [...]
Optimal Allocation and Sizing of Distributed Generation Using Interval Power Flow
Authors: Nogueira Wallisson C. , Garcés Negrete Lina P. , López-Lezama Jesús M.
Published: March 2023

Modern distribution systems and microgrids must deal with high levels of uncertainty in their planning and operation. These uncertainties are mainly due to variations in loads and distributed generation (DG) introduced by new technologies. This scenario brings new challenges to planners and system operators that need new tools to perform more assertive analyses of the grid state. This paper presents an optimization methodology capable of considering uncertainties in the optimal allocation and sizing problem of DG in distribution networks. The proposed methodology uses an interval power flow (IPF) that adds uncertainties to the combinatorial optimization problem in charge of sizing and allocating DG units in the network. Two metaheuristics were implemented for comparative purposes, namely, symbiotic organism search (SOS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The proposed methodology was implemented in Python® using as benchmark distribution systems the IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus test distribution networks. The objective function consists of minimizing technical losses and regulating network voltage levels. The results obtained from the proposed IPF on the tested networks are compatible with those obtained by the PPF, thus evidencing the robustness and applicability of the proposed method. For the solution of the optimization problem, the SOS metaheuristic proved to be robust, since it was able to find the best solutions (lowest losses) while keeping voltage levels within the predetermined range. On the other hand, the PSO metaheuristic showed less satisfactory results, since for all test systems, the solutions found were of lower quality than the ones found by the SOS.
Islamic Economy and Sustainability: A Bibliometric Analysis Using R
Authors: Lada Suddin , Chekima Brahim , Ansar Rudy , Abdul Jalil Mohamad Isa , Fook Lim Ming , Geetha Caroline , Bouteraa Mohamed , Abdul Karim Mohd Rahimie
Published: March 2023

Using a literature review and bibliometric analysis, this research aims to analyse the relationship between the Islamic economy and sustainability. The study aimed to systematically document the intellectual structure, volume, tendencies of knowledge development, the author, and source impact. Using Microsoft Excel and R Studio, information is compiled from Scopus databases and analysed. We gathered a searchable database of the 76 most relevant papers from the last twenty-two years based on a vast amount of literature. Preliminary data suggests that between 2000 and 2022, there has been an increase in the number of works written on the Islamic economy. The bibliometric study using R identifies the subject’s most influential journals, authors, and papers. This study demonstrates that a new research topic can be derived by condensing the essential aspects of the Islamic economy and sustainability into a single concept, thereby opening up new research avenues in both the expansive field of the Islamic economy and the relatively new and hotly debated field of sustainability.
The Role of Two Social Marketing Strategies and Communication Design in Chinese Households’ Waste-Sorting Intentions and Behavior: A Theory of Planned Behavior Approach
Authors: Wang Xiao , Lin Lin
Published: March 2023

As part of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China aims to establish waste-sorting facilities in 436 cities by 2035. The success of waste sorting is dependent on individual-level changes as well as macro-level changes. Guided by the theory of planned behavior, the present analysis aimed to answer two questions: (a) What variables (e.g., attitudes and norms) were related to Chinese residents’ waste-sorting intentions, and (b) what social marketing strategies and design were related to the participants’ waste-sorting intentions? A cross-sectional survey of 459 Chinese participants was conducted in March 2021. Participants’ attitudes toward waste sorting, perceived norms, self-efficacy, exposure to social marketing strategies, evaluation of communication design, and several other variables were measured using questionnaire items. The participants’ attitudes toward waste sorting, perceived norms, self-efficacy, and hope predicted their intentions to sort waste. More importantly, two main social marketing strategies emerged from the analysis: Benefits and ways of waste sorting and the consequences of noncompliance. Promoting the benefits of and ways of waste sorting and communication design predicted intentions: These relationships were mediated by attitudes, norms, self-efficacy, and hope. On the other hand, strategies related to the consequences of noncompliance were a weak predictor of perceived norms and self-efficacy. Our results were significant because they provide guidance for future waste-sorting programs on the social marketing strategies to use and the need for more professional and well-designed promotional materials.
Special Issue on Advances in Operations and Supply Chain Management with Sustainability Considerations
Authors: Choi Sungyong
Published: March 2023

As environmental issues emerge as a topic of concern for people around the world, appropriate international regulations and agreements are required to conserve the planet and prevent climate change that is catastrophic for humans and ecosystems [...]
Outdoor Science Approach with Peer Tutoring at University Level as an Example of Implementing Sustainable Development Strategies
Authors: Radulović Branka , Džinović Milanka , Mandić Danimir , Zukorlić Mirsada , Starijaš Gorana
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Education for sustainable development emphasizes the need to train future teachers to apply effective approaches to ensure the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the 2030 Agenda. (2) Methods: The research aim was to determine empirical data to introduce an outdoor science teaching approach with peer tutoring to teacher candidates through its impact on their performance, i.e., achievement, perceived mental effort, and opinion on the applied approach. The applied approach represents the integration of physics and geography through the elective course homeland geography at the Faculty of Teacher Education in Belgrade. Students performed outdoor measurements of physical quantities in created tasks. The tasks aimed to engage students’ spatial thinking and critical observation skills, whereas the use of verbal skills and content presentation skills was encouraged through peer tutoring. (3) Results: The research results showed a positive impact of an outdoor science teaching approach with peer tutoring on students’ achievement. Additionally, we found that perceived mental effort decreases with the use of this approach. Lower mental effort indicated more space in working memory, which can be used for processing new information. Therefore, obtained results indicated that the applied teaching approach is suitable for students. (4) Conclusions: The obtained results should incentivize other faculties that train future teachers to apply an outdoor teaching approach with peer tutoring. As a result of preparing future teachers in a way that promotes awareness of sustainable development and the local environment, it can be expected that young people will be more interested in solving these important issues because they will see them in their environment and be connected to them.
The Effects of the Exercise Intervention on Fundamental Movement Skills in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ye Yue , Ning Ke , Wan Bingjun , Shangguan Chunzi
Published: March 2023

To explore the effect of exercise intervention on fundamental movement skills (FMS) of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Following the principle of PICOS, randomized controlled trials of the effect of exercise intervention on the FMS of ADHD/ASD children were searched. A total of 12 articles and 396 participants were included. Review Manager5.4 and Stata16.0 software were used to process and analyze the data. The results revealed that (1) exercise intervention can improve the gross motor skills of children with ADHD/ASD (p < 0.00001). Aquatic therapy (SMD = 56.54, 95% CI = 38.83–74.25) has a better effect on stability skills, and FMS intervention (SMD = 17.58, 95% CI = 1.78–33.38) has a better effect on locomotor skills and object control skills. (2) Exercise intervention can improve the fine motor skills of children with ADHD/ASD (p = 0.001). Table tennis exercise (SMD = 9.91, 95% CI = 0.23–19.59) and horse-riding program (SMD = 9.50, 95% CI = 5.20–13.80) have better effects on fine manual control and hand–eye coordination. (3) The closed-skill intervention for 60 min each time, twice a week, for at least 12 weeks had the best effect on the improvement in the FMS in children with ADHD/ASD (p < 0.00001). Exercise intervention may effectively improve FMS in children with ADHD/ASD. Intervention form, time, frequency, and duration are important moderator variables that positively impact the FMS of children with ADHD/ASD.
Utilization of Azadirachta indica Sawdust as a Potential Adsorbent for the Removal of Crystal Violet Dye
Authors: Ahamad Zeeshan , Nasar Abu
Published: March 2023

The current study examines the feasibility of recycling artificially polluted wastewater that contains crystal violet (CV) organic dye by using Azadirachta indica sawdust (AISD) waste as a highly cost-effective adsorbent. Different analytical techniques, viz., SEM/EDX, TEM/SAED, BET, XRD, TGA-DTG, point of zero charge (pHpzc), and FTIR, were used to characterize the adsorbent. Studies of batch adsorption were performed with varying contact times, starting concentrations of CV, pH levels, doses and particle sizes of AISD, and temperatures. After assessing the results using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models, it was observed that the Langmuir model best fits the data. Various models were employed to analyze the kinetic findings, and it was confirmed that the pseudo-second-order model appears to be the most accurate. The values of ΔH° (50.01 kJ mol−1), ΔG° (−10.254 to −5.043 kJ mol−1), and ΔS° (182.47 J K−1mol−1), obtained in a temperature range of 303–333 K, revealed that the process was spontaneous, endothermic, and accompanied by an increase in entropy. Based on experimental findings and their analyses, it was concluded that the adsorbent made from AISD is one of the most effective among those obtained from domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastes. Thus, the present adsorbent can be effectively exploited to make dye-contaminated water reusable.
A Fast Circle Detection Algorithm Based on Circular Arc Feature Screening
Authors: Lan Xin , Deng Honggui , Li Youzhen , Ou Yun , Zhou Fengyun
Published: March 2023

Circle detection is a crucial problem in computer vision and pattern recognition. In this paper, we propose a fast circle detection algorithm based on circular arc feature screening. In order to solve the invalid sampling and time consumption of the traditional circle detection algorithms, we improve the fuzzy inference edge detection algorithm by adding main contour edge screening, edge refinement, and arc-like determination to enhance edge positioning accuracy and remove unnecessary contour edges. Then, we strengthen the arc features with step-wise sampling on two feature matrices and set auxiliary points for defective circles. Finally, we built a square verification support region to further find the true circle with the complete circle and defective circle constraints. Extensive experiments were conducted on complex images, including defective, blurred-edge, and interfering images from four diverse datasets (three publicly available and one we built). The experimental results show that our method can remove up to 89.03% of invalid edge points by arc feature filtering and is superior to RHT, RCD, Jiang, Wang, and CACD in terms of speed, accuracy, and robustness.
Natural History of DNA-Dependent DNA Polymerases: Multiple Pathways to the Origins of DNA
Authors: de Farias Sávio Torres , Furtado Ariadne Nobrega Marinho , dos Santos Junior Ariosvaldo Pereira , José Marco V.
Published: March 2023

One of the major evolutionary transitions that led to DNA replacing RNA as the primary informational molecule in biological systems is still the subject of an intense debate in the scientific community. DNA polymerases are currently split into various families. Families A, B, and C are the most significant. In bacteria and some types of viruses, enzymes from families A and C predominate, whereas family B enzymes are more common in Archaea, Eukarya, and some types of viruses. A phylogenetic analysis of these three families of DNA polymerase was carried out. We assumed that reverse transcriptase was the ancestor of DNA polymerases. Our findings suggest that families A and C emerged and organized themselves when the earliest bacterial lineages had diverged, and that these earliest lineages had RNA genomes that were in transition—that is, the information was temporally stored in DNA molecules that were continuously being produced by reverse transcription. The origin of DNA and the apparatus for its replication in the mitochondrial ancestors may have occurred independently of DNA and the replication machinery of other bacterial lineages, according to these two alternate modes of genetic material replication. The family C enzymes emerged in a particular bacterial lineage before being passed to viral lineages, which must have functioned by disseminating this machinery to the other lineages of bacteria. Bacterial DNA viruses must have evolved at least twice independently, in addition to the requirement that DNA have arisen twice in bacterial lineages. We offer two possible scenarios based on what we know about bacterial DNA polymerases. One hypothesis contends that family A was initially produced and spread to the other lineages through viral lineages before being supplanted by the emergence of family C and acquisition at that position of the principal replicative polymerase. The evidence points to the independence of these events and suggests that the viral lineage’s acquisition of cellular replicative machinery was crucial for the establishment of a DNA genome in the other bacterial lineages, since these viral lineages may have served as a conduit for the machinery’s delivery to other bacterial lineages that diverged with the RNA genome. Our data suggest that family B initially established itself in viral lineages and was transferred to ancestral Archaea lineages before the group diversified; thus, the DNA genome must have emerged first in this cellular lineage. Our data point to multiple evolutionary steps in the origins of DNA polymerase, having started off at least twice in the bacterial lineage and once in the archaeal lineage. Given that viral lineages are implicated in a significant portion of the distribution of DNA replication equipment in both bacterial (families A and C) and Archaeal lineages (family A), our data point to a complex scenario.
Convalescent Plasma Treatment of Patients Previously Treated with B-Cell-Depleting Monoclonal Antibodies Suffering COVID-19 Is Associated with Reduced Re-Admission Rates
Authors: Ioannou Petros , Katsigiannis Athanasios , Papakitsou Ioanna , Kopidakis Ioannis , Makraki Eirini , Milonas Dimitris , Filippatos Theodosios D. , Sourvinos George , Papadogiannaki Marina , Lydaki Evaggelia , Chamilos Georgios , Kofteridis Diamantis P.
Published: March 2023

Patients receiving treatment with B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibodies, such as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab and obinutuzumab, either for hematological disease or another diagnosis, such as a rheumatological disease, are at an increased risk for medical complications and mortality from COVID-19. Since inconsistencies persist regarding the use of convalescent plasma (CP), especially in the vulnerable patient population that has received previous treatment with B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibodies, further studies should be performed in thisdirection. The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics of patients with previous use of B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibodies and describe the potential beneficial effects of CP use in terms of mortality, ICU admission and disease relapse. In this retrospective cohort study, 39 patients with previous use of B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibodies hospitalized in the COVID-19 department of a tertiary hospital in Greece were recorded and evaluated. The mean age was 66.3 years and 51.3% were male. Regarding treatment for COVID-19, remdesivir was used in 89.7%, corticosteroids in 94.9% and CP in 53.8%. In-hospital mortality was 15.4%. Patients who died were more likely to need ICU admission and also had a trend towards a longer hospital stay, even though the last did not reach statistical significance. Patients treated with CP had a lower re-admission rate for COVID-19 after discharge. Further studies should be performed to identify the role of CP in patients with treatment with B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibodies suffering from COVID-19.
Enhancement of Vehicle Eco-Driving Applicability through Road Infrastructure Design and Exploitation
Authors: Coiret Alex , Vandanjon Pierre-Olivier , Noël Romain
Published: March 2023

Energy moderation of the road transportation sector is required to limit climate change and to preserve resources. This work is focused on the moderation of vehicle consumption by optimizing the speed policy along an itinerary while taking into account vehicle dynamics, driver visibility and the road’s longitudinal profile. First, a criterion is proposed in order to detect speed policies that are impeding drivers’ eco-driving ability. Then, an energy evaluation is carried out and an optimization is proposed. A numerical application is performed on a speed limiting point with 20 usage cases and 5 longitudinal slope values. In the hypothesis of a longitudinal slope of zero, energy savings of 27.7 liter per day could be realized by a speed sign displacement of only 153.6 m. Potential energy savings can increase to up to 308.4 L per day for a −4% slope case, or up to 70.5 L per day for an ordinary −2% slope, with a sign displacement of only 391.5 m. This results in a total of 771,975 L of fuel savings over a 30 year infrastructure life cycle period. Therefore a methodology has been developed to help road managers optimize their speed policies with the aim of moderating vehicle consumption.
Methodological Framework for Assessing Hydromorphological Conditions of Heavily Modified and Artificial River Water Bodies in Croatia
Authors: Pavlek Katarina , Plantak Mladen , Martinić Ivan , Vinković Karlo , Vučković Ivan , Čanjevac Ivan
Published: March 2023

Water Framework Directive (WFD) guidance documents from 2019 provide a comprehensive review of methods and guidelines to improve the comparability of heavily modified water bodies (HMWBs) in the European Union. However, there is currently no common, single methodology for monitoring HMWBs and artificial water bodies (AWBs) or for determining maximum (MEP) and good ecological potential (GEP). This study presents the first assessment of hydromorphological conditions of HMWBs and AWBs in Croatia based on type-specific indicators. The typology of HMWBs and AWBs was based on distinct hydromorphological characteristics and modifications in order to be easily related to the uses of the water bodies. The classes of hydromorphological potential were graded from the theoretical MEP, which was determined by the score scale as the tolerated deviation from natural reference conditions, considering potential mitigation measures. The use of the water body and/or the effects on the wider environment were considered while determining MEP and choosing indicators included in monitoring and assessment. In the case of AWBs, the parameters dependent on natural reference conditions, which are non-existent, were omitted from the assessment. Only 27% of HMWBs and 2 out of 51 AWBs achieved good potential for all three hydromorphological elements. The most significant hydromorphological modifications include channelization, straightening, deepening and removal of riparian vegetation due to flood-protection management practices. In order to achieve the environmental objectives set out by the WFD, the Croatian water management system has to start implementing mitigation measures, especially related to natural flood management.
Using Simple LSTM Models to Evaluate Effects of a River Restoration on Groundwater in Kushiro Wetland, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Takumi , Miyamoto Hitoshi , Oishi Tetsuya
Published: March 2023

Wetland ecosystems with proper functioning provide various ecosystem services. Therefore, their conservation and restoration are of fundamental importance for sustainable development. This study used a deep learning model for groundwater level prediction to evaluate a wetland restoration project implemented in the Kushiro Wetland in Japan. The Kushiro Wetland had been degraded due to river improvement work. However, in 2010, a wetland restoration project was carried out to restore the meandering river channel, and a decade has passed since its completion. In this study, the wetland restoration project was evaluated by comparing the response of the groundwater level using a model that reproduced physical conditions with different characteristics before and after the restoration. At first, a deep learning model was created to predict groundwater levels pre- and post-restoration of a meandering river channel using observation data. Long short-term memory (LSTM) was used as the deep learning model. The most important aspect of this study was that LSTM was trained for each of the pre- and post-restoration periods when the hydrological and geological characteristics changed due to the river channel’s restoration. The trained LSTM model achieved high performance with a prediction error of the groundwater levels within 0.162 m at all observation points. Next, the LSTM models trained with the observation data of the post-restoration period were applied to evaluate the effectiveness of the meandering channel restoration. The results indicated that the meandering channel restoration improved hydrological processes in groundwater levels, i.e., their rainfall response and average groundwater water levels. Furthermore, the variable importance analysis of the explanatory variables in the LSTM model showed that river discharge and precipitation significantly contributed to groundwater level recovery in the Kushiro Wetland. These results indicated that the LSTM model could learn the differences in hydrological and geological characteristics’ changes due to channel restoration to groundwater levels. Furthermore, LSTM is a data-driven deep learning model, and by learning hydrological and geological conditions to identify factors that may affect groundwater levels, LSTM has the potential to become a powerful analysis method that can be used for environmental management and conservation issues.
Characteristics of Soil Calcium Content Distribution in Karst Dry-Hot Valley and Its Influencing Factors
Authors: Luo Ya , Shi Chunmao , Yang Shengtian , Liu Yang , Zhao Shuang , Zhang Chunchang
Published: March 2023

Calcium is an essential macronutrient in soils and plays an important role in the structure and function of an ecosystem. In this study, we selected the Huajiang dry-hot valley region in southwest China as our research object, aiming to comprehend the soil calcium distribution characteristics of different altitudes and vegetation types in this karst dry-hot valley region. The results showed that the mean value of total soil calcium content in the karst dry-hot valley was 13.00 ± 3.28 g·kg−1, and the mean value of the proportion of exchangeable calcium content to total calcium was 50.31%. In the vertical profile, total soil and exchangeable calcium contents decreased with increasing soil depth. With increasing altitude, total soil and exchangeable calcium contents increased. Among the different vegetation types, the total and exchangeable calcium contents of crops were higher than the three natural vegetation types of forest, scrub, and grassland, and the soil calcium content of forest was the lowest. Total soil and exchangeable calcium content in the karst dry-hot valley were affected by rock exposure rate, vegetation coverage, soil thickness, soil organic matter and soil pH. In addition, the unique environmental gradient characteristics at different elevations in the dry-hot valley area may redistribute soil calcium, and the positive vegetation succession may cause a gradual decrease of soil calcium content in the area.
Effect of Unbalanced Magnetic Pull of Generator Rotor on the Dynamic Characteristics of a Pump—Turbine Rotor System
Authors: Wu Weidong , Pang Jiayang , Liu Xuyang , Zhao Weiqiang , Lu Zhiwei , Yan Dandan , Zhou Lingjiu , Wang Zhengwei
Published: March 2023

In pumped storage units, the rotor-bearing electromagnetic system is under the joint influence of hydraulics, mechanics, and electromagnetics, and the mechanism of unit vibration problems is very complex to investigate. ANSYS software is used to establish a three-dimensional model of a pumped storage power plant’s rotor-bearing electromagnetic system, and the stiffness coefficient of the unbalanced magnetic traction forces is calculated using the Fourier series of the magnetic conductivity of the air gap. This shows that the nonequilibrium magnetic attraction increases non-linearly with increasing excitation current and eccentricity of the rotor. At each order, the critical velocity of the rotor system increases as the stiffness factor of the bearing increases, with the greatest increase in critical velocity at the third and fourth orders. In the first-order mode-oscillation pattern, the unbalanced magnetic attraction has an effect on the intrinsic frequency of the transverse oscillation, with a reduction in the amplitude of the intrinsic frequency by 34.65%. Axial and transverse modal vibrations manifest themselves as upward and downward motions and transverse oscillations in different portions of the rotor system, respectively, whereas torsional modal vibrations manifest as a radial broadening or reduction in the generator rotor, runner, and coupling portions of the rotor system. The results of the study provide a theoretical foundation and a computational method for the dynamic analysis and design of the rotor system of pumped storage power stations.
Preconcentration and Solid Phase Extraction of Trace Metal Ions by Chemically Modified Graphene Oxide Nanoconstructs
Authors: Alsalme Ali , Ahmad Hilal , Khan Rais Ahmad , Koo Bon Heun , Alharbi Ghadah M. , Alhadlaq Shahad I.
Published: March 2023

The toxicity of arsenic and mercury is highly dependent on their unique chemical forms, mobility, bioavailability, and biological roles. This places a strong demand on specific metal species analysis rather than total quantification. Graphene oxide (GO) is an excellent adsorbent for the extraction of metal ions; however, the functional moieties on the GO surface are not metal ion-specific. In this work, we chemically introduced thioglycolic acid to improve metal ion selectivity after the dual oxidation of graphite to generate graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The prepared adsorbent was characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. A solid phase extraction method was developed after careful analysis and optimization of the prepared sorbent. The method shows a fairly good quantification limit of 0.20 µg L−1 for As(III) and Hg(II) ions. From diverse water samples, the proposed sorbent preferentially removes As(III) and Hg(II) ions (tap water and groundwater). The remarkable wettability and analyte accessibility that the surface-bonded thiol functionality of GO sheets offers is an exciting feature. In a lesser amount of time, the GO−SH nanosorbent exhibits good extraction of traces of As(III) and Hg(II). The developed method exhibits good reliability and precision in terms of accuracy and relative standard deviation (RSD 3.8%; N = 5) and has low detection limits (0.04 µg L−1). Real samples that had been spiked to a predefined level were analyzed in order to validate the established procedure.
Appropriate Water-Nitrogen Regulation Mode to Improve Productivity of Mixed-Sowing Grassland of Bromus inermis and Alfalfa
Authors: Kang Yanxia , Qi Guangping , Jia Qiong , Wang Aixia , Yin Minhua , Ma Yanlin , Wang Jinghai , Jiang Yuanbo , Tang Zhongxia
Published: March 2023

Scientific selection of appropriate herbage planting management mode is an important guarantee to promote artificial grassland development and grassland productivity. In this study, three-year-old alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and bromus inermis were applied to analyze the effects of planting patterns (bromus inermis and alfalfa mixed-sowing D1, bromus inermis mono-sowing D2), nitrogen application (pure nitrogen) level (N1: 60 kg·ha−1, N2: 120 kg·ha−1), and water regulation (upper and lower limits of irrigation are calculated as a percentage of field capacity θf, W1: slight water deficit 65~85% θf, W2: moderate water deficit 55~85% θf, W3: serious water deficit 45~85% θf) on herbage growth and water-nitrogen use efficiency. This research applied the principal component analysis, the TOPSIS model, and the combination evaluation to evaluate each treatment. Results demonstrated that (1) the plant height, leaf area index, and yield of mixed-sowing herbage were 81.63%, 119.52%, and 111.51%, higher than the mono-sowing herbage. Increasing the amount of irrigation and nitrogen application could enhance herbage yield. The herbage yield with the W1N2 treatment was the highest. In this treatment, the mixed-sowing herbage yield was 26,050.73 kg·ha−1, and the mono-sowing herbage yield was 12,186.10 kg·ha−1. (2) The crude protein content of mixed-sowing herbage increased by 41.44%, higher than mono-sowing herbage, and the relative feeding value decreased by 16.34%. Increasing irrigation and nitrogen application could improve the quality of herbage. Meanwhile, the quality of herbage treated with W1N2 was the best. (3) The water use efficiency (WUE), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN), and crude protein water use efficiency (CPWUE) of mixed-sowing herbage were significantly higher than mono-sowing herbage. The PFPN and the CPWUE of herbage improved with increasing irrigation amount. Meanwhile, the WUE, the IWUE, and the CPWUE of herbage also improved with increasing nitrogen application amount. The results showed that mixed-sowing of alfalfa and bromus inermis with slight water deficit (upper and lower limit of irrigation was 65~85% θf) and nitrogen application (120 kg·ha−1) could have the best comprehensive production effect. At the same time, it was a planting and management mode of high yield, high quality, and high efficiency of artificial herbage in the oasis-desert interlacing area of Hexi, Gansu Province, China, and areas with similar climates.
Mining Leachates Effect on the Hydraulic Performance of Geosynthetic Clay Liners under Different Temperatures
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Xinxin , Tu Yuanzhuo , Lu Yulong
Published: March 2023

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are often used as anti-seepage systems in landfills and at the bottom of tailing ponds. The anti-seepage performance of GCL will change under different temperatures. In this study, bentonite was mixed with test solutions at different temperatures to measure the basic performance indexes of bentonite components and analyze the permeability. The composition and micro-structure of bentonite at different temperatures were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectrum, and SEM, and the change rule of permeability property with the mine leachates at different temperatures was understood by combining the macro-measured parameters with the microscopic analysis results. The research results indicate that the fluid loss of two bentonites increased with the increasing temperature due to the inhibition of ion exchange between bentonite and mixture by the increased temperature. The swelling index of the bentonite increased at high temperatures. The micro-structure analysis showed the increase of the pore size attributed to high temperature, and the uneven distribution of the pore size resulted in the increase of the intrinsic permeability. The study would provide the reference for the application of GCL in mining.
Roles of Floating Islands in Aqueous Environment Remediation: Water Purification and Urban Aesthetics
Authors: Qin Song , Zhong Min , Lin Bing , Zhang Qian
Published: March 2023

Floating islands have been commonly utilized for the ecological remediation of urban waters; meanwhile, they are beneficial to landscape decoration and beauty improvement. Therefore, this work was conducted to analyze the roles of floating islands in water purification, urban aesthetics, and the potential association. Based on this, different plant-based floating islands were constructed and employed for the treatment of lake water, and biochar was utilized as fillers for the coordination and the capacity enhancement, which fulfilled the synergism of plants, biochar, and the attached microbes. Furthermore, specific effects of floating islands on the improvement of urban aesthetics were analyzed from different perspectives, and the corresponding thinking was proposed for the designing and the optimization, including plants collocation, spatial layout, cultural background, and contact with nature. This work offers a new insight into the construction of floating islands to realize the water purification and strengthen the beauty of urban landscapes, and thus improving the living environment quality of human beings on the whole.
Technologies for the production of food products with increased nutritional and biological value based on the development of scientifi c concepts for managing the quality of agricultural raw materials and food
Authors:   Department of Commodity Management of Products, FSBEI HE Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Dunchenko N.I. , Yankovskaya V.S. ,   Department of Commodity Management of Products, FSBEI HE Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Published: March 2023

The article presents the results of the examination of the existing approaches in the fi eld of quality and safety management of agricultural raw materials and their processing products and the development of a scientifi c concept for managing the quality of food products with increased nutritional and biological value based on qualimetric forecasting.
Thistles: consumer properties and their use for food purposes
Authors:   Military Academy of Air and Space Defense named after Marshal of the Soviet Union G.K. Zhukov, Rodionova A.E.
Published: March 2023

The article discusses the use of weed species of thistles. Their nutritional value, active substances, and recipes for dishes from thistles are given. That allows us considering these plants from the perspective of a functional additive in culinary recipes.
Prospects and threats of modernization of school meals in the context of a digital technological order
Authors:   Problem Scientifi\c Research Laboratory ", Sidorenko Yu.I. ,   Design and Implementation of Products and Rations of Personalized Nutrition",   , FSBEI HE Moscow State University of Technology and Management named after K.G Razumovsky
Published: March 2023

The transition from the fi nancial technological order to the information one creates threats for the off - system development of information technologies. The uncontrolled transition of technological structures does not take into account the real needs of human development. Food security is also developing on the basis of the widespread introduction of information technology. Modern technologies of school meals should be developed based on the principles of personalization, which implies the widespread use of personal data of schoolchildren. A technique for clustering personal data is proposed, taking into account their significance. Based on the principle of clustering, a system of school meals has been developed, with regards to the controlled use of personal data to calculate personalized school meals.