bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaining Traction on Social Aspects of E-Biking: A Scoping Review
Authors: McCurdy Allison , Perry Elizabeth E. , Leahy Jessica E. , Coleman Kimberly J. , Doyle Joshua , Kiewra Lydia A. , Marocco Shelby A. , Iretskaia Tatiana A. , Janes Madison M. , Deliyski Mikael
Published: August 2024

E-biking is alluring for its various physical, environmental, and financial benefits and the ability to travel farther and faster, and being physically easier to ride than astride an analog (traditional) bicycle. E-bikes are also a source of controversy, especially in places where analog bicycles have been allowed but e-bikes represent a “slippery slope” of technology permissions and/or in situations where the function of e-bikes may increase concerns about safety. Despite an increase in use and conversation about such use, academic literature focused on e-bikes’ social aspects remains sparse. The objective of this work is to describe the existing literature on the characteristics of social aspects of e-biking, particularly in leisure contexts. Analyzing the literature on e-bike social research is crucial considering e-bikes’ rapid rise in popularity and potential effects on access, inclusion, leisure, and sustainability. As e-bike prevalence and use increases worldwide, it is important to understand what topics characterize the existing e-bike literature, and, particularly in leisure-focused studies, to ascertain where studies may lend insight toward aims of inclusive and sustainable access, and related policy considerations. The Integrated Recreation Amenities Framework (IRAF) provides a conceptual framework for considering this question, as it focuses on the topical, spatial, and temporal scales of outdoor leisure-related activities toward sustainable conditions and explicitly provides an opportunity for emergent and case-specific factors to be considered alongside established ones. In this work, we explore the following: (1) How are e-bikes discussed across disciplines? and (2) How are e-bikes discussed in leisure-focused articles? Using a scoping review approach, we analyzed a corpus of 279 peer-reviewed articles relevant to the social aspects of e-bikes. Primarily using the IRAF for conceptual framing, our results center the geographies and contexts, topical areas, interdisciplinarity, and emergent additional social considerations of e-biking in general and in leisure-specific studies. The results enable us to connect interdisciplinary topic discussions and suggest where foundational and connective studies are warranted. This can inform decision making related to e-bike adoption, encourage multi-scalar thinking, and extend interdisciplinary research.
Enhancing Urban Sustainability and Resilience: Employing Digital Twin Technologies for Integrated WEFE Nexus Management to Achieve SDGs
Authors: Shehadeh Ali , Alshboul Odey , Arar Mai
Published: August 2024

This research explores the application of digital twin technologies to progress the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the water-energy-food-environment (WEFE) nexus management in urban refugee areas. The study in Irbid Camp utilizes a detailed 3D Revit model combined with real-time data and community insights processed through advanced machine learning algorithms. An examination of 450 qualitative interviews indicates an 80% knowledge level of water conservation practices among the community but only 35% satisfaction with the current management of resources. Predictive analytics forecast a 25% increase in water scarcity and an 18% surge in energy demand within the next ten years, prompting the deployment of sustainable solutions such as solar energy installations and enhanced rainwater collection systems. By simulating resource allocation and environmental impacts, the digital twin framework helps in planning urban development in line with SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This investigation highlights the capacity of digital twin technology to improve resource management, increase community resilience, and support sustainable urban growth, suggesting its wider implementation in comparable environments.
Public Urban Agriculture Equipment: A Tool for Fair and Sustainable Food Policies? Potager du Roi and Cité Maraîchère, Two French Case Studies
Authors: Saint-Ges Véronique , Warin Bethsabee , Jacobsohn Antoine
Published: August 2024

Over the past few decades, a large variety of urban farms and projects have developed in the Global North. Urban agriculture addresses numerous challenges such as producing sustainable fresh food, educating people, and creating new jobs and skills. Urban agriculture is diverse in terms of location (rooftop, basement, underground, parking), activities (food production and/or services), and techniques (from low-tech to high-tech). These projects are created by entrepreneurs because they live in the city, want to change their environment, and promote sustainable practices. Faced with economic and environmental crises, public authorities at different levels and with various orientations reorganize the food system towards local production and consumption; they encourage the development of urban agriculture through a diverse range of policies. These public projects must be economically viable but can be created as socially oriented services based on food production and not only as sites of food production. Our empirical research based on the case studies of two original public urban farms, the Potager du Roi de Versailles and the Cité Maraichère de Romainville, uses the concept of the triple layered business model and highlights their sustainable strategy. Our evaluation of their economic, social, and environmental impacts tends to demonstrate not only their dependence on multiple interlinked public policies but also the justification of significant and recurring public funds for the general interest.
Sustainable Use of the Fungus Aspergillus sp. to Simultaneously Generate Electricity and Reduce Plastic through Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Rojas-Flores Segundo , De La Cruz-Noriega Magaly , Otiniano Nélida Milly , Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis
Published: August 2024

The improper disposal of plastic waste has become a significant problem, with only a small amount recycled and the rest ending up in landfills or being burned, leading to environmental pollution. In addition, the cost of electric energy has risen by over 100% in the last 20 years, making it unaffordable for remote areas to access this service due to high installation costs, leaving people living far from major cities without electricity. This study proposes an innovative solution to these issues using microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology to simultaneously reduce plastic waste and generate electric energy by utilizing the fungus Aspergillus sp. As a substrate for 45 days. The MFCs reached maximum values of 0.572 ± 0.024 V and 3.608 ± 0.249 mA of voltage and electric current on the thirty-first day, with the substrate operating at a pH of 6.57 ± 0.27 and an electrical conductivity of 257.12 ± 20.9 mS/cm. Furthermore, it was possible to reduce the chemical oxygen demand by 73.77% over the 45 days of MFC operation, while the recorded internal resistance was 27.417 ± 9.810 Ω, indicating a power density of 0.124 ± 0.006 mW/cm2. The initial and final transmittance spectra, obtained using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), showed the characteristic peaks of polyethylene (plastic), with a noticeable reduction in the final spectrum, particularly in the vibration of the C-H compound. After 45 days of fungus operation, the plastic surface used as a sample exhibited perforations and cracks, resulting in a thickness reduction of 313.56 µm. This research represents an initial step in using fungi for plastic reduction and electric energy generation in an alternative and sustainable manner.
Understanding Associations between Disasters and Sustainability, Resilience, and Poverty: An Empirical Study of the Last Two Decades
Authors: Kyne Dean , Kyei Dominic
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the impact of disasters on sustainability, resilience, and poverty, using data from the “Sustainable Development Report” and the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) from 2000 to 2023. Regression models assessed the effects of disasters, deaths, injuries, affected individuals, and economic damage on normalized values of the dependent variables with lag periods of one, two, and three years of independent variables. The results reveal that disasters consistently negatively impact sustainability and resilience, highlighting the need for robust disaster risk reduction strategies and resilient infrastructure. Higher mortality rates significantly hindered development, emphasizing the importance of improving early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and healthcare infrastructure. While injuries and the number of affected individuals did not show significant associations, economic damage was positively associated with resilience, suggesting that financial losses might drive recovery investments. Additionally, disasters were found to exacerbate poverty levels over time with significant associations in the two and three-year lag models. This study also uncovered significant regional disparities with lower resilience, sustainability, and higher poverty levels in certain regions compared to others. Higher-income groups demonstrated better resilience and lower poverty levels. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted, region-specific strategies to enhance resilience, reduce poverty, and support sustainable development, leveraging post-disaster recovery phases for long-term improvement.
Business Models of Public Smart Services for Sustainable Development
Authors: Janošková Patrícia , Bajza Filip , Repková-Štofková Katarína , Štofková Zuzana , Loučanová Erika
Published: August 2024

The smart city concept has entered the public debate over the last decade as a concept for the development of urban space for the efficiency, improvement and availability of public and private services and sustainability. The Business Models Canvas is most often used in the literature for the creation of business models of smart services. On the basis of the above, we investigated whether the Business Models Canvas is the most used tool for creating business models for public smart services in Slovakia and whether cities and municipalities need to evaluate their models for the provision of public smart services. However, there is no commonly used methodology for evaluating smart city business models to help both practitioners and researchers choose the best option. The goal of the research is to create a tool for evaluating business models of public smart services in smart cities. The base method used was the Delphi method, based on the previous primary (content) analysis process of the Business Model Canvas best practices. In total, 709 towns and villages participated in the primary research. Subsequently, the obtained data were evaluated and used for further research using the Delphi method, in which 28 experts participated. The research was carried out between 2020 and 2023 in Slovakia. Primary research confirmed that the Business Models Canvas is the most used tool for creating business models for public smart services in Slovakia and cities and municipalities need to evaluate their models for the provision of public smart services. Areas and basic building blocks were also identified for the design of the evaluation methodology of business models for public smart services. The proposal of the methodology for evaluating business smodels for public smart services in Slovakia was implemented using the Delphi method with the cooperation of 28 experts. Based on the results of the Delphi method, a methodological procedure for evaluating business models for public smart services was established. The methodology proposed in the paper is a simple, organized, flexible and transparent system that facilitates the work of evaluators of business models of public smart services and marketing.
The Influence of Climate Perception and Low-Carbon Awareness on the Emission Reduction Willingness of Decision Makers in Large-Scale Dairy Farming: Evidence from the Midwest of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Lu Pengjie , Qiao Guanghua
Published: August 2024

In recent years, global climate change has profoundly influenced natural ecosystems and human societies, making climate mitigation and carbon emission reduction a point of consensus among the international community. The issue of carbon emissions in agriculture, particularly in the livestock sector, is garnering increasing attention. This study focuses on large-scale dairy farms in the central and western regions of Inner Mongolia, exploring their low-carbon production behavioral intentions and influencing factors. By constructing a structural equation model (PLS-SEM), we systematically analyze the relationships between variables such as climate perception, value judgment, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived control and their combined effects on low-carbon production behavioral intentions. The findings suggest that the influence of climate perception and low-carbon awareness is mediated. Thus, the stronger the farm owners’ perception of climate change, the more they recognize the value of low-carbon production and the greater the social pressure they experience and their sense of self-efficacy. The farm owners’ attitudes, perceptions of social norms, and evaluations of their own capabilities collectively determine their intentions regarding low-carbon production. Furthermore, multi-group analysis showed significant heterogeneity in behavioral intentions between different scales of dairy farms. Small-scale farms, due to their weaker economic capacity, tend to harbor negative attitudes towards low-carbon production, while large-scale farms, with greater economic power and sensitivity to policy and market demands, are more likely to take low-carbon actions. This study provides theoretical support for formulating effective low-carbon policies, contributing to the sustainable development of the livestock sector and agriculture as a whole.
Derivation of Coastal Erosion Susceptibility and Socio-Economic Vulnerability Models for Sustainable Coastal Management in Senegal
Authors: Cissé Cheikh Omar Tidjani , Marić Ivan , Domazetović Fran , Glavačević Katarina , Almar Rafael
Published: August 2024

Coastal erosion has posed significant challenges to sustainability and socio-economic stability along Senegal’s coastline, leading to substantial infrastructure losses. Using GIS multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), two sub-indices were derived for Senegal’s coastal departments: the physical susceptibility (PSI) and the social-economic vulnerability (SVI) to coastal erosion. The integrated coastal erosion vulnerability (ICER) model was derived by their aggregation. A total of 26 criteria were used, 18 for PSI and 8 for SVI. The criteria weighting coefficients of the sub-indices were determined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Validation of the model accuracy was performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves that were calculated based on a created coastal erosion cadaster and true positive (TP) sites and manually acquired true negative (TN) sites. The accuracy assessment confirmed the consistency of the physical susceptibility model (PSI) and proved that existing coastal erosion sites are within (5) very high susceptibility areas. Through the generated ICER, the coastal departments were divided into areas of (1) very low, (2) low, (3) medium, (4) high and (5) very high vulnerability to coastal erosion. Very high (5) and high (4) classes cover around 31% of the coastal departments, mostly encompassing a narrow coastal strip and low river valleys and mouths. The presented coastal susceptibility and vulnerability maps, with a spatial resolution of 30 m, identified problematic areas in Senegal’s coastal departments and can help decision-makers in the construction of effective coastal zone management and sustainable development.
Is Active Mobility Really a Sustainable Way of Travelling in Italian Cities? When and Where Injury Risk Offsets the Benefits of Riding or Walking
Authors: Mela Giulio , Girardi Pierpaolo
Published: August 2024

Even though active mobility is considered a sustainable way of travelling in urban environments, this might not always be the case because of a lack of infrastructure and poor road safety standards. This study assesses, under an economic point of view, the health benefits of a shift from private cars to active mobility for urban travels in Italy, considering both mortality and morbidity effects. The overall health effect is the result of positive (increased physical activity) and negative effects (increased air pollutant intake and increased road injury risk). Health impacts are measured using disability-adjusted life years and translated into monetary terms using either the value of a life year or the value of a statistical life. On average, the overall health effect of the modal shift is negative. This is largely due to the very high pedestrian and bike road injury rates in Italian cities. The negative effect of increased air pollution intake is negligible if compared with the effect of road injuries. In the case of bikes/e-bikes, the overall health effect is positive in cities characterised by good cycling infrastructure.
The Effects of the Characteristics of Catering Establishments and Their Managers on the Offering of Dishes Prepared with Traditional Food Products in Bačka Region, Serbia
Authors: Šmugović Stefan , Kalenjuk Pivarski Bojana , Ivanović Velibor , Tešanović Dragan , Novaković Dragana , Marić Aleksandar , Lazarević Jasmina , Paunić Maja
Published: August 2024

Traditional food products comprise an important part of the gastronomic identity of every nation. Their significance for national culture is major, which is why they are increasingly studied and included in the development strategies of many countries. This research focuses on the factors—economic, sociocultural, ecological, and tourism—that influence the offering of dishes made with traditional food products. The objective of the research is to examine whether certain characteristics of catering establishments in the Bačka region (Republic of Serbia) and their managers affect the appraisal of the factors that affect the offering of dishes prepared with traditional products. By conducting a survey (n = 187) and analyzing the data using the non-parametric techniques of the Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests, it was found that, although all the factors have a significant influence on the offering of dishes prepared with traditional food products, tourism-related factors were distinguished as the most important. The research also showed that the characteristics of managers like the length of work experience in hospitality, employment tenure at the specific establishment, the work position of the respondent, as well as the type of gastronomic offering and the location of the catering establishment affected the appraisal of the factors that influence the offering of dishes prepared with traditional products.
Sustainable Engineered Geopolymer Composites Utilizing Gamma-Irradiated PET and Graphene Nanoplatelets: Optimization and Performance Enhancement
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Abbas Yassir M. , Shafiq Nasir , Khan Mohammad Iqbal , Ismail Fouad Ismail
Published: August 2024

Effective waste management is a matter of global concern. The utilization of widely recognized waste materials, such as plastics, rubber, and glass, in the construction industry is being investigated for their cost efficiency, enhanced material properties, and reduced environmental impact, contributing to broader sustainability efforts. This study investigates the development of an engineered geopolymer composite with a focus on sustainability by utilizing industrial waste materials. Gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate was employed as a partial replacement for silica sand, while graphene nanoplatelets were incorporated to enhance composite properties and reduce environmental waste. A statistical technique known as response surface methodology was used to optimize the effects of gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate and graphene nanoplatelets on the properties of the engineered geopolymer composite. Key findings indicate that gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate, with higher crystallinity and robust interfacial bonding with the geopolymer matrix, significantly enhances compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, and flexural toughness. However, graphene nanoplatelets, while improving mechanical properties, reduce the ductility index. Optimal composite properties were achieved with 26.4% gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate and 0.12% graphene nanoplatelets. This research underscores the potential of gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate in creating high-performance, sustainable construction materials and highlights the trade-offs between mechanical reinforcement and ductility. Future research should explore the chain scission effects of gamma irradiation on polyethylene terephthalate, further optimize composite properties, and investigate mechanisms to enhance ductility, advancing the utilization of polyethylene terephthalate in sustainable construction materials.
A Virtual Synchronous Generator-Based Control Strategy and Pre-Synchronization Method for a Four-Leg Inverter under Unbalanced Loads
Authors: Huang Zhenshan , Liu Zhijie , Shen Gang , Li Kejun , Song Yuanzong , Su Baihe
Published: August 2024

Virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control has positive effects on the stability of microgrids. In practical power systems, both single-phase loads and three-phase unbalanced loads are present. The four-leg inverter is an alternative solution for the power supply of unbalanced loads and grid connections. The traditional VSG control strategy still faces challenges when using a four-leg inverter to provide a symmetrical voltage and stable frequency in the load power supply and pre-synchronization. This paper proposes a VSG-based control strategy along with a pre-synchronization method for four-leg inverters. An improved VSG control strategy is put forward for four-leg inverters. The improved virtual impedance control and power calculation methods are integrated into the control loop to suppress the voltage asymmetry and frequency ripples. Building on the improved VSG control strategy, a pre-synchronization control approach is proposed to minimize the amplitude and phase angle discrepancies between the inverter output voltage and the power grid voltage. In addition, an optimized design method for control parameters is presented to improve VSG dynamic performance. A hardware prototype of the four-leg inverter is built; the results show that the voltage unbalance ratio can be reduced by 89%, and the response time can be shortened by 50%.
Differential Flatness Based Unmanned Surface Vehicle Control: Planning and Conditional Disturbance-Compensation
Authors: Fang Xing , Zhang Chengxu , Zhang Chengxi , Lu Yu , Xu Gaofei , Shang Yujia
Published: August 2024

To achieve precise control of the symmetrical unmanned surface vehicle (USV) under strong external disturbances, we propose a disturbance estimation and conditional disturbance compensation control (CDCC) scheme. First, the differential flatness method is applied to convert the underactuated model into a fully actuated one, simplifying the controller design. Then, a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDOB) is designed to estimate the lumped disturbance. Subsequently, a continuous disturbance characterization index (CDCI) is proposed, which not only indicates whether the disturbance is beneficial to the system stability but also makes the controller switch smoothly and suppresses the chattering phenomenon greatly. Indicated by the CDCI, the proposed CDCC method can not only utilize the beneficial disturbance but also compensate for the detrimental disturbance, which improves the USV’s control performance under strong external disturbances. Moreover, a trajectory-planning method is designed to generate an obstacle avoidance reference trajectory for the controller. Finally, simulations verify the feasibility of applying the proposed control method to USV.
Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Youth-Friendly Clinic for Young People Living with HIV Transitioning from Pediatric Care
Authors: Chew Hannah , Bonnet Kemberlee , Schlundt David , Hill Nina , Pierce Leslie , Ahonkhai Aima , Desai Neerav
Published: August 2024

(1) Background: Adolescents and young adults face challenges when transitioning to adult care due to emerging adulthood and changing providers and insurance. Young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) have additional obstacles with mental health and stigma. During transition, only 55% of YPLHIV are retained in care, and 65% are virally suppressed. To address these challenges, the Adolescent and Young Adult Health Care Transition Clinic (AYAHCTC) was created at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2017. This mixed methods study evaluates the initial cohort and solicits YPLHIVs’ perspectives on transition barriers and facilitators. (2) Methods: Quantitative analyses (n = 21) characterized patients’ demographics, clinical engagement, and retention. Qualitative interviews (n = 5) captured patients’ transition experiences. (3) Results: This study, conducted in the Southeastern USA, included a cohort where 47.6% were born abroad, with all participants being US citizens by birth or naturalization. Patients’ mean age at first visit was 19.6 years. The average AYAHCTC duration was 2.21 years. First-year engagement and retention were 100% and 95.5%, respectively. Viral suppression rates improved from 66.7% at the first visit to 81.0% at the last visit. Eleven patients transitioned out of AYAHCTC. Qualitative analyses indicate that barriers to transition include leaving trusted providers, reduced parental guidance, developing autonomy, and perceived loss of confidentiality in adult clinic environment. Transition was facilitated by youth-friendly services, clear communication, and strong relationships with AYAHCTC providers. (4) Conclusions: YPLHIV positively viewed AYAHCTC experiences. Future directions include optimizing services to build YPLHIVs’ independence, supporting YPLHIV experiencing stigma, assuaging concerns about switching providers, collaborating with adult clinics to maintain confidentiality, and designing interventions focused on adherence during transition.
Type I Interferonopathy among Non-Elderly Female Patients with Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19
Authors: Xu Donghua , Qin Xuebin
Published: August 2024

The pathophysiological mechanisms of the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) remain unclear. Sex differences not only exist in the disease severity of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection but also in the risk of suffering from PASC. Women have a higher risk of suffering from PASC and a longer time to resolution than men. To explore the possible immune mechanisms of PASC among non-elderly females, we mined single-cell transcriptome data from peripheral blood samples of non-elderly female patients with PASC and acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, together with age- and gender-matched non-PASC and healthy controls available from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. By comparing the differences, we found that a CD14+ monocyte subset characterized by higher expression of signal transducers and activators of transcription 2 (STAT2) (CD14+STAT2high) was notably increased in the PASC patients compared with the non-PASC individuals. The transcriptional factor (TF) activity analysis revealed that STAT2 and IRF9 were the key TFs determining the function of CD14+STAT2high monocytes. STAT2 and IRF9 are TFs exclusively involving type I and III interferon (IFN) signaling pathways, resulting in uncontrolled IFN-I signaling activation and type I interferonopathy. Furthermore, increased expression of common interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) has also been identified in most monocyte subsets among the non-elderly female PASC patients, including IFI6, IFITM3, IFI44L, IFI44, EPSTI1, ISG15, and MX1. This study reveals a featured CD14+STAT2high monocyte associated with uncontrolled IFN-I signaling activation, which is indicative of a possible type I interferonopathy in the non-elderly female patients with PASC.
Analysis of HSV1/2 Infection Reveals an Association between HSV-2 Reactivation and Pregnancy
Authors: Dovrat Sara , Shabat Adar , Yahav-Dovrat Anat , Soufiev Zvia , Mendelson Ella , Kashi-Zagdoun Ela , Rahav Galia
Published: August 2024

The herpes simplex viruses consist of the strains, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which are prevalent worldwide and lack a definitive cure. We aimed to explore the specific characteristics of HSV 1 and 2 infections, such as differences between gender assigned at birth, age at infection, site of infection, comorbidities, and effect of pregnancy, through a data analysis. Between 2011 and 2018, the Israeli Central Virology Laboratory diagnosed 9189 samples using multiplexed real-time PCR. In addition, we extracted all of the medical data for 287 females hospitalized at the Sheba Medical Center with HSV-1 (161) or HSV-2 (126) genital infections. HSV-2 was almost absent in the orofacial samples from both genders, while in other lesion sites, HSV-2 was significantly more abundant in females than in males (p < 0.05,). HSV-2 was initially detected at puberty. In the hospitalized females’ malignancies, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 were found with a non-significant difference. Simultaneously, pregnancies were more common in females who were HSV-2-positive compared with those who were HSV-1-positive (27.8% vs. 12.4%, respectively, p < 0.01). Primary infections occur more with HSV-1 than with HSV-2 (15.6% vs. 3.2%, respectively). Our findings demonstrate that genital HSV-2 infection episodes are more frequent during pregnancy, suggesting that pregnancy may serve as a risk factor for HSV-2 reactivation or infection.
The Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Biological Electrochemical System: A Mini-Review
Authors: Tian Yu , Wang Rumeng , Ji Min , Tian Ruimin , Wang Renjie , Zhang Bo , Wang Shaopo , Liu Lingjie
Published: August 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent environmental pollutants commonly found in water and sediments, posing significant health risks due to their toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity. The stable and sustainable degradation of PAHs has garnered significant attention from researchers. Biological electrochemical systems (BESs) offer a promising approach with advantages in energy efficiency, safety, environmental protection, and long-term operation. This review examines the degradation performance and microbial community dynamics of BESs in the treatment of PAH-contaminated water and sediments. Additionally, the metabolites formed during the degradation process were also summarized. This review summarizes the degradation characteristics of PAH-contaminated water and sediments and aims to guide future research and optimize BESs for effective remediation of PAHs in various environmental settings.
The Impact of Low Temperatures on the Hatching Success of Eurytemora pacifica (Copepoda, Calanoida) Resting Eggs
Authors: Choi Seo Yeol , Belmonte Genuario , Lee Eun Hye , Kim Kyoung Yeon , Seo Min Ho , Youn Seok Hyun , Park Kyung Woo , Jang Min-Chul , Soh Ho Young
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the tolerance of resting eggs of Eurytemora pacifica to storage under low temperatures, which is of particular interest in light of the recent use of nauplii as living food in aquaculture, other than conditions experienced also in the wild during winter cold events in the Northern Hemisphere. Sediment samples collected in August 2020 were used to store the resting eggs at two different freezing temperatures (−5 and −20 °C) for five different durations (1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). The mean hatching success rates of the resting eggs after one month of storage were 85.3 ± 1.5% (−5 °C) and 85.0 ± 3.6% (−20 °C), with no significant difference between freezing temperatures. However, significant differences emerged over time, with the mean hatching success rate remaining at 85.0 ± 3.6% at −5 °C after three months, while it dropped sharply to 1.7 ± 2.1% at −20 °C. For the non-freezing conditions, the hatching success at 10 °C increased gradually over the one-month incubation period, ultimately reaching 71.0%. These findings demonstrate the remarkable cold tolerance of E. pacifica but also indicate a limit to this tolerance at longer durations. These results underscore the importance of considering the adoption of storage freezing for resting eggs to be used for aquaculture and also suggest the possibility of the species better surviving the extreme weather events in comparison with other species.
Numerical Simulation of Non-Matching Rough Fracture Seepage
Authors: Li Pengjie , Deng Yinger , Yang Hongkun
Published: August 2024

Natural rock fractures often exhibit non-matching characteristics at certain scales, leading to uneven aperture distributions that significantly affect fluid flow. This study investigates the impact of the mismatch between the upper and lower surfaces on the flow through three-dimensional rough fractures. By applying fractal theory, a rough upper surface of the fracture is generated, and different degrees of mismatch are introduced by adding random noise to this surface. This approach enables the construction of a variety of three-dimensional rough fracture flow models. Numerical simulations, which involve directly solving the Navier-Stokes equations, are used to simulate flow through a rough single fracture, assessing the effects of various degrees of mismatch between the surfaces. The study also examines how the inclusion of the matrix alters flow characteristics. The results demonstrate that the Forchheimer equation accurately describes the nonlinear flow behavior in fractures with different degrees of mismatch. The increased mismatch intensifies the uneven distribution of fracture apertures, causing the flow velocity to shift from uniform to discrete and the streamlines to become increasingly curved. The overall tortuosity of the flow path increases and the formation of ‘concave’ and ‘convex’ areas leads to vortex zones, promoting nonlinear seepage. The correlation between both viscous and inertial permeability with the degree of mismatch is negative, whereas the impact of matrix permeability on the flow capacity of the fracture shows a positive correlation with a mismatch.
Multivariate Geostatistics for Mapping of Transmissivity and Uncertainty in Karst Aquifers
Authors: Gonçalves Thiago dos Santos , Klammler Harald , Leal Luíz Rogério Bastos , de Queiroz Salles Lucas
Published: August 2024

Due to their complex morphology, karst terrains are particularly more fragile and vulnerable to environmental damage compared to most natural systems. Their hydraulic properties, such as their transmissivity (T) and spatial variability, can be relevant for understanding groundwater flow and, consequently, for the sustainable management of water resources. The application of geostatistical methods allows for spatial interpolation and mapping based on observations combined with uncertainty quantification. Direct measurements of T are typically scarce, while those of the specific capacity (Sc) are more frequent. We established a linear and spatial relationship between the logarithms of T and Sc measured in 174 wells in a semi-arid karst region in northeastern Brazil. These relationships were used to construct a cross-variogram, whose Linear Model of Coregionalization proved valid. The values and the cross-variogram of logT and logSc were used to generate interpolations over 2554 values of logSc, which did not spatially coincide with logT. We used ordinary co-kriging (CO-OK) and conditional sequential Gaussian co-simulation (CO-SGS) to generate the interpolations. The cross-variogram of logT and logSc, when considering 174 wells, was isotropic with an exponential structure, a nugget effect of approximately 20% of the sill, and a range of 5 km. Cross-validation indicated an optimal number of 10 neighboring wells used in CO-OK, and we used 500 stochastic realizations in CO-SGS, which were then used to generate maps of logT estimates, deviations derived from the interpolations, and probabilistic scenarios. The resulting transmissivity maps are relevant for the design of groundwater management strategies, including stochastic approaches where the transmissivity realizations can be used to parameterize multiple executions of numerical flow models.
Levofloxacin Degradation, Antimicrobial Activity Decrease, and Potential for Water Disinfection Using Peroxydisulfate Activation by Ag/TiO2 under Sunlight
Authors: Jojoa-Sierra Sindy D. , Jaramillo-Paez Cesar , Serna-Galvis Efraím A. , García-Rubio Inés , Hidalgo María C. , Navío José A. , Ormad María P. , Torres-Palma Ricardo A. , Mosteo Rosa
Published: August 2024

Water quality and usability are global concerns due to microbial and chemical pollution resulting from anthropogenic activities. Therefore, strategies for eliminating contaminants are required. In this context, the removal and decrease in antibiotic activity (AA) associated with levofloxacin (LEV), using TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 catalysts, with and without sunlight and peroxydisulfate, was evaluated. Additionally, the disinfection capacity of catalytic systems was assessed. The catalysts were synthesized and characterized. Moreover, the effect of Ag doping on visible light absorption was determined. Then, the photocatalytic treatment of LEV in water was performed. The materials characterization and EPR analyses revealed that LEV degradation and AA decrease were ascribed to a combined action of solar light, sulfate radical, and photocatalytic activity of the TiO2-based materials. Also, the primary byproducts were elucidated using theoretical analyses (predictions about moieties on LEV more susceptible to being attacked by the degrading species) and experimental techniques (LC-MS), which evidenced transformations on the piperazyl ring, carboxylic acid, and cyclic ether on LEV. Moreover, the AA decrease was linked to the antibiotic transformations. In addition, the combined system (i.e., light/catalyst/peroxydisulfate) was shown to be effective for E. coli inactivation, indicating the versatility of this system for decontamination and disinfection.
PENGARUH UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, OPINI AUDIT DAN PERGANTIAN AUDITOR TERHADAP KETEPATAN WAKTU PENYAMPAIAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN
Authors: Witantri Witantri , Wilestari Median
Published: August 2024

The study aims to examine the effect of Company Size, Audit Opinion, and Auditor Turnover on the timeliness of financial reporting. The population in this study is the consumer cylclicals sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2020-2022. The sampling method used was a purposive sampling method in order to obtain 87 companies. The total data processed in this study were 261 data. The type of data used is secondary data in the form of annual financial reports for companies in the consumer cyclicals sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2020-2022. The data analysis method used in this study is logistic regression with the help of SPSS software version 24. The results of the study prove that all variables of Company Size, Audit Opinion, and Auditor Turnover together  positively influence the timeliness of financial reporting. Then the result of the study partially proves that Company Size has no significant effect on the timeliness of financial reporting, then Audit opinion and Auditor Turnover has a significant positive effect on the timeliness of financial reporting.
Analysis Of Financial Ratios and Company Size As Determining Factors For Islamic Social Reporting Disclosure In Sharia Banks In Indonesia (Period 2015-2020)
Authors: Taufiq Maf'ul
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the determinants of Islamic Social Reporting (ISR) disclosure among Islamic banks in Indonesia from 2015 to 2020. Using financial ratios (ROA, CR, DER) and firm size as factors, the research explores their impact on the extent of ISR disclosures. The study employs quantitative analysis based on data from annual reports of Indonesian Islamic banks, applying regression models to test hypotheses derived from stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, and resource dependency theory. The findings reveal that profitability and liquidity positively influence ISR disclosures, indicating that more profitable and liquid banks are more likely to engage in and report on social responsibility activities. In contrast, leverage shows a negative relationship with ISR disclosures, suggesting that highly leveraged banks disclose less about their social initiatives. Additionally, firm size positively correlates with ISR disclosures, highlighting that larger banks tend to provide more comprehensive reports on their social responsibilities. Theoretical implications suggest that Islamic banks strategically manage their financial and organizational resources to enhance legitimacy and stakeholder trust through transparent ISR disclosures. Practical implications underscore the importance of integrating CSR practices into business strategies to promote sustainability and accountability. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical insights into ISR practices in Islamic banking and informs stakeholders about the factors influencing social responsibility disclosures.
Pemanfaatan Teori Signal dalam Bidang Akuntansi: Literatur Review
Authors: Nur Syarifah , Suciyanti Velissa Nadia , Winarti Aulia , Azmi Zul
Published: August 2024

Studi ini bertujuan meneliti pemanfaatan teori signaling dalam bidang akuntansi. Teori signal dapat menjelaskan mengapa asismetri informasi terjadi, menjelaskan pentingnya informasi bagi pemangku kepentingan. Penelitian kualitatif deskriptif ini menggunakan pendekatan tinjauan pustaka sistematis dalam tiga tahap: pelaporan tinjauan, perencanaan tinjauan, dan pelaksanaan tinjauan. Dengan menggunakan database Google Scholar, kata kunci “teori signal" digunakan untuk menghasilkan hasil pencarian literatur, yang mencakup artikel yang telah dipilih dan terindeks sinta. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa peranan teori signal dalam menangani isu dalam bidang akuntansi sangat penting. Isu yang terkait seperti Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Debt To Equity Ratio (DER) dan Deviden Payout Ratio (DPR), nilai perusahaan, penghindaran pajak, reaksi pasar saham,profitabilitas dan ukuran perusahaan,prediksi peringkat obligasi, return saham,kinerja keuangan dan audit delay.
Tingkat Kecemasan dan Tingkat Nyeri Menurunkan Kualitas Tidur pada Pasien Kanker Kolorektal
Authors: Zulaekha Quini Siti , Setiawan Asep , Sukarni Sukarni , Hapsari Tri
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi oleh komplikasi penyakit kanker khususnya kolorektal yang menimbulkan berbagai dampak pada organ usus dan rektum. Berbagai dampak pada pasien kanker kolorektal adalah munculnya kecemasan, nyeri dan gangguan kualitas tidur. Penelitian ini ditujukan guna diketahui bagaimana tingkat kecemasan serta nyeri berkorelasi dengan kualitas tidur. Tumor ganas yang berasal dari jaringan epitel di usus dan rektum disebut kanker kolorektal. Ketakutan akan sesuatu yang diantisipasi bahaya dikenal sebagai kecemasan. Nyeri adalah rasa yang diterima oleh reseptor nyeri dan disertai dengan emosional. Kualitas tidur ialah kondisi yang mana tidur yang dialami seseorang memberi kebugaran serta kesegaran. Metode yang digunakan yakni analisis korelasional dengan desain cross sectional. Sebanyak 59 responden berpartisipasi dalam penelitian ini melalui metode purposive sampling. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan mayoritas responden punya tingkat kecemasan berat sekali (59.3%) dengan rata-rata skor 41.69, sebagian besar responden memiliki nyeri sedang (71.2%) dengan rata-rata skor 6.24, dan hampir seluruhnya responden memiliki kualitas tidur buruk (78%) dengan rata-rata 6.31. Terdapat hubungan kemasan, nyeri dan kualitas tidur dengan hasil hampir seluruhnya (76.1%) dengan kecemasan berat sekali mempunyai kualitas tidur yang buruk (p = 0,000) dengan r = 0.642, dan sebagian besar (63%) dengan nyeri sedang mempunyai kualitas tidur yang buruk (p = 0,012) dengan r = 0.338. Berkaitan dengan hal tersebut, perlu adanya upaya penanganan terkait tingkat kecemasan dan tingkat nyeri dengan kualitas tidur pasien kanker kolorektal.
TRABALHO DOCENTE MEDIADO POR TECNOLOGIAS: ECOS E REPERCUSSÕES
Authors: Echalar Adda Daniela Lima Figueiredo , Nascimento Neuvani Ana do , Carvalho Rose Mary Almas , Malaquias Arianny Grasielly Baião , Peixoto Joana
Published: August 2024

Este artigo buscou compreender as práticas docentes mediadas por tecnologias à luz do materialismo histórico-dialético. Foram entrevistados 76 professores de 23 escolas públicas em dez municípios do estado de Goiás. As entrevistas coletivas pautaram-se em três temáticas: as ferramentas utilizadas, as formas de uso das tecnologias e as condições estruturais e pedagógicas nas quais tais práticas se realizam. Os dados revelam que há uma multiplicidade de relações, saberes, angústias e problemáticas decorrentes das tentativas de desenvolvimento das práticas pedagógicas com uso de tecnologias. Bem como há indícios de uma racionalidade docente como movimento de superação da alienação comum ao modo trabalho executado.
“ELES BRINCAM DE GUERRA MUNDIAL”: PROTAGONISMO INFANTIL EM NARRATIVAS DE CRIANÇAS IMIGRANTES
Authors: Hartman Luciana
Published: August 2024

O foco deste artigo é debater o lugar de protagonismoestabelecido por crianças imigrantes, recém-chegadas àFrança, ao contarem histórias. Utilizando o escopo teórico emetodológico dos Estudos da Performance, analisaremos nãoapenas O QUÊ as crianças contam, mas COMO contam,pois isso permite compreender melhor como se dá a agênciadas crianças nos processos de escolarização que ocorrem emclasses de acolhimento francesas. As narrativas citadas no textoforam produzidas no âmbito de uma pesquisa etnográficopropositiva,realizada entre 2014 e 2015, em duas escolaspúblicas francesas de Ensino Fundamental.
DISCURSOS QUE PRODUZEM SABERES E ESPECIALISTAS NA EDUCAÇÃO DE SURDOS
Authors: Barberena Cinara Franco Rechico
Published: August 2024

O objetivo deste texto é analisar como os discursos que circulam na ANPEd no período de 1990 a 2010 caracterizam os saberes e os especialistas na área da educação de surdos. Para compreender as relações que as verdades dos discursos produzem, sob inspiração genealógica foucaultiana, recorro à ANPEd e à forma como se constituiu como um espaço entrelaçado com a Educação Especial em que circulam especialistas e um emaranhado de saberes que tecem a educação na Contemporaneidade. Nesse contexto há uma teia que envolve os especialistas e os saberes que instituem a formação e as competências que esses profissionais precisam buscar para se inserirem na lógica inclusiva.
FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES PARA PREVENÇÃO DO SUICÍDIO
Authors: Maria Menz Dione , Da Silva Brito Glaucia
Published: August 2024

O artigo discorre sobre a construção de um curso hibrido sobre prevenção do suicídio para professores de escolas públicas. A proposta envolveu a UFPR e a SEED resultando em uma formação de 60 horas para 200 docentes, na plataforma moodle, com 8 módulos, 3 encontros presenciais e produção de 80 propostas de intervenção. Os resultados exploram as possíveis estéticas para oferta de cursos híbridos sobre temas sensíveis e mediados pelas tecnologias de comunicação e informação, no caso desta pesquisa, a formação de professores para prevenção do suicídio.