bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Wind Power Prediction by an Extreme Learning Machine Based on an Improved Hunter–Prey Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wang Xiangyue , Li Ji , Shao Lei , Liu Hongli , Ren Lei , Zhu Lihua
Published: January 2023

Considering the volatility and randomness of wind speed, this research suggests an improved hunter-prey optimization (IHPO) algorithm-based extreme learning machine (ELM) short-term wind power prediction model to increase short-term wind power prediction accuracy. The original wind power history data from the wind farm are used in the model to achieve feature extraction and data dimensionality reduction, using the partial least squares’ variable importance of projection (PLS-VIP) and normalized mutual information (NMI) methods. Adaptive inertia weights are added to the HPO algorithm’s optimization search process to speed up the algorithm’s convergence. At the same time, the initialized population is modified, to improve the algorithm’s ability to perform global searches. To accomplish accurate wind power prediction, the enhanced algorithm’s optimal parameters optimize the extreme learning machine’s weights and threshold. The findings demonstrate that the method accurately predicts wind output and can be confirmed using measured data from a wind turbine in Inner Mongolia, China.
Exploring the Coupling Coordination and Spatial Correlation of Logistics Industry and Regional Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development: Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta Region
Authors: Jiang Jinde , Wang Xiaobo , Xu Guoyin , Jiang Shuhua , Gu Jing , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2023

As the economy develops, the level of logistics required means many activities become increasingly dependent on transportation, which leads to the deterioration of the ecological environment, aggravates air pollution, causes urban traffic jams, and has a negative influence on sustainable development. Therefore, in the context of sustainable development, how to coordinate the development of the logistics industry and regional economy has become a governmental and academic focus. The coupling coordination degree model and spatial autocorrelation analysis model were applied to empirically analyze the coupling and coordination of the logistics industry and economy in each city in YRDR and the relationship of mutual influence. The research results show that, for economically developed cities, economic development had more influence on the coupled and coordinated degree of the two, and for the less developed cities, the development of logistics drove the improvement of the coupled and coordinated degree of the two. The analysis of the Anhui Province showed that the coupling and coordination degree of its own logistics industry and economy was driven by strong radiation, and the impact on that degree of the logistics industry and economy of cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai was not significant. The development of the coupling and coordination degree of the two variables of cities in Jiangsu Province was more balanced. The divergence degree of that of the logistics industry and economy of cities in Zhejiang Province exhibited a tendency to increase, and the divergence mainly came from the endogenous development of each city. The variability was mainly due to the endogenous dynamics of each city’s development. Finally, suggestions for the coordinated and sustainable development of the logistics industry and regional economy are provided.
An Assessment Tool to Identify the Financial Literacy Level of Financial Education Programs Participants’ Executed by Ecuadorian Financial Institutions
Authors: Méndez-Prado Silvia Mariela , Rodriguez Vanessa , Peralta-Rizzo Kevin , Everaert Patricia , Valcke Martin
Published: January 2023

Due to the lack of a tool assessing the effectiveness of Financial Education Programs (FEP) imparted by the financial institutions (FI) in Ecuador by mandate, this research proposes and validates a scale to evaluate the Financial Literacy (FL) level of 314 participants (15–50 years old) after attending an FEP. The final 18-item FL scale, compounded with Financial Attitude, Financial Knowledge, and Financial Behavior dimensions, is reliable and robust according to the Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The average score for FL is 76 out of 100 points. The youngest scored the lowest, and the FI employees the highest. This contribution fulfills a needed FL scale to accurately measure the efforts of FI spreading the FE. It serves as a stepping stone for further research reconfirming its validity and applying the proposed FI’s FL scale as a pre–post FL evaluation.
Do City Exports Increase City Wages? Empirical Evidence from 286 Chinese Cities
Authors: Zhao Chunyan , Wang Shiping
Published: January 2023

The optimization of income distribution is an important index to achieve high-quality economic development in the process of urbanization. Using matched data from the China Statistical Yearbook and Customs Statistical Database, this paper examines the impact of city exports on city wages based on panel data from 286 Chinese cities at or above the prefecture level. The paper finds that city exports increase city wages through technology-upgrading mechanisms and profit-sharing mechanisms. This conclusion is found to be robust after a series of tests. The paper further analyses the impact of city exports on city wages by classifying the location and scale of cities. The results show that city exports increase the wages of large cities, eastern cities and central cities but have no effect on medium cities, small cities and western cities. In the process of urbanization, it is essential to further improve the quality and efficiency of exports, increase investment in R&D and education, optimise income distribution and promote regional coordinated development.
Hidden Homogeneous Extreme Multistability of a Fractional-Order Hyperchaotic Discrete-Time System: Chaos, Initial Offset Boosting, Amplitude Control, Control, and Synchronization
Authors: Khennaoui Amina-Aicha , Ouannas Adel , Bekiros Stelios , Aly Ayman A. , Alotaibi Ahmed , Jahanshahi Hadi , Alsubaie Hajid
Published: January 2023

Fractional order maps are a hot research topic; many new mathematical models are suitable for developing new applications in different areas of science and engineering. In this paper, a new class of a 2D fractional hyperchaotic map is introduced using the Caputo-like difference operator. The hyperchaotic map has no equilibrium and lines of equilibrium points, depending on the values of the system parameters. All of the chaotic attractors generated by the proposed fractional map are hidden. The system dynamics are analyzed via bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents, and phase portraits for different values of the fractional order. The results show that the fractional map has rich dynamical behavior, including hidden homogeneous multistability and offset boosting. The paper also illustrates a novel theorem, which assures that two hyperchaotic fractional discrete systems achieve synchronized dynamics using very simple linear control laws. Finally, the chaotic dynamics of the proposed system are stabilized at the origin via a suitable controller.
Optimal Design of a Canopy Using Parametric Structural Design and a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Dasari Saaranya Kumar , Fantuzzi Nicholas , Trovalusci Patrizia , Panei Roberto , Pingaro Marco
Published: January 2023

The structural performance of any building design is often dependent on the geometrical shape, which affects its behavior and stability. Structural consideration and optimization in the conceptual stage of the design process can lead to better solutions and design exploration. In this paper, a design approach for generating and structurally optimizing the geometrical form in the conceptual design phase is presented. The method is applied to a canopy of an ecological island (waste collection center in Rome, Italy). We demonstrate how parametric structural design can facilitate the decision-maker to generate and analyze the optimal design solutions rapidly in the conceptual stage of the design process. Fully parametric models are created in a Rhinoceros3D® environment and interfaced with in-house built algorithms, and Finite Element simulations are performed in DubalRFEM. An ecological island’s canopy has been completely redesigned with a Genetic Algorithm and a Dynamic Relaxation Algorithm, resulting in a free-form shape-resistant structure. Finally, the shape-optimized canopy meets various requirements (structural, functional, formal) that improve structural efficiency and design collaboration, such as in the role of the architect and engineer in the design process and in the relationship between the designer and design tools.
Increasing the Accuracy of Soil Nutrient Prediction by Improving Genetic Algorithm Backpropagation Neural Networks
Authors: Liu Yanqing , Jiang Cuiqing , Lu Cuiping , Wang Zhao , Che Wanliu
Published: January 2023

Soil nutrient prediction has been eliciting increasing attention in agricultural production. Backpropagation (BP) neural networks have demonstrated remarkable ability in many prediction scenarios. However, directly utilizing BP neural networks in soil nutrient prediction may not yield promising results due to the random assignment of initial weights and thresholds and the tendency to fall into local extreme points. In this study, a BP neural network model optimized by an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) was proposed to predict soil nutrient time series with high accuracy. First, the crossover and mutation operations of the genetic algorithm (GA) were improved. Next, the IGA was used to optimize the BP model. The symmetric nature of the model lies in its feedforward and feedback connections, i.e., the same weights must be used for the forward and backward passes. An empirical evaluation was performed using annual soil nutrient data from China. Soil pH, total nitrogen, organic matter, fast-acting potassium, and effective phosphorus were selected as evaluation indicators. The prediction results of the IGA–BP, GA–BP, and BP neural network models were compared and analyzed. For the IGA–BP prediction model, the coefficient of determination for soil pH was 0.8, while those for total nitrogen, organic matter, fast-acting potassium, and effective phosphorus were all greater than 0.98, exhibiting a strong generalization ability. The root-mean-square errors of the IGA–BP prediction models were reduced to 50% of the BP models. The results indicated that the IGA–BP method can accurately predict soil nutrient content for future time series.
Perfume Guns: Potential of Yeast Volatile Organic Compounds in the Biological Control of Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi
Authors: Oufensou Safa , Ul Hassan Zahoor , Balmas Virgilio , Jaoua Samir , Migheli Quirico
Published: January 2023

Pathogenic fungi in the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Botrytis, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Gloeosporium, Monilinia, Mucor, Penicillium, and Rhizopus are the most common cause of pre- and postharvest diseases of fruit, vegetable, root and grain commodities. Some species are also able to produce mycotoxins, secondary metabolites having toxic effects on human and non-human animals upon ingestion of contaminated food and feed. Synthetic fungicides still represent the most common tool to control these pathogens. However, long-term application of fungicides has led to unacceptable pollution and may favour the selection of fungicide-resistant mutants. Microbial biocontrol agents may reduce the incidence of toxigenic fungi through a wide array of mechanisms, including competition for the ecological niche, antibiosis, mycoparasitism, and the induction of resistance in the host plant tissues. In recent years, the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been proposed as a key mechanism of biocontrol. Their bioactivity and the absence of residues make the use of microbial VOCs a sustainable and effective alternative to synthetic fungicides in the management of postharvest pathogens, particularly in airtight environments. In this review, we will focus on the possibility of applying yeast VOCs in the biocontrol of mycotoxigenic fungi affecting stored food and feed.
Essential Oils and Terpenic Compounds as Potential Hits for Drugs against Amitochondriate Protists
Authors: Menezes Saulo Almeida , Tasca Tiana
Published: January 2023

The human anaerobic or microaerophilic protists Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis are classified as amitochondriate parasites, a group of unicellular organisms that lack canonical mitochondria organelles. These microorganisms suffered adaptations to survive in hostile microenvironments and together represent an increasing threat to public health in developing countries. Nevertheless, the current therapeutic drugs to manage the infections are scarce and often cause several side effects. Furthermore, refractory cases associated with the emergence of parasitic resistance are concerns that guide the search for new pharmacological targets and treatment alternatives. Herein, essential oils and terpenic compounds with activity against amitochondriate parasites with clinical relevance are summarized and insights into possible mechanisms of action are made. This review aims to contribute with future perspectives for research with these natural products as potential alternatives for the acquisition of new molecules for the treatment of amitochondriate protists.
The Role of Chloroviruses as Possible Infectious Agents for Human Health: Putative Mechanisms of ATCV-1 Infection and Potential Routes of Transmission
Authors: Zhernov Yury V. , Vysochanskaya Sonya O. , Basov Artem A. , Sukhov Vitaly A. , Simanovsky Anton A. , Fadeeva Inna A. , Polibin Roman V. , Sidorova Ekaterina A. , Shcherbakov Denis V. , Mitrokhin Oleg V.
Published: January 2023

The Chlorovirus genus of the Phycodnaviridae family includes large viruses with a double-stranded DNA genome. Chloroviruses are widely distributed in freshwater bodies around the world and have been isolated from freshwater sources in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North and South America. One representative of chloroviruses is Acanthocystis turfacea chlorella virus 1 (ATCV-1), which is hosted by Chlorella heliozoae. A few publications in the last ten years about the potential effects of ATCV-1 on the human brain sparked interest among specialists in the field of human infectious pathology. The goal of our viewpoint was to compile the scant research on the effects of ATCV-1 on the human body, to demonstrate the role of chloroviruses as new possible infectious agents for human health, and to indicate potential routes of virus transmission. We believe that ATCV-1 transmission routes remain unexplored. We also question whether chlorella-based nutritional supplements are dangerous for ATCV-1 infections. Further research will help to identify the routes of infection, the cell types in which ATCV-1 can persist, and the pathological mechanisms of the virus’s effect on the human body.
HIV Infection, Chromosome Instability, and Micronucleus Formation
Authors: Ellwanger Joel Henrique , Kulmann-Leal Bruna , Ziliotto Marina , Chies José Artur Bogo
Published: January 2023

Genome integrity is critical for proper cell functioning, and chromosome instability can lead to age-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Chromosome instability is caused by multiple factors, including replication stress, chromosome missegregation, exposure to pollutants, and viral infections. Although many studies have investigated the effects of environmental or lifestyle genotoxins on chromosomal integrity, information on the effects of viral infections on micronucleus formation and other chromosomal aberrations is still limited. Currently, HIV infection is considered a chronic disease treatable by antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, HIV-infected individuals still face important health problems, such as chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. In this context, this article reviews studies that have evaluated genomic instability using micronucleus assays in the context of HIV infection. In brief, HIV can induce chromosome instability directly through the interaction of HIV proteins with host DNA and indirectly through chronic inflammation or as a result of ART use. Connections between HIV infection, immunosenescence and age-related disease are discussed in this article. The monitoring of HIV-infected individuals should consider the increased risk of chromosome instability, and lifestyle interventions, such as reduced exposure to genotoxins and an antioxidant-rich diet, should be considered. Therapies to reduce chronic inflammation in HIV infection are needed.
Animal Model Alternatives in Filovirus and Bornavirus Research
Authors: Widerspick Lina , Steffen Johanna Friederike , Tappe Dennis , Muñoz-Fontela César
Published: January 2023

The order Mononegavirales contains a variety of highly pathogenic viruses that may infect humans, including the families Filoviridae, Bornaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, and Rhabodoviridae. Animal models have historically been important to study virus pathogenicity and to develop medical countermeasures. As these have inherent shortcomings, the rise of microphysiological systems and organoids able to recapitulate hallmarks of the diseases caused by these viruses may have enormous potential to add to or partially replace animal modeling in the future. Indeed, microphysiological systems and organoids are already used in the pharmaceutical R&D pipeline because they are prefigured to overcome the translational gap between model systems and clinical studies. Moreover, they may serve to alleviate ethical concerns related to animal research. In this review, we discuss the value of animal model alternatives in human pathogenic filovirus and bornavirus research. The current animal models and their limitations are presented followed by an overview of existing alternatives, such as organoids and microphysiological systems, which might help answering open research questions.
Using Wastewater Surveillance to Compare COVID-19 Outbreaks during the Easter Holidays over a 2-Year Period in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Mahlangeni Nomfundo , Street Renée , Horn Suranie , Mathee Angela , Mangwana Noluxabiso , Dias Stephanie , Sharma Jyoti Rajan , Ramharack Pritika , Louw Johan , Reddy Tarylee , Surujlal-Naicker Swastika , Nkambule Sizwe , Webster Candice , Mdhluli Mongezi , Gray Glenda , Muller Christo , Johnson Rabia
Published: January 2023

Wastewater surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has shown to be an important approach to determine early outbreaks of infections. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is regarded as a complementary tool for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 trends in communities. In this study, the changes in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater during Easter holidays in 2021 and 2022 in the City of Cape Town were monitored over nine weeks. Our findings showed a statistically significant difference in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load between the study weeks over the Easter period in 2021 and 2022, except for study week 1 and 4. During the Easter week, 52% of the wastewater treatment plants moved from the lower (low viral RNA) category in 2021 to the higher (medium to very high viral RNA) categories in 2022. As a result, the median SARS-CoV-2 viral loads where higher during the Easter week in 2022 than Easter week in 2021 (p = 0.0052). Mixed-effects model showed an association between the SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral loads and Easter week over the Easter period in 2021 only (p < 0.01). The study highlights the potential of WBE to track outbreaks during the holiday period.
Recombination and Mutation in a New HP-PRRSV Strain (SD2020) from China
Authors: Xia Yang , Zhang Tianying , Gong Dengmei , Qi Juan , Jiang Shenghai , Yang Hao , Zhu Xianchang , Gan Yu , Zhang Yi , Han Yanyan , Li Yan , Li Jida
Published: January 2023

A new HP-PRRSV strain (SD2020) was isolated from pigs with suspected highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome disease in a pig farm in Shandong Province, China, and its genome was sequenced. This pig farm has been using the VR-2332 vaccine strain to immunize pigs for a long time. The phylogenic and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis of the viruses isolated from dead pigs showed that SD2020 was a natural recombinant virus of the VR-2332 vaccine strain and the JXA1 similar strain, and that two splicing fragments highly homologous to JXA1 in the virus genome were probably derived from the JXA1 wild strain and JXA1-R vaccine strain, respectively. Therefore, the possible recombination events of SD2020 and its mutation site might be related to high pathogenicity.
Psychological Distress and Physical Adverse Events of COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Taiwan
Authors: Rifai Ahmad , Wu Wan-Ching , Tang Yu-Wen , Lu Mei-Yun , Chiu Pei-Jen , Strong Carol , Lin Chung-Ying , Chen Po-Lin , Ko Wen-Chien , Ko Nai-Ying
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic places high pressure on everyone, including healthcare workers (HCWs), thus causing them to experience psychological distress. HCWs have priority in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. However, few studies have identified adverse events (AEs) and psychological distress in the HCWs group. Therefore, we investigated the association between psychological distress and AEs and the determinants of protective behaviors in Taiwanese HCWs. A longitudinal measurement was conducted among HCWs at National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH), Tainan, Taiwan (n = 483, mean age = 37.55 years). All HCWs completed an online questionnaire on psychological distress, COVID-19 vaccination AEs, and protective behaviors. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to analyze the correlation between psychological distress and AEs, and used multivariable logistic regressions to explore the predictors of protective behaviors. Depression and distress and anger were significantly associated with various physical AEs (p = 0.045 to p < 0.001). Suicidal thoughts became a significant independent variable of systemic AEs after COVID-19 vaccination (p = 0.014 to p < 0.001). People of older ages or females engaged more in washing their hands, wearing masks, and reducing their presence in crowded places. Suicidal thoughts were related to the occurrence of systemic AEs among HCWs. Doctors performed better at preventive behaviors compared to nurses and other HCWs. HCWs who experienced anxiety and nervousness tended to avoid crowds.
Water-Use Strategies and Habitat Adaptation of Four Tree Species in Karstic Climax Forest in Maolan
Authors: Ding Fangjun , Yuan Congjun , Zhou Ting , Cheng Juan , Wu Peng , Ye Yuyan
Published: January 2023

The technique of stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope tracing has become an important means to study the mechanism of water movement due to its high sensitivity and traceability. In this study, four dominant tree species in the karst forest of Maolan, Guizhou Province, were selected, and their water-use strategies and the mechanism of maintenance of tree species diversity were investigated using the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope tracing technique. The results show that: (1) The regional precipitation varied evidently with the alternation of seasons, i.e., the values of δD and δ18O in precipitation had a positive bias in spring and a negative bias in summer and autumn. The value of deuterium excess (d-excess) was between 11.67‰ and 31.02‰, with a mean value of 22.98‰. (2) The soil temperature (ST), soil water content (SWC) and precipitation, which have a significant positive correlation, imposed a joint impact on the dynamics of the soil evaporative fractionation. (3) The line-conditioned excess (LC-excess) varied seasonally in different water bodies, i.e., the relative evaporative fractionation of the rhizosphere soil of deciduous tree species was stronger than that of evergreen tree species, and the evaporative fractionation of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in the leaf water of evergreen tree species was stronger than that of deciduous tree species in spring and summer. However, that of the latter was stronger than that of the former in autumn. (4) The soil water was the most important potential water source for dominant tree species in karst terrain (71%), followed by epikarstic water, which made up an effective supplement (29%). (5) Finally, trees of different life forms and species varied in capacity and proportion in terms of using the potential water sources in different seasons, i.e., deciduous tree species had a greater capacity for using water from potential sources and variable water-use strategies. This may be a major water-limiting mechanism that maintains photosynthesis in the leaves of evergreen tree species (leaves are evergreen and plants continue to grow via photosynthesis) and constrains photosynthesis in deciduous tree species (leaves fall and plants become dormant and stop growing). These results lead to the conclusion that the dominant tree species in karstic forests resist water stress and adjust water-use strategies towards each potential water source to adapt to the harsh karstic habitat through root plasticity and leaf defoliation.
Change Analysis of Karst Landforms, Hydrogeological Conditions and Effects of Tunnel Excavation on Groundwater Environment in Three Topography Grades in China
Authors: Tang Yige , Zhang Qiang , Qi Jihong , Xu Mo , Li Xiao , Qu Chenhao , Yi Lei , Wang Dong
Published: January 2023

One-third of the Earth in China is formed by Karst topography, which exposes different Karst landforms in three topography grades from southeast to northwest, corresponding to below several hundred meters for the first grade, one to two thousand meters for the second grade, and more than 4000 m for the in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Through the hydrochemical and D-18O stable isotopes of 64 water samples collected along two railway lines and the topography fractal characteristics of three typical Karst areas in different topography grades, the changes in Karst development degree, changes in groundwater activities, and the influence of tunnel excavation effects on groundwater environment were analyzed. The results indicated that: (1) the Karst development degree and the influence of Karst tunnel excavation on the groundwater environment are somehow similar in the first and second grades, while there are significant differences between the slopes area from second to third grade and the third grade area. (2) In detail, the relatively weaker Karst development degree and flow seeping in the second grade relatively weaken the influences of tunnel excavation, including the distribution pattern of water resources, the groundwater flow field, and water circulation, while the tunnel elevation has little room to rise. (3) There are many large faults in the north-southward direction in the third topography grade, and the transportation lines in the eastern-western direction will inevitably encounter them. In the intersection area, the tunnel excavation has great effects on the groundwater environment. (4) The lighter hydrogen and oxygen isotopes are enriched in Karst water from the first grade to the third grade, indicating that the recharge source of Karst water presents obvious elevation effect.
The Effect of Multi-Source DEM Accuracy on the Optimal Catchment Area Threshold
Authors: Wu Honggang , Liu Xueying , Li Qiang , Hu Xiujun , Li Hongbo
Published: January 2023

This study attempts to investigate the relationship between the accuracy of different Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and fractal dimension D and to solve the problem of determining the optimal catchment area threshold in plain watersheds. In this study, the fractal dimensions of the Shuttle Radar Topographic Survey Digital Elevation Model (SRTM) V4.1 DEM, Hydrology 1K (HYDRO1K) DEM, and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model (ASTER GDEM) with 90 m horizontal resolution and 30 m ASTER GDEM were calculated using the box dimension method, and the relationship between the horizontal resolution and accuracy of three data sources and fractal dimension D was studied. The optimal catchment area threshold in the study area was determined. The response of river network similarity and topographic features to DEM accuracy was explored, and the optimal catchment area threshold for the study area was verified. The result shows that, with the increase in the catchment area threshold, the fractal dimension D shows three stages of rapid decline, gentle fluctuation, and tend to 1. Compared with the horizontal resolution of DEM, the vertical accuracy has more influence on the fractal dimension D. The fractal dimension D accuracy increases with the increase in the vertical accuracy of DEM. The main order of influence of the three data sources is SRTM V4.1 DEM > ASTER GDEM > HYDRO1K DEM. The fractal dimension of the digital river network extracted by SRTM V4.1 DEM is 1.0245, the same as the fractal dimension of the actual river network. The optimal catchment area threshold of the study area is 4.05 km2, which has the highest coincidence with the actual river network. In summary, using the SRTM V4.1 DEM as the DEM data source is feasible to determine the optimal catchment area threshold in plain watersheds.
Effect of Contact Area on Deflection Flow Behavior in a Bifurcated Fracture
Authors: Cheng Zhiyu , Liu Rui , Ma Haichun , Feng Peichao , Qian Jiazhong
Published: January 2023

The factors affecting the deflection flow in a bifurcated fracture under the effect of the fracture contact area are discussed. The effects of the contact area and cross-section on the deflection flow are determined using a combination of experiments and numerical simulations. The contact and seepage changes in bifurcated fractures under a confining pressure are monitored using a pressure film. A parallel plate bifurcated fracture model with a single contact area is established, which is in good agreement with the results of the laboratory experiments. Based on numerical simulation experiments, under the effects of the contact area and cross-section, the change in the effective flow path is the main reason for the change in the deflection flow behavior. The proportion of the flow path of the entire fracture is used to reflect the deflection flow characteristics under different contact areas and cross-sectional areas. For a given contact area, the larger the cross-section of the contact area, the larger the difference in the outlet flow of the bifurcated fracture and the more obvious the deflection flow behavior. As the contact area increases and the cross-section is constant, the effective path of the fluid does not change, and the deflection flow behavior does not change. This explanation of the cause of fracture deflection flow is of great significance for studying fracture seepage.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Distribution and Health Risk of Vegetable Crops Grown on Soils Amended with Municipal Solid Waste Compost for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
Authors: Bhardwaj Pallavi , Sharma Rajesh Kumar , Chauhan Abhishek , Ranjan Anuj , Rajput Vishnu D. , Minkina Tatiana , Mandzhieva Saglara S. , Mina Usha , Wadhwa Shikha , Bobde Prakash , Tripathi Ashutosh
Published: January 2023

Rapid urbanization is one of the key factors that leads to defragmentation and the shrinking of agricultural land. It further leads to the generation of an ample amount of municipal waste. Several technologies have emerged in the past for its utilization, and in this regard, composting is one of the conventional approaches gaining popularity in modern agriculture. To overcome the possible criticality of intense urbanization, the concept of urban agriculture is taking shape. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) has been popularly explored for the soil amendments and nutritional requirements of crops. With this, the assessment of soil pollution (due to the heavy metals presently found in MSWC) is a required step for its safe application in agriculture. The present study aims at assessing the utilization of MSWC (in different ratios) to amend the soil and its impact on the growth and yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The study also explored the uptake of heavy metals by plants and their risk to human consumption. The findings suggested that MSWC amendments upgraded the physio-chemical properties of soil, including organic matter (OM) and micronutrients, and increased the heavy metal concentrations in soil. Heavy metal analysis underlined the presence of several heavy metals both in soil and crops. Total metal concentration in soil increased with increased MSWC dosage. Concerning metal uptake by crop plants, 25% of MSWC was found to impart metal concentrations within permissible values in edible parts of crops. On the contrary, 50%, 75%, and 100% compost showed higher metal concentrations in the crops. A Health Risk Index (HRI) of less than 1 was found to be associated with soil amended with 25% MSWC. Our study implies that MSWC significantly improved the growth and yield of crops, and it can be considered an alternative to chemical fertilizer but only in a safer ratio (≤25%). However, further studies are required, especially on field conditions to validate the findings regarding metal accumulation.
Groundwater Vulnerability and Delineation of Protection Zones in the Discharge Area of a Karstic Aquifer—Application in Agyia’s Karst System (Crete, Greece)
Authors: Steiakakis Emmanouil , Vavadakis Dionysios , Mourkakou Ourania
Published: January 2023

This work represents a contribution to the protection techniques of karst aquifers against groundwater pollution. The paper sets out the methodology being introduced for the protection of the karstic system that gives rise to five (5) major groups of springs and supplies fourteen (14) pumping wells near Agyia Chania (Crete, Greece). Starting from a geological and hydrogeological survey of the area, the work presents a vulnerability assessment of the karstic aquifer based on the application of three index-based methods (EPIK, PRESK and DRISTPI). The protection zones for the discharge area of the aquifer were delineated through an integrated geomorphological approach and groundwater flow modeling. At first, the risk of polluting substances migration from ground surface to groundwater was considered based on the spatial distribution of vulnerability. Following this, the vulnerability was evaluated in the saturated zone, where the attenuation mechanisms of contaminants were reducing due to the raised flow velocity. The groundwater flow and contaminant transport processes was considered using the MODFLOW code. Next, the data from the vulnerability mapping and the groundwater flow simulation were merged into an integrated assessment to delimit the protection zones for the water abstraction points. The vulnerability assessment outlines zones of high vulnerability in the SE part of the area, far away from the discharge zone of the aquifer and the water abstraction points. These zones are associated with an intensive infiltration process via carbonate formations. Protection Zone I was delineated 20 m around the water abstraction points, and it should be excluded from any anthropogenic activity. Protection Zone II coves part of the very high and high vulnerability zones defined by the DRISTPI method (located upwards of the water abstraction points), as well as an area downwards of springs and wells, where the flow path lines which demonstrate the subsurface travelling time of 50 days are projected to the ground surface. Protection Zone III extends outside Zone Ι and Zone ΙΙ, up to the limits of the hydrogeological or hydrological basin, whichever is larger. It includes the entire capture zone (i.e., the surface and underground catchment area) that feeds the water abstraction points. In this manner the protection zones include the entire contributing area to water abstraction points, not just the ground surface recharge zone.
Mechanism Analysis of Floor Water Inrush Based on Criteria Importance though Intercrieria Correlation
Authors: Sun Wenbin , Liu Hongqiang , Cao Zhenbo , Yang Hui , Li Jingjing
Published: January 2023

Floor water inrush has always been an important problem affecting coal mine safety. The water inrush from the deep coal seam floor is the final manifestation of the water inrush channel formed by the expansion and penetration of rock mass cracks under the combined action of a high ground temperature, high ground stress, high karst water pressure and strong mining disturbance. The fault is a structurally weak plane developed in the complete rock layer, which can be regarded as a permeable channel with good permeability. In order to explore the location of confined water from the fault to rock stratum caused by the tensile fracture of a fault during floor water inrush, floor water inrush is regarded as the result of the joint action of water pressure and mining stress. The COMSOL Multiphysics numerical simulation software was used to simulate the advancing process of the working face of the coal seam with a fault structure. Different fault dip models were established for comparative analysis. The objective weight CRITIC based on data volatility was used to analyze the water pressure and principal stress near the fault. The results show that the uplift strength of highly confined water increases with the increase in the fault dip angle, and the weight of water pressure near the fault has a certain relationship with the location of the water body entering the rock stratum from the fault.
Characteristics and Test Aspects of Metal-Based Foams
Authors: Bagyinszki Gyula
Published: January 2023

There is a continuous development in automotive body production to expand the use of metal foams. The use of aluminium foams in vehicles is made possible by the high strength/mass ratio, which means that mass reduction is not accompanied by a reduction in safety. Reducing mass (self-weight), on the other hand, is essential due to increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The present composition draws attention to the structural properties of metal-based foams and its testability.
Wear Modelling of Total Knee Replacements
Authors: Fekete Gusztáv , Tej Singh , Jánosi Endre
Published: January 2023

Beside prosthesis loosening, wear is the mechanical factor that most significantly influences the lifetime of total knee replacements (TKRs), which can only be described by a number of interrelated parameters. The examination of the wear occurring in TKRs is mostly carried out as a combination of experiments and mathematical modeling. The experiment can provide the real magnitude of wear, while the model is intended to mathematically describe the relationship between wear and the wear-inducing parameters. On the one hand, this study focuses on the mathematical description of wear as a natural-technical phenomenon, presenting the most important analytical and numerical models, while also providing an open view on exciting questions that still await answers.
Investigation of Raw Materials for Sulfurized Vegetable Oil Based Lubricant Additives
Authors: Nagy Gábor Zoltán , Lázár Nikoletta , Nagy Roland
Published: January 2023

Extreme Pressure (EP) additives are commonly used in lubricants to reduce wear and prevent seizures at high temperature and pressure. In terms of their mechanism, these build up a film on the surface with chemisorption. This film efficiently prevents metal-metal adhesion. Industrial statistics show that extreme pressure additives are mostly used in metalworking fluids, lubricating greases and engine oils.

Sulfurized vegetable oils can be used as EP additives of lubricants. This type of EP additive is ashless, derived from renewable sources and have a lesser negative effect on the environment compared to those that are not derived from vegetable sources. To determine the appropriate vegetable oils to be used as the raw material of EP additives, the structure of triglycerides, cost-effectiveness and availability aspects must be considered. Results of experiments show that rapeseed oil and soybean oil best meet this criteria system.
NiS
2
/FeS Heterostructured Nanoflowers for High-Performance Sodium Storage
Authors: Yan Dong , Xiao Shuhao , Li Xinyan , Jiang Jinxia , He Qiyuan , Li Hanchao , Qin Jiaqian , Wu Rui , Niu Xiaobin , Chen Jun Song
Published: January 2023

Transition metal sulfides demonstrate attractive potential for sodium storage owing to their high theoretical specific capacity and high reserve. However, the low conductivity and volume expansion deteriorate their high-rate performance and cycling stability. In this work, we construct NiS
2
/FeS heterostructure by growing Ni-based layered double hydroxide nanosheets on Fe-based Prussian Blue nanocrystals followed by gaseous sulfurization, giving rise to flower-like NiS
2
/FeS nanoparticles. The as-prepared nanocomposite exhibits good rate performance of 156 mAh g
−1
at 50 A g
−1
and long cycle life of 606 mAh g
−1
at 5 A g
−1
after 1,000 cycles, which are superior to the heterostructure-free counterpart of NiS
2
and FeS. Density functional theory calculation further verifies that the enhanced electrochemical performance of NiS
2
/FeS is due to the existence of interface derived from the heterostructure.
Implementasi Program Go Green School Di Indonesia Sebagai Pembangunan Berkelanjutan
Authors: Mumbaasithoh Layli , Dya Meylasari Novi , Nursidik Deden , Surya Asih Susmawati
Published: January 2023

This study aims to determine the implementation of the Go Green school program in Indonesia. Data collection is carried out in several stages, namely searching for articles with the theme to be studied, and mapping topics. The step of analyzing the literature review method is by reading and re-exploring the points of thought on the same theme in several journals. to be able to add new ideas and opinions of the author regarding the topic to be raised. The author can also see the shortcomings of previous studies, so that the author can make improvements and more regular formulations. Energy security is an issue that has long been discussed by governments and even the global world. One of the government programs to maintain the resilience of the national country is the greening movement or what is often referred to as going green. The go green program is a government program that involves all elements of society including educational institutions in Indonesia. There are several elements in the go green program, in this study the author took three elements to be used as research material for the implementation of the go green program in schools, namely green transportation, green water, and green energy. The results of the study revealed that the implementation of the go green program in Indonesian Education institutions has not run optimally either in the school environment (adiwiyata school), or in the campus environment (Green campus). The low implementation of the go green program in schools is characterized by the low knowledge of teachers or principals related to knowledge based on the environment. At the university level, the implementation of the go green program is only found in a few universities and has not been comprehensive.
Analisis Triple Helix Peran Stakeholder Dalam Meningkatkan Penggunaan Motor Listrik Di Indonesia
Authors: Najilatil Mazda Chadziqatun , Agustina Kurniawati Dwi , Setyaningsih Ira
Published: January 2023

In this modern era, the use of electric vehicles is not a new thing. The grand strategy of energy national (GSEN) has fourteen strategic programs to be implemented, one of them is increasing the use of battery- electric vehicles motorized, in order to reduce the imports of fuel oil (BBM) and LPG as well as equitable electrification in Indonesia. This program needs to support by cooperation and role contribution from participants (stakeholders). This study was conducted to determine the role of stakeholders to increasing the use of electric motors in Indonesia using a triple helix methode. The data collection was carried out through interviews and documentation studies. The analyze data was use miles and hubberman. The results showed that based on the triple helix analysis, there were 3 stakeholders involved to increasing the use of electric motors in Indonesia. There were universities, industry and government. The universities have a role in conducting research and development for electric motor products, this can be done through final project research or providing research grants the development electric motors topic. The industry has a role in producing electric motors, for example Gesit Companies which produces electric motors, and also raw materials industry and spare part industry as well as component of electric motors. The government has a role in regulations through policies of equitable electrification motor vehicles in Indonesia. One of them is from the Minister of Transportation Regulation (Permenhub) Number 65 of 2020 concerning the conversion of fuel motorcycles into battery-electric motorcycles.
A Study on the Changes in Educational Inequalities amidst the Expansion of Higher Education Opportunities: A Systematic Review of Korean Literature
Authors:   INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH, Kim jiyoun , Pak Soon-Yong
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively review the patterns and mechanisms of educational inequalities that have changed in the context of expanding and diversifying accessibility to higher education since the 1990s. Undergoing systematic literature review, the researchers selected 38 documents that dealt with the theme on educational inequality, and then proceeded to analyze and integrate the findings. First, educational inequality was found to coexist in two types: vertical inequality and horizontal inequality. The impact of parents' socioeconomic status on children's academic achievement increased, as the educational gap between socioeconomic classes widened. Second, as a factor of deepening educational inequality, the lower the parents' socioeconomic status, the less investment were made in private education, and the formation of social and cultural capital that promotes academic achievement was also low. This study expanded the understanding of educational inequalities in Korea by systematically integrating research on educational inequality, and based on the findings, suggested measures to alleviate educational inequality.
The Accuracy of Relative Strength Index (RSI) Indicator in Forecasting Foreign Exchange Price Movement
Authors: Indah Yulia Rossa , Mahyuni Luh Putu
Published: January 2023

This study aims to measure the accuracy of the Relative Strength Index (RSI) Indicator in predicting the direction of foreign exchange (forex) price movements. To achieve the research objectives, six foreign exchange currencies that fall into the major pair category were determined as samples. RSI data is collected from the Foreign Exchange Market which can be accessed via tradingview.com during the research period, January – September 2021. The data is analyzed using SPSS software with the Mann Whitney U Test which can prove statistically whether there is a significant difference between the predictions of forex price movements with the reality price movement. Thus, this study provides evidence of the accuracy of the Relative Strength Index (RSI) Indicator in predicting the direction of forex price movements. The findings of this study can be a reference for practitioners such as forex traders or business people who deal with foreign currencies in choosing technical analysis methods that can help make the right decisions.