bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Image Quality Improvement Method in Side-Scan Sonar Based on Deconvolution
Authors: Liu Jia , Pang Yan , Yan Lengleng , Zhu Hanhao
Published: October 2023

Side-scan sonar (SSS) is an important underwater imaging method that has high resolutions and is convenient to use. However, due to the restriction of conventional pulse compression technology, the side-scan sonar beam sidelobe in the range direction is relatively high, which affects the definition and contrast of images. When working in a shallow-water environment, image quality is especially influenced by strong bottom reverberation or other targets on the seabed. To solve this problem, a method for image-quality improvement based on deconvolution is proposed herein. In this method, to increase the range resolution and lower the sidelobe, a deconvolution algorithm is employed to improve the conventional pulse compression. In our simulation, the tolerance of the algorithm to different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and the resolution ability of multi-target conditions were analyzed. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied to actual underwater data. The experimental results showed that the quality of underwater acoustic imaging could be effectively improved. The ratios of improvement for the SNR and contrast ratio (CR) were 32 and 12.5%, respectively. The target segmentation results based on this method are also shown. The accuracy of segmentation was effectively improved.
Strong Clutter Suppression Using Spatial and Signal Similarity for Multi-Channel SAR Ground-Moving-Target Indication
Authors: Dong Qinghai , Li Wei , Shi Ruihua , Wang Ke , Wang Bingnan , Song Chen , Song Chong , Xiang Maosheng
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a new two-stage approach for suppressing strong clutter and detecting moving targets using scatterers’ spatial structure and signal similarity. Compared with the traditional strong clutter suppression methods, the proposed method considers both the spatial similarity and the channel correlation of the scatterers, effectively alleviating the false alarm probability and avoiding the missed detection problem caused via identifying strong moving targets as strong stationary clutter. Additionally, a detector is presented based on the linear degree of the radial velocity interferometric phase (LDRVP) to eliminate false alarms from isolated strong scatter points and the edges of strong scatterers. The experimental results of the X-band radar indicate the presented approach’s lower false alarm probability and superior robustness.
Improving the Accuracy of Urban Waterlogging Simulation: A Novel Computer Vision-Based Digital Elevation Model Refinement Approach for Roads and Densely Built-Up Areas
Authors: Yang Qiu , Huang Haocheng , Wang Chao , Lei Xiaohui , Feng Tianyu , Zuo Xiangyang
Published: October 2023

Urban waterlogging is a natural disaster that occurs in developed cities globally and has inevitably become severe due to urbanization, densification, and climate change. The digital elevation model (DEM) is an important component of urban waterlogging risk prediction. However, previous studies generally focused on optimizing hydrological models, and there is a potential improvement in DEM by fusing remote sensing data and hydrological data. To improve the DEM accuracy of urban roads and densely built-up areas, a multisource data fusion approach (MDF-UNet) was proposed. Firstly, Fuzhou city was taken as an example, and the satellite remote sensing images, drainage network, land use, and DEM data of the study area were collected. Secondly, the U-Net model was used to identify buildings using remote sensing images. Subsequently, a multisource data fusion (MDF) method was adopted to reconstruct DEM by fusing the buildings identification results, land use, and drainage network data. Then, a coupled one-dimensional (1D) conduit drainage and two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic model was constructed and validated. Finally, the simulation results of the MDF-UNet approach were compared with the raw DEM data, inverse distance weighting (IDW), and MDF. The results indicated that the proposed approach greatly improved the simulation accuracy of waterlogging points by 29%, 53%, and 12% compared with the raw DEM, IDW, and MDF. Moreover, the MDF-UNet method had the smallest median value error of 0.08 m in the inundation depth simulation. The proposed method demonstrates that the credibility of the waterlogging model and simulation accuracy in roads and densely built-up areas is significantly improved, providing a reliable basis for urban waterlogging prevention and management.
Analysis of Vegetation Cover Change in the Geomorphic Zoning of the Han River Basin Based on Sustainable Development
Authors: Xiong Yuqing , Zhang Zizheng , Fu Meichen , Wang Li , Li Sijia , Wei Cankun , Wang Lei
Published: October 2023

The Han River Basin, a critical water conservation and ecological barrier in Hubei Province, is intricately associated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research results show that vegetation cover changes are affected by multiple factors, and understanding the influences of climate change and human activities on vegetation is imperative for achieving sustainable development in the basin. Through quantitative assessment of vegetation changes in diverse landform regions, implementing adaptive ecological construction and environmental protection will foster the sustainable development of ecological civilization in the Han River Basin. This study utilizes MODIS13Q1 data and employs diverse analytical methods to investigate the characteristics of vegetation change and the interrelationships between climate change, meteorological factors, and vegetation cover in various geomorphological areas of the Han River Basin from 2000 to 2020. The results showed that (1) throughout the entire study period, the NDVI of the six types of geomorphological divisions in the Han River Basin exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, with the changes in the low-altitude hilly geomorphic regions being particularly noteworthy. (2) Within the study area, approximately 92.67% of vegetation coverage displayed an increasing trend, while 7.33% showed degradation, predominantly in plains and platforms. Notably, the area of continuous improvement (31.16%) outweighed the area of continuous degradation (3.05%), with low and middle-relief mountain areas demonstrating the most robust growth and sustainability. (3) Human agriculture activities and urbanization processes have emerged as the primary driving force behind vegetation changes in the Han River Basin. The responses of vegetation to climate change and human activities exhibited significant variations across diverse geomorphological regions. In areas characterized by vegetation improvement, the contribution rate of human activities to NDVI changes in different vegetation types surpassed 70%, with plain areas displaying the highest contribution rate at a remarkable 90%. In contrast, the plain and platform regions of the vegetation degradation area were significantly influenced by climate change. In future watershed ecological environment management, it is essential to not only recognize the dominant role of human activities in promoting the growth of mountain vegetation NDVI but also address the impact of climate change on the degradation of vegetation NDVI in plains and platforms. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is crucial for devising effective strategies to ensure sustainable development and ecological balance in the Han River Basin.
Scatterer-Level Time-Frequency-Frequency Rate Representation for Micro-Motion Identification
Authors: Zhang Honglei , Zhang Wenpeng , Liu Yongxiang , Yang Wei , Yong Shaowei
Published: October 2023

Radar micro-motion signatures help to judge the target’s motion state and threat level, which plays a vital role in space situational awareness. Most of the existing micro-motion feature extraction methods derived from time-frequency (TF) representation cannot simultaneously satisfy the requirements of high resolution and multiple component representation, which has limitations on processing intersected multi-component micro-motion signals. Meanwhile, as the micro-motion features extracted from the TF spectrograms only focus on the global characteristics of the targets and ignore the physical properties of micro-motion components, it leads to poor performance in micro-motion discrimination. To address these challenges, we empirically observed a decrease in the probability of intersection between the components within the time-frequency-frequency rate (TFFR) space, where components appeared as separated and non-intersecting spatial trajectories. This observation facilitates the extraction and association of multiple components. Given the differences in modulation laws among various micro-motions in the TFFR space, we introduced a novel micro-motion identification method based on scatterer-level TFFR representation. Our experimental evaluations of different targets and micro-motion types demonstrate the efficacy and robustness of this proposed method. This method not only underscores the separability of signal components but also expands the scope of micro-motion discrimination within the TFFR domain.
State of the Art and Future Perspectives of Atmospheric Chemical Sensing Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Marin Diego Bedin , Becciolini Valentina , Santana Lucas Santos , Rossi Giuseppe , Barbari Matteo
Published: October 2023

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been increasingly used to monitor and assess air quality. The interest in the application of UAVs in monitoring air pollutants and greenhouse gases is evidenced by the recent emergence of sensors with the most diverse specifications designed for UAVs or even UAVs designed with integrated sensors. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review based on bibliometrics to identify dynamics and possible trends in scientific production on UAV-based sensors to monitor air quality. A bibliometric analysis was carried out in the VOSViewer software (version 1.6.17) from the Scopus and Web of Science reference databases in the period between 2012 and 2022. The main countries, journals, scientific organizations, researchers and co-citation networks with greater relevance for the study area were highlighted. The literature, in general, has grown rapidly and has attracted enormous attention in the last 5 years, as indicated by the increase in articles after 2017. It was possible to notice the rapid development of sensors, resulting in smaller and lighter devices, with greater sensitivity and capacity for remote work. Overall, this analysis summarizes the evolution of UAV-based sensors and their applications, providing valuable information to researchers and developers of UAV-based sensors to monitor air pollutants.
When Sociotechnical Imaginaries Become True: Digital Transition of Public Services and Inequalities during the Pandemic
Authors: Cibin Roberto
Published: October 2023

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many public institutions in Europe designed policies that increased the use of ICTs with the public to provide or collect information, offer support, and perform educational activities. This process was in line with a sociotechnical imaginary where people’s lives are increasingly “smart” and enhanced through digital innovation. We provide an analysis of the implications of this imaginary during the pandemic for people belonging to vulnerable categories, to understand how these actors are considered in the digital transition process at the European level. This analysis is based on qualitative data collected in 30 European countries in the frame of an EU project aimed at understanding how COVID-19-related public policies shaped social inequalities. Building on the intersection between gender studies, science and technology studies, and media studies, this analysis aims to contribute to a more inequality-aware policy reflection on the digital transition.
Exploring the Linguistic and Cultural Identities of Transnational Background Children in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Vallejo Rubinstein Claudia , Tonioli Valeria
Published: October 2023

This article explores linguistic and cultural identities as they emerge in ethnographic data from plurilingual children with transnational and ethnic minority backgrounds in Catalonia, Spain. The particular sociolinguistic and multicultural context where these young people currently live, characterised by the coexistence of local, national and heritage languages with unequal social status, as well as their own trajectories and experiences of socialisation, implies that they often forge complex “in-between” linguistic and cultural identities and senses of belonging. To reflect on these complexities, we analyse multimodal data from transnational- and minority-background children as they participate in an autobiographical activity aimed at promoting linguistically and culturally inclusive pedagogical approaches and participatory action research (PAR). The analysis shows that children’s identity constructions fluently intertwine elements from their “home” and “host” languages and cultures with features characteristic of child/youth popular cultures, and with adscriptions to diverse real and imagined communities. These hybrid articulations, which can be described as plurilingual and transcultural, foreground how identity is both an individual and a social process, transversed by different axes, including cultural and ethnic referents, linguistic repertoires, historic, family and personal trajectories, urban cultures and the influence of friends and peers, among others. The identification of these emergent traits in our data foregrounds both the particularities and commonalities of pupils’ identity construction, which challenges and reshapes traditional understandings of identity. Finally, this work aims to illustrate how transnational children’s complex senses of being and belonging can be recognised and supported through inclusive pedagogical proposals as the one described herein.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Water–Rock Coupling Creep under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Chen Feng , Miao Chengyu , Jiang Ming , Sun Xiaoming
Published: October 2023

In order to study the influence of the long-term strength of the rock surrounding deep roadways under the action of groundwater on surrounding rock stability, taking the rock surrounding the deep roadway of the Wanfu Coal Mine as the main research object, uniaxial compression and uniaxial creep tests were carried out on sandstone samples under different water-content states. It was found that the water content had an obvious softening effect on short-term and long-term strength, and both strengths showed a negative exponentially declining relationship. The viscosity modulus (E¯v) was put forward to describe viscoelastic creep deformation. And damage variables corresponding to E (the instantaneous elastic modulus) and E¯v were proposed. A sticky element that can describe the accelerated creep behavior was also established to improve the Nishihara model, based on the experimental results and damage theory. A comparison of the identified parameters and the experimental curves showed that the model can describe the mechanical behavior of various creep stages well. The model was developed using the ABAQUS user subroutine function, and the uniaxial compression creep experiment was simulated. The simulation results were basically consistent with the experimental results, which provide a basis for the further long-term stable use of roadway and creep failure simulation and have important practical and guiding significance.
A Synthesis of Provision and Impact in Seagrass Ecosystem Services in the Brazilian Southwest Atlantic
Authors: Creed Joel C. , Aranda Laura Sol , de Sousa Júlia Gomes , Brito do Bem Caio Barros , Dutra Beatriz Sant’Anna Vasconcelos Marafiga , Lanari Marianna , de Sousa Virgínia Eduarda , Magalhães Karine M. , Magris Rafael Almeida , Vivanco-Bercovich Manuel , Cruz Igor , Horta Paulo Antunes , Riul Pablo , Casares Fernanda Araujo , Ovando Ximena , Copertino Margareth
Published: October 2023

The ongoing environmental crisis, driven by biodiversity loss and climate change, raises concerns about the impacts on marine systems and human well-being. These environments provide crucial ecosystem services valued at approximately USD 74.5 trillion·year−1 globally. Seagrasses support fisheries, protect coasts, help mitigate climate change, maintain biodiversity, provide food security, and enhance water quality. However, comprehensive assessments of seagrass ecosystem services (SESs) and their impacts are lacking. Focusing on the Brazilian southwest Atlantic, our aim is to bridge this gap and identify key research areas for improved management decisions. Our literature search employed n = 19 paired terms for seagrass in Brazil. We screened 30,351 search returns for 394 relevant documents. Research on SESs has grown over time, and most research has focused on provisioning and supporting ecosystem services: 79.7% of documents mentioned at least one SES, while 24.5% of the documents provided evidence of observed SESs; 31.5% only provided information on expected SESs. Provisioning services were the most observed and expected. Coastal urbanization (54%) and marine food provisioning (17%) were the main drivers impacting SESs. Terrestrial food and material provision (9%) and climate change (8%) were also significant drivers. This study provides key recommendations aimed at fostering further research and management strategies to consider the complete ensemble of ecosystem services for a range of seagrass bioregions, to better understand the provision of and impacts to seagrass services and human well-being at the global scale.
Utilization of Digestate from Agricultural and Food Waste for the Production of Biochar Used to Remove Methylene Blue
Authors: Wystalska Katarzyna , Kwarciak-Kozłowska Anna
Published: October 2023

The treatment of waste or by-products from the agri-food industry in agricultural biogas plants results in the production of biogas. After anaerobic digestion, digestate remains and is often used for soil fertilization. The solid digestate (SD) can also be used for the production of biochar, a material with specific properties and many applications. Such a model of operation fits perfectly into the concept of a circular economy, because the waste material can be used to produce an adsorbent that can be used to treat industrial wastewater. The research assumption of this study was to investigate selected properties of biochar prepared at variable temperatures in the pyrolysis process from solid. The potential of biochar for methylene blue (MB) sorption was also initially investigated in terms of biochar’s suitability for immobilizing metals in degraded soils. Biochar was produced at temperatures between 400–900 °C, with a temperature gradient of 50 °C. The efficiency of the production was in the range of 51–40% and decreased with the increasing temperature. The rising process temperature was also accompanied by a decrease in the nitrogen and hydrogen content of biochar. The produced biochar had an alkaline pH ranging from 11.40 to 12.69 and it increased as the temperature increased. The rise in the pyrolysis temperature effected a significant increase in the specific surface area BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) in the case of biochar BSD750, BSD800, and BSD850 (BSD—biochar solid digestate). When analyzing the C content of individual biochar variants, there was no clear downward or upward trend, just as in the case of TOC (total organic carbon) value for the produced biochar. The greatest potential for removing MB (methylene blue) from solutions was demonstrated by biochar produced at 650–900 °C. The ability to remove MB rose along with the production temperature of the biochar.
A Model Proposal for Measuring Performance in Occupational Health and Safety in Forest Fires
Authors: Küçükarslan Ali Bahadır , Köksal Mustafa , Ekmekci Ismail
Published: October 2023

This study endeavors to prioritize occupational health and safety (OHS) accomplishments across ten forest management directorates in a specified province of Turkey, utilizing multi-criteria decision-making techniques (MCDMT). In a rigorous evaluation across four applied methodologies, the alternative P5 (amount of risk before measures) consistently exhibited superior performance. A notable emphasis of this research lies in the employment of a sophisticated OHS performance model, developed herein, to critically assess the OHS performance within these forest management directorates. In our evaluations, static variables such as land use and land cover, slope, vegetation type, soil characteristics, and distance from highways and human settlements were considered. Similarly, dynamic variables including temperature, wind speed and direction, and humidity were also factored in. Our findings corroborate the substantial ramifications, both tangible and intangible, of workplace accidents, hence underscoring the imperativeness of extensive, inter-industrial research initiatives geared towards effective accident prevention. This research is particularly focused on fortifying accident prevention measures in the arena of occupational health and safety during forest fires—an area with substantial economic and social implications, and of escalating importance in light of the expanding prominence of clean energy sources. Specifics pertaining to the forest fire rate within the studied directorates, as well as the criteria bearing the most and least impact as determined by this study, will be explicated in the full text, accompanied by their corresponding percentage values. Through the employment of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (F-AHP), and the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE) method, this study demonstrates the efficacy of MCDMTs in assessing and categorizing OHS performance, hence contributing valuable insights to managers, OHS experts, and future research undertakings. In conclusion, this research concentrates on the formulation of employee-centric occupational health and safety systems, with a specific emphasis on forest fires. The proposed OHS performance index model represents a tool of exceptional potential in the evaluation of performance measurement, while addressing uncertainties across diverse sectors. This underscores the urgency of addressing health and sustainability issues within economic, social, and ecological domains through the rigorous examination and implementation of effective OHS practices.
Construction and Application of Ecological Remediation Technology for Sandy Soils in Northwest China
Authors: Jiang Jing , Wang Qian , Zhao Jinmei , Zhang Jun , Dong Bo , Huang Xin
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the impact of three ecological restoration methods: PRS, OLRS, and NRM, on the soil quality and ecological environment of the cold plateau area in northwest Sichuan, China. Over a period of 3 years, these restoration modes were applied, and their effects on soil enzyme activity, organic carbon, and nitrogen were critically analyzed. The results demonstrated that PRS was the most effective restoration method, enhancing soil water content, organic activity, and enzyme content the most, followed by OLRS and NRM, respectively. In the 0~60 cm soil layer, each restoration model was able to improve the vegetation characteristics, and the modification effects were PRS > ORRS > NRM > UMD in descending order. After the restoration, the summer surface temperature decreased from 41.3 °C to 23.1 °C. The average moisture content of the soil increased from 3.11% to 5.86%. The average moisture content of the soil increased from 3.11% to 5.86%, and the bulk density decreased from 1.47 g/m3 to 1.40 g/m3, resulting in a more rational soil structure. This research offers invaluable insights into the nutrient restoration mechanism of sandy lands, emphasizing the significant role of appropriate vegetation restoration measures in ecological restoration. The findings further suggest the potential application of the PRS model for optimal soil repair effects in similar ecological settings.
Partnership Structure and Partner Outcomes: A Comparative Study of Large Community Sustainability Cross-Sector Partnerships in Montreal, Barcelona and Gwangju
Authors: Clarke Amelia , Castillo Cifuentes Valentina , Ordonez-Ponce Eduardo
Published: October 2023

The aim of this research was to understand the structural features of large cross-sector social partnerships (CSSPs) and their resulting partner outcomes. This study analyzed and compared the partnership structures of three large CSSPs, each from a different continent: Barcelona + Sustainable in Barcelona, Spain; Gwangju Council for Sustainable Development in Gwangju, South Korea; and Sustainable Montreal in Montreal, Canada. Based on a survey of the partners in each of the three partnerships, the partner outcomes were also determined and compared. Building on these findings and using abductive analysis, the relationships between the partnerships’ structural features and partner outcomes are considered. An updated set of seven structural features for studying large cross-sector partnerships is offered. The empirical findings show some differences between the partnership designs and between the partner outcomes of the three partnerships. The experiences of the civil society, private sector and public sector partners in each of the cases were relatively similar, showing that in large partnerships, the sector was less relevant than in small partnerships.
Recycling of Metallized Plastic as a Case Study for a Continuous Sustainability Improvement Process
Authors: Walls Caitlin , Choi Bum-Ki , Putri Almy Ruzni Keumala , Bernal-Osorio Adriana , D’Souza Alan , Khadse Himanshu , Ghori Monark , Rossa Jürgen , Varute Siddharth , Beck Gesa
Published: October 2023

Emerging technological processes should be designed and operated according to the highest technological performance and sustainability standards. For this reason, assessments should be included during the design stage to track technological, environmental, economic, and social sustainability impacts. This study presents the concept of a Continuous Sustainability Improvement Process (CSIP) with the case study of project ReComp (Development of an Economically and Ecologically Sensible Recycling Method for Metal/Plastic Composites). In this project, metallized plastic production waste from the automotive industry was recycled to produce high-purity copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and plastic, i.e., Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS). Through CSIP, two stages of ReComp were developed, ReComp I and ReComp II. ReComp I was found to provide a significant environmental improvement compared to the primary production for Cu, Cr, and PC/ABS (>90% improvement for all environmental indicators). However, it was calculated as making 17,000 EUR/annum loss, with a unit processing cost of 103 EUR/kg of waste input and therefore was deemed as not economically sustainable. From this outcome, ReComp II was developed with the purpose of improving the economic outcome by increasing the process’s throughput without the need for significant additional costs. Therefore, the mechanical treatment at the first process step was modified in such a way that the metallized plastics were separated into two fractions, metal flakes and plastic particles. Using these fractions in two parallel process streams, the cycle time was reduced from 15 to 5 days, and throughput of the process-limiting step (electrochemical treatment) increased. Although still not profitable, ReComp II was shown to reduce the process cost per kg of waste input by 93% compared to ReComp I, whilst maintaining the same revenue per kg of waste input. Additionally, ReComp II was shown to provide an improved environmental outcome compared to ReComp I. Therefore, this study proves an important result that a more ecologically sustainable solution can correlate with a more economically sustainable process, due to lower waste formation as well as less material and energy use.
Interdisciplinary Linkages among Sustainability Dimensions in the Context of European Cities and Regions Research
Authors: Shmelev Stanislav E. , Lefievre Nathan , Saadi Nadim , Shmeleva Irina A.
Published: October 2023

Many dimensions of urban sustainability are intricately intertwined; however, systematic assessment of those linkages is often missing. To explore the details of these interdisciplinary linkages, we employ an in-depth literature review technique coupled with a multidimensional assessment of sustainability for 1300+ cities and regions in Europe. The wealth of indicators affecting economic, smart, social and environmental dimensions are linked within a coherent framework illustrating systemic links in urban sustainability. The performance of cities is illustrated using the multidimensional framework highlighting the contributions of various factors. The spectacular performance of Stockholm, Paris, London, Gothenburg, Malmö, Munich and Hamburg are illustrated with examples. Policy recommendations are offered to make cities and regions around the world more sustainable.
Young People Are Not All the Same! The Theory of Planned Behaviour Applied to Food Waste Behaviour across Young Italian Generations
Authors: Viccaro Mauro , Coppola Adele , D’Angelo Maria Consiglia , Genovese Francesco , Romano Severino , Cozzi Mario
Published: October 2023

To reach the SDG 12.3 target, understanding food waste behaviour (FWB) is fundamental, especially among young people. As future generations of parents, leaders, and citizens, they might potentially solve food sustainability issues and other matters arising from food waste. In such a context, this study extends the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by including personal norms and environmental concern to explain and to predict the FWB of young Italians who belong to Generation Y and Generation Z. The theoretical model was empirically tested by administering a questionnaire to 322 Italian young people and by applying two distinct PLS-SEM models for Generation Y and Generation Z. Our results support not only the main relationship suggested by the TPB model with respect to FWB but also that, in affecting it, personal norms and environmental concern play different roles according to the generations. Understanding the mechanisms through which personal norms and environmental concern translate into reducing food waste is crucial to defining interventions aimed at changing youth behaviour. It could represent a relevant step towards preventing food waste and promoting sustainable management of food chains.
Suitability Assessment of Six Tree Species through Combined Analysis of PM2.5 Capture Ability and Air Pollution Tolerance Index for Urban Green Belt
Authors: Li Muni , Tan Peng , Rai Prabhat Kumar , Li Yu , Meng Huan , Zhang Tong , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Weikang
Published: October 2023

Increasing concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) can cause a serious threat to urban air quality and human health. To reduce PM pollution in urban environments, pragmatic screening and planting of tolerant tree species can be effective and sustainable ways. However, our understanding of the effects of the capture ability of PM2.5 on plant tolerance, and efforts to devise explicit assessment tools for suitability analysis for urban green belt plantations, are still inadequate. In this study, six common green tree species (Pinus tabuliformis, Abies holophylla, Juniperus chinensis, Salix babylonica, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Populus alba) from three pollution sites in Shenyang City, China, were collected in order to assess their PM2.5 capture ability, biochemical characteristics, leaf microstructures, and air pollution tolerance index (APTI). The results revealed that different sites and tested plant species can significantly affect the amount of PM2.5 retained by leaf surfaces. The PM2.5 retention amount of Abies holophylla was the highest at the SFH site and 1.41–8.89 times that of other tested species (p < 0.05). Morphological plant attributes, such as leaf surface roughness (r = 0.52 **) and contact angle (r = −0.57 **), were strongly related to the PM2.5 retention amount. The PM2.5 retention amount per unit leaf area had the strongest and most significant negative influence on total chlorophyll content (r = −0.743 **), indicating that the accumulation of leaf PM2.5 reduced the photosynthetic efficiency of the plants. Among the tested plants, Robinia pseudoacacia had the highest APTI value and was identified as the most resilient plant at all three sites, whereas Juniperus chinensis had the lowest APTI at all study sites. However, the integration of PM2.5 capture ability with APTI showed Pinus tabuliformis to be the best species for the construction of urban green belts in Shenyang City.
Impact of Green Servant Leadership in Pakistani Small and Medium Enterprises: Bridging Pro-Environmental Behaviour through Environmental Passion and Climate for Green Creativity
Authors: Shah Syed Haider Ali , Fahlevi Mochammad , Rahman Eman Zameer , Akram Muhammad , Jamshed Kamran , Aljuaid Mohammed , Abbas Jaffar
Published: October 2023

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for any economy to grow and succeed, as evidenced in the Pakistani context, where SMEs contribute 30% of the country’s GDP. The objective of this study is to link green servant leadership (GSL) to the pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) of employees, particularly in SMEs, which very few studies have investigated. Building on social learning theory (SLT), this study developed and tested the conceptual framework that examines the impact of GSL on PEB and the mediating role of environmental passion (EP) and climate for green creativity (CFGC) among employees of SMEs. Data were collected from 460 middle-line managers, and a structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was applied to test hypotheses. The main findings revealed that GSL is impacted by the PEB, while EP and CFGC mediated these relations. The study findings demonstrated that a GSL with strong practices and values towards the environment could have a significant impact on employees’ PEB. This study fills the research gaps in different ways: First, by identifying the role of GSL on the PEB of employees. Second, by examining the dual-mediation mechanism of EP and CFGC between GSL and PEB. Third, this study is focused on the economic context of a developing country. The study offers guidelines for establishing PEB in SMEs. Multiple training programmes and effective planning procedures can achieve this milestone. The administration of SMEs should also give special consideration to pro-environmental issues in its hiring and recruitment practices for managers and leaders.
Enhanced Operation of Ice Storage System for Peak Load Management in Shopping Malls across Diverse Climate Zones
Authors: Su Fanghan , Wang Zhiyuan , Yuan Yue , Song Chengcheng , Zeng Kejun , Chen Yixing , Zhang Rongpeng
Published: October 2023

There exists a notable research gap concerning the application of ice storage systems in shopping mall settings at the urban scale. The characteristics of large pedestrian flow, high energy consumption, and high peak loads in shopping malls make their advantages in energy conservation. This study researches sustainable cooling solutions by undertaking an economic analysis of the ice storage systems within shopping malls across 11 distinct cities, each system operating under varied electricity pricing frameworks. The methodology begins with creating baseline mall models using AutoBPS and refining them with OpenStudio. Before starting to adjust the model, measured data were used to verify the accuracy of the baseline model, the coefficient of variation of the root mean square error (CVRMSE) and normalized mean bias error (NMBE) metrics were calculated for the model energy consumption, with CVRMSE values of 8.6% and NMBE values of 1.57% for the electricity consumption, while the metrics for the gas consumption were 12.9% and 1.24%, respectively. The study extends its inquiry to encompass comprehensive economic evaluations based on the unique electricity pricing of each city. This rigorous assessment discerns the relationship between capacity, operational strategies, and economic performance. Particularly striking are the so-called peak-shaving and valley-filling effects verified in regions characterized by lower latitudes and substantial cooling loads. The interaction between ice storage capacity and operational schedules significantly influences both economic viability and cooling efficiency. Based on the temporal dynamics of time-of-use (TOU) power pricing, a finely calibrated operational schedule for the ice storage system is proposed. This operational strategy entails charging during periods of reduced electricity pricing to undertake cooling loads during peak electricity pricing intervals, culminating in substantial reductions in electricity charges of buildings. Moreover, the strategic reallocation of energy, characterized by a reduced chiller capacity and a corresponding elevation in ice storage system capacity, augments cooling efficiency and diminishes cooling-related electricity expenses. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing and deploying ice storage systems in diverse climatic regions, particularly for shopping malls. As a guiding reference, this paper provides stakeholders with a framework to reasonably apply and adjust ice storage systems, ushering in an era of energy-efficient and environmentally conscious cooling solutions tailored to shopping mall environments.
The Generation of High-Energy Electron–Positron Pairs during the Breit–Wheeler Resonant Process in a Strong Field of an X-ray Electromagnetic Wave
Authors: Roshchupkin Sergei P. , Serov Vitalii D. , Dubov Victor V.
Published: October 2023

The Breit–Wheeler resonant process was theoretically studied in a strong X-ray electromagnetic wave field under conditions when the energy of one of the initial high-energy gamma quanta passes into the energy of a positron or electron. These conditions were realized when the energy of a high-energy gamma quantum significantly exceeded the characteristic Breit–Wheeler energy, which was determined using the parameters of the electromagnetic wave and the initial setup. Analytical formulas for the resonant differential cross-section were obtained. It is shown that the resonant differential cross-section significantly depends on the ratio between the energies of the initial gamma quanta and the characteristic Breit–Wheeler energy. With a decrease in the characteristic Breit–Wheeler energy, the resonant cross-section increases sharply and may exceed the corresponding non-resonant cross-section by several orders of magnitude. The results make it possible to obtain narrow beams of ultrarelativistic positrons (electrons) with energies of the order ∼102 GeV and could also be used to explain high-energy fluxes of positrons (electrons) near neutron stars, as well as to simulate QED processes in laser fusion.
Chemistry: Symmetry/Asymmetry
Authors: Keglevich György
Published: October 2023

All kinds of symmetry-related problems in organic and inorganic chemistry may be the subject of papers submitted to Symmetry [...]
High Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Seroprevalence and No Evidence of HEV Viraemia in Vietnamese Blood Donors
Authors: Cao Le Chi , Martin Vanessa , Linh Le Thi Kieu , Giang Tran Thi , Chau Ngo Thi Minh , Anh Ton Nu Phuong , Nghia Vu Xuan , The Nguyen Trong , My Truong Nhat , Sy Bui Tien , Toan Nguyen Linh , Song Le Huu , Bock C.-Thomas , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P.
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the Vietnamese population remains underestimated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of HEV IgG/IgM antibodies and the presence of HEV RNA in blood donors as a part of epidemiological surveillance for transfusion-transmitted viruses. Serum samples from blood donors (n = 553) were analysed for markers of past (anti-HEV IgG) and recent/ongoing (anti-HEV IgM) HEV infections. In addition, all serum samples were subsequently tested for HEV RNA positivity. The overall prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 26.8% (n = 148/553), while the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgM was 0.5% (n = 3/553). Anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in male and female donors was similar (27.1% and 25.5%, respectively). A higher risk of hepatitis E exposure was observed with increasing age. None of the blood donors were HEV RNA positive, and there was no evidence of HEV viraemia. Although the absence of HEV viraemia in blood donors from Northern Vietnam is encouraging, further epidemiological surveillance in other geographical regions is warranted to rule out transfusion-transmitted HEV.
Effect of Interferon Gamma on Ebola Virus Infection of Primary Kupffer Cells and a Kupffer Cell Line
Authors: Aguilar-Briseño José A. , Elliff Jonah M. , Patten Justin J. , Wilson Lindsay R. , Davey Robert A. , Bailey Adam L. , Maury Wendy J.
Published: October 2023

Ebola virus disease (EVD) represents a global health threat. The etiological agents of EVD are six species of Orthoebolaviruses, with Orthoebolavirus zairense (EBOV) having the greatest public health and medical significance. EVD pathogenesis occurs as a result of broad cellular tropism of the virus, robust viral replication and a potent and dysregulated production of cytokines. In vivo, tissue macrophages are some of the earliest cells infected and contribute significantly to virus load and cytokine production. While EBOV is known to infect macrophages and to generate high titer virus in the liver, EBOV infection of liver macrophages, Kupffer cells, has not previously been examined in tissue culture or experimentally manipulated in vivo. Here, we employed primary murine Kupffer cells (KC) and an immortalized murine Kupffer cell line (ImKC) to assess EBOV-eGFP replication in liver macrophages. KCs and ImKCs were highly permissive for EBOV infection and IFN-γ polarization of these cells suppressed their permissiveness to infection. The kinetics of IFN-γ-elicited antiviral responses were examined using a biologically contained model of EBOV infection termed EBOV ΔVP30. The antiviral activity of IFN-γ was transient, but a modest ~3-fold reduction of infection persisted for as long as 6 days post-treatment. To assess the interferon-stimulated gene products (ISGs) responsible for protection, the efficacy of secreted ISGs induced by IFN-γ was evaluated and secreted ISGs failed to block EBOV ΔVP30. Our studies define new cellular tools for the study of EBOV infection that can potentially aid the development of new antiviral therapies. Furthermore, our data underscore the importance of macrophages in EVD pathogenesis and those IFN-γ-elicited ISGs that help to control EBOV infection.
Acute and 28-Day Repeated-Dose Oral Toxicity of the Herbal Formula Guixiong Yimu San in Mice and Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Wang Ling , He Jiongjie , Wu Lianghong , Wu Xueqin , Hao Baocheng , Wang Shengyi , Cui Dongan
Published: October 2023

To evaluate the acute and chronic 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity of Guixiong Yimu San (GYS) in mice and rats, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the stachydrine hydrochloride in GYS as the quality control. In the acute toxicity trial, the mice were administered orally at a dose rate of 30.0 g GYS/kg body weight (BW) three times a day. The general behavior, side effects, and death rate were noticed for 14 days following treatment. In the subacute toxicity trial, the rats were administered orally at a dose rates of30.0, 15.0, and 7.5 g GYS/kg BW once a day for 28 days. The rats were monitored every day for clinical signs and deaths; changes in body weight and relative organ weights (ROW) were recorded every week, hematological, biochemical, and pathological parameters were also examined at the end of treatment. The results showed that the level of stachydrine hydrochloride in GYS was 2.272 mg/g. In the acute toxicity trial, the maximum-tolerated dose of GYS was more than 90.0 g/kg BW, and no adverse effects or mortalities were noticed during the 14 days in the mice. At the given dose, there were no death or toxicity signs all through the 28-day subacute toxicity trial.The oral administration of GYS at a dose rate of 30.0 g/kg/day BW had no substantial effects on BW, ROW, blood hematology, gross pathology, histopathology, and biochemistry (except glucose), so 30.0 g/kg BW/day was determined as the no-observed-adverse-effect dosage.
The Potential Impacts of Statins and Beta-Blockers on West Virginia Ichthyofauna
Authors: Kingsbury Joseph W. , Hartman Kyle J.
Published: October 2023

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), such as statins and beta-blockers, are commonly used to treat cardiovascular disease in adults. Active versions of these pharmaceuticals and their various metabolites enter surface waters via wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharge, as well as from other point sources. Sub-lethal effects of statins and beta-blockers on wild fish at environmental concentrations have been understudied up to this point. The objectives of this study were to use several health condition metrics and determine if there was a relationship between fish condition and environment concentrations of statins and beta-blockers near two West Virginia WWTPs. Water samples were collected from upstream, downstream, and effluent pipe from August to November 2022, and analyzed for atorvastatin, simvastatin, metoprolol, and carvedilol via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Fish were sampled upstream, at the discharge, and downstream of each WWTP in November 2022. Fish health was assessed with three metrics: relative weight (Wr), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and gonadosomatic index (GSI). ANOVAs were used to assess differences among the health metrics based on sex, genus/species, and location relative to WWTPs. Additionally, changes in Wr relative to surface water concentrations of statins and beta-blockers was modeled with a Bayesian linear mixed effects model, with surface water concentrations as fixed effects with a random slope, while the section and genus parameters were treated as random intercepts. Surface concentrations for atorvastatin (0.47–4.36 ng/L), simvastatin (0.27–0.95 ng/L), metoprolol (2.80–21.01 ng/L), and carvedilol (0.43–0.90 ng/L) varied across sampling sections. HSI based on sex and species were nearly significant. GSI was significantly higher in females. Wr differed among genera, as well as the interaction between genus and sample section (p < 0.001). Fixed effects from the linear mixed effects model showed Wr was negatively related to simvastatin (−0.139 [−2.072–1.784]) and carvedilol (−0.262 [−2.164–1.682]) while atorvastatin (0.207 [−1.371–1.845]) and metoprolol (0.052 [−0.533–0.584]) were positively related to Wr. Individual genera responded differently to each pharmaceutical based on location, indicating that it is likely that other factors were also influencing the fish health metrics. Further research targeting individual tissues and controlled experiments with different exposure regimes will be required to further enlighten the long-term effects of cardiovascular PPCPs on fish health.