bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alteration of Branched-Chain and Aromatic Amino Acid Profile as a Novel Approach in Studying Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Pathogenesis
Authors: Paczkowska Katarzyna , Rachoń Dominik , Berg Andrzej , Rybka Jacek , Kapczyńska Katarzyna , Bolanowski Marek , Daroszewski Jacek
Published: September 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects reproductive-age women and predisposes them to the development of metabolic disturbances. Recent research has shown that several metabolic factors may play a role in PCOS pathogenesis, and it has been suggested that an alteration in the amino acid profile might be a predictive sign of metabolic disorders. Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) are concepts that have attracted scientific attention; however, a universal definition has not been established yet for these terms. Already existing definitions of MHO involve the coexistence of obesity with the absence or minimal presence of other metabolic syndrome parameters. A group of 326 women, 209 diagnosed with PCOS and 117 healthy individuals, participated in this study. Multiple parameters were assessed, including anthropometrical, biochemical, and hormonal ones, and gas–liquid chromatography, combined with tandem mass spectrometry, was used to investigate the amino acid profile. Statistical analysis revealed noticeably higher levels of all aromatic amino acids in PCOS women compared to the control group: phenylalanine 47.37 ± 7.0 vs. 45.4 ± 6.09 nmol/mL (p = 0.01), tyrosine 61.69 ± 9.56 vs. 58.08 ± 8.89 nmol/mL (p < 0.01), and tryptophan 53.66 ± 11.42 vs. 49.81 ± 11.18 nmol/mL (p < 0.01); however, there was no significant difference in the “tryptophan ratio” between the PCOS and control group (p = 0.88). A comparison of MHO and MUO PCOS women revealed that LAP, leucine, and isoleucine concentrations were significantly higher among the MUO subgroup: respectively, 101.98 ± 34.74 vs. 55.80 ± 24.33 (p < 0.001); 153.26 ± 22.26 vs. 137.25 ± 25.76 nmol/mL (p = 0.04); and 92.92 ± 16.09 vs. 82.60 ± 18.70 nmol/mL (p = 0.02). No significant differences in BMI, fasting glucose, and HOMA-IR between MHO and MUO were found: respectively, 35.0 ± 4.8 vs. 36.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2 (p = 0.59); 88.0 ± 6.0 vs. 87.73 ± 6.28 mg/dL (p = 0.67); and 3.36 ± 1.70 vs. 4.17 ± 1.77 (p = 0.1). The identification of altered amino acid profiles in PCOS holds potential clinical implications. Amino acids may serve as biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring the metabolic status of individuals with PCOS. The alteration of BCAAs and AAAs may be involved in PCOS pathogenesis, but the underlying mechanism should be further investigated.
Modulation of Gut Microbiome Community Mitigates Multiple Sclerosis in a Mouse Model: The Promising Role of Palmaria palmata Alga as a Prebiotic
Authors: Yousof Shimaa Mohammad , Alghamdi Badrah S. , Alqurashi Thamer , Alam Mohammad Zubair , Tash Reham , Tanvir Imrana , Kaddam Lamis AbdelGadir
Published: September 2023

Background: Red marine algae have shown the potential to reduce inflammation, influence microbiota, and provide neuroprotection. Objective: To examine the prebiotic properties of Palmaria palmata aqueous extract (Palmaria p.) and its potential as a neuroprotective agent in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: eighty-eight adult Swiss mice were divided into four male and four female groups, including a control group (distilled water), Palmaria p.-treated group (600 mg/kg b.w.), cuprizone (CPZ)-treated group (mixed chow 0.2%), and a group treated with both CPZ and Palmaria p. The experiment continued for seven weeks. CPZ treatment terminated at the end of the 5th week, with half of the mice sacrificed to assess the demyelination stage. To examine the spontaneous recovery, the rest of the mice continued until the end of week seven. Behavioral (grip strength (GS) and open field tests (OFT)), microbiome, and histological assessments for general morphology of corpus callous (CC) were all conducted at the end of week five and week 7. Results: Palmaria p. can potentially protect against CPZ-induced MS with variable degrees in male and female Swiss mice. This protection was demonstrated through three key findings: (1) increased F/B ratio and expansion of the beneficial Lactobacillus, Proteobacteria, and Bactriodia communities. (2) Protection against the decline in GS induced by CPZ and prevented CPZ-induced anxiety in OFT. (3) Preservation of structural integrity. Conclusions: Because of its propensity to promote microbiota alterations, its antioxidant activity, and its content of −3 fatty acids, Palmaria p. could be a promising option for MS patients and could be beneficial as a potential probiotic for the at-risk groups as a preventive measure against MS.
Flexible Fabrication and Hybridization of Bioactive Hydrogels with Robust Osteogenic Potency
Authors: Zhu Liang , Hou Qian , Yan Meijun , Gao Wentao , Tang Guoke , Liu Zhiqing
Published: September 2023

Osteogenic scaffolds reproducing the natural bone composition, structures, and properties have represented the possible frontier of artificially orthopedic implants with the great potential to revolutionize surgical strategies against the bone-related diseases. However, it is difficult to achieve an all-in-one formula with the simultaneous requirement of favorable biocompatibility, flexible adhesion, high mechanical strength, and osteogenic effects. Here in this work, an osteogenic hydrogel scaffold fabricated by inorganic-in-organic integration between amine-modified bioactive glass (ABG) nanoparticles and poly(ethylene glycol) succinimidyl glutarate-polyethyleneimine (TSG-PEI) network was introduced as an all-in-one tool to flexibly adhere onto the defective tissue and subsequently accelerate the bone formation. Since the N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-ester of tetra-PEG-SG polymer could quickly react with the NH2-abundant polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymer and ABG moieties, the TSG-PEI@ABG hydrogel was rapidly formed with tailorable structures and properties. Relying on the dense integration between the TSG-PEI network and ABG moieties on a nano-scale level, this hydrogel expressed powerful adhesion to tissue as well as durable stability for the engineered scaffolds. Therefore, its self-endowed biocompatibility, high adhesive strength, compressive modulus, and osteogenic potency enabled the prominent capacities on modulation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) proliferation and differentiation, which may propose a potential strategy on the simultaneous scaffold fixation and bone regeneration promotion for the tissue engineering fields.
Novel and Accessible Physical Recycling for Expanded Polystyrene Waste with the Use of Acetone as a Solvent and Additive Manufacturing (Direct Ink-Write 3D Printing)
Authors: García-Sobrino Rubén , Cortés Alejandro , Calderón-Villajos Rocío , Díaz Jorge G. , Muñoz Marta
Published: September 2023

The current high production of plastics has prompted the exploration of alternative pathways to facilitate recycling, aiming for a progressively sustainable society. This paper presents an alternative and affordable technology for treating waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) mixed with acetone in a 100:1 volume ratio to be used as 3D printing ink for Direct Ink Write technology. In order to optimize the printing parameters, a comprehensive study was conducted, evaluating different needle diameters, printing speeds, and bed temperature values to achieve homogenous pieces and a highly repeatable 3D printing process. Results showed that the main optimum printing parameters were using needles with diameters of 14 to 16 G and printing speeds ranging from 2 to 12 mm/s, which were found to yield the most uniform ribbons. Increasing the bed temperature, despite favoring acetone evaporation, led to the generation of more heterogeneous structures due to void growth inside the printed ribbons. Thus, employing room temperature for the bed proved to be the optimal value. Lastly, a comparative study between the starting material and the EPS after the printing process was conducted using FTIR-ATR and GPC analyses, ensuring the preservation of the original polymer’s integrity during physical recycling.
Investigating the Integration of Nonwoven Carbon Fibers for Mechanical Enhancement in Compression Molded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bipolar Plates
Authors: Frank Rainer , Wittmann Lisa-Maria , Kleffel Tobias , Roth Benedikt , Graichen Knut , Drummer Dietmar
Published: September 2023

The demand for polymer composite solutions in bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has risen due to advantages over metal plates such as longer lifetime, weight reduction, corrosion resistance, flexible manufacturing, freedom of design, and cost-effectiveness. The challenge with polymer composites is achieving both sufficient electrical conductivity and mechanical stability with high filler content. A carbon fiber fleece as reinforcement in a graphite-filled polypropylene (PP) matrix was investigated for use as bipolar plate material with increased mechanical and sufficient conductive properties. Plates with a thickness of 1 mm containing four layers of fleece impregnated in the PP-graphite compound were produced in a compression molding process. Particle and fiber interactions were investigated via microscopy. The plates were characterized with respect to the electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. High electric conductivity was reached for fiber-reinforced and plain PP-graphite compound plates, with increased filler content leading to a higher conductivity. The contact resistance remained largely unaffected by surface etching as no polymeric skin layer formed during compression molding. Fiber-reinforced plates exhibit twice the tensile strength, a significantly higher tensile modulus, and an increased elongation at break, compared to PP filled only with graphite.
Innovative Use of Waste PET-Derived Additive to Enhance Application Potentials of Recycled Concrete Aggregates in Asphalt Rubber
Authors: Chen Guofu , Peng Yuhao , Yang Nannan , Xu Guohao , Gong Kai , Xu Xiong
Published: September 2023

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking bottles, rubber tires, and concrete are the very common municipal solid wastes, which are usually disposed of at landfills and stockpiles and cause continuous damage to the environment. Some studies have indicated that waste PET can be chemically converted into an additive for improving the overall properties of asphalt pavement incorporating natural aggregates, especially the moisture-induced damage resistance. However, it is not clear whether this PET additive still works for asphalt rubber containing recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). To well reveal this issue, this study first adopted a similar way to chemically recycle waste PET into the additive for modifying crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA) binder and then mixed the binder with the 13 mm maximum aggregate stone matrix asphalt containing 100% coarse RCA for preparing the mixtures. After a series of physicochemical characterizations of the PET additive, the moisture resistance, rutting resistance, low-temperature cracking resistance, and fatigue resistance of the mixture were systematically evaluated. The results showed that the PET additive is capable of improving the resistance to moisture and high-temperature deformation of asphalt rubber and helps greatly reduce the moisture-induced damage to the interfacial bonding layer. To be more detailed, the residual Marshall stability (RMS) value of RCA-CRMAM/1PET after 72 h of immersion is higher than 85% by contrast to that of RCA-CRMAM (77.1%), while the tensile strength ratio (TSR) value of RCA-CRMAM/1PET shows more than 80% compared to that of 65.2%. In addition, only 1% PET additive can enhance the high-temperature resistance of asphalt rubber containing RCA to rut and allow it to maintain higher resistance to rut after moisture-induced damage. 1% PET additive can help improve the bearing capacity of RCA-CRMAM under a low-temperature environment and delay its fatigue life at small stresses. Generally, with the successful introduction of PET additives to asphalt rubber containing RCA, more durable and sustainable highway pavement can be produced and applied in practice to alleviate the negative impacts caused by waste PET, waste tire rubber, and waste concrete.
A Spiritual Theology of Integral Human Development: To “Grow in Holiness”
Authors: Morrison Glenn Joshua
Published: September 2023

The article identifies the nature of integral human development as a Christian imperative and an incarnational life of responsibility for others. To grow in holiness through the truth of the Gospel signifies overcoming the egoism of the self, being generous in responsibility (love in truth), and discovering a beatitude of hope to become sons and daughters of God (truth in love). Engaging truth in the light of history, evil, and death, the article proceeds to relate the encounter of the soul with “the depths of God” (1 Cor 2:10) to learn from the Spirit a life aimed for the common good. The path to “the depths of God” is one of hope to encounter the vulnerability of the other and oneself, a journey into boldness, newness, and redemption with Christ towards the face of the forsaken and poor. Integral human development, a pathway of peace and healing “to the far and the near” (Isa 57:19), is otherwise than an evasion of love and responsibility. For in the proclamation and witness that “God is love” (1 Jn 4:16) lies the hope to build the earthly city of God and herald an end to war, indifference, and hatred of others.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Thermal Performance of Three Different Cold Plates Designed for the Electrical Vehicle Battery Module
Authors: Sevilgen Gökhan , Dursun Harun , Kılıç Muhsin
Published: September 2023

The thermal performance of battery modules has a crucial role in the performance, safety, and lifetime of battery cells. Commonly, battery models are validated through experimental data to ensure the correctness of model behavior; however, the influences of experimental setups are often not considered in the laboratory environment, especially for prismatic cells such as lithium titanate oxide (LTO) battery cells used in electric vehicles. For this purpose, both experimental and numerical studies of the thermal performance of the battery module consisting of LTO cells was investigated using different cold plates used in electrical and hybrid vehicles. Three different discharging rates were applied to the battery module to obtain comparative results of the cooling performance. In the numerical simulations, heat generation models are typically used to observe the thermal behavior of the battery module; however, in the numerical study, dual potential multi-scale multi-domain (MSMD) battery models were used, with transient flow and heat transfer calculations performed. The numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental data. A new high-performance cold plate was developed for the thermal management of LTO battery cells. In comparison with the other two cold plate configurations, the proposed cold plate configuration dropped the maximum temperature up to 45% for the same operating conditions.
A Framework to Navigate Eco-Labels in the Textile and Clothing Industry
Authors: Ziyeh Paula , Cinelli Marco
Published: September 2023

Considering the increasing demand for more sustainable products across many industries, eco-labels are a useful tool for communicating the sustainability-related performance of a product to the eco-conscious consumer. However, the abundance of different eco-labels and a lack of harmonization concerning their assessment methods can hamper their effectiveness. To address these shortcomings, this paper considers the methods employed by eco-labels in the textile and clothing industry to assess the sustainability-based performance of products. Using a sample of 10 eco-labels from the Ecolabel Index, a new framework for classifying eco-labels based on their assessment methods is developed. The framework includes two categories of label assignments ((i) binary and (ii) different levels of performance) and six types of assessment methods. These types are characterized according to the decision support features employed by the labels, such as lists of mandatory criteria, minimum (average) scores, percentage scores, and the weighting of sub-categories. The proposed framework shows the benefits of cascading decision science notions in the eco-labeling domain. It provides a harmonized vocabulary of components (i.e., a roadmap) to perform a consistent and traceable advancement of eco-labels. Consequently, it can be expanded at present to allow for the classification of other eco-labels in the textile and clothing industry and beyond.
Characteristics of Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence in the Three River Headwaters Region, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau during 2001 to 2020
Authors: Miao Jun , Xing Fei , An Ru
Published: September 2023

The ecology of the Three River Headwaters Region (TRHR) is related to the long-term sustainable development of Qinghai Province and the whole of China. The change in chlorophyll fluorescence is an important index to measure the ecological environment. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the spatial and temporal distributions of Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF)and the related influencing factors in the TRHR. In this study, a high-resolution SIF dataset (2001–2020) was selected to be averaged on a time scale of years and months to investigate the annual and seasonal SIF characteristics, and the influencing climate factors were analyzed in combination with meteorological data by statistical method. The results showed that the SIF values ranged from 0.05 to 0.073 during 2001–2020, with a peak value of 0.073 in 2005 and 2009 and a minimum value of 0.05 in 2002. The averages of SIF values were higher in the source regions of the Yellow River source region (YR) and Langcang (Mekong) River source region (LCR) than in the source region of the Yangtze River source region (YZR). The SIF values of the TRHR in July, August and September were significantly higher than those in other months. The maximum value occurred in August at 0.11, and the minimum value was 0.008 in December. The precipitation had greater effect on the inter-annual variations in SIF. The monthly variation of SIF is influenced by precipitation, temperature and relative humidity. In addition, the influence of human activities and altitude on SIF should not be ignored. The results have certain reference value for protecting vegetation in the TRHR, and provide a reference for other regions to analyze the spatiotemporal changes and influencing factors by using SIF data.
Your Sustainability Is Not My Sustainability: In-between Spaces for Meaningful Collaboration between Local Stakeholders and Planning Professionals to Construct Congruent Frames over Contested Meanings
Authors: Abraham Selina
Published: September 2023

Urban sustainability is a highly contested topic because the challenges of sustaining urban ecosystems are interlinked with environmental justice and equity concerns. In urban planning processes, this requires more collaboration between professionals and local stakeholders (citizens and entrepreneurs). Yet, participatory processes in urban planning are strained with various challenges. This article suggests that in order to consciously shape communication for meaningful collaboration, it should be studied as a function of communication spaces, termed “in-between spaces”. These so-called in-between spaces are studied through the comparative analysis of two such spaces in the same brownfield redevelopment project in Amsterdam. The first space was created by an instrumental participatory process and the second through a co-creative approach. The spaces were studied through desk study and action research. The results indicated that fuzzier boundaries of in-between spaces and methodological plurality are needed for creating new congruent meanings, creating inter-dependencies between actors, and potentially fostering transformative learning, needed for sustainable urban development. Secondly, this article offers grounded insights into the contested interpretations of sustainable development between different sets of actors and identifies the potential of well-designed in-between spaces to make these tensions constructive. Lastly, this article highlights the diverse use of phronetic management (wisdom or ‘mindfulness’ in learning and leading attitudes for pragmatic action) by actors and the use of visual and creative methods for creating congruent meaning between actors, provided that local stakeholders feel ownership over the creative process and resulting output.
Microplastics in Aquatic and Food Ecosystems: Remediation Coupled with Circular Economy Solutions to Create Resource from Waste
Authors: Dhiman Sunny , Sharma Chhavi , Kumar Anu , Pathak Puneet , Purohit Shiv Dutt
Published: September 2023

Microplastics (MPs) less than 5 mm in dimension are progressively becoming persistent in aquatic and food ecosystems and are a global concern. Microbeads (less than 1 mm) used in household cleaners, cosmetics, and apparel washing are the primary source, followed by secondary sources including broken-down plastic litter and waste. They are ingested by a range of aquatic animals, including zooplankton, crustaceans, and fish, and can enter human food chains in a variety of manners. Thus, microplastic pollution poses a detrimental effect on the overall ecological balance, including the aquatic ecosystem, food safety, and human health. Strategies such as microbial enzymes/biofilms and nanotechnology-based solutions to MPs biodegradation, the usage of substitute materials such as biodegradable plastics, and source reduction could be employed to mitigate microplastic pollution. In addition, the implementation of plastic waste into the circular economy, for example by applying the reduce, recycle, and reuse approach, could potentially serve as a sustainable solution to abate the adverse effects of plastics. Thus, plastic waste could contribute to a sustainable circular and climate-neutral economy as a result of its durability and recyclability. This review presents a comprehensive report on microplastic management and transformation strategies, reflecting bioremediation coupled with circular economy-based solutions to microplastic pollution. It also highlights future recommendations to stakeholders and for governmental policies for the reduction of plastic pollution by potentially utilizing plastic waste in a circular economy to generate wealth from waste. Overall, this article provides an exhaustive and essential overview of microplastic treatment procedures and their role in the circular economy, where plastic waste generated by aquatic and food-based ecosystems might possibly be managed and re-utilized.
Consolidating Port Decarbonisation Implementation: Concept, Pathways, Barriers, Solutions, and Opportunities
Authors: Alamoush Anas S. , Dalaklis Dimitrios , Ballini Fabio , Ölcer Aykut I.
Published: September 2023

Industries worldwide are facing the urgent need to decarbonise in alignment with the goal of the Paris Agreement (PA), which aims to limit global warming. However, progress towards achieving this extremely important goal has been sluggish, and the wider maritime transport sector (ports included) is no exception. Despite practical barriers faced by ports, solutions have not yet been developed. Similarly, the definition or concept of decarbonisation, including opportunities arising for the port sector, remains underdeveloped and lacks support from academic research. Specifically, there are a lack of conceptual studies that yield clear and usable results and evidence. To address this gap and shed light on port decarbonisation as a contemporary issue (the study aim), this study has conducted a literature review consulting different academic and grey studies. The results of this study define the concept of port decarbonisation, highlight the barriers that hinder progress in this area, and establish solutions to guide ports in implementing decarbonisation measures and mitigating barriers. Building upon these findings, this study not only contributes to scholarly discussions surrounding port decarbonisation but also offers valuable implications for port managers, policy makers, practitioners, and other pertinent authorities. By properly understanding the concept of decarbonisation and its barriers and expanding knowledge in relation to it and its practical implementation, including the eye-opening opportunities, port stakeholders can actively contribute to the objective of the Paris Agreement and the broader pursuit of sustainability.
Research on Characteristics of Economic Development and Environmental Pollution in Typical Energy Regions
Authors: Chen Jinghui , Liang Yiying , Yang Bo , Ma Yun , Guo Yi
Published: September 2023

The data on economic development quality and environmental pollution intensity from 2001 to 2021 was selected by taking Shanxi province, a typical energy region of the country, as the research object was analyzed in the evolution characteristics of economic development quality and environmental pollution intensity in Shanxi province over the past two decades by using linear regression, numerical fitting, and Pearson correlation coefficient, and was explored on their mutual relationship. The results show that Shanxi province has made long-term progress in economic development since 2001, with GDP increasing nearly 10 times and maintaining an average annual growth of about 7%. The main pollutants in the last 20 show a trend of steady change, first ascending and then descending, with the turning point occurring in the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011–2015), which shows that the environmental policies and investments made by China and Shanxi governments in the last 10 years of the new era have taken effect. The results of the numerical fitting curve suggest that the per capita GDP shows a classical inverted “U” curve relationship with wastewater and SO2 emissions, respectively. The turning point occurs at around 20,000 yuan per capita GDP, while the relationship between chemical oxygen demand and ammonia nitrogen emissions is monotonically decreasing. The relationship with solid waste generation is monotonically increasing without the turning point. The results of the correlation analysis further supported the conclusion of the fitted curve.
Responses of Wheat Protein Content and Protein Yield to Future Climate Change in China during 2041–2060
Authors: Xie Wenqiang , Yan Xiaodong
Published: September 2023

The nutritional value of wheat is measured by its grain protein content (PC) and is sensitive to climate change. The potential variations of future wheat PC under the influence of global warming varied among studies. Wheat PC data from China since 1980 were collected to explore the relationship between wheat PC and climatic variables, and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) models were used to project wheat PC and protein yield (PY) in China from 2041–2060. The results show that climatic variables during wheat heading to the maturation period have critical effects on wheat PC. The mean maximum air temperature and mean diurnal temperature range exhibited the greatest positive effects on wheat PC. The mean PC will increase under all shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios, with significant rises in North China and the Guanzhong Plain, but a decrease in the Yangtze River Basin. Wheat PY with adaptations will increase, while that without adaptations will decrease. Global warming will increase wheat PC but decrease PY and protein production. These impacts could be mitigated by applying adaptation management. Our results enhance our understanding of wheat PC variation patterns and the possible response of wheat to future climate changes, and highlight the importance of applying suitable adaptations.
Research on Urban Energy Sustainable Plan under the Background of Low-Carbon Development
Authors: Wang Qingqin , Sun Xiaofeng , Wang Ruonan , Zhou Lining , Zhou Haizhu , Di Yanqiang , Li Yanyi , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2023

Rational planning and the use of renewable energy are effective means to reduce urban carbon emissions. In view of the few urban renewable energy planning cases and unclear methods, the paper takes the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City renewable energy planning project as a case to provide a renewable energy planning method under the guidance of carbon constraints. Based on scenario analysis, the energy demand of urban buildings, industry and transportation is analyzed and predicted. On the basis of meeting the needs of terminal energy use, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions, the renewable energy planning scheme from 2021 to 2050 under the low-carbon scenario has been formulated, including the promotion of energy-efficient buildings, the utilization of renewable energy in buildings, the electrification of terminal energy use, and the application of large-scale municipal renewable energy. It is planned that, by 2050, the overall renewable energy utilization rate of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City will reach 76.76%. It will use renewable energy to heat about 60 million square meters, generate about 766 million kWh of electricity, save about 0.723 million tons of standard coal and reduce 1.287 million tons of carbon dioxide every year, which will have a good effect of energy conservation and emission reduction. In this paper, the renewable energy planning method under the guidance of carbon constraint is established, which can achieve the purposes of saving resources, protecting the environment and driving sustainable development. The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City is an international co-creation city, which will receive extensive attention and provide theoretical guidance and demonstration cases for urban renewable energy planning in the context of carbon peak and carbon neutrality in the new era.
Investigating the Mutual Feedback between Wind–Sand Fields and a Running Train on the Bridge–Road Transition Section of a Railway
Authors: Wang Peng , Huang Ning , Qi Yanlu , Luo Wenhao , Xin Guowei
Published: September 2023

Strong wind–sand flow exerts great potential safety hazards for high-speed train operations. In this paper, we investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of high-speed trains passing through the bridge–road transition section under a wind-blown sand environment. In particular, we adopt the sliding grid method to simulate the changes in aerodynamic pressure on the train surface when the train passes the bridge transition at different speeds and bridge heights. The variation in the aerodynamic lateral force borne by the vehicle body at various times is then obtained. The results reveal that in the wind–sand environment, when a train drives from the bridge to the embankment, the pressure values on both the windward and leeward sides of the train change abruptly, with the most obvious increase in the lateral force of the head car. Moreover, the abrupt change in pressure increases with the speed of the lateral wind–sand flow. The differential pressure force of the train on the embankment is larger where the differential pressure force on both sides of the head train is the largest. When the train is running in the opposite direction, the differential pressure force on both sides of the train decreases. Compared with the lateral wind condition, the lateral force at different positions of the train under the wind–sand condition exceeds that under the non-sand condition. The average increases in the train body are approximately 17.6% (10 m/s), 10.5% (20 m/s) and 9.5% (30 m/s), which will cause passengers to experience an obvious “shaking” phenomenon.
Land Use Change and Landscape Ecological Risk Prediction in Urumqi under the Shared Socio-Economic Pathways and the Representative Concentration Pathways (SSP-RCP) Scenarios
Authors: Fan Haoran , Si Qi , Dong Wenming , Lu Gang , Liu Xinping
Published: September 2023

Understanding land use/cover change (LUCC) and landscape ecological risk change in the context of future climate warming can help adjust socio-economic development policies, optimize regional ecological security patterns, and promote green and low-carbon development on the one hand and provide important supplements and improvements for research in related fields on the other. Taking Urumqi as the study area, based on the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) multi-modal ensemble data, we used the coupled system dynamics (SD) model and patch-generation land use simulation (PLUS) model to simulate land use change under three SSP-RCP scenarios in 2020–2060, and we predicted trends of landscape ecological risk change in this 40-year period by using the landscape ecological risk index (LERI). The results indicate that woodland and grassland significantly increase under the SSP126 scenario. Unused land is larger in the SSP245 scenario. The expansion trend of construction land toward cultivated land is most obvious in the SSP585 scenario; additionally, the area of water increases more distinctly in this scenario. The overall landscape ecological risk under the three SSP-RCP scenarios is reduced to different degrees; in particular, the risk level of urban built-up areas and nature reserves decreases remarkably, and the area of the highest risk zones of unused land is also gradually narrowed. By 2060, the average LERI under the SSP126 scenario is the lowest. The study findings can help relevant departments formulate reasonable urban development plans, which are of great theoretical and practical significance for guaranteeing regional ecological security.
Enhancing Thermal Performance of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Incorporating Sugar Sediment Waste and Recycled AAC with Phase Change Material-Coated Applications for Sustainable Energy Conservation in Building
Authors: Thongtha Atthakorn , Maneewan Somchai , Fazlizan Ahmad
Published: September 2023

This research focuses on the integration of waste materials derived from sugar sediment and recycled AAC into the manufacturing process of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) to enhance its physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics. Furthermore, the investigation explores the prospect of augmenting the thermal efficiency of the AAC composite by applying different quantities of paraffin phase change material (PCM) coatings to its external surface. Throughout the thermal testing phase, temperature control was consistently maintained at three distinct levels: 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C, facilitated by a heater serving as the thermal source. The investigation unveiled that the optimal composition encompassed a 10% by weight replacement of sand with recycled AAC content. This formulation resulted in a peak compressive strength of around 5.85 N/mm2, along with a maximum tobermorite phase ratio of 25.5%. The elevated strength is directly associated with the heightened crystalline nature of the tobermorite phase. The most favorable configuration incorporated a 20 g PCM-coated material, demonstrating remarkable outcomes, including an extension of the time lag by about 55%, a reduction in the decrement factor by around 56.4%, as well as a substantial reduction in room temperature of roughly 15.8% compared to standard AAC without PCM coating, all at a stable temperature of 60 °C. The integration of sustainable waste materials and PCM technology, as illustrated in this study, notably contributes to resource conservation and the advancement of energy-efficient architectural practices.
Review of Engineering Controls for Indoor Air Quality: A Systems Design Perspective
Authors: Li Simon
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to review the engineering controls for indoor air quality (IAQ) from a systems design perspective. As a result of the review, we classify the literature content into three categories: (1) indoor air treatments, (2) dissemination control strategies, and (3) information technology. Indoor air treatments can be generally interpreted as the “cleaning” aspect, which covers ventilation and contaminant removal techniques. Dissemination control focuses on how contaminants generated in an indoor space can be transmitted, where four types of dissemination are classified. The category of information technology discusses IAQ sensors for monitoring, as well as the applications of the Internet of Things and IAQ data. Then, we further analyze the reviewed engineering controls by performing systems and functional analysis. Along with a discussion of IAQ functions, we suggest some systems design techniques, such as functional decoupling and design for flexibility/resilience, which are expected to promote more systems thinking in designing IAQ solutions.
Assessing the Different Economic Feasibility Scenarios of a Hydroponic Tomato Greenhouse Farm: A Case Study from Western Greece
Authors: Michalis Efstratios , Giatra Christina-Eleni , Skordos Dimitrios , Ragkos Athanasios
Published: September 2023

Among other agricultural systems that can contribute to sustainable food production, hydroponic systems are constantly gaining attention in terms of their economic viability and sustainability, while their ability to produce nutritious food has become more apparent in recent decades. The purpose of the study is to shed light on the potential of hydroponics to conduce sustainable food production systems, by focusing on the economic evaluation of a hydroponic greenhouse farm located in Western Greece. Particularly, the study aims at presenting an investment plan for a greenhouse farm of a total acreage of 0.2 hectares, where fresh tomato will be produced via hydroponic methods. The appraisal of the economic viability of the investment plan covers a 5-year period, while the Net Present Value (NPV) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) are used as criteria of feasibility and performance assessment. The study uses detailed technical and economic data—related to all costs and benefits deriving from the annual operation of the greenhouse farm—to assess three different economic feasibility scenarios based on the range of input, energy and product prices, taking into account the high volatility governing agricultural markets. The results show that economic viability is achieved during the 5-year assessment period in most scenarios, which is mainly due to the efficiency of the hydroponic systems. Investment performance indicators are adverse only for an “extreme” scenario with increased installation and production costs that are not counterbalanced by higher product prices or by financial support from the State. Despite the promising perspectives of hydroponics in Greece, its use is not yet widespread within the country. Further research should explore ways to increase adoption of such production methods, considering that immediate action is needed worldwide to improve the resilience of the food industry and promote environmentally friendly food production systems.
Study of the Process of Electrochemical Oxidation of Active Pharmaceutical Substances on the Example of Nitrofurazone ((2E)-2-[(5-Nitro-2-furyl)methylene]hydrazine Carboxamide)
Authors: Kuznetsov Vitalyi Vladimirovich , Ivantsova Natalya Andreevna , Kuzin Evgenii Nikolaevich , Pirogov Andrey Vladimirovich , Mezhuev Yaroslav Olegovich , Filatova Elena Alexeevna , Averina Yulia Michailovna
Published: September 2023

The effective mineralization of nitrofurazone (10–100 mg L−1) was performed in aqueous solutions in the presence of chloride ions by electrochemical treatment. The destruction of the organic pollutant molecules was due to their interaction with active oxygen- and chlorine-containing species forming at the inert anode (Pt/Ti or BDD) during electrolysis. Measurements of nitrofurazone concentration, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) were used to estimate the removal efficiency of the pollutant. Both the pollutant oxidation rate and the degree of its mineralization were higher for the BDD anode due to the higher anode potentials on it in the course of electrolysis, which provides a high rate of active oxidizer species generation. As a result, practically full nitrofurazone molecule destruction (>99%) was achieved in 30 min at an anodic current density of 0.1 A cm−2, a volume current density of 1.33 A L−1 and pH 2 using BDD anodes. On the other hand, the nitrafurazone degradation efficiency was about 95% for Pt/Ti anodes under the same conditions. Additionally, byproducts of nitrofurazone electrooxidation were investigated by means of liquid chromato-mass-spectrometry (LC/MS). It was found that the initial decolorization of nitrofurazone solution, which occurs during the first 5 min of electrolysis, is due to the formation of a dichloro derivative of nitrofurazone, which causes the destruction of the π−conjugated bond system. Further electrolysis resulted in the almost complete destruction of the dichloro derivative within 30 min of electrochemical treatment.
Relationship Identification between Water-Energy Resource Utilization Efficiency and Ecological Risk in the Context of Assessment-Decoupling Two-Stage Framework—A Case Study of Henan Province, China
Authors: Zhong Tao , Zuo Qiting , Ma Junxia , Wu Qingsong , Zhang Zhizhuo
Published: September 2023

The situation of resource utilization and eco-environment protection remains critical globally. The harmony between eco-environment health and water-energy utilization efficiency is a strong support for the realization of high-quality development. In this paper, an Assessment-Decoupling two-stage framework was developed to investigate the relationship between water-energy resource utilization and ecological security. In detail, an improved input-output indicator system was constructed to assess the water-energy resource utilization efficiency (WEUE), and its influencing factors were examined from multiple system perspectives; then, we intended to evaluate the ecological risk (ER) from a raster-scale perspective based on land-use types; and finally, the decoupling idea was introduced to quantify the fitness relationship of the above two aspects. The framework was applied to Henan Province, China. The study found that: (1) the WEUE of Henan Province shows a “W” pattern of development during 2000–2020; in 2000–2010, the WEUE of South Henan declined, while in 2010–2020, the WEUE of Henan Province gradually improved, with significant increases in various districts. (2) The ecological risk index (ERI) in Henan Province generally shows a decreasing trend, and the spatial difference is more obvious, with the high-risk areas mainly concentrated in the central, east, and south Henan, and the west of Henan is mainly a low-risk area. (3) There is strong spatial variation in the decoupling states of WEUE and ERI of the 18 districts in Henan Province, and the differences become more pronounced over time. The number of districts with a strong negative decoupling state has been increasing during the entire period, and a total of 14 districts have reached the above state in 2020. The developed framework offers a new idea for clarifying the relationship between resource utilization and ecological conditions, and the obtained results can provide data support for the realization of sustainable development.
Psychogenic factors and aggressive behavior in patients with multi-infarct dementia
Authors:   Faculty of Continuous Professional Education, A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Tsygankov B.D. , Dobrovolskaya Yu.V. ,   Faculty of Continuous Professional Education, A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Gadzhieva U.Kh. ,   Faculty of Continuous Professional Education, A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Stepanova I.V. ,   Faculty of Continuous Professional Education, A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry
Published: September 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the relationship between psychogenic factors and aggressive behavior in patients with multi-infarct dementia in order to develop methods of psychocorrection, improve the quality of lives of patients and those caring for them, as well as to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Material and methods: 49 patients (n=49) with a diagnosis of multi-infarct dementia (F01.1) and accompanying aggressive behavior took part in the study. Clinical-anamnestic, clinical-psychopathological, and psychometric diagnostic methods were used. Results: in 27 patients (87.1%), physical aggression was statistically significantly more common due to the relatives’ careless daily care implementation, which led to an increase in the chances of developing physical aggression and its severity. In 78.6% of cases (in 22 patients), physical aggression occurred statistically significantly more often with the violation of the daily routine and was associated with the risk of developing physical aggression and a greater degree of its severity. Irritability was statistically significantly more common in 13 subjects (56.5% of cases) due to their own helplessness and was associated with higher chances of the irritability development and its severity. In 17 patients (68%), verbal aggression was statistically significantly more common and occurred when the patients’ appeals to caregivers were not understood, which led to an increase in the odds ratio of the verbal aggression development and its severity. The relationship between the patients’ aggression and the caregivers’ negative attitude towards them was not found. Conclusions: the data obtained indicate that patients with multi-infarct dementia most often show physical aggression, which is closely related to such factors as "the relatives’ careless daily care implementation" and "the violation of the daily routine". In addition, the patients were characterized by the manifestation of irritability due to "their own helplessness against the background of the underlying disease" and the manifestation of verbal aggression when "the relatives did not understand their appeals".