bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knee Isokinetic Profiles and Reference Values of Professional Female Soccer Players
Authors: Brígido-Fernández Isabel , García-Muro San José Francisco , Charneco-Salguero Guillermo , Cárdenas-Rebollo José Miguel , Ortega-Latorre Yolanda , Carrión-Otero Ofelia , Fernández-Rosa Luis
Published: December 2022

Few studies have previously evaluated isokinetic parameters in female soccer players in comparison to those in males. The aim of this study was to describe normative quadriceps (Q) and hamstring (H) muscle strength values in professional female soccer players and to examine differences between dominant leg (DL) and nondominant leg (NDL). A standardized test protocol of concentric knee extension and flexion test protocol was conducted using the dynamometer isokinetic system (IsoMEd 2000). All the participants were healthy female professional soccer players from Spanish first and second division teams. Players were assessed for peak torque (PT) and maximum work (MW) values at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s. The mean difference was 7.17 (p-value = 0.0036), 4.4 (p-value = 0.0386), and 4.25 Nm (p-value = 0.0241) at speed 60°, 180°, and 240°/s, respectively. No statistically significant differences were detected for H–Q values between DL and NDL. This difference was 6.44 (p-value = 0.0449), and 5.87 J (p-value = 0.0266) at speed 60°, and 180°/s. The present study can be a tool that health professionals working with female professional soccer players in their care can use to assess and monitor a particular player.
Extracting Proceedings Data from Court Cases with Machine Learning
Authors: Mathis Bruno
Published: December 2022

France is rolling out an open data program for all court cases, but with few metadata attached. Reusers will have to use named-entity recognition (NER) within the text body of the case to extract any value from it. Any court case may include up to 26 variables, or labels, that are related to the proceeding, regardless of the case substance. These labels are from different syntactic types: some of them are rare; others are ubiquitous. This experiment compares different algorithms, namely CRF, SpaCy, Flair and DeLFT, to extract proceedings data and uses the learning model assessment capabilities of Kairntech, an NLP platform. It shows that an NER model can apply to this large and diverse set of labels and extract data of high quality. We achieved an 87.5% F1 measure with Flair trained on more than 27,000 manual annotations. Quality may yet be improved by combining NER models by data type.
Adapting Digital Technologies to Reduce Food Waste and Improve Operational Efficiency of a Frozen Food Company—The Case of Yumchop Foods in the UK
Authors: Ramanathan Usha , Ramanathan Ramakrishnan , Adefisan Abiodun , Da Costa Tamíris , Cama-Moncunill Xavier , Samriya Gautam
Published: December 2022

Cold storage is an essential operation for many food products in cold supply chains. The main objective of this kind of storage is to preserve the food products for a certain period of time. However, often due to a lack of accurate technology, humidity and temperature in food storge are not monitored in real-time, which will affect the food quality. At present, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a very popular choice for businesses in food supply chains. This is mainly because of the easy availability of internet, which helps monitor and control the quality of food in storage and transport. In this paper, the experiences of adapting and testing IoT sensors and Big Data technology for reducing food waste in a frozen food manufacturer in the UK are presented. The temperature and humidity monitoring within the operations of this ready-to-eat frozen meal company are also expected to maintain food quality and adhere to legal food safety requirements. Our reflection of experience gained in the installation of the sensors, collecting the data to a cloud server, and conducting data analytics with the data are also described. During the implementation of the technology, the company was able to identify optimal and non-optimal storage conditions for their food products and pre-processed ingredients. This allowed the further development of an alert system and corrective action protocol assisted using the technology installed. Results of the case study evidenced and reported a thorough real-time monitoring system that was able to reduce food waste and assure product quality, which could be applied in different stages of the food supply chain. This case can influence several food businesses to start adapting technology in their routine operations to ensure food quality and safety.
The Process of Eco-Anxiety and Ecological Grief: A Narrative Review and a New Proposal
Authors: Pihkala Panu
Published: December 2022

As the ecological crisis grows more intense, people experience many forms of eco-anxiety and ecological grief. This article explores the broad process of encountering eco-anxiety and ecological grief, and engages in the constructive task of building a new model of that process. Eco-anxiety and grief are here seen as fundamentally healthy reactions to threats and loss, and only the strongest forms of them are seen as problems. The aim is to help researchers, various professionals and the general public by providing a model which is (a) simple enough but (b) more nuanced than stage models which may give a false impression of linearity. The article uses an interdisciplinary method. The proposed new model includes both chronological and thematic aspects. The early phases of Unknowing and Semi-consciousness are followed potentially by some kind of Awakening and various kinds of Shock and possible trauma. A major feature of the model is the following complex phase of Coping and Changing, which is framed as consisting of three major dimensions: Action (pro-environmental behavior of many kinds), Grieving (including other emotional engagement), and Distancing (including both self-care and problematic disavowal). The model predicts that if there is trouble in any of these three dimensions, adjusting will be more difficult. The model thus helps in seeing, e.g., the importance of self-care for coping. The possibility of stronger eco-anxiety and/or eco-depression is always present, including the danger of burnout. The ethical and psychological aim is called Adjustment and Transformation, which includes elements of, e.g., meaning-finding and acceptance. The need for Coping and Changing continues, but there is more awareness and flexibility in a metaphase of Living with the Ecological Crisis, where the titles and subtitles of the three dimensions of coping are switched.
Current Situation and Construction of Recycling System in China for Post-Consumer Textile Waste
Authors: Xu Binbin , Chen Qing , Fu Bailu , Zheng Rong , Fan Jintu
Published: December 2022

Waste recycling is an effective way to improve waste management, which is closely related to the support of social and economic foundations. With the development of a circular economy, green consumption is imperative. Most of the environmental protection brand enterprises are now almost limited to the environmental protection of clothing raw materials. However, there are still many problems in the overall industrial chain of the clothing industry, such as the pollution in the processes of processing, transportation and laundry, and the waste of resources caused by a large amount of textile waste after consumption. Starting from the theme of environmental protection and sustainable development of the clothing industry, this paper discusses the necessity of building a recycling system for post-consumer textile waste. Through the investigation of the recycling and reuse of domestic post-consumer textile waste, the existing problems are analyzed, such as the recycling supervision mechanism’s imperfections, the trust crisis and a lack of recycling channels. Combined with the successful cases abroad, some solutions and suggestions are put forward for the regeneration and reuse of post-consumer textile waste, and a preliminary conception of the charitable market system is made.
The Moderating Effect of Cross-Cultural Psychological Adaptation on Knowledge Hiding and Employee Innovation Performance: Evidence from Multinational Corporations
Authors: Jin Yanfang , Yu Shun-Chi
Published: December 2022

This study explores the effects of three dimensions of knowledge hiding: evasive hiding (EH), rationalized hiding (RH), and playing dumb (PD), on employee innovation performance in multinational corporations. Additionally, the moderating effects of cross-cultural psychological adaptation on the above relationships are analyzed. In terms of the empirical analysis, corresponding assumptions were investigated with a sample of 273 respondents from Chinese multinational corporations in different industries and regions. The research findings show that EH and PD significantly negatively impact employee innovation performance in multinational corporations. In contrast, RH has a significant positive impact on the latter. Notably, cross-cultural psychological adaptation weakens the negative relationship between EH, PD and employee innovation performance, while strengthening the positive relationship between RH and employee innovation performance in multinational corporations. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the internal relationship between knowledge hiding and employee innovation performance. It comprehensively reveals the impact mechanism of knowledge hiding on innovation performance at the individual level by exploring the boundary effect of cross-cultural psychological adaptation. This study expands the literature on knowledge management and innovation on the theoretical side. On the other hand, this study suggests that RH may improve the employee innovation performance of multinational corporations, and provides a potential research direction for predicting the positive consequences of employees’ knowledge-hiding behavior. On the management side, this study offers practical guidelines for the human resource management of multinational corporations. Managers can promote cooperation and innovation among colleagues with cultural differences in home and host countries by improving employees’ cross-cultural psychological adaptability, thus improving employee innovation performance.
Certified B Corporations and Innovation: Crowdfunding as a Tool for Sustainability
Authors: Gazzola Patrizia , Paterson Audrey , Amelio Stefano , Ferioli Matteo
Published: December 2022

Crowdfunding is an emerging practice that plays a central role in funding innovative ideas that support social sustainability. B-Corps are sustainable companies that are increasingly pursuing innovative financial strategies to fund their corporate sustainability goals. To date, the use of crowdfunding as a social financing innovation by B-Corp organisations has received scant attention. This paper contributes to closing this gap by addressing three research questions. The first investigates the relationship between B-Corps certification and the use of crowdfunding. The second explores whether there is a relationship between crowdfunding and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The third investigates B-Corps’ level of information transparency in relation to this innovation and SDGs. Our investigation involved a cross-analysis of B Labs and the main crowdfunding platforms. In total, 28 B-Corps were identified as using crowdfunding platforms. Of these, 22 were selected for analysis. Our findings reveal that the pandemic period increased the use of crowdfunding among B-Corps. Crowdfunding financing was not found to be linked to the SDGs as not all investors purse these goals. We further found that investors prefer to base their decisions on the information communicated via crowdfunding platforms. Few companies declared the use of this innovative form of financing on their websites, especially on the homepage, and less than half of the companies analyzed included this form of financing in their sustainability reports. Our findings suggest that managers should provide specific information on the objectives of the campaign to be funded on the crowdfunding platforms and in the “other sustainability documents”. This way the campaigns would be more effective and could raise a greater amount of money.
Risk Level Assessment and CO Prediction of Underground Mines for Poisoning and Asphyxiation Accidents
Authors: Liu Jie , Ma Qian , Wang Wanqing , Yang Guanding , Zhou Haowen , Hu Xinyue , Teng Liangyun , Luo Xuehua
Published: December 2022

To effectively prevent the occurrence of poisoning and asphyxiation accidents in underground mines, this paper establishes an evaluation index system for the factors influencing accidents, constructs a combined assignment model to solve the problem of low accuracy of assignment results caused by a single algorithm, predicts the CO concentration after blasting because CO poisoning is the main cause of accidents, explores the accuracy of different time series prediction methods, and projects the required ventilation after blasting to ensure the safe operation of personnel. Firstly, starting from “man-machine-environment-management”, social factors are introduced to build an evaluation index system. Secondly, three combinatorial allocation models were compared, namely rough set theory–G1 method (RS-G1), entropy method–G1 method (Entropy-G1), and CRITIC method–G1 method (CRITIC-G1). The best model was selected and the allocation rating model was constructed in combination with the cloud model, and the mine risk level was evaluated by using the model. Thirdly, the GM(1,1) model, the quadratic exponential smoothing method, and the ARIMA model were compared by calculating posterior differences and errors, and the method with the highest accuracy was selected for predicting CO concentration. The results show that the inclusion of social assessment indexes in the assessment index system makes the consideration of assessment indexes more comprehensive. The RS-G1 combined assignment model achieved higher accuracy than other combined assignment models, and the GM(1,1) model had the highest accuracy and the best prediction effect. The results of the study can help provide targeted prevention and management measures for poisoning and asphyxiation accidents in underground mines.
An Air Quality Modeling and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) Risk Assessment Case Study: Comparing Statistical and Machine Learning Approaches for PM2.5 Forecasting
Authors: Agibayeva Akmaral , Khalikhan Rustem , Guney Mert , Karaca Ferhat , Torezhan Aisulu , Avcu Egemen
Published: December 2022

Despite Central and Northern Asia having several cities sharing a similar harsh climate and grave air quality concerns, studies on air pollution modeling in these regions are limited. For the first time, the present study uses multiple linear regression (MLR) and a random forest (RF) algorithm to predict PM2.5 concentrations in Astana, Kazakhstan during heating and non-heating periods (predictive variables: air pollutant concentrations, meteorological parameters). Estimated PM2.5 was then used for Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) risk assessment. The RF model showed higher accuracy than the MLR model (R2 from 0.79 to 0.98 in RF). MLR yielded more conservative predictions, making it more suitable for use with a lower number of predictor variables. PM10 and carbon monoxide concentrations contributed most to the PM2.5 prediction (both models), whereas meteorological parameters showed lower association. Estimated DALY for Astana’s population (2019) ranged from 2160 to 7531 years. The developed methodology is applicable to locations with comparable air pollution and climate characteristics. Its output would be helpful to policymakers and health professionals in developing effective air pollution mitigation strategies aiming to mitigate human exposure to ambient air pollutants.
Landscape Ecological Concepts in Planning (LEP): Progress, Hotspots, and Prospects
Authors: Huang Yi , Peng Li , Li Yongchang
Published: December 2022

As an interdisciplinary topic, landscape ecology has great potential in providing knowledge for landscape planning. However, previous studies have not been reviewed by multidisciplinary journals. There has not yet been a thorough analysis of these studies, and it is unclear how different points of view have evolved. In this study, CiteSpace software is used to analyze the evolution and current state of LEP research from several perspectives, which also identifies research hotspots and future research trends. The main findings are as follows: (i) There are three phases in LEP research: preparation, rising, and prosperity. LEP research is gradually shifting from concentrated ecological or environmental science to multidisciplinary fields, and there are significant opportunities for LEP research to build global collaborative networks. (ii) The focus of this research has gradually shifted from quantifying environmental impact to analyzing the internal process of the urban system. (iii) Future research will concentrate on a spatial model of landscape system analysis, landscape ecological resilience research, and LEP research in “urban agglomeration” with the hope of increasing the ability to realize sustainable space development.
Research on Sustainable Development of the Regional Construction Industry Based on Entropy Theory
Authors: Zhou Zhiwu , Alcalá Julián , Yepes Víctor
Published: December 2022

Human beings are now facing the increasingly urgent problem of global ecological environment pollution. To verify the scientific nature of environmental governance by governments of various countries, researchers need to provide a scientific basis and practical support for governments to adjust and formulate new policies and regulatory measures at any time through data analysis. This paper applies visual literature, aggregate analysis, engineering data programming, advanced mathematical science algorithms, and innovation entropy theory, and through this study obtains sustainable impact data from eight Chinese provinces in the 21st century, including environmental, economic, and social impacts. The results show that China’s sustainable data should grow from 2021 to about 2044. After 2045, it will be stable, and there will be negative growth in a short period. The overall life cycle assessment (LCA) and social impact assessment (SIA) continue to remain in the positive range. There will be no negative growth in aggregate data and zero or negative emissions before 2108. The final research data are accurately presented in the form of annual emissions, which provide a scientific and theoretical basis for the government to formulate medium- and long-term ecological regulations and plans.
An Expert Approach to an Assessment of the Needs of Land Consolidation within the Scope of Improving Water Resource Management
Authors: Pijanowski Jacek M. , Wałęga Andrzej , Książek Leszek , Strużyński Andrzej , Goleniowski Krzysztof , Zarzycki Jan , Kowalik Tomasz , Bogdał Andrzej , Wyrębek Maciej , Szeremeta Karol
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study is to present the approach to assess needs of land consolidation to prepare rural areas for proper water resource management. The study presented links of water management with land consolidation, which is a new approach in rural development planning in Central Europe. The results of this research are presented in the form of a needs assessment matrix for water retention. The matrix includes the main groups of parameters that are related to water resource management systems and rural development planning, which are classified into three groups: (1) water resources and retention, (2) technical systems and water management measures, and (3) information about land space distribution in rural areas. A verification of the proposed matrix was carried out for two sites that differ in terms of factors influencing the retention size; one is located in southern Poland in Lower Silesia—in the village of Mokrzeszów—and the other is located in Strzelce Wielkie—a village located in Lesser Poland. Both sites were evaluated using different needs assessment methods in terms of retention. The main factors influencing a reduced retention potential are related to the insufficient retention capacity of river channels and valleys and the inadequate maintenance of melioration systems. In Strzelce Wielkie, the land consolidation favours longer catchment response on rainfall, which is an advantage to mitigating drought and flood problems. The developed matrix can be applied for an assessment of the retention potential of rural areas based on the relatively accessible data. The method is universal and can be used in different regions. The approach presents practical tools dedicated to authorities to deciding on land consolidation in regards to water resources management; it aims at resolving agricultural land use conflicts and sustainably using space in order to manage water domains.
A Preliminary Laboratory Evaluation of Artificial Aggregates from Alkali-Activated Basalt Powder
Authors: Copetti Callai Sergio , Tataranni Piergiorgio , De Rose Manuel , Natali Murri Annalisa , Vaiana Rosolino , Sangiorgi Cesare
Published: December 2022

The widespread use of natural aggregates is one of the main causes of the depletion of natural resources, as aggregates are constituents of several construction materials. Alternatively, it is, today, proven to be feasible to use mining tailings, either natural or recycled materials, to produce artificial aggregates through specific processes. A possible way to produce artificial aggregate is through the alkali activation of the powdered material in a process called geopolymerization. This study proposes to use a basalt powder and two different metakaolins as precursors for the production of an alkali-activated artificial aggregate, with a specific shape and size achieved by using 3D-printed molds. The experimental aggregates were evaluated using traditional tests for natural aggregates, such as resistance to compression, specific density and resistance to abrasion and fragmentation. Furthermore, the material was chemically analyzed in order to evaluate the geopolymerization process promoted by the two adopted metakaolins. The physical tests showed that artificial aggregates do not perform well in terms of resistance to wear and fragmentation, which can be improved. However, they revealed promising results in terms of skid, polishing and micro-texture.
Identifying Causes of Traffic Crashes Associated with Driver Behavior Using Supervised Machine Learning Methods: Case of Highway 15 in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Akin Darcin , Sisiopiku Virginia P. , Alateah Ali H. , Almonbhi Ali O. , Al-Tholaia Mohammed M. H. , Al-Sodani Khaled A. Alawi
Published: December 2022

Identifying the causes of road traffic crashes (RTCs) and contributing factors is of utmost importance for developing sustainable road network plans and urban transport management. Driver-related factors are the leading causes of RTCs, and speed is claimed to be a major contributor to crash occurrences. The results reported in the literature are mixed regarding speed-crash occurrence causality on rural and urban roads. Even though recent studies shed some light on factors and the direction of effects, knowledge is still insufficient to allow for specific quantifications. Thus, this paper aimed to contribute to the analysis of speed-crash occurrence causality by identifying the road features and traffic flow parameters leading to RTCs associated with driver errors along an access-controlled major highway (761.6 km of Highway 15 between Taif and Medina) in Saudi Arabia. Binomial logistic regression (BNLOGREG) was employed to predict the probability of RTCs associated with driver errors (p < 0.001), and its results were compared with other supervised machine learning (ML) models, such as random forest (RF) and k-nearest neighbor (kNN) to search for more accurate predictions. The highest classification accuracy (CA) yielded by RF and BNLOGREG was 0.787, compared to kNN’s 0.750. Moreover, RF resulted in the largest area under the ROC (a receiver operating characteristic) curve (AUC for RF = 0.712, BLOGREG = 0.608, and kNN = 0.643). As a result, increases in the number of lanes (NL) and daily average speed of traffic flow (ASF) decreased the probability of driver error-related crashes. Conversely, an increase in annual average daily traffic (AADT) and the availability of straight and horizontal curve sections increased the probability of driver-related RTCs. The findings support previous studies in similar study contexts that looked at speed dispersion in crash occurrence and severity but disagreed with others that looked at absolute speed at individual vehicle or road segment levels. Thus, the paper contributes to insufficient knowledge of the factors in crash occurrences associated with driver errors on major roads within the context of this case study. Finally, crash prevention and mitigation strategies were recommended regarding the factors involved in RTCs and should be implemented when and where they are needed.
A Comparison of Different Renewable-Based DC Microgrid Energy Management Strategies for Commercial Buildings Applications
Authors: Rezk Hegazy , Ghoniem Rania M. , Ferahtia Seydali , Fathy Ahmed , Ghoniem Mohamed M. , Alkanhel Reem
Published: December 2022

DC microgrid systems allow commercial buildings to use locally generated energy and achieve an optimal economy efficiently. Economical and eco-friendly energy can be achieved by employing renewable energy sources. However, additional controllable sources, such as fuel cells, are required because of their reduced efficiency and fluctuated nature. This microgrid can use energy storage systems to supply transient power and enhance stability. The functioning of the microgrid and its efficiency are related to the implemented energy management strategy. In this paper, a comparison of several reported energy management strategies is fulfilled. The considered EMSs include the fuzzy logic control (FLC) strategy, the state machine control (SMC) strategy, the equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS), and external energy maximization strategy (EEMS). These strategies are compared in terms of power-saving, system efficiency, and power quality specifications. The overall results confirm the ability of EEMS (high efficiency of 84.91% and economic power-saving 6.11%) and SMC (efficiency of 84.18% with high power-saving 5.07%) for stationary applications, such as building commercial applications. These strategies provide other advantages, which are discussed in detail in this paper.
Sustainable Island Communities and Fishing Villages in South Korea: Challenges, Opportunities and Limitations
Authors: Hong Sun-Kee , Grydehøj Adam
Published: December 2022

Island communities and fishing villages in South Korea have been affected by changes in policy and environmental conditions. This paper presents an overview of and potential solutions to sustainability challenges confronting Korea’s island communities and fishing villages. The paper is grounded in a review of the relevant Korean and international research literature. The paper identifies the following major challenges: climate change, overexploitation of and damage to marine resources, and sociocultural challenges. The paper recommends an integrated approach to sustainable development that involves building a cooperative system with the Korea Island Development Institute, focus on ‘livable islands’, encouraging in-migration to islands, improving island accessibility, and identifying and assessing island ecosystem services. The paper concludes that it is necessary to develop an integrated approach driven by institutional, policy, technological, and sociocultural innovation.
Shark Skin—An Inspiration for the Development of a Novel and Simple Biomimetic Turbulent Drag Reduction Topology
Authors: Fan Shaotao , Han Xiangxi , Tang Youhong , Wang Yiwen , Kong Xiangshao
Published: December 2022

In this study, a novel but simple biomimetic turbulent drag reduction topology is proposed, inspired by the special structure of shark skin. Two effective, shark skin-inspired, ribletted surfaces were designed, their topologies were optimized, and their excellent drag reduction performances were verified by large eddy simulation. The designed riblets showed higher turbulent drag reduction behavior, e.g., 21.45% at Re = 40,459, compared with other experimental and simulated reports. The effects of the riblets on the behavior of the fluid flow in pipes are discussed, as well as the mechanisms of fluid drag in turbulent flow and riblet drag reduction. Riblets of various dimensions were analyzed and the nature of fluid flow over the effective shark skin surface is illustrated. By setting up the effective ribletted surface on structure’s surface, the shark skin-inspired, biomimetic, ribletted surface effectively reduced friction resistance without external energy support. This method is therefore regarded as the most promising drag reduction technique.
Distribution and Conservation Status of the Mountain Wetlands in the Romanian Carpathians
Authors: Bita-Nicolae Claudia
Published: December 2022

Mountain wetland habitats are of particular importance because of their biodiversity, their aesthetic and recreational functions, and for providing services to humans (e.g., water for domestic use and livestock). At the same time, these practices can also have significant environment costs, including biodiversity loss and deterioration of water quality. For all their importance, these habitats are not well managed or conserved. The aim of the paper is to study the distribution of two of the most important and vulnerable habitats. The communities of Cardamino-Montion and Cratoneurion commutati belong, according to the European Red List of Habitats, to the habitats base-poor spring and spring brook (C2.1a) and calcareous spring and spring brook (C2.1b), respectively. This study draws on both original studies and national literature to highlight the characteristic features of mountain wetlands. The main objective of our research is to provide a management framework to facilitate the protection, enhancement and restoration of springs in the Romanian Carpathians and beyond.
A Socio-Ecological Approach to Conserve and Manage Riverscapes in Designated Areas: Cases of the Loire River Valley and Dordogne Basin, France
Authors: Yousry Lina , Cao Yixin , Marmiroli Bruno , Guerri Olivier , Delaunay Guillaume , Riquet Olivier , Wantzen Karl Matthias
Published: December 2022

The environmental management of rivers faces a substantial geographical problem: due to their elongate shape and their position at the valley bottom, the area that they cover is fragmented by territorial borders. Therefore, only very few river basins or substantial parts of them have yet been assigned as dedicated sites (nature reserves, parks, etc.). Commonly, these sites occur in a scattered pattern within the riverscape and belong to different administrative units, which makes coordinated conservation and management difficult. Moreover, access to documented results is limited, and the practical experience of site managers remains an unexploited source of knowledge. Here, we compare two sites, the Loire valley (with a large zone protected by a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Natura 2000 sites network, and a French Regional Natural Park, which are partially overlapping) and the Dordogne watershed (entirely belonging to the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of this kind and a French Public Basin Establishment). The targets concerning conservation and sustainable management of these sites differ, however, they all focus on cultural and ecological sustainability. Combining reports and interviews with the respective site managers with literature back searches, and analyzing these data with case study and content analysis methods, we addressed the following questions: (1) What are the priority management issues, including threats that impact the site from outside, and how are they tackled? (2) Who are the stakeholders and what are their interrelationships? (3) What are the dynamics of socio-ecological systems related to riverscapes? (4) How to conserve and manage riverscapes with socio-ecological approaches? and (5) What are the best management practices from the Loire River Valley and Dordogne basin cases that can be harnessed in other riverscapes? We show that the Loire River Valley and Dordogne River basin present positive examples for a transdisciplinary socio-ecological approach to conserving and managing riverscapes, integrating diverse stakeholder knowledge in participatory decision-making, recognizing the natural character of the river, and coupling social and hydrological systems. The greatest achievement of the site managers is that they have built up trust and found feasible solutions for satisfying the different interests of diverse stakeholders. Ingenuity and perseverance, combined with excellent moderation skills, were the most important characteristics leading to success. The overall target of this paper is to evidence problems and their solutions concerning the management of dedicated sites that are connected to rivers, to encourage the creation of further sites of this type, and to facilitate cooperation between different types of dedicated sites.
Global Advancements and Current Challenges of Electric Vehicle Batteries and Their Prospects: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Roy Hridoy , Roy Bimol Nath , Hasanuzzaman Md. , Islam Md. Shahinoor , Abdel-Khalik Ayman S. , Hamad Mostaf S. , Ahmed Shehab
Published: December 2022

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have started to play a significant role in the transport sector and automotive industries. The broader market penetration of BEVs has still not been achieved due to significant barriers associated with initial costs and short driving ranges. The purchase price and a limited driving range are barriers that are inevitably associated with battery technology. Therefore, the growing demand for BEVs has expedited new innovative approaches to improve battery capacity and performance and to reduce battery costs. Considerable advancements have been employed to meet the challenges. However, there are still many challenges to make BEVs affordable and convenient for users. In this review, the main aims are to identify and address challenges by considering the prospects of BEVs in the future market and to explore the technological and financial difficulties of low energy density of battery materials, fast charging rate, battery lifetime, and cost-effectiveness, associated with effectively implementing and adopting BEVs. Moreover, potential suggestions are proposed for researchers, manufacturers, users, and government policy planners. Finally, a concrete conclusion is drawn by disseminating a vision about the future adoption of BEVs. This review of technologies, challenges, prospects, and potential solutions associated with BEVs could provide a base for effective strategic policy and could help policymakers to frame strategies for adapting and achieving targets. This review could help to achieve sustainable BEV transport and to adopt next-generation green vehicles.
Quintessence Behavior of an Anisotropic Bulk Viscous Cosmological Model in Modified f(Q)-Gravity
Authors: Pradhan Anirudh , Dixit Archana , Maurya Dinesh Chandra
Published: December 2022

In this article, we consider an anisotropic viscous cosmological model having LRS Bianchi type I spacetime with f(Q) gravity. We investigate the modified f(Q) gravity with form f(Q)=αQ2+β, where Q is the non-metricity scalar and α, β are the positive constants. From the modified Einstein’s field equation having the viscosity coefficient ξ(t)=ξ0H, the scale factor is derived as a(t)=2sinhm+26ξ0α(2m+1)t. We apply the observational constraints on the apparent magnitude m(z) using the χ2 test formula with the observational data set such as JLA, Union 2.1 compilation and obtained the best approximate values of the model parameters m,α,H0,ξ0. We find a transit universe which is accelerating at late times. We also examined the bulk viscosity equation of state (EoS) parameter ωv and derived its current value satisfying ωv<−1/3, which shows the dark energy dominating universe evolution having a cosmological constant, phantom, and super-phantom evolution stages. It tends to the Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) value (ωv=−1) at late times. We also estimate the current age of the universe as t0≈13.6 Gyrs and analyze the statefinder parameters with (s,r)→(0,1) as t→∞.
Bioaccumulation and Biotransformation of Chlorinated Paraffins
Authors: Chen Liujun , Mai Bixian , Luo Xiaojun
Published: December 2022

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), a class of persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulated compounds, have received increasing attention for their environmental occurrence and ecological and human health risks worldwide in the past decades. Understanding the environmental behavior and fate of CPs faces a huge challenge owing to the extremely complex CP congeners. Consequently, the aims of the present study are to summarize and integrate the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of CPs, including the occurrence of CPs in biota, tissue distribution, biomagnification, and trophic transfer, and biotransformation of CPs in plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates in detail. Biota samples collected in China showed higher CP concentrations than other regions, which is consistent with their huge production and usage. The lipid content is the major factor that determines the physical burden of CPs in tissues or organs. Regarding the bioaccumulation of CPs and their influence factors, inconsistent results were obtained. Biotransformation is an important reason for this variable. Some CP congeners are readily biodegradable in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Hydroxylation, dechlorination, chlorine rearrangement, and carbon chain decomposition are potential biotransformation pathways for the CP congeners. Knowledge of the influence of chain length, chlorination degree, constitution, and stereochemistry on the tissue distribution, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation is still scarce.
On the In Vitro and In Vivo Hazard Assessment of a Novel Nanomaterial to Reduce the Use of Zinc Oxide in the Rubber Vulcanization Process
Authors: Bragato Cinzia , Mostoni Silvia , D’Abramo Christian , Gualtieri Maurizio , Pomilla Francesca Rita , Scotti Roberto , Mantecca Paride
Published: December 2022

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is the most efficient curing activator employed in the industrial rubber production. However, ZnO and Zn(II) ions are largely recognized as an environmental hazard being toxic to aquatic organisms, especially considering Zn(II) release during tire lifecycle. In this context, aiming at reducing the amount of microcrystalline ZnO, a novel activator was recently synthetized, constituted by ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) anchored to silica NPs (ZnO-NP@SiO2-NP). The objective of this work is to define the possible hazards deriving from the use of ZnO-NP@SiO2-NP compared to ZnO and SiO2 NPs traditionally used in the tire industry. The safety of the novel activators was assessed by in vitro testing, using human lung epithelial (A549) and immune (THP-1) cells, and by the in vivo model zebrafish (Danio rerio). The novel manufactured nanomaterial was characterized morphologically and structurally, and its effects evaluated in vitro by the measurement of the cell viability and the release of inflammatory mediators, while in vivo by the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity (FET) test. Resulting data demonstrated that ZnO-NP@SiO2-NP, despite presenting some subtoxic events, exhibits the lack of acute effects both in vitro and in vivo, supporting the safe-by-design development of this novel material for the rubber industry.
Immunogenicity, Immune Dynamics, and Subsequent Response to the Booster Dose of Heterologous versus Homologous Prime-Boost Regimens with Adenoviral Vector and mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine among Liver Transplant Recipients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sriphoosanaphan Supachaya , Suksawatamnuay Sirinporn , Srisoonthorn Nunthiya , Siripon Nipaporn , Thaimai Panarat , Ananchuensook Prooksa , Thanapirom Kessarin , Nonthasoot Bunthoon , Hansasuta Pokrath , Komolmit Piyawat
Published: December 2022

Background: Heterologous prime-boost vaccination potentially augments the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 in liver transplant (LT) recipients. We investigated immunogenicity induced by different primary prime-boost vaccination protocols and the subsequent response to the booster vaccine among LT recipients. Methods: LT recipients, who received primary immunisation with ChAdOx1/ChAdOx1 or ChAdOx1/BNT162b2, were administered the third dose of mRNA-1273 three months following the primary vaccination. Blood samples were collected before and after primary vaccination and post-booster. The levels of receptor binding domain antibody (anti-RBD) and neutralising antibody (sVNT) and spike-specific T-cell responses were assessed. Results: Among the 89 LT recipients, patients receiving ChAdOx1/BNT162b2 had significantly higher anti-RBD titres, sVNT, and cellular response after primary vaccination than those receiving ChAdOx1/ChAdOx1 (p < 0.05). The antibody response decreased 12 weeks after the primary vaccination. After the booster, humoral and cellular responses significantly improved, with comparable seroconversion rates between the heterologous and homologous groups. Positive sVNT against the wild type occurred in >90% of LT patients, with only 12.3% positive against the Omicron variant. Conclusions: ChAdOx1/BNT162b2 evoked a significantly higher immunological response than ChAdOx1/ChAdOx1 in LT recipients. The booster strategy substantially induced robust immunity against wild type in most patients but was less effective against the Omicron strain.
Modulation of Nod-like Receptor Expression in the Thymus during Early Pregnancy in Ewes
Authors: Zhang Leying , Li Yuanjing , Zhao Zhenyang , Cai Jiabao , Zhao Shuxin , Yang Ling
Published: December 2022

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptors (NOD-like receptors, NLRs) are involved in modulating the innate immune responses of the trophoblast and the placenta in normal pregnancy. The thymus participates in regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. However, it is unclear whether expression of NLR is modulated in the maternal thymus during early pregnancy. In this study, thymuses were sampled at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation (n = 6 for each group) from ewes after slaughter. Different stages were chosen because the maternal thymus was under the different effects of interferon-tau and/or progesterone or not. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to analyze the expression of the NLR family, including NOD1; NOD2; major histocompatibility complex class II transactivator (CIITA); NLR family apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP); nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain and Leucine-rich repeat and Pyrin domain containing protein 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3 and NLRP7. The results showed that expression level of NOD1 was changed with the pregnancy stages, and expression levels of NOD2, CIITA, NAIP, NLRP1, NLRP3 and NLRP7 mRNA and proteins were peaked at day 13 of pregnancy. The levels of NOD2 and CIITA were increased during early pregnancy. The stainings for NOD2 and NLRP7 proteins were located in epithelial reticular cells, capillaries and thymic corpuscles. In summary, pregnancy stages changed expression of NLR family in the maternal thymus, which may be related to the modulation of maternal thymic immune responses, and beneficial for normal pregnancy in sheep.
Sero-Epidemiological Study of Bordetella pertussis Infection in the Italian General Population
Authors: Grassi Tiziana , Bagordo Francesco , Savio Marta , Rota Maria Cristina , Vitale Francesco , Arghittu Antonella , Sticchi Laura , Gabutti Giovanni ,   on behalf of the Sero-Epidemiological Study Group
Published: December 2022

A multicenter study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of pertussis IgG antibodies (anti-PTx) in the Italian population. Serum samples (4154) collected in the years 2019–2020 from subjects aged 6 to 90 years were tested. The anti-PTx IgG levels were determined by ELISA test. The limit of detection was 5 IU/mL (International Units per milliliter); values ≥ 40 IU/mL and ≥100 IU/mL indicate an infection that has occurred in recent years and a recent infection (occurred during the last year), respectively. The mean concentration of anti-PTx IgG antibodies in the tested samples was 13 IU/mL; 1.0% of subjects had a titer ≥ 100 IU/mL, 5.3% a titer between 40 and 100 IU/mL, and 38.9% a titer < 5 IU/mL. The mean antibody concentration was significantly higher in males than in females. The age group 25–39 years had the lowest percentage of negative subjects (36.9%) and the highest prevalence of subjects with antibody titers ≥ 100 IU/mL (1.3%). In the age group ≥ 65 years, the prevalence of subjects with titers between 40 and 100 IU/mL (6.7%) and the percentage of negative subjects (44.8%) was higher than in the other age groups. The results highlight the possible role of adolescents and adults in the transmission of B. pertussis.
Flow Boiling Heat Transfer Intensification Due to Inner Surface Modification in Circular Mini-Channel
Authors: Belyaev Aleksandr V. , Dedov Alexey V. , Sidel’nikov Nikita E. , Jiang Peixue , Varava Aleksander N. , Xu Ruina
Published: December 2022

This work aimed to study the intensification of flow boiling heat transfer and critical heat flux (CHF) under conditions of highly reduced pressures due to a modification of the inner wall surface of a mini-channel. Such research is relevant to the growing need of high-tech industries in the development of compact and energy-efficient heat exchange devices. We present experimental results of the surface modification effect on hydrodynamics and flow boiling heat transfer, including data on the CHF. A description of the experimental stand and method for modifying the test mini-channel is also presented. The studies were carried out with freon R-125 in a vertical mini-channel with a diameter of 1.1 mm and a length of 50 mm, in the range of mass flow rates from G = 200 to 1400 kg/(m2s) and reduced pressures between pr = p/pcr = 0.43 and 0.56. The maximum surface modification effect was achieved at a reduced pressure of pr = 0.43, the heat transfer coefficient increased up to 110%, and the CHF increased up to 22%.
A Dilemma between Flood and Drought Management: Case Study of the Upper Chao Phraya Flood-Prone Area in Thailand
Authors: Pratoomchai Weerayuth , Ekkawatpanit Chaiwat , Yoobanpot Naphol , Lee Kwan Tun
Published: December 2022

Floods are the greatest natural disaster in Thailand, but they are an important part of recharging the water volume for groundwater resources. This paper focused on evaluating and discussing the relationship between flood magnitudes and flood management impacting groundwater storage in the Upper Chao Phraya River basin in Thailand, where the intensive rice production of the region is located. Based on satellite image data, there were annual flood inundations varying from 1950 to 10,470 km2 over the period 2005–2019. The evaluation shows those flooding events yielded floodwater recharge of approximately 0.5–5.9 km3. To lessen the flood damage, floodways with 2000 m3 s−1 of drainage capacity are proposed by the government. This measure aims to accelerate flood surplus out to the gulf of Thailand and to confine the flooding areas to a maximum value of 4650 km2. A reduction of approximately 3.4 km3 of groundwater storage is estimated if the floodways are implemented. Staple crops in the dry season, especially rice fields outside an irrigation project (rainfed area), cope with water stress. To sustain basin water demand in the dry season, approximately 1820 km2 should be allowed for an area flooded for a month where 0.9 km3 of water volume is harvested annually. Although flood control is important, potential impact on the reduction of groundwater recharge needs to be carefully considered. Therefore, a flood control policy shows the balance of available basin water occasionally supplied by the groundwater while rice water demand is being proposed.