bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmentally Friendly Behaviors of Recreationists and Natural Area Tourists: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Tosun Cevat , Soylu Yasin , Atay Lütfi , Timothy Dallen J.
Published: July 2023

This study measures the impacts of environmental concern and environmental altruism on eco-friendly behaviors, and the impacts of environmentally friendly behaviors on nature-based tourism behaviors and ecologically friendly purchasing behaviors. The study sample included a population of tourists and recreationists in three different destinations in Turkey. Data were obtained from questionnaires and were analyzed using a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). In addition, a one-way ANOVA test was performed to show the differences in common questions for the three destinations. The findings identified that the independent variables positively affected participants’ environmentally friendly behaviors and purchasing behaviors. Visitors who participated in hiking on Mount Ida displayed more environmental attitudes than visitors in the other areas in all variables other than the ‘environmentally friendly behavior’ scale. Among participants, while environmental tourism behavior was the highest variable, environmental concern was the lowest variable. Study participants displayed environmentally friendly behavior in Köprülü Canyon at a higher level than in the other two destinations. The types of activities performed during the journey were considered in recognizing the environment, taking note of environmental problems and acting.
Analysis of Eco-Environmental Quality and Driving Forces in Opencast Coal Mining Area Based on GWANN Model: A Case Study in Shengli Coalfield, China
Authors: Chang Ming , Meng Shuying , Zhang Zifan , Wang Ruiguo , Yin Chao , Zhao Yuxia , Zhou Yi
Published: July 2023

Opencast coal mine production and construction activities have a certain impact on the ecological environment, while the development and utilization of large coal bases distributed in semi-arid steppe regions may have a more direct and significant impact on the eco-environment. Therefore, in-depth studies of the ecological impacts of human activities and natural environmental elements in opencast coal mines in typical semi-arid steppe regions and analyses of their driving forces are of great significance for protecting and restoring regional fragile steppe ecosystems. In this paper, the mining area southwest of the Shengli coalfield, a typical ore concentration area in eastern Inner Mongolia, was selected as the research object. Its remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) was calculated using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to analyze the eco-environmental quality in the mining area and its surrounding 2 km from 2005 to 2021. The geographically weighted artificial neural network model (GWANN) was combined with the actual situation of mining activity and ecological restoration to discuss the driving factors of eco-environmental quality change in the study area. The results showed that: (1) the proportion of the study area with excellent and good eco-environmental quality increased from 20.96% to 23.93% from 2005 to 2021, and the proportions of areas with other quality grades fluctuated strongly. (2) The change in eco-environmental quality in the interior of the mining area was closely related to the reclamation of dump sites and migration of the mining area. (3) The maximum contribution rate of the mining activity factor to the external eco-environmental quality of the mining area reached 43.33%, with an annual average contribution rate of 34.48%; as the distance from the mining area increased, its contribution gradually decreased. This quantitative analysis of the driving forces of RSEI change in the mining area will complement future work in ecological evaluations of mining areas while also improving the practicality of ecological evaluation at the mining scale, thereby further helping the ecological management of mining areas.
Cracking Pattern and Bearing Capacity of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Single-Layer Tunnel Lining
Authors: Li Huayun , Wu Yangfan , Zhou Anxiang , Lu Feng , Lei Zhongcheng , Zeng Bowen , Zhu Kaicheng
Published: July 2023

In recent years, steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) single-layer linings have been used in tunnel engineering. Compared to plain concrete single-layer linings, SFRC single-layer linings demonstrate enhanced bearing capacity, durability, and sustainability. Existing studies primarily focused on the mechanical properties of SFRC; however, limited investigations have been conducted on the cracking pattern of SFRC linings. This study uses laboratory tests to examine the influence of steel fiber content and aspect ratio on the mechanical properties of concrete, such as compressive strength and elastic modulus. After the recommended content and aspect ratio of steel fiber are proposed through tests, the cracking pattern and safety performance of plain concrete and SFRC linings under surrounding rock pressure are studied using a similar model test. The test results indicate that the recommended steel fiber volume fraction and aspect ratio for CF35 SFRC are 0.58% and 70, respectively. Due to the effect of loose load, cracks initially develop on the inside of arch crowns in both plain concrete and SFRC single-layer linings. Subsequently, new cracks appear on the inside of the lining floor and the outside of the two wall feet. Numerous narrow cracks with rugged and winding expansion paths can be found on SFRC single-layer linings. Conversely, plain concrete single-layer linings exhibit fewer cracks with larger widths along a straighter path. The initial cracking load of a single-layer lining made of plain concrete is 0.027 MPa, whereas for a single-layer lining made of SFRC, it is 0.04 MPa. This indicates that SFRC can effectively enhance the initial cracking load of lining structures. In the event of damage to the lining, the most critical area for the plain concrete single-layer lining is at the two wall feet, where the minimum safety factor is 1.66. However, for the SFRC lining in the same location, the safety factor is 2.7, resulting in a 62.7% increase in safety.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Imbalanced Data Handling Techniques in Predicting Driver Phone Use
Authors: Taamneh Madhar M. , Taamneh Salah , Alomari Ahmad H. , Abuaddous Musab
Published: July 2023

Distracted driving leads to a significant number of road crashes worldwide. Smartphone use is one of the most common causes of cognitive distraction among drivers. Available data on drivers’ phone use presents an invaluable opportunity to identify the main factors behind this behavior. Machine learning (ML) techniques are among the most effective techniques for this purpose. However, the potential and usefulness of these techniques are limited, due to the imbalance of available data. The majority class of instances collected is for drivers who do not use their phones, while the minority class is for those who do use their phones. This paper evaluates two main approaches for handling imbalanced datasets on driver phone use. These methods include oversampling and undersampling. The effectiveness of each method was evaluated using six ML techniques: Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), Bayesian Network (BayesNet), J48, and ID3. The proposed methods were also evaluated on three Deep Learning (DL) models: Arch1 (5 hidden layers), Arch2 (10 hidden layers), and Arch3 (15 hidden layers). The data used in this document were collected through a direct observation study to explore a set of human, vehicle, and road surface characteristics. The results showed that all ML methods, as well as DL methods, achieved balanced accuracy values for both classes. ID3, J48, and MLP methods outperformed the rest of the ML methods in all scenarios, with ID3 achieving slightly better accuracy. The DL methods also provided good performances, especially for the undersampling data. The results also showed that the classification methods performed best on the undersampled data. It was concluded that road classification has the highest impact on cell phone use, followed by driver age group, driver gender, vehicle type, and, finally, driver seatbelt usage.
Examining the Influence of Sustainable Construction Supply Chain Drivers on Sustainable Building Projects Using Mathematical Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Attia El-Awady , Alarjani Ali , Uddin Md. Sharif , Kineber Ahmed Farouk
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on the results of examining the impact of Sustainable Construction Supply Chains (SCSC) on sustainable success (OSS) throughout the life of a project in developing countries. While previous research has explored the challenges of implementing SCSC in these regions, limited attention has been given to the overall impact on sustainable success. To address this gap, a conceptual model was developed based on an extensive literature review, and data were collected through a survey involving 70 building professionals in Egypt. The findings indicate that the adoption of SCSC drivers has a significant influence on OSS during the construction phase, ranging from moderate to high. These results provide valuable insights for policymaking in developing nations, as they highlight the importance of overcoming barriers to SCSC adoption and promoting these drivers to ensure successful project completion. Ultimately, implementing SCSC approaches will contribute to improved project outcomes in the construction industry.
The Industrialisation of Sustainable Construction: A Transdisciplinary Approach to the Large-Scale Introduction of Compacted Mineral Mixtures (CMMs) into Building Construction
Authors: Bühler Michael Max , Hollenbach Pia , Michalski Alexander , Meyer Sonja , Birle Emanuel , Off Rebecca , Lang Christina , Schmidt Wolfram , Cudmani Roberto , Fritz Oliver , Baltes Guido , Kortmann Geraldine
Published: July 2023

Increasing demand for sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon construction materials has highlighted the potential of Compacted Mineral Mixtures (CMMs), which are formulated from various soil types (sand, silt, clay) and recycled mineral waste. This paper presents a comprehensive inter- and transdisciplinary research concept that aims to industrialise and scale up the adoption of CMM-based construction materials and methods, thereby accelerating the construction industry’s systemic transition towards carbon neutrality. By drawing upon the latest advances in soil mechanics, rheology, and automation, we propose the development of a robust material properties database to inform the design and application of CMM-based materials, taking into account their complex, time-dependent behaviour. Advanced soil mechanical tests would be utilised to ensure optimal performance under various loading and ageing conditions. This research has also recognised the importance of context-specific strategies for CMM adoption. We have explored the implications and limitations of implementing the proposed framework in developing countries, particularly where resources may be constrained. We aim to shed light on socio-economic and regulatory aspects that could influence the adoption of these sustainable construction methods. The proposed concept explores how the automated production of CMM-based wall elements can become a fast, competitive, emission-free, and recyclable alternative to traditional masonry and concrete construction techniques. We advocate for the integration of open-source digital platform technologies to enhance data accessibility, processing, and knowledge acquisition; to boost confidence in CMM-based technologies; and to catalyse their widespread adoption. We believe that the transformative potential of this research necessitates a blend of basic and applied investigation using a comprehensive, holistic, and transfer-oriented methodology. Thus, this paper serves to highlight the viability and multiple benefits of CMMs in construction, emphasising their pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and resilience in the built environment.
Sustainalism: An Integrated Socio-Economic-Environmental Model to Address Sustainable Development and Sustainability
Authors: Hariram N. P. , Mekha K. B. , Suganthan Vipinraj , Sudhakar K.
Published: July 2023

This paper delves into the multifaceted concept of sustainability, covering its evolution, laws, principles, as well as the different domains and challenges related to achieving it in the modern world. Although capitalism, socialism, and communism have been utilized throughout history, their strengths and drawbacks have failed to address sustainable development comprehensively. Therefore, a holistic approach is necessary, which forms the basis for a new development model called sustainalism. This study proposes a new socio-economic theory of sustainalism that prioritizes quality of life, social equity, culture, world peace, social justice, and well-being. This paper outlines the six principles of sustainalism and identifies sustainalists as individuals who embrace these new concepts. This study also explores how to attain sustainalism in the modern world through a sustainable revolution, representing a step toward a sustainable era. In conclusion, this paper summarizes the key points and emphasizes the need for a new approach to sustainalism in the broader sense. The insights provided are valuable for further research on sustainalism and sustainability.
Family Dwelling House Localization in Poland as a Factor Influencing the Economic Effect of Rainwater Harvesting System with Underground Tank
Authors: Dudkiewicz Edyta , Ludwińska Agnieszka
Published: July 2023

Considering water resources, Poland ranks among the last in Europe. By using rainwater for sanitary purposes, drinking water is saved. This article presents the results of the economic analysis of rainwater utilization systems, based on a novel view that takes into account factors related to the location of the family detached house in the country, such as average annual rainfall and water and electricity prices. Two cases of rainwater management systems (domestic-garden and garden) were analyzed in six locations, while considering the diversity of precipitation in Poland in two variants, depending on the material of the tank, with two options of traditional electrical installation or photovoltaic panels. The evaluation of the profitability of the investment was carried out on the basis of indicators: NPV, LCC, and SPBT. The results of the analyses of all variants give the conclusion that, to achieve the greatest financial benefits, it is crucial that the building’s rainwater demand is fully met by rainfall, the unit price of water is significantly higher than the unit price of electricity, operating costs are as low as possible through the use of renewable energy sources, and subsidies are a significant percentage of the investment.
Do Digitalization and Digital Finance Help Small Firms Survive Global Economic Uncertainty in Central and West Asia? Evidence from Rapid Surveys
Authors: Shinozaki Shigehiro
Published: July 2023

The Russia–Ukraine conflict disrupted a V-shaped economic post-pandemic recovery in Central and West Asia. It affected global supply chains and slowed the region’s growth momentum while adding inflationary pressures. Private businesses were adversely affected by the impact of the conflict and global sanctions against the Russian Federation, with the effects being more pronounced for micro and small firms. The pandemic helped create a base of digitalized firms. As the impact of the conflict began to be felt, how did business digitalization affect the operations of small firms? Would digital finance help fill unmet financing demand from small firms during the difficult time brought by the conflict? This paper assesses the impact of the conflict on digitalized small firms’ operations and discusses the effect of digital finance, and whether it helps small firms survive global economic uncertainty. It uses a linear probability regression based on rapid business surveys conducted in seven Central and West Asian countries—Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The results show that digitalization has yet to allow small firms to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers for more efficient business operations. Digital finance has yet to be well accepted and used by small businesses, even those already digitalized. Based on the analysis, the paper suggests four policy implications that can help promote business digitalization of small firms and the use of digital finance across the region.
Impact of Customer Predictive Ability on Sustainable Innovation in Customized Enterprises
Authors: Shen Huayan , Ou Zhiyong , Bi Kexin , Gao Yu
Published: July 2023

Customer-centric service innovation performance has become a common businesses goal to pursue, particularly for service-oriented manufacturing companies. However, the continuous focus on the impact of enterprise resources and capabilities in service innovation fails to truly consider market orientation and customer capabilities as core influencing factors of service innovation performance at an individual level. This article explores new service behaviors driven by market orientation and customer predictive abilities, revealing the process of customer-driven value creation for sustainable innovation within enterprises. Ships are typical representatives of customized enterprises. This study examines the role of customer predictive capabilities in the sustainable innovation of shipbuilding companies, starting from a 20-year historical analysis of the global shipping and shipbuilding markets. By exploring the market orientation characteristics of the shipbuilding and shipping markets, this study investigates the behavioral impact of customer predictive abilities on sustainable innovation within shipbuilding enterprises. Employing time series and panel data in machine learning algorithms, specifically the random forest model, reveals a strong and statistically significant correlation between new ship deliveries and the Baltic dry index (BDI), with larger value ships having a more pronounced impact on the consumer market. The correlation analysis confirms that these two variables, in combination, can comprehensively reflect customer predictive ability and serve as crucial decision criteria for customer investment in new ship production. Furthermore, based on the principal component analysis of customer predictive ability and ship innovation levels Granger causality tests, this study demonstrates that customer predictive ability is a Granger cause of sustainable innovation in customized production. Customer predictive ability influences sustainable innovation in customized enterprises to varying degrees. This research provides valuable insights for shipbuilding companies regarding engaging in sustainable innovation in international markets and understanding the value of international market customers.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Travel Behavior and Travel Mode Preferences: The Example of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Čaušević Amra
Published: July 2023

This study aims to analyze the perception of travel, especially in the context of the pandemic, when the measures are alleviated, as well as the citizens’ intentions and preferences for travel methods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel behavior and travel mode preferences in the example of the residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Five research questions were defined. A quantitative research approach was applied in this study. The data were collected through a questionnaire (online survey) distributed to respondents via e-mail and the social network Facebook. The convenience sample included 265 respondents. In the study, a descriptive and quantitative comparative analysis was conducted. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced a change in travel behavior. The primary purpose of travel during and before the pandemic was social activities. The most significant change in the primary purpose of travel during and before the pandemic is reflected in a decrease in social activities and an increase in recreational sports activities. In contrast, other activities remained proportionally the same before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The average distance traveled for primary outdoor trips before the pandemic is greater than that for primary outdoor trips during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study could be useful in traffic planning and making various policies during various pandemics based on people’s travel needs. In particular, government bodies could use such knowledge to plan partial and smarter lockdowns. Tourism and transport companies could use this information to better plan their services and operations.
Is Hazelnut Farming Sustainable? An Analysis in the Specialized Production Area of Viterbo
Authors: Biagetti Elisa , Pancino Barbara , Martella Angelo , La Porta Ilenia Maria , Cicatiello Clara , De Gregorio Tommaso , Franco Silvio
Published: July 2023

Specialized agricultural systems may have a strong environmental impact, thus affecting the sustainability of production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the overall environmental impact of the hazelnut production, focusing on the main Italian production area, which is located in the province of Viterbo (central Italy). The theoretical approach adopted in this study refers to the paradigm of ecological economics, recalling the concept of strong sustainability through the conservation of natural capital and its non-replacement with economic capital. This environmental sustainability of farming systems is assessed through the ecological balance (EB) tool by comparing the availability and use of natural capital in each farm scenario. This allows to understand the extent of the load generated on the environment by the different farm’s typologies, as well as the impact on the entire territory where hazelnut cultivation is predominant. For the assessment, local typical farm scenarios are assessed through a Delphi consultation of a panel of experts, thus characterizing the cultivation techniques most frequently adopted in the area. Three typologies of representative farms emerge, which mainly differ for cultivation method and dimension. Cultivation methods associated with the larger farms (both conventional and organic) generate a positive contribution to EB, whereas small farms (conventional) have a negative EB due to the high utilization of inputs. However, the positive balance of the large farms compensates for the negative balance of the small ones. This determines a total positive environmental balance of the specialized production area of Viterbo, equal to 9412 gha. This means that hazelnut farming at a territorial level is sustainable thanks to specific farm managements, which can be promoted by policy-makers.
Research on Eccentric Cavitation Bubble Collapse Dynamics within Droplets
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Zhang Xiaofei , Zhang Shurui , Yang Yihao , Du Xuan , Li Zhaohao , Zhang Yuning
Published: July 2023

The research on cavitation bubbles within droplets has gradually become one of the advanced topics in the field of confined fluid domains, which is closely related to the industry fields. However, the research on the relationship between cavitation bubbles collapsing within droplet and droplet splash dynamics is still in its infancy. Here, the high-speed photography experimental platform of cavitation bubbles within droplets was built to investigate the influences of the eccentricities of bubbles within droplets on the phenomenon. The concluding remarks are given as follows. (1) With the change in eccentricity, the droplet splash morphology can be divided into three cases: scattering, trident, and composite splashes respectively. Moreover, the movement trend of the bubble wall can be divided into three categories: spherical, fabiform, and ellipsoidal. (2) The height of the main peak of the droplet splash and the distribution law of the splash angle could be changed by the eccentricity. (3) The bubble collapse time of the droplet is significantly affected by the eccentricity.
Longitudinal–Transverse Vibration of a Functionally Graded Nanobeam Subjected to Mechanical Impact and Electromagnetic Actuation
Authors: Herisanu Nicolae , Marinca Bogdan , Marinca Vasile
Published: July 2023

This study addresses the nonlinear forced vibration of a functionally graded (FG) nanobeam subjected to mechanical impact and electromagnetic actuation. Two symmetrical actuators were present in the mechanical model, and their mechanical behaviors were analyzed considering the symmetry in actuation. The model considered the longitudinal–transverse vibration of a simple supported Euler–Bernoulli beam, which accounted for von Kármán geometric nonlinearity, including the first-order strain–displacement relationship. The FG nanobeam was made of a mixture of metals and ceramics, while the volume fraction varied in terms of thickness when a power law function was used. The nonlocal Eringen theory of elasticity was used to study the simple supported Euler–Bernoulli nanobeam. The nonlinear governing equations of the FG nanobeam and the associated boundary conditions were gained using Hamilton’s principle. To truncate the system with an infinite degree of freedom, the coupled longitudinal–transverse governing equations were discretized using the Galerkin–Bubnov approach. The resulting nonlinear, ordinary differential equations, which took into account the curvature of the nanobeam, were studied via the Optimal Auxiliary Functions Method (OAFM). For this complex nonlinear problem, an explicit, analytical, approximate solution was proposed near the primary resonance. The simultaneous effects of the following elements were considered in this paper: the presence of a curved nanobeam; the transversal inertia, which is not neglected in this paper; the mechanical impact; and electromagnetic actuation. The present study proposes a highly accurate analytical solution to the abovementioned conditions. Moreover, in these conditions, the study of local stability was developed using two variable expansion methods, the Jacobian matrix and Routh–Hurwitz criteria, and global stability was studied using the Lyapunov function.
Microcystin-LR Induces and Aggravates Colitis through NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis in Mice
Authors: Yang Yue , Gong Pan , Long Xiuyan , Jiang Yuanjuan , Ye Mingmei , Tao Sifan , Su Yahui , Yang Fei , Tian Li
Published: July 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, lifelong gastrointestinal disease, characterized by periods of activity and remission. The etiology of IBD is closely related to environmental factors. Previous studies have shown that the cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) causes intestinal damage, even IBD. To explore MC-LR’s effects and potential mechanisms on IBD occurrence and development, we used dextran-sulfate sodium gavage (DSS) and MC-LR together for the first time in mice. There were four groups of mice: (A) mice given PBS gavage (control, CT); (B) mice given 3% DSS gavage (DSS); (C) mice given 200 µg/kg MC-LR gavage (MC-LR); and (D) mice given 3% DSS + 200 µg/kg MC-LR gavage (DSS + MC-LR). Compared with the CT group, the MC-LR group and the DSS group demonstrated more severe colitis results, which presented as higher weight loss, an increased Disease Activity Index (DAI) score, shorter colon length, a higher degree of tissue structural damage, more apoptotic cells, and greater pro-inflammatory cytokines. Similarly, the DSS + MC-LR group showed more severe colitis compared with the DSS group. Subsequent experiments confirmed that MC-LR or DSS increased the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins mediated by the nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3). Likewise, compared with the DSS group, the DSS + MC-LR group expressed these proteins at a higher level. In conclusion, our research is the first to show that MC-LR may induce colitis, and even IBD, through NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, and it could aggravate DSS-induced colitis in the same way.
Characterization of Particle-Size-Based Homogeneity and Mycotoxin Distribution Using Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analysis
Authors: Zhang Kai , Tran Ivy , Tan Steven
Published: July 2023

Sample homogeneity dictates whether analyzing a test portion of an entire sample can provide representative information about incurred mycotoxins. In this study, we evaluated particle-size-distribution-based homogeneity of laboratory mycotoxin samples using laser diffraction particle size analysis and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 35: 2017. Incurred whole corn, compound feed, peanut butter, and wheat flour (500 g each) were comminuted using wet, cryogenic, or dry milling. We used a sample dividing (riffling) device to obtain representative subsamples (25 g each) and developed a laser diffraction particle size analysis procedure by optimizing key parameters such as the refractive index, absorption, and stirring rate. The homogeneity of the particle size distribution within laboratory subsamples was characterized using the optimized laser diffraction procedure. An assessment of homogeneity was also performed for individual mycotoxins in each incurred matrix sample following the procedure described in ISO Guide 35. The concentrations of the incurred mycotoxins were determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Within- and between-subsample variances of incurred aflatoxin B1 in peanut butter; deoxynivalenol in corn, compound feed, and wheat flour; and fumonisins in compound feed corroborated that when the particle size measurements were less than 850 µm, mycotoxins concentrations were consistent across independent test portions, which was confirmed using an analysis of variance (F-test). This study highlights the benefits of laser diffraction particle size analysis and suggests its use as a test procedure to evaluate homogeneity in new sample commodities.
Influence of Testosterone in Neglected Tropical Diseases: Clinical Aspects in Leprosy and In Vitro Experiments in Leishmaniasis
Authors: de Oliveira Rekowsky Laís Lima , de Oliveira Daniela Teles , Cazzaniga Rodrigo Anselmo , Magalhães Lucas Sousa , Albuquerque Lenise Franco , Araujo Jonnia Maria Sherlock , Tenório Martha Débora Lira , Machado Tiziane Cotta , Lipscomb Michael W. , dos Santos Priscila Lima , Ribeiro de Jesus Amelia , Bezerra-Santos Márcio , da Silva Ricardo Luís Louzada
Published: July 2023

Neglected tropical diseases encompass a group of chronic and debilitating infectious diseases that primarily affect marginalized populations. Among these diseases, leprosy and leishmaniasis are endemic in numerous countries and can result in severe and disfiguring manifestations. Although there have been reports indicating a higher incidence of leprosy and leishmaniasis in males, the underlying factors contributing to this observation remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine both clinical and experimental evidence regarding the role of testosterone in leprosy and leishmaniasis. A prospective clinical study was conducted to compare the clinical forms of leprosy and assess circulating testosterone levels. Additionally, the impact of testosterone on Leishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages was evaluated in vitro. The findings demonstrated that serum testosterone levels were higher in women with leprosy than in the control group, irrespective of the multi- or pauci-bacillary form of the disease. However, no differences in testosterone levels were observed in men when comparing leprosy patients and controls. Interestingly, increasing doses of testosterone in macrophages infected with L. amazonensis resulted in a higher proportion of infected cells, decreased CD40 expression on the cell surface, elevated expression of SOCS1, and decreased expression of IRF5. These findings provide biological evidence to support the influence of testosterone on intracellular infections, though the interpretation of clinical evidence remains limited.
Verification of Hydraulic Parameters of Nature-like Fish Pass
Authors: Čubanová Lea , Rumann Ján , Vidová Alexandra , Almikaeel Wael , Rebenda Filip
Published: July 2023

Nature-like fish passes are commonly designed as a preferred way to overcome barriers in rivers. However, meeting the recommended hydraulic parameters for these passes can be challenging. As a result, boulders or sills are often incorporated to supplement their structure. From a hydraulic standpoint, the crucial parameters under investigation are the depths and velocities (or the corresponding velocity field). In this study, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on a full-width rock-ramp fish pass constructed in a river, specifically targeting the barbel zone. The achieved parameters were assessed through direct field measurements, complemented by mathematical modeling using 1D and 2D HEC-RAS models (version 6.3.1). For the assessment of model accuracy, the error indices root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were used. Based on their evaluation, the 1D model provides more precise results in the assessed profiles (the RMSE for depths (m) was 0.0663 (for velocities (m∙s−1) 0.293) compared to the 2D model, where the RMSE for depths (m) was 0.070 (for velocities (m∙s−1) 0.398), the MAE for the 1D model for depths (m) was 0.0350 (for velocities (m∙s−1) 0.185) compared to the 2D model, where the MAE for depths (m) was 0.0375 (for velocities (m∙s−1) 0.274)). The findings highlight the differences in the problem-solving approaches between the models as well as the potential for simplifications in practical applications.
Continuous-Flow Grafting of LENFLOC™ Coagulant for Water Treatment toward Circular Economy
Authors: Usman Ibrahim Muntaqa Tijjani , Ho Yeek-Chia , Lam Man-Kee , Show Pau-Loke , Sujarwo Wawan
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the efficiency of LENFLOC™ production using a microwave-assisted continuous-flow grafting process. The study discussed the contribution of plant-based coagulants for water and wastewater treatment toward the circular economy in water treatment. Lentil waste extract was used to produce LENFLOC™ using (2-methacryloyloxyethyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride with 75 wt.% on H2O as a chain monomer and cerium ammonium nitrate (≥98%) as an initiator. The continuous flow grafting process was conducted at a constant flowrate of 60 mL/min and reaction time of 30 s. The process was optimised using RSM to obtain optimum conditions of process factors. Characterisation studies were conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray. A comparison study was performed using a Jar test with LENFLOC™, lentil waste extract, and a polymer as coagulants. The results obtained show that the continuous-flow grafting process was efficient with an optimum grafting percentage of 330%. The characterisation studies confirmed the grafting process. A 99% turbidity removal rate was achieved with LENFLOC™ as a coagulant with a lower dosage compared to the lentil waste extract. Furthermore, microscope imaging showed improved floc compaction when using LENFLOC™ as a coagulant. The continuous-flow grafting process has been shown to be effective; therefore, its potential for upscaling the process is possible.
An Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality with Respect to the Reuse of Treated Wastewater in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Badr El-Sayed A. , Tawfik Rady T. , Alomran Mortada S.
Published: July 2023

Irrigation water quality is important to sustain agricultural productivity. The primary irrigation water sources in Al-Ahsa Oasis, KSA, are groundwater wells, mixed with treated wastewater and agricultural drainage. This study sought to evaluate irrigation water quality in Al-Ahsa Oasis with the aid of using irrigation water quality indices (IWQIs). One hundred and forty-eight different water samples were collected from various irrigation water resources throughout Al-Ahsa Oasis. The investigated physiochemical characteristics include pH, temperature, TDS, EC, turbidity, free chlorine, total hardness, cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg), anions (Cl, CO3, HCO3, SO4), organic matter indices (DO, BOD, COD), and nutrients (NH4, NO3, PO4). The IWQIs used in this study include salinity hazard, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Kelly’s ratio (KR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), Permeability index (PI), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and magnesium hazard (MH). The results indicated that treated wastewater mixed with groundwater is acceptable for irrigation. Spatial variations in irrigation water quality throughout Al-Ahsa are associated with water resources. For instance, groundwater mixed with agricultural drainage has the highest values of TDS, cations, and anions, whereas the lowest values were reported for treated wastewater, reflecting the good efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. The IWQI results revealed that 4.1% and 62.1% of the investigated irrigation water samples were considered good (class III) and satisfactory (class IV) for irrigation, respectively, whereas 33.8% of the collected water samples fall within the severe irrigation restrictions. Moreover, 79.7% of the investigated water samples were classified to have high to very high salinity hazards (C3, C4) and medium to high sodium hazards (S2, S3). Regular monitoring and assessment of treated water quality and wastewater treatment plant efficiency are important factors in achieving the sustainability of treated wastewater reuse in irrigation and consequently food security.
Effects of Different Submerged Macrophytes on the Water and Sediment in Aquaculture Ponds with Enrofloxacin Residues
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Liu Lizao , Zhang Yuping
Published: July 2023

Submerged macrophyes have been widely used to restore aquaculture ponds in recent years. Yet, whether the residual antibiotics in ponds will affect the remediation effect of submerged macrophyes, and the effect of different submerged macrophyes on the water and sediment in aquaculture ponds with antibiotic residues, is unclear. A microcosm experiment was carried out to study the interaction between three kinds of submerged macrophytes and their growing environment with antibiotic residues. Ceratophyllum demersum L. with no roots, Vallisneria spiralis L. with flourish roots, and Hydrilla verticillata L with little roots were chosen to be planted in the sediment added with enrofloxacin (ENR). The growth of submerged macrophytes, the changes of the overlying water and sediment characteristics, and the microbial community in the sediment were analyzed. The results showed that according to the growth rate and nutrients accumulation ability, V. spiralis with flourish roots performed best among the three submerged macrophytes. The concentrations of TOC, TP, NH4+-N, and TN in the overlying water were 25.0%, 71.7%, 38.1%, and 24.8% lower in the V. spiralis treatment comparing with the control, respectively. The richness and diversity of the microorganisms in the sediment of V. spiralis treatment were significantly higher than those in the control, but this advantage was not obvious in the H. verticillata treatment. V. spiralis promoted the growth of Proteobacteria (22.8%) and inhibited the growth of Acidobacteria (32.1%) and Chloflexi (31.7%) in the rhizosphere sediment with ENR residue. The effects of the three submerged macrophytes on the removal of ENR from sediment were not reflected due to the limitation of water depth. Compared with C. demersum and H. verticillata, V. spiralis was more suitable for the remediation of the aquaculture ponds with ENR residue.
State of Health Prediction for Lithium-Ion Batteries through Curve Compression and CatBoost
Authors: Yin Jun , Zhang Mei , Feng Tao
Published: July 2023

This study proposes a novel approach for predicting the State of Health (SoH) and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of lithium-ion batteries. The low accuracy of SoH and RUL is due to the challenges of establishing effective feature engineering for battery attributes. To address this issue, a SoH and RUL prediction model based on curve compression and CatBoost is proposed. Firstly, an improved threshold selection method based on curvature analysis is introduced to enhance the compression performance of battery attributes under different cycles. Secondly, to ensure that the extracted feature sequences have the same length, spline interpolation and local anomaly factor detection techniques are utilized to fill or eliminate feature points for feature length normalization. Finally, a dynamic time regularization algorithm is applied to calculate the shortest distance between the feature sequence and the original curve to determine the optimal feature length for input into the CatBoost prediction model. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms other prediction models in the research object dataset, achieving R2 values higher than 0.98 and MSE values around 1 × 10−5. The proposed approach also achieves better prediction results in the validation object dataset, indicating its strong generalization capability. Additionally, the proposed model shows significant robustness by accurately predicting SoH and RUL under noisy environmental conditions. Overall, the proposed model shows significant potential to accurately predict SoH and RUL by efficiently addressing the challenges associated with feature engineering for battery attributes, reducing the impact of background noise on prediction results, and exhibiting strong robustness.
The Role of Stakeholders in the Adoption of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Municipal Water Infrastructure Projects: A Stakeholder Theory Perspective
Authors: Mandiriza Thulani , Fourie David Johannes
Published: July 2023

South Africa receives insufficient rainfall to meet citizens’ water needs and this is compounded by deficiencies in infrastructure for water services because of inadequate investment and a lack of maintenance. Municipal public–private partnerships (PPPs) for water infrastructure are rarely utilised for several reasons. Central to this paper is the evaluation of the role played by various stakeholders in influencing the adoption and subsequent approval of municipal water PPP projects. This study critically examined the role of each stakeholder and how other stakeholders perceive their effectiveness during the approval process of water PPP projects. The conceptualisation and implementation of PPPs involves managing both the public and private stakeholders to achieve the desired outcomes. These diverse stakeholders have different values, anchored by the need for rent extraction (profit maximisation motive) or self-interest, as advanced by stakeholder theory. By means of structured interviews, participants highlighted the limitations of each stakeholder and how these contribute to the negative perception of future PPPs. The obtained data were triangulated with secondary sources. The findings confirmed the pursuit of self-interest by various stakeholders, impacting the pace of PPP adoption of municipal water projects.
El diálogo político birregional verde UE - CELAC
Authors: Ruano Lorena
Published: July 2023

Este artículo argumenta que, si bien el diálogo político birregional verde entre la Unión Europea (UE) y la Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y Caribeños (CELAC) está aún por construirse como tal, no se parte de cero, pues hay un camino ya recorrido de lazos bilaterales, pero es frágil. Para que la discusión progrese tras la cumbre de julio de 2023, es necesario establecer diálogos sectoriales que le den seguimiento y acerquen posturas aún muy dispares. Un factor favorable es que los temas verdes son aquellos en los que hay una base social amplia de apoyo en la opinión pública de América Latina para cooperar con la UE. El artículo revisa dónde se encuentran las dos regiones en materia de lucha contra el cambio climático, así como sus posiciones en las más recientes negociaciones multilaterales. Identifica las áreas de oportunidad y los retos para la cooperación que deben ser materia de ese diálogo: i) las inversiones europeas en energías renovables en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC); ii) escalar y replicar el fondo de la Amazonia; iii) asegurar que las inversiones europeas necesarias para la minería y el procesamiento de materias primas críticas para las industrias verdes se acompañen de transferencia de tecnología y respeto de estándares sociales y medioambientales, y iv) los efectos comerciales para ALC del Pacto Verde Europeo.
Impact of sociodemographic status and UTI symptoms on women’s health-care seeking and management in England: findings from an e-survey conducted during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cooper Emily , Read Brieze , Sanyaolu Leigh , Ahmed Haroon , Lecky Donna
Published: July 2023

Background

Multiple factors may influence women’s experiences of urinary tract infection (UTI) and its clinical management.

Aim

To explore how women’s background, symptoms, and severity of symptoms influence UTI reporting and management.

Design & setting

Internet questionnaire targeting women in England, focusing on UTI symptoms, care seeking, and management.

Method

A total of 1096 women aged ≥16 years with UTI symptoms in the previous year completed the questionnaire in March and April 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was ued to estimate the odds of relevant outcomes while adjusting for background characteristics.

Results

Women with children in their household, who were aged under 45 years, or who were married or cohabitating were more likely to experience UTI symptoms. The odds of antibiotic prescribing were lower if women reported dysuria (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49 to 0.85), frequency (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.83), or vaginal discharge (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50 to 0.96), but higher if reporting haematuria (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.79 to 4.41), confusion (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.16 to 3.94), abdominal pain (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.74), or systemic symptoms (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.56 to 2.69). Those with abdominal pain or two or more of nocturia, dysuria, or cloudy urine had lower odds of receiving a delayed antibiotic, while those with incontinence, confusion, unsteadiness, or low temperature had higher odds of a delayed prescription. Increasing symptom severity was associated with greater odds of receiving antibiotics.

Conclusion

Except for reduced prescribing if a woman had dysuria and frequency, antibiotic prescribing followed an expected pattern, aligning generally with national guidance. Symptom severity and the likelihood of systemic infection probably influenced care seeking and prescribing. Sexual intercourse and childbirth may be key times to target women with messages about UTI prevention.