bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Mechanisms of Rock Mass Watering for Rockburst Prevention in Phosphorite Mines from Laboratory Results
Authors: Wu Meng , Ye Yicheng , Wang Qihu , Zhang Zhen , Li Yan , Li Wen
Published: June 2023

Owing to the continuous increase in mining depth, Yichang phosphorite mines in China have entered the field of deep mining. The frequency of rockburst disasters is increasing. In situ experience indicates that the practice of spraying water onto a working face after blasting is an effective method of rockburst prevention. In order to investigate the underlying mechanisms of rockburst prevention by watering in phosphorite mines, a series of uniaxial compression laboratory experiments was carried on phosphorite samples under dry and water-saturated conditions with an acoustic emission (AE) monitoring system. A high-speed camera was used to record the failure process and pattern of a given rock sample prior to rockburst. The effects of water on the mechanical properties and fracturing characteristics of phosphorite failure were determined. Experimental results indicate that water reduces the uniaxial compressive strength and Young’s modulus. Saturated phosphorite causes more small fragments after it fractures. A Gaussian mixture model (GMM) clustering algorithm was utilized to analyze the crack propagation patterns of rock samples during the entire process. It was determined that during the unstable crack propagation phase, the presence of water makes the shear characteristics become more obvious. Water reduces releasable strain energy which is consumed by internal damage and plastic deformation of the rock sample. Moreover, the mechanism of watering for rockburst prevention is discussed from both macro and micro perspectives. The primary reasons for this are the transfer of stress concentration zones and stress-releasing effects via microcrack propagation on the working face.
How Can Conspicuous Omni-Signaling Fulfil Social Needs and Induce Re-Consumption?
Authors: Hamdani Ahmad , So Idris Gautama , Maulana Amalia E. , Furinto Asnan
Published: June 2023

This study investigated consumer behaviors in conspicuous omni-signaling—its internal motivations and its consequences on social needs fulfilment and re-consumption intention in the context of luxury fashion. A phenomenon of conspicuous consumption is identified with the consumption and display of conspicuous goods to signal status, wealth, and prestige. Digital development has made conspicuous signaling radically emerge in social media through the posting of photos, videos, or stories of luxury goods. This drives an emerging phenomenon of conspicuous omni-signaling, the use of both offline and online media to signal conspicuous consumption hybridlike. As a new phenomenon, little is known of consumer behaviors related to conspicuous omni-signaling. To facilitate the investigation, an online survey was conducted to collect data from 474 valid respondents across eight cities representing various conspicuous consumption characteristics of Indonesian consumers. Veblen’s conspicuous consumption and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theories were employed as the main lens for analysis. PLS-SEM technique was employed as the research model uses mixed reflective and formative constructs. WarpPLS 7.0 was then used for data analysis. The results indicated that luxury values and fashion consciousness positively affect conspicuous omni-signaling. This study also found that conspicuous omni-signaling affects conspicuous re-consumption both directly and indirectly through social needs fulfilment. This study contributes to extend the concept of conspicuous offline consumption and conspicuous online consumption to conspicuous omni-signaling. This study also confirms conflicting results in the effect of conspicuous consumption on social needs fulfilment, and conflicting results in the effect of conspicuous consumption on conspicuous re-consumption.
Adaptive Estimation of Quasi-Empirical Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Models Based on Coot Bird Optimizer and Data Accumulation
Authors: Ali Mohamed Ahmed , Mandour Mohey Eldin , Lotfy Mohammed Elsayed
Published: June 2023

The ambitious spread of fuel cell usage is facing the aging problem, which has a significant impact on the cells’ output power. Therefore, it is necessary to develop reliable techniques that are capable of accurately characterizing the cell throughout its life. This paper proposes an adaptive parameter estimation technique to develop a robust proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) model over its lifespan. This is useful for accurate monitoring, analysis, design, and control of the PEMFC and increasing its life. For this purpose, fair comparisons of nine recent optimization algorithms were made by implementing them for a typical quasi-empirical PEMFC model estimation problem. Investigating the best competitors relied on two conceptual factors, the solution accuracy and computational burden (as a novel assessment factor in this study). The computational burden plays a great role in accelerating the model parameters’ update process. The proposed techniques were applied to five commercial PEMFCs. Moreover, a necessary statistical analysis of the results was performed to make a solid comparison with the competitors. Among them, the proposed coot-bird-algorithm (CBO)-based technique achieved a superior and balanced performance. It surpassed the closest competitors by a difference of 16.01% and 62.53% in the accuracy and computational speed, respectively.
Breeding Hope during the Crisis: A Study on Unemployed Laborers’ Willingness to Receive Educational Compensation under the Chinese “Zero-COVID” Policy
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yang Ruxin , Yang Chengbao
Published: June 2023

Under the Chinese “Zero-COVID” policy, many laborers were forced out of work. Participating in educational compensation can effectively help unemployed laborers achieve re-employment. This paper selected Jining, Shandong Province, as the research area, analyzed the data using a questionnaire survey and key interviews, and observed factors that affect and change willingness to receive educational compensation (WTEC) and the willingness to accept the training duration (WTTD) of unemployed laborers. The study found that 77.78% of unemployed laborers are willing to receive educational compensation, and the WTTD is 12.05 days. Among them, eight factors affect WTEC, such as the years of education, the duration of unemployment, whether there are dependents in the family, and the family’s size. Nine factors such as gender, age, education, unemployed duration, dependents, and other supportable incomes affect WTTD. Based on this, by taking measures from the government and laborers, WTEC and WTTD can be improved, and then the rate of re-employment can be enhanced, and finally, the employment problem can be ameliorated.
Digitalization Effect on Business Performance: Role of Business Model Innovation
Authors: Wang Zhaozhi , Lin Shoufu , Chen Yang , Lyulyov Oleksii , Pimonenko Tetyana
Published: June 2023

Digitalization has become a key driver of business innovation in recent years. It provides businesses with new opportunities to innovate and create value. Digital technologies, such as cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, have helped businesses boost the development of new products and services, optimize their operations, and improve customer engagement. This study aimed to analyze the impact of digitalization on business performance within business innovation. This study applied an ordinary least square regression model and an intermediary to explore relationship in the chain of digital capability–business model innovation–company performance. The object of investigation was 1663 listed A-share companies Shanghai and Shenzhen in the software and information technology service sectors. The results showed that digital capabilities could be divided into three dimensions according to the hierarchical relationship: (1) basic digital capabilities, (2) digital operation capabilities, and (3) digital integration capabilities, all of which significantly positively affected enterprise performance. Furthermore, while business model innovation significantly positively affected corporate performance, it was also driven by the preceding variables of digital capabilities. Business model innovation enhanced the positive impact of basic digital capabilities, digital operation capabilities, and digital integration capabilities on company’s performance. Considering the empirical results, this study underlines that the government should promote digital skills development, create supportive regulatory environments, promote access to funding for innovations, foster partnerships between businesses and technology providers, and promote collaboration between businesses, which are conducive to extending digitalization within the business innovation model and improving business performance.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Guangdong Province, China, Using Random Forest Model and Considering Sample Type and Balance
Authors: Zhuo Li , Huang Yupu , Zheng Jing , Cao Jingjing , Guo Donghu
Published: June 2023

Landslides pose a serious threat to human lives and property. Accurate landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) is crucial for sustainable development. Machine learning has recently become an important means of LSM. However, the accuracy of machine learning models is limited by the heterogeneity of environmental factors and the imbalance of samples, especially for large-scale LSM. To address these problems, we created an improved random forest (RF)-based LSM model and applied it to Guangdong Province, China. First, the RF-based LSM model was constructed using rainfall-induced landslide samples and 13 environmental factors and by exploring the optimal positive-to-negative and training-to-test sample ratios. Second, the performance of the RF-based LSM model was evaluated and compared with three other machine learning models. The results indicate that: (1) the proposed RF-based model has the best performance with the highest area under curve (AUC) of 0.9145, based on optimal positive-to-negative and training-to-test sample ratios of 1:1 and 8:2, respectively; (2) the introduction of rainfall and global human modification (GHM) can increase the AUC from 0.8808 to 0.9145; and (3) rainfall and topography are two dominant factors in Guangdong landslides. These findings can facilitate landslide risk prevention and serve as a technical reference for large-scale accurate LSM.
Impact of Economic Growth, Trade Openness, Urbanization and Energy Consumption on Carbon Emissions: A Study of India
Authors: Goswami Arvind , Kapoor Harmanpreet Singh , Jangir Rajesh Kumar , Ngigi Caspar Njoroge , Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Chattu Vijay Kumar
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Global warming is one of the most severe environmental problems humans are facing now. This study aims to assess the impacts of economic growth, trade openness, urbanization, and energy consumption on carbon emissions in India; (2) Methodology: In this longitudinal study, data have been collected from World Development Indicators and Our World in Data from 1980 to 2021. Two models have been used in this study, which are ARDL and the random forest model, which is a machine learning algorithm that uses the aggregated prediction for final prediction; (3) Results: The ARDL model revealed that the variables were cointegrated. In the short run, CO2 emissions at previous lag, economic growth, and trade openness negatively correlated with CO2 emissions, while energy consumption and urbanization exhibited a positive correlation. In the long run, energy consumption, urbanization, and trade openness positively correlated with CO2 emissions, while economic growth and CO2 emissions at previous lag demonstrated a negative correlation. The high value of the R2 and low values of RMSE and M.A.E. in the Random Forest model shows the model’s fitness; (4) Conclusions: The study’s findings have been briefly discussed, and a few suggestions have been provided based on the results.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation on the Sustainable Innovation Capabilities of New Ventures: From the Perspective of Ambidextrous Learning
Authors: Yu Xihua , Cao Ning , Ren Hao
Published: June 2023

Amid changes in the business environment and increased competition, sustainable innovation has become the key for new ventures to survive and develop. Innovation capability is considered to be closely related to entrepreneurial orientation and organizational learning. However, there was no in-depth analysis of sustainable innovation capability from an ambidextrous perspective to distinguish from traditional single-episode innovation and no systematic empirical study to explore the internal relationship among the three factors mentioned above in a new venture scenario. Employing the ambidextrous perspective, this paper explored the impact of entrepreneurial orientation on the sustainable innovation capabilities of new ventures and examined the mediating effect of ambidextrous learning. Using the multisource data of 279 new ventures from China, this paper empirically tested the research hypothesis. The results showed that: (1) The three dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation have a significant positive impact on the sustainable innovation capability of new ventures; (2) Ambidextrous learning partially mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the sustainable innovation capability of new ventures; (3) Both the equilibrium and interaction effects of ambidextrous learning positively affect the sustainable innovation capability of new ventures. This study clarified the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the sustainable innovation capability of new ventures, emphasized the equilibrium and interaction in ambidextrous learning, and provided theoretical support for new ventures to form and develop sustainable innovation capability.
Application of the PDMS Passive Sampling Method to Assess Bioavailability and Health Risks Associated with PAH-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Jia Xiaoyang , Yang Danhua , Li Yandan , Zhu Xiaoying , Zhang Lina , Wang Jinsheng
Published: June 2023

Integrating bioavailability into risk assessments is an effective way to objectively assess human health risks. In this study, the bioavailability of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated soil from a coking plant was evaluated using the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) passive sampling method. The results showed that the bioavailability factor (BAF) of each PAH, predicted using PDMS fibers, ranged from 0.46% to 9.74%. The PDMS passive sampling method was more stable in testing the bioavailability of PAHs with more than 4 benzene rings; a preliminary relationship was established between the BAF and the log value of the octanol–water partition coefficient (logKow). After considering their bioavailability, the carcinogenic risks (CRs) and non-carcinogenic hazard quotients (HQs) associated with the 16 PAHs were reduced by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude. Only the health risks associated with benzo(a)pyrene and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene exceeded the acceptable level. The PDMS passive sampling method provides a useful tool for estimating oral bioavailability, and incorporating its results into human exposure testing can help to refine the health risk assessment of contaminants through oral ingestion.
Evolution Game and Simulation Analysis of Disturbance Emergency Disposal of In-Flight Cabin: China Civil Aviation Security Strategy Study
Authors: Wu Yu , He Shiting , Zhang Qingsong , Shi Jinxin , Xie Jiang
Published: June 2023

The disturbance of disruptive passengers in the cabin seriously affects aviation security in China. Reducing the occurrence of disturbances in the cabin is an inevitable choice to strengthen the security of civil aviation in China and improve the emergency disposal of airlines. Therefore, this paper investigates the strength of government support, the benefits of cooperation and the punishment of disposers, and uses the event tree method to analyze the relevant subjects affecting the consequences of cabin disruptions. To this end, a cabin disturbance emergency management game model comprised of regulatory authority, airline security and disruptive passengers was then established. The results of the game playing and simulation highlight the inherent relationships in emergency management in China’s civil aviation. First, the choice of behavior of the regulatory authority and disruptive passengers are mainly influenced by the strategy of airline security. Second, the strength of support from the regulatory authority determines whether the airline security can dispose of the passengers successfully. Third, the disruptive inclination of disruptive passengers is directly influenced by the intensity of punishment by airport police. Finally, an empirical analysis and simulation is conducted with the example of using an open flame or smoking in the cabin. This study provides new ideas for enhancing aviation security and improving emergency management.
Embracing DDMT Teaching Model and Design Thinking for Organization Development
Authors: Lee Yin-Fah Elliot , Wang Tzu-Hua , Foo Ming-Tay , Lam Kee-Fui Turner
Published: June 2023

The multi-generational workforce presents challenges for organizations, as the needs and expectations of employees vary greatly between different age groups. To address this, organizations need to adapt their development and learning principles to better suit the changing workforce. The DDMT Teaching Model of Tsing Hua STEAM School, which integrates design thinking methodology, aims to address this challenge. DDMT stands for Discover, Define, Model & Modeling, and Transfer. The main aim of this study is to identify the organization development practices (OD) and gaps through interdisciplinary models such as DDMT and design thinking. In collaboration with a healthcare nursing home service provider, a proof of concept using the DDMT-DT model was conducted to understand the challenges in employment and retention of support employees between nursing homes under the healthcare organization. The paper highlights the rapid change in human experiences and mindsets in the work culture and the need for a design curriculum that is more relevant to the current and future workforce. The DDMT-DT approach can help organizations address these challenges by providing a framework for HR personnel to design training curricula that are more effective in addressing the issues of hiring and employee retention. By applying the DDMT-DT model, HR personnel can better understand the needs and motivations of the workforce and design training programs that are more relevant to their needs. The proof-of-concept research pilot project conducted with the healthcare nursing home service provider demonstrated the effectiveness of the DDMT-DT model in addressing the issues of hiring and employee retention. The project provides a valuable case study for other organizations looking to implement the DDMT-DT model in their HR practices. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of adapting HR practices to better suit the changing workforce. The DDMT-DT model provides a useful framework for organizations looking to improve their HR practices and better address the needs of their workforce.
Life Cycle Assessment of a Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Simulated with Alternative Operational Designs
Authors: Allami Dania M. , Sorour Mohamed T. , Moustafa Medhat , Elreedy Ahmed , Fayed Mai
Published: June 2023

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a powerful tool to evaluate the environmental impacts of domestic wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operations. It involves a thorough evaluation of the main characteristics or components of the environment, human health, and resources. However, the literature to date is still lacking analysis on the widely varied designs and operational conditions of full-scale WWTPs. The aim here was to integrate analyses such as LCA, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and energy consumption, when considering the environmental impacts of a full-scale WWTP, which can provide practical outputs to aid decision-making on optimum designs and operational conditions. The Russtmiya domestic WWTP, located in Iraq, was considered as the case study. Three operational alternatives were proposed as solutions to improve the WWTP’s performance, as follows: (1) conventional activated sludge with sand filter (CAS), (2) conventional activated sludge with sand filter and nitrogen removal (CAS-N), and (3) membrane bioreactor (MBR). The operation of such alternatives was investigated through modeling and simulation using GPS-X 8.0.1 software. The energy consumption of each alternative was estimated via GPS-X, while the GHG emissions were estimated using three different methods according to the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and GPS-X software. The OpenLCA software (1.10.3) was used to measure all impact categories at both the midpoint and endpoint levels using various methods. As a conclusion, comparing the three proposed alternatives indicated that: (1) the MBR alternative provided the lowest energy consumption and moderate GHG emissions, and (2) the CAS alternative provided the best environmental performance, particularly in aspects such as ozone depletion, global warming, and climate change, where the lowest GHGs emission values had the major contribution.
Surface Treatment of Biochar—Methods, Surface Analysis and Potential Applications: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Gęca Marlena , Khalil Ahmed M. , Tang Mengqi , Bhakta Arvind K. , Snoussi Youssef , Nowicki Piotr , Wiśniewska Małgorzata , Chehimi Mohamed M.
Published: June 2023

In recent years, biochar has emerged as a remarkable biosourced material for addressing global environmental, agricultural, biomedical, and energy challenges. However, the performances of biochar rest in part on finely tuning its surface chemical properties, intended to obtain specific functionalities. In this review, we tackle the surface treatment of biochar with silane and other coupling agents such as diazonium salts, titanates, ionic/non-ionic surfactants, as well as nitrogen-containing (macro)molecules. We summarize the recent progress achieved mostly in the last five years and correlate the nature and extent of functionalization to eye-catchy end applications of the surface-engineered biochar.
Temporal Network Link Prediction Based on the Optimized Exponential Smoothing Model and Node Interaction Entropy
Authors: Tian Songyuan , Zhang Sheng , Mao Hongmei , Liu Rui , Xiong Xiaowu
Published: June 2023

Link prediction accuracy in temporal networks is easily affected by the time granularity of network snapshots. This is due to the insufficient information conveyed by snapshots and the lack of temporal continuity between snapshots. We propose a temporal network link prediction method based on the optimized exponential smoothing model and node interaction entropy (OESMNIE). This method utilizes fine-grained interaction information between nodes within snapshot periods and incorporates the information entropy theory to improve the construction of node similarity in the gravity model as well as the prediction process of node similarity. Experiment results on several real-world datasets demonstrate the superiority and reliability of this proposed method in adapting to link prediction requirements over other methods across different time granularities of snapshots, which is essential for studying the evolution of temporal networks.
Quantum Classical Transition for Mixed States: The Scaled Von Neumann Equation
Authors: Mousavi S. V. , Miret-Artés S.
Published: June 2023

In this work, we proposed a smooth transition wave equation from a quantum to classical regime in the framework of von Neumann formalism for ensembles and then obtained an equivalent scaled equation. This led us to develop a scaled statistical theory following the well-known Wigner–Moyal approach of quantum mechanics. This scaled nonequilibrium statistical mechanics has in it all the ingredients of the classical and quantum theory described in terms of a continuous parameter displaying all the dynamical regimes in between the two extreme cases. Finally, a simple application of our scaled formalism consisting of reflection from a mirror by computing various quantities, including probability density plots, scaled trajectories, and arrival times, was analyzed.
A Vulnerability Measure of k-Uniform Linear Hypergraphs
Authors: Zhao Ning , Zhao Haixing , Li Yinkui
Published: June 2023

Vulnerability refers to the ability of a network to continue functioning when part of the network is either naturally damaged or targeted for attack. In this paper, the rupture degree of graphs is employed to measure the vulnerability of uniform linear hypergraphs. First, we discuss the bounds of the rupture degrees of k-uniform linear hypergraphs. Then, we give a recursive algorithm for computing the rupture degree of k-uniform hypertrees.
Multiple-Attribute Decision Making Based on the Probabilistic Dominance Relationship with Fuzzy Algebras
Authors: Baklouti Amir
Published: June 2023

In multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems, ranking the alternatives is an important step for making the best decision. Intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs) are a powerful tool for expressing uncertainty and vagueness in MADM problems. However, existing ranking methods for IFNs do not consider the probabilistic dominance relationship between alternatives, which can lead to inconsistent and inaccurate rankings. In this paper, we propose a new ranking method for IFNs based on the probabilistic dominance relationship and fuzzy algebras. The proposed method is able to handle incomplete and uncertain information and can generate consistent and accurate rankings.
Asymmetry between Galaxy Apparent Magnitudes Shows a Possible Tension between Physical Properties of Galaxies and Their Rotational Velocity
Authors: McAdam Darius , Shamir Lior
Published: June 2023

Despite over a century of research, the physics of galaxy rotation is not yet fully understood, and there is a clear discrepancy between the observed mass of galaxies and their rotational velocity. Here, we report on another observation of tension between the physical properties of galaxies and their rotational velocity. We compare the apparent magnitude of galaxies and find a statistically significant asymmetry between galaxies that rotate in the same direction relative to the Milky Way and galaxies that rotate in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way. While asymmetry in the brightness is expected due to the Doppler shift effect, such asymmetry is expected to be subtle. The observations shown here suggest that the magnitude difference is sufficiently large to be detected by Earth-based telescopes. The asymmetry is consistent in both the northern and southern galactic poles. The difference is also consistent across several different instruments such as DECam, SDSS, Pan-STARRS, and HST as well as different annotation methods, which include automatic, manual, or crowdsourcing annotations through “Galaxy Zoo”. The observation can also explain other anomalies such as the Ho tension. Analysis of Ia supernovae where the host galaxies rotate in the same direction relative to the Milky Way shows a much smaller tension with the Ho value as estimated by the CMB.
Short-Term Interactions of Noctiluca scintillans with the Toxic Dinoflagellates Dinophysis acuminata and Alexandrium minutum: Growth, Toxins and Allelopathic Effects
Authors: Garrido Soledad , Riobó Pilar , Rial Pilar , Rodríguez Francisco
Published: June 2023

The Galician Rías (NW Iberian Peninsula) are an important shellfish aquaculture area periodically affected by toxic episodes often caused by dinoflagellates such as Dinophysis acuminata and Alexandrium minutum, among others. In turn, water discolorations are mostly associated with non-toxic organisms such as the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans, a voracious non-selective predator. The objective of this work was to study the biological interactions among these dinoflagellates and their outcome in terms of survival, growth and toxins content. To that aim, short experiments (4 days) were carried out on mixed cultures with N. scintillans (20 cells mL−1) and (i) one strain of D. acuminata (50, 100 and 500 cells mL−1) and (ii) two strains of A. minutum (100, 500 and 1000 cells mL−1). Cultures of N. scintillans with two A. minutum collapsed by the end of the assays. Both D. acuminata and A. minutum exposed to N. scintillans arrested its growth, though feeding vacuoles in the latter rarely contained any prey. Toxin analyses at the end of the experiment showed an increase in intracellular OA levels in D. acuminata and a significant reduction in PSTs in both A. minutum strains. Neither OA nor PSTs were detected in N. scintillans. Overall, the present study indicated that the interactions among them were ruled by negative allelopathic effects.
Multiple Lineages of Hantaviruses Harbored by the Iberian Mole (Talpa occidentalis) in Spain
Authors: Gu Se Hun , Miñarro Marcos , Feliu Carlos , Hugot Jean-Pierre , Forrester Naomi L. , Weaver Scott C. , Yanagihara Richard
Published: June 2023

The recent detection of both Nova virus (NVAV) and Bruges virus (BRGV) in European moles (Talpa europaea) in Belgium and Germany prompted a search for related hantaviruses in the Iberian mole (Talpa occidentalis). RNAlater®-preserved lung tissue from 106 Iberian moles, collected during January 2011 to June 2014 in Asturias, Spain, were analyzed for hantavirus RNA by nested/hemi-nested RT-PCR. Pairwise alignment and comparison of partial L-segment sequences, detected in 11 Iberian moles from four parishes, indicated the circulation of genetically distinct hantaviruses. Phylogenetic analyses, using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian methods, demonstrated three distinct hantaviruses in Iberian moles: NVAV, BRGV, and a new hantavirus, designated Asturias virus (ASTV). Of the cDNA from seven infected moles processed for next generation sequencing using Illumina HiSeq1500, one produced viable contigs, spanning the S, M and L segments of ASTV. The original view that each hantavirus species is harbored by a single small-mammal host species is now known to be invalid. Host-switching or cross-species transmission events, as well as reassortment, have shaped the complex evolutionary history and phylogeography of hantaviruses such that some hantavirus species are hosted by multiple reservoir species, and conversely, some host species harbor more than one hantavirus species.
Adsorption of Heavy Metals and Biocides from Building Runoff onto Granular Activated Carbon—The Influence of Different Fractions of Dissolved Organic Matter
Authors: Zhu Panfeng , Sottorff Ignacio , Zhang Tong , Helmreich Brigitte
Published: June 2023

Building runoff presents a good opportunity for water reuse in urban infrastructures; however, it is often polluted by biocides and heavy metals. In order to mitigate the pollution and improve water quality, we analysed the adsorption of heavy metals and biocides onto granular activated carbon (GAC) and investigated the influence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) fractions (>100 kDa, 10–30 kDa, and 3–10 kDa). In addition to our experimental work, we also studied the adsorption process by applying the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The results showed that ≥50% of DOM was adsorbed at low concentrations (5 mgC/L). We also observed that DOM at a small molecular size exhibits improved adsorption. The adsorption capacity estimated by the Langmuir equation for Cu2+ and Zn2+ in the absence of DOM influence was 157 and 85.7 μmol/g, respectively. The presence of DOM at 5 mgC/L improved the adsorption of Cu2+. Zn2+ adsorption was less sensitive to the presence of DOM than Cu2+. Interestingly, without the influence of DOM, diuron-related compounds have a higher affinity toward GAC than terbutryn-related compounds. DOM affected the adsorption of diuron slightly. For terbutryn, the adsorption was enhanced, whereas mecoprop-p exhibited a strong competition with DOM. The presence of Cu2+ and Zn2+ presented a similar effect on the adsorption of biocides like DOM. Overall, GAC is an ideal adsorbent material for use in retaining building runoff pollutants.
Assessing the Vulnerability of Maize Crop Productivity to Precipitation Anomalies: A Case Study in the Semiarid Region of Cesar, Colombia
Authors: Terán-Chaves César Augusto , Duarte-Carvajalino Julio Martín , Ipaz-Cuastumal Claudia , Vega-Amante Alexander , Polo-Murcia Sonia Mercedes
Published: June 2023

Climate variability is a major threat to maize (Zea mays) crops in Colombia, posing a risk to food security and compliance with Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the physical vulnerability of maize crops to climate variability in the semi-arid region of the Department of Cesar, Colombia, using the AquaCrop-OS model. Specifically, the study evaluated the vulnerability of maize crops to three typical meteorological years (dry, intermediate, and wet) adjusted to the growth cycle in two semesters of the year (periods I and II). An analysis of 43 years of data (1980–2022) revealed that most years in the area can be classified as intermediate, whereas the number of wet years was higher than the number of dry years. However, under the intermediate typical meteorological year scenario, maize cultivation in the department of Cesar experienced severe drought conditions during periods I and II. The study’s vulnerability curve showed an increasing rate within the yield loss index when the average water stress index was between 0.5 and 0.8 for period I. The rate of increase slowed when the index exceeded 0.9. For period II, the maize crop presented a lower degree of vulnerability, with 64% of the area experiencing a yield loss rate between 5% and 30%. The study also determined the required irrigation depth of water for optimal yields, which ranged from 70 to 160 mm during the growing season for all maize crop scenarios in the Department of Cesar. The results of this study can contribute to the consolidation of a database of physical vulnerability and threats of precipitation anomalies on regional and national scales. Overall, this study’s evaluation of the physical vulnerability of maize crops can help producers develop better strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate variability and ensure regional food security.
The Effect of Nutrient Source and Beneficial Bacteria on Growth of Pythium-Exposed Lettuce at High Salt Stress
Authors: Bruni Leonardo , Junge Ranka , Gartmann Florentina , Parisi Giuliana , Schmautz Zala
Published: June 2023

High salinity, nutrient imbalance, and pathogens are some of the challenges of closed soilless cultivation systems, e.g., those combining hydroponics (HP) with aquaculture effluents (AE). Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) can support plants to cope with stressing agents. To address these topics, lettuces were grown in soilless systems (20 boxes) at an electrical conductivity of around 4.2–5 mS/cm, following a full factorial design with two nutrient sources and five bacterial treatments. The nutrient sources were either organic (AE) or inorganic (HP); the treatments were either commercial PGPM or sludges of an aquaculture farm or of an urban wastewater treatment plant. Finally, half the plants were exposed to pathogen Pythium sp. After 61 days of culture, most of the differences between HP- and AE-plants could be attributed to the composition of the nutrient solutions. Nutrient imbalances, salinity, and the pathogen exposition did not cause severe damage, except for tip burn. Fresh weight was significantly higher in HP (177.8 g) than in AE (107.0 g), while the chlorophyll and flavonoid levels tended to be higher in AE. The leaf sodium and chlorine concentrations were higher than the values found in similar studies; however, AE plants contained a lower content of sodium and chlorine (35.0 and 21.5 mg/g dry weight) than the HP ones (44.6 and 28.6 mg/g dry weight). Many macro- and micronutrients in the AE-grown plants tended to be higher when the commercial PGPM or the sludges were administered, supporting the idea that those treatments contain a flora that helps to extract nutrients from organic sources. The study demonstrated that lettuce can be successfully cultured at relatively high salt concentration. To further investigate beneficial services such as nutrient extraction, salinity mitigation, and pathogen protection, we suggest administering bacterial communities of known composition, or single microbial strains. The study also showed that PGPM can be found in sludges of different origins; isolating beneficial strains from sludge would additionally transform its management from a burdensome cost to a source of beneficial services.
Assessment of Spatiotemporal Groundwater Recharge Distribution Using SWAT-MODFLOW Model and Transient Water Table Fluctuation Method
Authors: Ware Hiyaw Hatiya , Mengistu Tarekegn Dejen , Yifru Bisrat Ayalew , Chang Sun Woo , Chung Il-Moon
Published: June 2023

Recharge is a crucial section of water balance for both surface and subsurface models in water resource assessment. However, quantifying its spatiotemporal distribution at a regional scale poses a significant challenge. Empirical and numerical modeling are the most commonly used methods at the watershed scales. However, integrated models inherently contain a vast number of unknowns and uncertainties, which can limit their accuracy and reliability. In this work, we have proposed integrated SWAT-MODFLOW and Transient Water Table Fluctuation Method (TWTFM) to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of groundwater recharge in Anyang watershed, South Korea. Since TWTFM also uses SWAT model percolation output data, calibration was performed for individual models and a coupled model. The coupled model was calibrated using daily streamflow and hydraulic head. The SWAT-MODFLOW model performed well during the simulation of streamflow compared to the SWAT model. The study output showed that the study watershed had significant groundwater recharge variations during the simulated period. A significant amount of recharge happens in the wet season. It contributes a significant amount of the average annual precipitation of the region. The direct flow components (surface and lateral) showed significant contributions when the water balance components were evaluated in the region. TWTFM showed a glimpse to estimate recharge, which requires representative monitoring wells in the study region. Comprehensively, the SWAT-MODFLOW model estimated groundwater recharge with reasonable accuracy in the region.
Can the Invasive Seaweed Caulerpa cylidracea Represent a New Trophic Resource in the Mediterranean Sea?
Authors: Rizzo Lucia , Vega Fernández Tomás
Published: June 2023

Non-indigenous species (NIS) represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, altering invaded habitats, competing with native species, and eventually becoming pests. The Mediterranean Sea is a marine biodiversity hotspot, with its coasts being densely populated and its living resources fished since ancient times. As a result of such a long history of exploitation, the whole basin is exposed to a wide array of human pressures, with their combined effects on marine ecosystems being amplified by ongoing climate change. Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder, 1845, is a non-indigenous invasive seaweed widely distributed in the coastal habitats of the Mediterranean Sea, which ultimately affects marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Here, a systematic literature analysis on the consumption of the NIS Caulerpa cylindracea by Mediterranean native and NIS species is provided, focusing on the benefits and drawbacks for the native biota and human health. The present review aims to synthetise knowledge and provide tools to manage the occurrence of the invasive seaweed C. cylindracea in the Mediterranean Sea, encouraging an ecosystem-based approach to the management of the ecological, economic, and social effects of the successful expansion of this NIS.
Emergency Evacuation Behavior in Small Island Developing States: Hurricane Irma in Sint Maarten
Authors: Medina Neiler , Sanchez Arlex , Vojinovic Zoran
Published: June 2023

Disasters triggered by natural hazards are becoming more frequent and more intense, causing damage to infrastructure and causing loss of life. One way to reduce disaster risk is by evacuating the hazardous area. However, despite the amount of literature that exists on evacuation behavior, there is still a lack of agreement on which variables can be used as predictors for individuals (or households) to actually evacuate. This lack of agreement can be related to the many variables that can affect the evacuation decision, from demographics, geographic, the hazard itself, and also local or cultural differences that may influence evacuation. Hence, it is essential to analyze and understand these variables based on the specifics of a case study. This study aims to find the most significant variables to be used as predictors of evacuation on the island of Sint Maarten, using data collected after the disaster caused by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The results suggest that the variables gender, homeownership, percentage of property damage, quality of information, number of storeys of the house, and the vulnerability index are the most significant variables influencing evacuation decisions on the island. We believe the results of this paper offer a clear view to risk managers on the island as to which variables are most important in order to increase evacuation rates on Sint Maarten and to plan more efficiently for future evacuations. In addition, the variables found in this study have the potential to be the base information to set up, validate, and calibrate evacuation models.
Nutritive and biological value of broiler meat when using antioxidants and probiotics in diets
Authors:   Mountainous State Agrarian University, Vladikavkaz, Russia, Tsogoeva F. N. , Ktsoeva I. I. ,   Mountainous State Agrarian University, Vladikavkaz, Russia, Vitiuk L. A. ,   North Caucasus Mining and Smelting Institute (State University of Technology), Vladikavkaz, Russia, Baeva A. A. ,   North Caucasus Mining and Smelting Institute (State University of Technology), Vladikavkaz, Russia, Bobyleva L. A. ,   North Ossetian State University named after K. L. Khetagurov, Vladikavkaz, Russia, Tsagaraeva E. F. ,   North Ossetian State University named after K. L. Khetagurov, Vladikavkaz, Russia
Published: June 2023

Currently, poultry farming industry is conducting research aimed at increasing the nutritive and biological value of broiler meat by feeding biologically active preparations. The aim of the research was to study the effectiveness of using the probiotic Bifidum SKhZh, vitamin E and sodium selenite in diets with surplus amount of salts of heavy metals to increase meat productivity and consumer appeal of broiler meat. In the course of research, it was found that to increase meat productivity, nutritional value and environmental safety of meat in the conditions of the technogenic zone of Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, it is advisable to jointly include the probiotic Bifidum SKhZh in the diet of broiler chickens with excessive levels of salts of heavy metals at the rate of 5 doses per 200 birds, sodium selenite preparations at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg of feed and vitamin E at a dose of 25 thousand MU/t of feed. The obtained data can be used as a new effective zootechnic method for increasing meat productivity and consumer appeal of bird meat in case of violation of the broiler nutrition ecology.
One-Step β-Li2SnO3 Coating on High-nickel Layered Oxides via Thermal Phase Segregation for Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Seongmin , Kim Hanseul , Doo Sung Wook , Jeon Hee-Jae , Kim In Hye , Kim Hyun-seung , Kim Youngjin
Published: June 2023

The global energy storage markets have gravitated to high-energy-density and low cost of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as the predominant system for energy storage such as electric vehicles (EVs). High-Ni layered oxides are considered promising next-generation cathode materials for LIBs owing to their significant advantages in terms of high energy density. However, the practical application of high-Ni cathodes remains challenging, because of their structural and surface instability. Although extensive studies have been conducted to mitigate these inherent instabilities, a two-step process involving the synthesis of the cathode and a dry/wet coating is essential. This study evaluates a one-step β-Li2SnO3 layer coating on the surface of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 (NC82) via the thermal segregation of Sn owing to the solubility limit with respect to the synthesis temperature. The doping, segregation, and phase transition of Sn were systematically revealed by structural analyses. Moreover, surface-engineered 5 mol% Sn-coated LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 (NC82_Sn5%) exhibited superior capacity retention compared to bare NC82 owing to the stable surface coating layer. Thus, the developed one-step coating method is suitable for improving the properties of high-Ni layered oxide cathode materials for application in LIBs.
Regulasi diri dan prokrastinasi akademik siswa Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK)
Authors: Zainurridla Moh. , Samsudin Mohamad Aso , Ubaidillah Fauzul Adim
Published: June 2023

This study aims to obtain empirical evidence the role of self-regulation on student's academic procrastination. The research method used is correlational quantitative. The sample in this study amounted to 120 students who came from students of SMK Ibrahimy 2. The scale used was Tuckman and Zimmermant. The method used to analyze the data in this study is to use statistical analysis methods using the Spearmen Test and Test . To simplify the calculation, the JAMOVI program is used. Based on the output of the hypothesis test results, the value is known, the significance value is p = 0.009 (<0.001) it can be interpreted that there is a relationship between self-regulation and academic procrastination. The results of the hypothesis test on Spearman's rho resulted in a value of -0.215, from the results of the correlation coefficient test it was known that the relationship between self-regulation variables and academic procrastination was a negative relationship.
MANAJEMEN FAKTOR PRODUKSI USAHATANI JAGUNG HIBRIDA SISTEM TANAM JAJAR LEGOWO
Authors: Andajani Wiwiek , Marwanto I Gusti Gede Heru , Andarini Marwita , Sidhi Eko Yuliarsha , Pamujiati Agustia Dwi
Published: June 2023

Jagung menjadi komoditas penting kedua setelah padi. Kuantitas produksi tanaman jagung sangat perlu diperhatikan khususnya pada sistem budidaya.  Salah satu bentuk upaya untuk mendukung program peningkatan produksi jagung nasional dapat dilakukan dengan cara budidaya jagung menggunakan sistem tanam jajar legowo. Sistem tanam jajar legowo diharapkan mampu meningkatkan produksi jagung. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efisiensi penggunaan faktor produksi dalam usahatani jagung hibrida dengan sistem tanam jajar legowo dan mengetahui pengaruh faktor produksi terhadap pendapatan usahatani jagung hibrida dengan sistem tanam jajar legowo. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Desa Sonopatik, Kecamatan Berbek, Kabupaten Nganjuk dengan sampel sebanyak 34 petani dari 170 populasi petani jagung hibrida dengan sistem tanam jajar legowo. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif. Pengambilan data pada penelitian ini dilakukan secara survei. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor produksi dalam usahatani jagung hibrida dengan sistem jajar legowo adalah efisien. Faktor produksi benih, pupuk, obat-obatan, tenaga kerja dan irigasi berpengaruh terhadap pendapatan usahatani jagung hibrida dengan sistem jajar legowo di Desa Sonopatik, Kecamatan Berbek, Kabupaten Nganjuk.