bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of the Heat Transfer Characteristics of Medium-Shallow Borehole Ground Heat Exchangers with Various Working Fluids
Authors: Wang Kexun , Huang Tishi , Zhang Wenke , Zhang Zhiqiang , Ma Xueqing , Zhang Leyao
Published: August 2023

Medium-shallow borehole ground heat exchangers (BGHEs) utilize a burial depth ranging from 200 to 600 m. The heat exchange capacity of a single medium-shallow BGHE is higher than that of a single shallow BGHE. Compared to medium-deep BGHEs, the cost of medium-shallow BGHEs is lower, and both heating and cooling can be achieved, while the former can only be used for heating. However, there is a relative lack of research on the heat transfer characteristics of medium-shallow BGHEs, especially on the influence of the working fluid type on the heat transfer performance of BGHEs. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different working fluids on the performance of medium-shallow BGHEs. First, a heat transfer model for medium-shallow BGHEs was established considering the ground temperature gradient and geothermal heat flow, and its accuracy was validated using experimental test data. Second, the model was used to compare and analyze the effects of various working fluids on the heat transfer performance, pressure loss, and potential environmental benefits of BGHEs. Based on economic analysis, CO2 was determined to be the most suitable working fluid among the organic fluids considered. Finally, the influence of the number of boreholes and the type of working fluid on the heat transfer performance of borehole clusters consisting of 2 and 4 boreholes was analyzed using the superposition principle. The results indicated that CO2 could provide the highest heat transfer among the various working fluids selected in this study, as its heat extraction and heat dissipation were approximately 15% and 12% higher than those achieved by water. Isobutane (R600a) achieved the highest net heat and emission reduction, surpassing water by 66.7% and 73.6%, respectively. Regarding the four boreholes, the outlet temperature of the BGHEs gradually decreased at the end of each heating season. After 10 years of operation, the value decreased by approximately 2 °C. The results in this paper provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the rational selection of working fluids and improvements in the heat transfer performance of BGHEs, which could promote the development and application of medium-shallow geothermal energy sources.
The Development of E-Banking Services Quality Measurement Instrument: MPQe-BS
Authors: Malc Domen , Dlačić Jasmina , Pisnik Aleksandra , Milfelner Borut
Published: August 2023

Perceived service quality is a well-researched concept in the marketing literature. Several measurement scales have been proposed, including for banking services, but most apply to the physical service environment. On the other hand, there is a lack of instruments available to measure the quality of banking services in a digital environment. Nowadays, especially pushed by the COVID-19 situation and sustainable development goals promoted by the United Nations, digitalization of services is a new normal. It is often perceived as a green banking practice and a prerequisite to contribute to the SDGs and environment per se. The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a perceived quality scale of e-banking services. The proposed measurement model was tested on a convenience sample of 335 respondents from Slovenia and Croatia via web-based questionnaires. Content validity, construct validity, dimensionality, and discriminant validity were assessed with EFA and CFA. The results prove that the instrument is appropriate for measuring the perceived quality of e-banking services. It measures six dimensions: efficiency, availability, contact, design, security, and fulfillment. Additional group analysis shows that the scale applies to different cultural contexts. The main limitation of the research is that the instrument measures only the perceived quality of e-banking services provided through online channels. The main theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.
Occupational Accidents in Ecuador: An Approach from the Construction and Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Paguay Mario , Febres Juan Diego , Valarezo Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Ecuador is a country in South America, where, in 2021, there were 849,874 companies that had total sales of USD 105.23 billion, which had 2,698,650 workers. This study was carried out with the aim of analyzing occupational accidents by industry type in Ecuador, focusing mainly on the construction and manufacturing industries. The data were provided upon express request to the National Directorate of General Occupational Risk Insurance of the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute. The data used in this study concerned accidents involving qualified workers affiliated with the Ecuadorian Social Security System. The data obtained were used to calculate the general accident rate, accident rate by sector, permanent disability rate, and mortality rate. Between 2016 and 2019, 6960 qualifying accidents occurred in Ecuador. Approximately 89.71 ± 0.36% of the accidents investigated involved men, and 50.28 ± 2.49% of these accidents caused permanent disability. The mortality rate was, on average, 10.60 ± 1.83%, 2018 being the year with the most deaths due to accidents at work. The Ecuadorian sector with the highest accident rate was the manufacturing industry with 26.15 ± 2.50%, followed by the construction industry with a rate of 17.47 ± 3.59%. The manufacturing industry had the highest rate, with a significant difference of accidents that resulted in permanent disability, with an average of 31.79 ± 2.85%, while the construction sector had the highest rate of fatal accidents, with an average of 25.82 ± 5.05%. This is the first study to report the number of qualified occupational accidents in Ecuador. With this study, a starting point is established for future analyses of the evolution of occupational accidents by type of industry in Ecuador. Future studies could determine the increase or decrease in the number of accidents, evaluate rates of permanent disability and death, and establish risk factors and preventive measures for each task or activity in all productive sectors.
Positive Affectivity as a Motivator: How Does It Influence Employees’ Sustainable Careers
Authors: Miao Jialing , Hu Hao , Wang Fang , Xie Baoguo
Published: August 2023

Given the critical role of the sustainable careers of employees in their survival and development, interest in how to improve employees’ sustainable careers is growing rapidly. Previous studies primarily focused on the role of contextual factors, and neglected the role of agentic factors such as positive affectivity. Based on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, the aim of this study is to investigate whether, how and when positive affectivity affects sustainable careers. A time-lagged study with two waves of data collected 8 months apart was conducted. With a sample of 580 employees in China, regression analyses showed that positive affectivity influenced employees’ sustainable careers indicated by vigor and level of pay; cognitive reappraisal mediated the positive relationships between positive affectivity and sustainable careers; and organizational commitment moderated the indirect effects of positive affectivity on sustainable careers via cognitive reappraisal. Our findings illustrate the important role of positive affectivity in building employees’ sustainable careers in the workplace.
Pursuing Long-Term Business Performance: Investigating the Effects of Financial and Technological Factors on Digital Adoption to Leverage SME Performance and Business Sustainability—Evidence from Indonesian SMEs in the Traditional Market
Authors: Kurniasari Florentina , Lestari Elissa Dwi , Tannady Hendy
Published: August 2023

The traditional market holds a pivotal role in Indonesia’s economy because it is the main contributor to national retail grocery transactions. Nevertheless, competition with modern markets and retailers makes their competitiveness lessened. From the financial side, traditional market SMEs are vulnerable to financial risks and still face obstacles in accessing financial resources due to a lack of financial literacy. In addition, the level of digitalization of traditional market SMEs technology is also still low, so digital adoption is still a challenge that must be faced. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the influence of financial and technological factors on the level of adoption of SME technology in traditional markets and its impact on the performance and sustainability of the SME business. This research will be conducted in a quantitative cross-sectional study of 225 SMEs in the traditional market. The sampling technique that will be used is judgmental sampling. This study’s research data will be analyzed using SEM-PLS. The study result shows that financial literacy positively affects SME financial accessibility and financial risk. The study also confirms that financial accessibility, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence are variables that significantly affect SMEs digital adoption, while the effect of financial risk on digital adoption is found to be insignificant. The study result also shows that SMEs digital adoption is positively affecting their performance, which eventually affects their business sustainability.
Analysis of the Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Coal and Gas Outburst Coal Seams Based on Matrix Compression Correction
Authors: Gao Yabin , Cao Jing , Zhang Shaoqi , Li Ziwen
Published: August 2023

The comparative analysis of coal samples under different gas occurrence conditions systematically reveals the pore structure characteristics of coal and gas outburst coal seams. The functional relationship between R0,max and Kc was clarified using mathematical statistical methods, and the pore structure and fractal characteristics of coal and gas outburst coal seams were analyzed on the basis of modified mercury pressure data and fractal analysis. The results show that the functional relationship between R0,max and Kc is consistent with y = 1.59x−0.48, and when the mercury inlet pressure is 10~120 MPa, the coal sample is the most affected by the matrix compression effect. The average pore volume and average specific surface area of the outburst coal samples were 41.71% and 23.09%, which is greater than those of the non-outburst coal samples, respectively, and the specific surface area and pore volume provided by the outburst mining micropores were 46.24% and 81.67%, respectively. The fractal dimension, D, of the coal seam increased with the increase in metamorphism, and compared with low gas mines, the fractal dimension of coal samples in the coal and gas outburst mines was higher, the influence of the matrix compression effect was more obvious, and the heterogeneity was stronger.
Sustainable Traffic Regulation System in Protected Areas: Pilot Technology Testing in National Park in the Czech Republic
Authors: Růžička Jiří , Sliacky Milan , Purkrábková Zuzana , Langr Martin , Horažďovský Patrik , Hajčiarová Eva
Published: August 2023

In the context of nature protection, there is an effort to regulate individual car traffic in protected areas. In the framework of the research, a pilot testing of a vehicle detection and identification system in the Krkonoše National Park was carried out using two selected technologies (license plate recognition and Bluetooth token detection). The research was carried out under conditions of poorer availability of mobile signal for transmission of measured data, lack of electrical power supply, and in challenging climatic conditions in the mountains. The main objective was to verify the applicability and limits of the mentioned technologies under these difficult conditions. For this purpose, two test sites were built: a fixed and a mobile point. Testing at both points was carried out using two basic methods, namely online through continuous data collection from the detectors and on-site through a local survey during the summer of 2022. The parameters evaluated were the reliability of the vehicle identification itself and the reliability of the operation of the individual detection subsystems and the tested system as a whole. The results show that the license plate recognition system using two cameras for the checkpoint shows a high recognition reliability, but it is reduced for some types of vehicles (especially motorcycles and four-wheelers). At the same time, this technology is demanding on energy resources. Detection using a Bluetooth scanner has proven to be highly reliable up to 50 km/h. A reliable power supply is necessary to achieve high reliability, which was a problem at the mobile point. Evaluation of images from cameras with motion detection showed the limits of this technology, which increased with increasing vehicle speed. The system can be used to detect traffic in protected areas, taking into account the limits specified in this article.
Characterization of South African Bentonite and Kaolin Clays
Authors: Kgabi Dipuo P. , Ambushe Abayneh A.
Published: August 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the mineralogical and morphological properties of two South African clays, namely bentonite and kaolin. These clays are mined in specific regions of the country but have not been fully characterized in terms of their properties for potential application in a number of industries. Bentonite was found to have a larger specific surface area, pore size, and more interchangeable cations than kaolin. The bentonite was also identified as Na-bentonite due to the huge Na content present in the clay. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns revealed that both clays are crystalline, together with the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer results; presumably, some impurities of quartz could be present in the clay materials. The most prevalent functional groups present include Al-OH, Si-O-Mg, Si-O, and Si-O-Al groups. The surface charge of bentonite was consistently negative across all pH values, indicating its potential for adsorption applications. On the other hand, kaolin exhibited a negative charge at pH values greater than 2.4. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images provided visual evidence of the presence of pores in the clay structures, which supported the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) results classifying both bentonite and kaolin as mesoporous and macroporous materials. The particle size analysis revealed a broad distribution for bentonite and a bimodal distribution for kaolin. Overall, the clays revealed interesting features that can be useful for application in several industries, for example, in the treatment of wastewater. Further research and development can explore their potential to address environmental challenges, particularly the application of bentonite and kaolin in water treatment processes to remove toxic metal ions.
Smart Circular Cities: Governing the Relationality, Spatiality, and Digitality in the Promotion of Circular Economy in an Urban Region
Authors: Anttiroiko Ari-Veikko
Published: August 2023

This article discusses the governance of a smart-green transition in an urban region. The focus is on how the modes of public governance relate to relationality, spatiality, and digitality, which are of vital importance in determining the success of the transition in question. The empirical inquiry is based on observations of the case of the Tampere urban region in Finland, which exemplifies such governance efforts in the Nordic welfare society context. The discussion shows that the relationality in the given context is fragmentary, dominated by persuasive network governance and soft means of exerting pressure. Municipalities assume many roles in CE governance, which matches their urge to utilize different institutional logics from hierarchies to markets and networks. Rather than a genuine authority, municipalities emerge as facilitators and enablers. Spatiality is highlighted in the formation of designated areas that serve circularity and also provide brand benefits, as shown by the eco-industrial park in the city of Nokia. Digitalization is an underdeveloped area in the circular economy agenda vis-à-vis its assumed potential. Its relevance has been identified by institutional players in the urban-regional governance field, but its realization seems to require both nationally coordinated actions and local solutions that compensate for the lack of a critical mass of developers and users in the circular economy ecosystem. Lastly, regarding urban governance, the parallel utilization of different modes of governance forms a complex setting, in which increasingly sophisticated forms of hybrid governance are emerging. Most notably, in the case of the Tampere urban region, the promotion of a circular economy by intermediaries is supplemented by novel dynamic assemblages that utilize different institutional logics within loosely governed processes that aim at integrating a circular economy into business models and urban development.
Sustainable Economic Development of Enterprises: A Methodology Based on the Toolkit
Authors: Chupina Zhanna , Chursin Alexander , Boginsky Andrew , Kvasov Ivan
Published: August 2023

At the present time, an effective methodological toolkit has not been developed to manage economic processes in modern conditions in order to ensure the sustainable economic development of enterprises. On the basis of mathematical modeling, it has been proposed that such a tool could be created to provide a quantitative assessment of the main parameters in the creation of innovative products and activities of enterprises. Additionally, on the basis of this tool, decision makers could regulate these processes by introducing additional resources and buying risks. For this purpose, it is necessary to modernize the means of production, which requires a reassessment of the technical level of enterprises. It is possible to achieve these parameters through a certain technical policy of production modernization. In this aspect, the technical policy of enterprises should consider the fact that, depending on the complexity of innovative products put for development and production, the time lag between the start of production of such products and the moment when they enter the market with competitive advantage changes. This competitive advantage is determined by the design methods at a given cost. At the same time, the service models of enterprises are used as one of the most important tools to achieve the profitability of the enterprise, leading to its sustainable economic development. As a result of the proposed toolkit, a strategy for managing the processes of the sustainable economic development of enterprises could be developed based on the creation of an intelligent system using artificial intelligence and the use of large databases that create information support for decision makers to regulate these processes. This set of tools makes it possible to achieve the organization of sustainable economic development. To assess the technical, economic, and technological level of the enterprise, a complex integral indicator was obtained on the basis of mathematical modeling. It was proposed to confirm the obtained integral assessment by comparing the obtained calculated data with an expert assessment. The method of expert evaluation is used in the article. Expert assessments were obtained in science-intensive organizations in which the authors held managerial positions and were engaged in scientific projects. The obtained inputs were formulated based on the analysis of the reporting documentation provided by the organizations. The conducted research indicates the importance of the proposed practical recommendations and materials for solving the tasks set in this study.
Classification of 3D Casting Models for Product Lifecycle Management and Corporate Sustainability
Authors: Chen Tzung-Ming , Wu Jia-Qi , Lin Jian-Ting
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to combine simulations and experiments in order to present the first stage of construction in product lifecycle management. Based on the simplification of casting models, the relationship between the filling and solidification characteristics, casting methods, and geometrical classifications of aluminum alloy precision casting products was investigated. By rearranging and summarizing the data, the casting models could be digitally managed; moreover, the digitized data could be used as the basis for intelligent processes in further developments. The simulations calculated and analyzed the casting speeds, defect locations, material densities, and critical fraction of a solid A356 aluminum–silicon alloy; the actual casting was carried out and samples were taken for metallographic observation to confirm the simulation results. The part model was simplified with four basic geometric shapes: solid cylinder, tubular, block rectangle, and thin-shell rectangle. The 150 casting models were summarized using 37 combinations, which were further classified into five main categories to match the casting method: solid cylindrical, tubular, and thin-shell rectangular for side casting, and discoidal and plate rectangular for bottom casting. File-compression rates of up to 75% were achieved after classification and archiving, and data integrity was maintained. Finally, model training using random forest classification resulted in an 88.8% accuracy when predicting the casting method. This research is based on the practical issues raised by business owners and R&D engineers, and a solution was obtained. From the perspective of product lifecycle management, the results of this study show the consistency and uniformity of product design rules, as well as the reusability of product process planning, which can be integrated with carbon emissions trading and carbon taxes to save energy and achieve corporate sustainability.
Analysis of Alkali in Bayer Red Mud: Content and Occurrence State in Different Structures
Authors: Wang Xiao , Jing Haowen , Zhang Maoliang , Li Jianwei , Ma Yan , Yan Liang
Published: August 2023

The application of large amounts of red mud in the field of building materials is one of the main ways to reuse this material, but the high alkali content of red mud limits its application. In this paper, the washable alkali, removable alkali, and lattice alkali contents of Bayer red mud were studied, and the occurrence states of potassium and sodium in red mud were studied using XRD, IR, XPS, and NMR. On this basis, the removal mechanism for potassium and sodium in red mud was analyzed. The results showed that the Na in the red mud was mainly deposited in the shelf silicon voids of hydroxy sodalite (Na8(AlSiO4)6(OH)2(H2O)2) in the form of Si-O-Na or Al-O-Na. K is deposited in the shelf silico-oxygen void of potassium feldspar (KAlSi3O8) in the form of Si-O-K or Al-O-K. The washable Na and K contents of the mud were 13.7% and 4.47%; the alkali removal agent CaO removed 83.1% and 50.8% of Na and K in the red mud; and the lattice alkali Na and K contents were 3.20% and 44.8%, respectively. In the process of red mud dealkalization, Ca2+ ions can enter the internal voids of the hydroxyl sodalite and potassium feldspar silica skeleton and then replace Al3+ in the Si-O skeleton and Na+ and K+ in the skeleton voids. The replacement reaction changes the silica tetrahedron network structure, resulting in the disintegration of the frame-like silica tetrahedron in the hydroxyl sodalite and potassium feldspar, forming an isolated, island-like silica tetrahedron in hydrated garnet.
Geological Disaster Susceptibility Evaluation of a Random-Forest-Weighted Deterministic Coefficient Model
Authors: Zhang Shaohan , Tan Shucheng , Zhou Jinxuan , Sun Yongqi , Ding Duanyu , Li Jun
Published: August 2023

An assessment of regional vulnerability to geological disasters can directly indicate the extent and intensity of risks within the study area; thus, providing precise guidance for disaster management efforts. However, in the evaluation of geological disaster susceptibility using a single deterministic coefficient model, the direct superimposition of deterministic coefficient values for each evaluation factor, without considering their objective weights, can impact the accuracy of susceptibility zoning outcomes. To address this limitation, this research proposes a novel approach: geological disaster susceptibility evaluation using a random-forest-weighted deterministic coefficient model. In this method, the objective weight of each evaluation factor is calculated based on a deterministic coefficient model and a parameter-optimized random forest model. By weighting and superimposing the deterministic coefficient values of each evaluation factor, a comprehensive deterministic coefficient map is generated. This map is further divided using the natural breakpoint method to obtain a geological disaster susceptibility zoning map. To validate the accuracy of the evaluation results, partition statistics and the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve of the test sample points are utilized. The findings demonstrate that the model performs well in evaluating geological disaster susceptibility in Huize County. The evaluation results are considered reliable and accurate, highlighting the effectiveness of the proposed approach for assessing and zoning geological disaster susceptibility in the region.
Forecasting the Fuel Consumption and Price for a Future Pandemic Outbreak: A Case Study in the USA under COVID-19
Authors: Sakib Ahmed Nazmus , Razzaghi Talayeh , Bhuiyan Md Monjur Hossain
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 epidemic and the measures adopted to contain it have had a significant impact on energy patterns throughout the world. The pandemic and movement restrictions led to unpredictable fluctuations in power systems demand and the fuel price for a delayed period. Monkeypox, another viral disease, appeared during the post-COVID period. It is assumed that the outbreak of monkeypox is unlikely due to the implication of preventive measures experienced from COVID-19. At the same time, the probability of an epidemic cannot be blindly overlooked. This paper aims to examine and analyze historical data to look at how much petroleum fuel was used for generating power and how the price of petroleum fuel changed over seven years, from January 2016 to August 2022. This period covers the time before the COVID-19 pandemic, during the pandemic, and after the pandemic. Several time-series forecasting models, including all four benchmark methods (Mean, Naive, Drift, and Snaive), Seasonal and Trend decomposition using Loess (STL), Exponential Smoothing (ETS), and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) methods have been applied for both fuel consumption and price prediction. The best forecasting method for fuel price and consumption has been identified among these methods. The best forecasting method for fuel consumption observed is ETS based on the RMSE value, which is 799.59, and the ARIMA method for fuel price, with RMSE 4.67. The paper also utilizes the ARIMAX model by incorporating multiple exogenous variables, such as monthly mean temperature, mean fuel price, and mileage of vehicles traveling during a certain period of pandemic lock-down. It will assist in capturing the non-smooth and stochastic pattern of fuel consumption and price due to the pandemic by separating the seasonal influence and, thus, provide a prediction of the consumption pattern in the event of any future pandemic. The novelty of the article will assist in exploring the potential energy demand in terms of cost and consumption of fuel during any pandemic period, considering the associated abnormalities.
Policy Chain of Energy Transition from Economic and Innovative Perspectives: Conceptual Framework and Consistency Analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Naimeh , Mostofi Hamid , Dienel Hans-Liudger
Published: August 2023

Climate change mitigation in energy systems has experienced a remarkable evolution over the past decades. In recent years, renewable energy and energy efficiency have made significant technological and deployment advancements, spurred by policy support, technology development, and cost reduction. Despite advancements in the concepts of innovation and sustainability transition, policy mix studies face challenges in policy regarding the process of energy transition. In fact, there is a need to deepen knowledge of many relevant transition policy design dimensions in order to address unresolved questions about why policymakers choose some instruments over others in the context of an existing or desired mix, how specific policy instruments operate in a mix that has a direct impact on policy performance, and how the transition policy can be evaluated in terms of achieving the desired outcome of CO2 reduction. In an attempt to conceptualize a policy design for energy transition, this research develops a conceptual framework consisting of a policy chain in energy transition from economic and innovation perspectives. This chain has five links, corresponding to policies supporting decarbonization, transformation, renewable energy deployment, energy saving, and CO2 emissions. A consistency analysis of the sub-indicators using data from ten leading European countries was performed, and the reliability of four links, excluding energy saving, was confirmed. The economic and innovation perspectives of the developed framework, which are aligned with the reliability analysis of each index of the framework, answer the question posed in this paper regarding actual features in energy transition. A complete energy transition requires economic signals and a fiscal system (Link1: supportive policies of decarbonization) that are aligned with all of the policy contributions in terms of strategic investments for technology development (Link2: transformation and technological development). Energy policy schemes, including taxation, subsidization and RD&D in technology related to climate change mitigation, increase motivations for alternative energy exploitation (Link3: RE deployment), which adds to the advance actions by individuals and firms in terms of energy saving (Link4), all of which combine to result in a change in greenhouse gas emissions (Link5: CO2 emission).
Increasing the Efficiency of the Rice–Wheat Cropping System through Integrated Nutrient Management
Authors: Kaur Prabhjit , Saini Kulvir Singh , Sharma Sandeep , Kaur Jashanjot , Bhatt Rajan , Alamri Saud , Alfagham Alanoud T. , Hussain Sadam
Published: August 2023

The advancement of effective nutrient management strategies has been instrumental in enhancing crop productivity and economic viability. Thus, we investigated the effect of green manure and organic amendments at varying nitrogen levels in rice and their residual effect on wheat crops. A two-year research study (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) was conducted at two distinct locations: Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana and a Research Station in Dyal Bharang, Amritsar. The experimental design employed was a split-plot design. The main plot treatments consisted of four treatments (green manuring, farmyard manure, poultry manure, and no organic amendment (control)) and four subplot treatments (No N control, 50 kg N ha−1, 75 kg N ha−1, and 100 kg N ha−1), replicated four times in the rice crop, and its residual effect was studied in wheat. The study found that applying organic amendments at different nitrogen levels significantly increased rice–wheat productivity, growth, yield qualities, nutrient uptake, and efficiency (p < 0.05). Poultry manure increased rice grain yield more than other modifications. It significantly increased grain yield by 67.3% and 61.4% over the control in both years of the research. Poultry manure (41.9 kg, 60.0%) increased AE (kg grain kg−1 N uptake) and ANR (%) compared to control due to higher total N (177.4 kg ha−1), P (31.6 kg ha−1), and K (179.6 kg ha−1). Grain production was positively correlated with total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) intake (r = 0.992**, 0.931**, and 0.984**, respectively). Total N uptake was positively correlated with P and K uptake (r = 0.963** and 0.991**, respectively). Poultry manure improved soil health by increasing total microbial count and alkaline phosphatase activity. In the subsequent wheat crop, rice grown with poultry manure yielded 24.3 and 24.4 percent more than no organic amendment control in rabi 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. The findings suggest that poultry manure and 100 kg N ha−1 or 75 kg N ha−1 afforded equivalent yields. This shows that even less nitrogen may be enough to boost rice and wheat yields.
Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Food Handlers in Restaurants in Malé, Maldives
Authors: Halim-Lim Sarina Abdul , Mohamed Khalisa , Sukki Firdaus Muhammad , David Wahyudi , Ungku Zainal Abidin Ungku Fatimah , Jamaludin Adi Ainurzaman
Published: August 2023

Poor hygiene in the food service industry is a critical public health concern in the Maldives, and is caused by several issues, such as limited inspections and monitoring, inadequate training and knowledge, and a lack of a regulatory framework. Thus, this study aims to identify the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of food handlers in the Maldives as well as the potential association between the variables (knowledge, attitude, and practice). A total of 290 food handlers from restaurants were surveyed for four months through a quantitative questionnaire; most of them are male, Bangladeshi, and aged 26–35 years old. The result demonstrates that the food handlers have an acceptable level of knowledge (55.5% ± 1.51), an acceptable attitude (3.62 ± 0.51), and a good level of practice (4.18 ± 0.54) in food safety. The food handlers in Malé have poor practices in time and temperature control, especially in thawing and storage, resulting from a lack of training in the temperature danger zone. Work experience influences the level of knowledge, education impacts attitude and training, and work experience and education impact practice. A positive moderate association was observed between knowledge and practices (rs = 0.536, p < 0.05), knowledge and attitudes (rs = 0.407, p < 0.05), and practices and attitudes (rs = 0.317, p < 0.05). Despite the good scores obtained in practices from the self-report questionnaire, the results of the observational assessment made on 102 restaurants exhibit overall poor practices, including deficient time and temperature control, and other categories of food safety need further attention in the design of training processes. This study can help policymakers to review and improve law enforcement to address the current food safety situation in the Maldives and can help businesses to selectively plan food safety training based on the KAPs of Maldivian food handlers.
Sustainable Power Consumption for Variance-Based Integration Model in Cellular 6G-IoT System
Authors: Ramamoorthy Prabhu , Sanober Sumaya , Di Nunzio Luca , Cardarilli Gian Carlo
Published: August 2023

With the emergence of the 5G network, the count of analysis papers associated with the 6G Internet of Things (IoT) has rapidly increased due to the rising attention of researchers in next-generation technology, 6G networks and IoT techniques. Owing to this, grasping the overall research topics and directions is a complex task. To mutually address the significant issues of 6G cellular IoT, i.e., information transmission, data aggregation and power supply, we proposed a variance-based integrating model for the 6G-IoT approach that considers energy, communication and computation (ECC). Initially, the base station (BS) charges huge IoT devices concurrently utilizing WPT in the downlink. After that, IoT devices gather the energy to perform the communication task and the computation task in the uplink in a similar spectrum. Also, the model integrates the optimization of transmit beams via the Improved Ant Colony Optimization (IACO) model to balance the system performance, power consumption and computational complexity. Further, this study exploited activated Remote Radio Units (RRUs) to improve the network performance and energy efficiency in the downlink model. The simulation outcomes evaluate the performance of the proposed work over the conventional models concerning error analysis. From the results, the MSE value in the IACO work is much lower, around 0.011, while the compared schemes achieved comparatively higher MSE values.
Assessing the Chlorophyll-a Retrieval Capabilities of Sentinel 3A OLCI Images for the Monitoring of Coastal Waters in Algoa and Francis Bays, South Africa
Authors: Mathe Tumelo , Hamandawana Hamisai
Published: August 2023

Eleven level-2 Sentinel 3A OLCI images that were acquired between 29 March 2017 and 11 December 2017 were used to assess their ability to retrieve oceanic Chl-a concentrations in South Africa’s Algoa and St Francis Bays. This was done by applying a 7-colour gradient pallet in the SNAP software to produce oceanic Chl-a concentration maps on a scale ranging from 0.1–30 mg/m3. The validation of Sentinel’s Chl-a’s retrieval potentials was based on temporally corresponding in-situ data from eight stations. Comparative analysis of the image-based and in-situ Chl-a concentrations revealed statistically significant correlations (r 0.609–r 0.899, ᾶ 0.05) at five stations out of the eight that were used as sources of reference data. This finding is helpful as an objectively premised source of insights on how to sustainably utilise the oceanic resources at our disposal. It is also useful because it verifiably demonstrates that Sentinel images can be reliably used to retrieve usable information on Chl-a concentrations in lieu of the costly sea-surface-based in-situ measurements at appropriate temporal and spatial scales.
The Spatiotemporal Variations in Soil Erosion and Its Dominant Influencing Factors in the Wenchuan Earthquake-Stricken Area
Authors: Li Jialin , Guo Bing , Yang Guang , Yu Kun
Published: August 2023

Earthquakes have obvious influences on the spatiotemporal changes in soil erosion intensity in earthquake-stricken areas. However, fewer studies have been conducted to evaluate the spatiotemporal changes in soil erosion before and after the Wenchuan earthquake and its dominant factors in different periods. In order to explore the above issue, this study quantitatively analyzed the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of soil erosion in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken area from 2000 to 2019 based on the RUSLE model, gravity center model, and its dominant factors in different periods were determined using Geodetector. The research results indicated that: (1) The amount of mean total erosion in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken area during 2000–2019 was 10.05 × 108 t, with an average soil erosion modulus of 2038.2 t/(km2·a), indicating mild erosion. (2) The spatiotemporal patterns of soil erosion changed greatly in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken areas during 2000–2019. Areas with intensified soil erosion were mainly distributed in Lixian, Wenchuan, Xiaojin, and other areas near the Longmenshan fault zones. (3) Landslides, debris flows, and floods caused by the Wenchuan earthquake contributed to aggravating the soil erosion intensity in the stricken area. (4) During 2000–2019, the soil erosion intensity showed an overall decreasing trend, while the soil erosion intensity showed an increasing trend around 2008 due to the Wenchuan earthquake. (5) During 2000–2019, soil erosion in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken area has been greatly affected by vegetation, terrain, and land use types. The research results could provide important decision-making support for soil erosion prevention and ecosystem restoration in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken area. In addition, these results would be conducive to revealing and understanding the interactive process of “Water–Soil–Vegetation” in mountainous regions all over the world.
The Generalized Classes of Linear Symmetric Subdivision Schemes Free from Gibbs Oscillations and Artifacts in the Fitting of Data
Authors: Karim Samsul Ariffin Abdul , Mustafa Rakib , Tariq Humaira Mustanira , Mustafa Ghulam , Hameed Rabia , Razaq Sidra
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the advanced classes of linear symmetric subdivision schemes for the fitting of data and the creation of geometric shapes. These schemes are derived from the B-spline and Lagrange’s blending functions. The important characteristics of the derived schemes, including continuity, support, and the impact of parameters on the magnitude of the artifact and Gibbs oscillations are discussed. Schemes additionally generalize various subdivision schemes. Linear symmetric subdivision schemes can produce Gibbs oscillations when the initial data is taken from discontinuous functions. Additionally, these schemes may generate unwanted artifacts in the limit curve that do not exist in the original polygon. One solution is to use non-linear schemes, but this approach increases the computational complexity of the scheme. An alternative approach is proposed that involves modifying the linear symmetric schemes by introducing parameters into the linear rules. The suitable values of these parameters reduce or eliminate Gibbs oscillations and artifacts while still using linear symmetric schemes. Our approach provides a balance between reducing or eliminating Gibbs oscillations and artifacts while maintaining computational efficiency.
Ecological Strategies for Resource Use by Three Bromoviruses in Anthropic and Wild Plant Communities
Authors: Babalola Bisola , Fraile Aurora , García-Arenal Fernando , McLeish Michael
Published: August 2023

Ecological strategies for resource utilisation are important features of pathogens, yet have been overshadowed by stronger interest in genetic mechanisms underlying disease emergence. The purpose of this study is to ask whether host range and transmission traits translate into ecological strategies for host-species utilisation in a heterogeneous ecosystem, and whether host utilisation corresponds to genetic differentiation among three bromoviruses. We combine high-throughput sequencing and population genomics with analyses of species co-occurrence to unravel the ecological strategies of the viruses across four habitat types. The results show that the bromoviruses that were more closely related genetically did not share similar ecological strategies, but that the more distantly related pair did. Shared strategies included a broad host range and more frequent co-occurrences, which both were habitat-dependent. Each habitat thus presents as a barrier to gene flow, and each virus has an ecological strategy to navigate limitations to colonising non-natal habitats. Variation in ecological strategies could therefore hold the key to unlocking events that lead to emergence.
Characterisation of the Novel Filamentous Phage PMBT54 Infecting the Milk Spoilage Bacteria Pseudomonas carnis and Pseudomonas lactis
Authors: Hille Frank , Gieschler Stefanie , Brinks Erik , Franz Charles M. A. P.
Published: August 2023

Filamentous bacteriophages are lysogenic and pseudo-lysogenic viruses that do not lyse their host but are often continuously secreted from the infected cell. They belong to the order Tubulavirales, which encompasses three families, with the Inoviridae being the largest. While the number of identified inoviral sequences has greatly increased in recent years due to metagenomic studies, morphological and physiological characterisation is still restricted to only a few members of the filamentous phages. Here, we describe the novel filamentous phage PMBT54, which infects the spoilage-relevant Pseudomonas species P. carnis and P. lactis. Its genome is 7320 bp in size, has a mol% GC content of 48.37, and codes for 13 open-reading frames, two of which are located on the (−) strand. The virion exhibits a typical filamentous morphology and is secreted from the host cell at various lengths. The phage was shown to promote biofilm formation in both host strains and, therefore, has potential implications for milk spoilage, as biofilms are a major concern in the dairy industry.
Arboviral Risk Associated with Solid Organ and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Grafts: The Prophylactic Answers Proposed by the French High Council of Public Health in a National Context
Authors: Pozzetto Bruno , Grard Gilda , Durand Guillaume , Paty Marie-Claire , Gallian Pierre , Lucas-Samuel Sophie , Diéterlé Stéphanie , Fromage Muriel , Durand Marc , Lepelletier Didier , Chidiac Christian , Hoen Bruno , Nicolas de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: August 2023

Diseases caused by arboviruses are on the increase worldwide. In addition to arthropod bites, most arboviruses can be transmitted via accessory routes. Products of human origin (labile blood products, solid organs, hematopoietic stem cells, tissues) present a risk of contamination for the recipient if the donation is made when the donor is viremic. Mainland France and its overseas territories are exposed to a complex array of imported and endemic arboviruses, which differ according to their respective location. This narrative review describes the risks of acquiring certain arboviral diseases from human products, mainly solid organs and hematopoietic stem cells, in the French context. The main risks considered in this study are infections by West Nile virus, dengue virus, and tick-borne encephalitis virus. The ancillary risks represented by Usutu virus infection, chikungunya, and Zika are also addressed more briefly. For each disease, the guidelines issued by the French High Council of Public Health, which is responsible for mitigating the risks associated with products of human origin and for supporting public health policy decisions, are briefly outlined. This review highlights the need for a “One Health” approach and to standardize recommendations at the international level in areas with the same viral epidemiology.
City Water Resource Allocation Considering Energy Consumption in Jinan, China
Authors: Yang Zhaohui , Kondolf G. Mathias , Du Jie , Cai Luyao
Published: August 2023

The conflict between urban energy supply and demand is becoming increasingly evident. One aspect that consumes a great deal of this energy is the allocation of urban water resources. This study proposes a new scheme for rationally allocating urban water resources considering the high levels of energy currently consumed in Jinan city of Shandong, China. The focus is on simultaneously minimizing energy consumption and water shortage rates and granting priority to public water supplies in line with the predicted water supply levels for all available sources. Based on this assessment, further adjustments were made in terms of system configuration and the analysis of energy consumption. The results of the general water resource allocation model not only show that Jinan’s total water supply in 2030 will increase by 33.7% from 2019 but that energy consumption will also increase by 58.5%. If energy consumption is constrained and water supplies are restricted for high-energy-consumption activities, the results of the water resource allocation model considering energy consumption show that energy consumption will increase only by 44.2%. And the results also show that local groundwater is less energy intensive than imported surface water, which suggests that groundwater should be preferred (at least for energy reasons). Through modeling to reduce the total energy consumption in water resource allocation, this paper can provide a reference for energy saving for urban water supply systems.