bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous Supramolecular Crystalline Probe that Detects Non‐Covalent Interactions Involved in Molecular Recognition of Furanic Compounds
Authors: Tashiro Shohei , Kuwabara Kyohei , Otsuru Kosei , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: July 2024

Selective separation and conversion of furan‐based biomass‐derived compounds, which are closely related to biorefineries, is currently an important issue. To improve their performance, it is important to deepen the understanding of non‐covalent interactions that act on the molecular recognition of furanic compounds on separation or catalyst matrices. Here, a new method is reported to comprehensively visualize such intermolecular interactions using a porous supramolecular crystalline probe with polar and non‐polar binding sites within a low‐symmetric nanochannel consisting of four isomeric PdII3‐macrocycles. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of the crystals including 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, furfuryl alcohol, or 2‐acetylfuran reveals a variety of interactions involving their furan rings and polar substituents. It is also found that cooperative and competitive effects between guest and solvent molecules significantly change their recognition mode.
The Influence of Relative Position on Ground Potential and Electric Field Based on Interfacial Charge Accumulation in HVDC
Authors: Zhang Jun , Cao Xiaobin , Jin Weidong , Zhang Siyuan , Zhang Bide , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2024

With the development of high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) engineering around the world, there has been increasing attention to the issue of selecting site for direct current (DC) grounding electrodes since the pollution coming from ground potential and electric field. As previous study result, the distance is closer to the grounding electrode, the influence is greater for ground potential and electric field, as well as vice versa. Through proposing the analysis approach of equivalent interfacial charge accumulating, the article goes beyond this previous general‐conclusion and extracts the relative position conception from the mono‐distance for further studying on weakening their impacts on the environment. In comparison with the previous results, the research finding shows that the movement of relative position is able to achieve the best distribution of ground potential or electric field corresponding to different soil‐layered structure, furthermore, the specific mathematic formula about the best relative position has been derived by the accumulated charge model proposed. Finally, the results have been demonstrated by simulation calculation of the CDEGS software for a practical HVDC project in China, moreover, regarding soil resistivity variation related to the different seasons, the optimized relative position about 13 ~ 24 km has been adopted in the real HVDC grounding project as a suggested site. It reveals that the underlying relative position behind the mono‐distance could be applied to selecting the site of grounding electrode as reference in the future. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Strangers in the North: Critical narratives on the postgraduation career transitions of international doctoral students
Authors: Zhang Bo , Morgan K. Kayon
Published: July 2024

Data show higher enrollment of international graduate students compared to  undergraduates in the United States in 2022, with the trend expected to continue. Many international doctoral students pursue education in the United States, hoping to seek employment and/or employment‐based permanent immigration after graduation. Through critical personal narratives (CPNs), the authors use their stories to reflect on employment‐seeking experiences during their time as international graduate students. The narratives depict a 20‐year time span of ongoing issues faced by international graduate students. These first‐person accounts authentically recognize the challenges and provide an avenue for institutions to subsequently address the areas of immigration policies, hiring practices, career development, and cultural responsiveness for international doctoral students.
Drivers of High Concentration and Dispersal of PM10 and PM2.5 in the Eastern Part of Chhota Nagpur Plateau, India, Investigated Through HYSPLIT Model and Improvement of Environmental Health Quality
Authors: Saha Soumik , Bhattacharjee Sumana , Bera Biswajit , Haque Enamul
Published: July 2024

The ambient air quality is continuously declining especially in emerging countries because of rapid rate of urbanization, industrialization, and allied activities. Thus, the principal objective of this research is to inspect the spatiotemporal variation of particulate matters and to identify the drivers of pollutant dispersal. The month‐wise PM10 and PM2.5 data of 2022 and 2023 were obtained from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board. Meteorological datasets such as wind speed (m/s) and wind direction (degree) were collected from the NASA power access website. The HYSPLIT (Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) model was applied to identify the pollutant's trajectories. Results showed that Purulia station stood highest in case of absolute AQI 715 (23‐1‐2022 at 7 a.m.), PM2.5 483.47 µg/m3 (23‐1‐2022 at 8 a.m.), and PM10 682.28 µg/m3 (23‐1‐2022 at 7 a.m.), respectively. During winter, the vertical expansion of particles was within the 100‐m boundary layer while during summer, it dispersed vertically and crossed 2000 m above the ground surface due to the combined effect of atmospheric conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, air pressure, and temperature. Moreover, the industrial outputs of Jharkhand and West Bengal play a significant role in elevating the pollution level. Plantation of suitable pollution‐resistant plants including Banyan (Ficus bengalensis), Mango (Mangifera indica), Peepul (Ficus religiosa), Guava (Psidium guajava), Kadam (Neolamarkia cadamba), Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a suitable management technique against pollution in this region.
Introduction
Authors: Ambühl Michael , Brusoni Stefano , Niedworok Anja , Gutmann Martin
Published: July 2024

This book explores how cooperatives can and are meeting the challenges of a changing world. While concepts to describe the dire and unpredictable state of our world have proliferated—VUCA (Bennis & Nanus, 2007), poly-crisis (WEF), tipping-point (Lenton et al., 2019), wicked problems (Reinecke & Ansari, 2016), grand societal challenges (Ferraro et al., 2015), to name but a few—scientists across diverse disciplines are clear that the present is a particularly perilous time for our global civilization. Climate change has already begun to impose severe human and financial costs across the world. Digitalization has changed how we do business and relate to one another, in some cases, such as with generative AI, essentially overnight. At the same time, violent conflict and geopolitical tensions are again affecting the lives of millions. Across a host of other social, economic, and ecological themes—such as gender equality, poverty, and deforestation—our progress has stalled, if not reversed, as measured by the Sustainable Development Goals (Gutmann & Gorman, 2022).
Cooperative Ecosystems: Contents, Perspectives, and Challenges
Authors: Theurl Theresia
Published: July 2024

Both ecosystems and cooperatives are entrepreneurial responses to technical, economic, and social challenges. Both are collaborative organizations. Companies or individuals work together in networks to achieve better results than they would alone. The design of networks shows great diversity. For example, some are more stability-oriented, others flexibility-oriented. Three types of ecosystems have emerged: Business ecosystems, platform-, and data-based ecosystems. Their configuration is based on flexibility and agility and a low degree of formalization. Although these characteristics are positive in a dynamic environment, the deficiencies in the mechanisms of stabilization and participation are criticized. Shared success can stabilize. For this to happen, however, governance must include appropriate incentives for actors to decide in their common interest in dilemma situations, which is also in their own interest in the longer term. The advance of digitization, data management, and value creation via platforms is leading to a further increase in collaborative business models and their differentiation. Ecosystems can take different forms of institutionalization, including those as cooperatives. Cooperatives are characterized by their advantages in stabilization and participation. They are therefore well suited as a form of institutionalization for ecosystems. Here it is argued that cooperatives are ecosystems, while ecosystems can be cooperatives.
The Evolution and Evaluation of the Italian Legislation on Social Cooperatives and Social Enterprises: Facilitator or Obstacle to Their Diffusion?
Authors: Velmer Silvia
Published: July 2024

Historically, the Italian cooperative movement has represented a pivotal backbone of the national economy, since cooperatives were able to satisfy their members’ needs through the provision of products and services at affordable conditions. Started as grassroot organizations to answer local social needs, social cooperatives have become key actors in the provision of welfare services in Italy over the last decades. The legal acknowledgment came long after the establishment of social cooperatives in the civil society and the legal framework defined social cooperatives as the first multistakeholder entrepreneurial form with a social mission, rather than a profit maximization objective. Several laws on socially-oriented organizations have followed. Over time, social cooperatives have progressively accomplished the social mission of cooperative organizations, while cooperatives are more focused on growth. In the context of grand societal challenges, the strong orientation of social cooperatives on their social impact and their embeddedness in the local territory supports them in the development and implementation of local resolution to these global challenges.
Digital Transformation and Solidarity in Cooperatives
Authors: Sturn Richard
Published: July 2024

The digital transformation amounts to a fundamental reorganisation of the entire institutional setting. Potentials and dangers include new power asymmetries and a precarious “carving out” of specific functions of “traditional” institutions. Digital tools are particularly relevant for knowledge-based and data-intensive activities, goods and services. Based on an institutional-theoretical framework specifically suited to the comparative discussion of cooperatives, firms and markets, the potential functionality of cooperatives in a digitalised world is found to be promising in specific ways.
Experimental and Simulation Study on the Stress Characteristics of Precast U-Shaped Beam Slab of Prestressed Concrete for High-Speed Railways
Authors: Zhang Binghe , Yang Yicai , Jiang Haijun , Yue Zhangsheng , Wan Shumin
Published: July 2024

The precast U-shaped beam slab of prestressed concrete is a crucial structural form in railway bridge construction, with its stress characteristics directly affecting the safety and stability of railway bridges. This study examines the stress characteristics of the slab track, including transverse bending, shear lag effects, and the stress state at the junction between the web and the bottom slab. It selects precast U-beams from actual field projects to investigate the transverse bending performance, shear lag effects, and stress conditions at the junctions through experimental studies. Additionally, by integrating the results of linear and nonlinear finite element analysis, it summarizes the stress characteristics of precast U-shaped beam slabs made of prestressed concrete. This provides references for the design and construction of precast U-shaped beam slabs of prestressed concrete.
Study on Dynamic Porosity and Dynamic Characteristics of Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Zhao Jiaxin
Published: July 2024

Under dynamic load, the porosity of unsaturated soil will change correspondingly, affecting the research accuracy of soil. Therefore, a dynamic response model of unsaturated soil considering dynamic porosity is established based on mixture theory to reveal the dynamic characteristics of unsaturated soils fully. The Comsol Multiphysics PDE is used to analyze the porosity change and dynamic response characteristics of two-dimensional unsaturated soil under vertical harmonic load. The numerical results show that the difference in the upper boundary is an essential factor affecting the dynamic characteristics of the subgrade. Compared with the upper boundary impervious to water and air, the pressure of the liquid and gas phases is zero, and the change of porosity and vertical displacement is more prominent. When considering the dynamic porosity, the porosity decreases under the load, and the resistance becomes more prominent when the soil skeleton is compressed, so the vertical displacement decreases, resulting in a corresponding decrease in liquid and gas phase pressure.
Triaxial Experimental Study on Strength Characteristics of Saturated Soft Soil Under Different Shear Strain Rates
Authors: Liu Yongjian , Luo Lan , Zhang You , Lai Mingyang , Fu Yangpan
Published: July 2024

The China Nansha District of Guangzhou City is located at the geographical center of the Pearl River estuary and the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, is characterized by widely distributed saturated soft soil layers with poor engineering properties. Although many scholars have explored the influence of loading rate on the mechanical properties of soft soil, research on the variation of undrained shear strength of saturated soft soil under different shear strain rates is still limited. This article conducts an in-depth analysis of the mechanical behavior of saturated soft soil under different strain rates through true triaxial consolidated undrained shear tests. Under load, these layers exhibit a significant rate-dependent mechanical behavior. In order to reveal the influence of shear strain rate on the mechanical properties of highly saturated soft soils based on SPAX-2000 test system, a series of true triaxial consolidation undrained shear tests were carried out under different confining pressures and different strain rates, variation rules of undrained shear strength of saturated soft and the pore water pressure with strain rate were analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the strain-rate softening exists in saturated soft soil. Under the same consolidation conditions, the relative growth rate of shear strength is a monotonic increasing function of the logarithm of shear strain rate, and the smaller the intermediate principle stress, the more significant the effect of shear strain rate on shear strength. During the shearing process (The strain-rate range from 10–6/s to 10–2/s), the undrained shear strength of saturated soft soil increases with the growth of shear strain rate, following an exponential variation pattern. In the early stages of loading, the increase in pore water pressure and the maximum pore water pressure are significantly affected by the strain rate. Throughout the testing process, the variation of pore water pressure exhibits some fluctuation and hysteresis. Different from strongly structured clay, the strength of saturated soft soil undergoes a progressive change with the shear strain rate, without showing a distinct critical rate of transition.
A Comprehensive Study on Cracks in Multi-span Simply Supported Beam Bridges Through SolidWorks Analysis
Authors: Hussain Syed Musarat , Hussain Sadaqat , Awais Muhammad , Hussain Syed Sadiq
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on the significant issue of structural cracks in multi-span simply supported beam bridges. This study employs finite element analysis to assess the impact of various parameters, including load conditions, crack locations, and material qualities, on the strength of bridges. The maximum fatigue value recorded was 9.765e + 02, while the minimum was 1.000e + 02, suggesting potential reinforcement measures are necessary. Fatigue analysis helps identify possible structural deficiencies and assess the remaining fatigue life of the various bridge components. These results offer a thorough understanding of the behavior of bridges, hence contributing to the mitigation of risks and advancements in technology.The findings of this study can be used to improve bridge safety in the future through predictive maintenance models. Investigating novel structural materials and techniques will produce more robust, durable bridges.
Study on the Combined Bearing Characteristics of Cutoff Wall-Double Row Piles Composite Foundation
Authors: Wang Libo , Liu Wu , Jang Hao , Shang Jinhang , Yao Huayan , Li Renjie
Published: July 2024

The combination system of cutoff wall and double row piles, as a new type of composite reinforcement structure, can take into account the foundation reinforcement needs of the upper structure’s bearing capacity and the water-rich strata seepage interception. Based on a case of the cutoff wall and double-row piles combination reinforcement foundation at a large ship lock project in Lu’an City, Anhui Province, China, the combined bearing characteristics of the composite reinforcement structure are systematically studied in this study through three-dimensional refined modeling of the geological materials and the reinforcement structural systems. The numerical modeling results indicate that the joint-bearing characteristics of the composite foundation are significantly influenced by the elastic modulus of the material in the linking region between the cutoff wall and the upper structure, as well as the size of the upper load. As the elastic modulus of the linking region increases, the stress, displacement, and load-sharing ratio of the cutoff wall increases. The load-sharing ratio contributed by the cutoff wall decreases significantly from 22% to 3.8% when the elastic modulus of the linking region decreases from 20 GPa to 0.2 GPa. The smaller the upper load, the smaller the load-sharing ratio contributed by the cutoff wall. To protect the cutoff wall and better utilize its seepage-proofing performance, a flexible connection is suggested to be used in the linking region between the cutoff wall and the upper structure, and the upper load level should be controlled. The research has reference significance for better studying the bearing characteristics of composite foundations.
Analysis of Collapse Mechanism and Seismic Measures of RC Frame Structure with Side Corridor
Authors: Jin Huan , Li Shengqiang , Tan Yaokai
Published: July 2024

RC frame structure with side corridor is widely used in the construction of school buildings in southern China, but its seismic performance under strong earthquakes is much lower than the design expectations, and the seismic damage is very serious and even collapsed. Based on the seismic damage of the school building of in Wenchuan Xuankou Middle School, from experimental research to theoretical analysis, and from the RC frame unit model to the spatial frame model, the seismic collapse mechanism and reasons of RC frame structure with side corridor is deeply explored. The study shows that the complex interaction between the masonry infilled wall and the frame cannot be ignored. When infill panels is not arranged reasonably, it is easy to cause the stiffness imbalance of the structure and the relevant failure of the frame column, thereby causing the collapse of the structure, and some seismic measures are proposed.
The Effect of Heavy Loads and Cable Breakage on the Line Shape of Main Girders of One-Tower Cable-Stayed Bridges
Authors: Chen Chaoying , Shen Yinjun
Published: July 2024

To study the adverse vibrations of overloading and cable breakage, a single tower cable-stayed bridge model was established using finite element software ANSYS. The fracture effects of cables at different positions were simulated, and the overall linear changes of the bridge before and after fracture were analyzed. Equivalent vehicle loads were applied to obtain the influence of the most unfavorable fracture on the main beam line shape when the load was distributed at the most unfavorable position. The analysis results show that the impact of cable breakage varies at different positions. Cable breakage at locations with higher cable forces and bending moments will cause more significant vibration in the main beam, resulting in more significant changes in the main beam line shape. It is only when the three cables break that the displacement exceeds the allowable value in the specifications.
Numerical Simulation Study on the Effect of Height to Width Ratio on the Force and Deformation of Netting
Authors: Yang Liulin , Wang Zhaocai , Chu Zhenhan
Published: July 2024

In this paper, based on the basic principle of finite element, the structure of metal mesh is simulated by beam unit in ABAQUS software, the contact parts of mesh are simulated by adding connection unit, and the calculation is carried out after adding steady-state oceanic flow characteristics by ABAQUS/Aqua module, and the mathematical model is verified by citing the experimental results of previous people. On this basis, the total area of the mesh and the flow velocity are guaranteed to be constant, and the height and width of the mesh are changed to analyze the overall mesh, the change law of the long and short sides of the stress and the deformation of the mesh. The results of the numerical simulation show that the total force of the mesh remains unchanged under each working condition; the force of the mesh is mainly transferred along the short side in the uniform incoming flow; the maximum deformation of the mesh is positively related to the mesh height and width ratio under the same flow velocity.
Simulation Research on Emergency Evacuation of Subway Station Based on Latent Class Model
Authors: Cao Zhen , Tang Chenggong , Wang Yuping , Geng Juan , Tian Zhun
Published: July 2024

In order to deeply study the influence of pedestrian psychological behavior on route choice in the emergency evacuation process of subway stations, and quantify the influence of pedestrian psychological heterogeneity on evacuation efficiency, this study establishes an emergency evacuation simulation model based on latent class model to describe the decision-making behavior of pedestrians. Firstly, the stated preference and revealed preference (SP&RP) survey method is used to investigate the psychological behavior of pedestrian groups and the behavior selection mode under different scenarios, and the latent class analysis (LCA) model is established to obtain the latent categories of pedestrians. Then, with the path length in the SP survey as the dependent variable, the distribution probability is obtained by using ordered multiple logistic regression. Finally, the evacuation environment is established in Anylogic for simulation and compared with the questionnaire results. The results show that the LCA model is in good agreement with the real observed values, and can better reflect the path choice behavior of evacuees in reality. There are differences in the influence degree of people with different psychological characteristics on evacuation efficiency. The calm type has the greatest influence on evacuation efficiency, followed by the autonomous type, and the influence of the mass type on evacuation efficiency can be ignored.
FgVAC1 is an Essential Gene Required for Golgi-to-Vacuole Transport and Fungal Development in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Kim Sieun , Park Jiyeun , Han You-Kyoung , Son Hokyoung
Published: July 2024

Fusarium graminearum is an important plant pathogen that causes head blight in cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and rice worldwide. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized FgVAC1, an essential gene in F. graminearum that encodes a Rab5 effector involved in membrane tethering functions. The essentiality of FgVAC1 was confirmed through a conditional promoter replacement strategy using the zearalenone-inducible promoter (PZEAR). Cytological analyses revealed that FgVac1 colocalizes with FgRab51 on early endosomes and regulates the proper transport of the vacuolar hydrolase FgCpy1 to the vacuole. Suppression of FgVAC1 led to inhibited vegetative growth, reduced asexual and sexual reproduction, decreased deoxynivalenol (DON) biosynthesis, and diminished pathogenicity. Our findings highlight the significant role of FgVac1 in vacuolar protein sorting, fungal development, and plant infection in F. graminearum.
Catalytic coal gasification: mechanism, kinetics, and reactor model
Authors: Li Weiwei , Wang Chen , Yu Zhongliang , Song Yuncai
Published: July 2024

Catalytic coal gasification is a promising technology in the field of clean coal utilization. A comprehensive understanding of mechanisms, reaction kinetic, and reactor model is crucial. This article summarizes and analyzes the catalytic mechanisms of key reactions, such as C–O2, C–CO2, C–H2O, and CO–H2. It also compares various kinetic models, including shrinking core model, random pore model, volume model and their respective modifications. Additionally, the article delves into mathematical modellings of catalytic coal gasification, encompassing molecular models or density functional theory, empirical model, computational fluid dynamics, Aspen modeling, and artificial neural network. The aim is to provide a roadmap for the development and scale up of reactors used in catalytic coal gasification.
Plant-mediated green route to the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: in vitro antibacterial potential
Authors: Takcı Deniz Kadir , Ozdenefe Melis Sumengen , Huner Tahsin , Takcı Hatice Aysun Mercimek
Published: July 2024

The plant-mediated, sustainable, facile, eco-friendly, and simple green approaches for the fabrication of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have recently attracted the ever-increasing attention of the scientific community. To date, there has not been any research on green synthesis of ZnO-NPs by Piper guineense (Uziza) seeds widely used as a therapeutic agent is the novelty of the current study. The bioaugmented ZnO-NPs have been manufactured by Uziza seed extract using zinc acetate dihydrate as the precursor and sodium hydroxide with calcination. The hexagonal/spherical crystalline structure at high purely with a mean size of 7.39 nm was confirmed via XRD and SEM analyses of ZnO-NPs. A strong absorption peak at about 350 nm, specific for ZnO-NPs, was observed by a UV-visible spectrometer. The optical bandgap of ZnO-NPs was estimated as about 3.58 eV by the Kubelka-Munk formula. FTIR findings indicated the presence of biofunctional groups responsible for the bioreduction of bulk zinc acetate to ZnO-NPs. The growth rates of E. coli (ATCC 25,922) significantly decreased with ZnO-NPs exhibited compared to the controls. This is making ZnO-NPs promising effective candidates for medical sectors and environmental applications. This current study is hoped to supply a better understanding of the phytosynthesis of ZnO-NPs and promote the advance of green approaches based on plants.
New perspectives on arteriosclerosis treatment using nanoparticles and mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Farokhi Simin , Razavi Zahra-Sadat , Mavaei Maryamosadat , Shadab Alireza , Afkhami Hamed , Sardarabadi Hadi
Published: July 2024

Arteriosclerosis (AS) presents a significant global health challenge, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. This review explores the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as promising modalities for treating AS. NPs enable targeted drug delivery, while MSCs possess immunomodulatory and regenerative capabilities. We discuss recent advances in NP-based drug delivery systems tailored for AS treatment and highlight MSCs’ roles in modulating inflammation and promoting vascular repair. Additionally, we examine the synergistic effects of combining NPs and MSCs for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, this paper provides insights into targeting endothelial cells, T-cells, macrophages, lipid levels, and plaques in AS using MSCs. It also reviews various types of metal-based and non-metallic NPs utilized in AS therapy. This comprehensive overview underscores the potential synergies between MSCs and NPs in cardiovascular disease therapy, emphasizing the need for further research to fully realize their therapeutic implications.

Graphical Abstract
Learning quality, its inequality and sustainable development: evidence from global learning data
Authors: Piao Xiangdan
Published: July 2024

When studies investigate the impact of average schooling or learning scores on economic development, they rarely focus on the effect of inequality in learning quality on economic development. Human capital is defined as inclusive sources combining citizens’ knowledge and treatment skills. This study uses global learning data to investigate a novel effect of the inequality of reading, math, and science learning scores on economic development and energy selection based on links between and within countries. We found that reducing learning outcome inequality among secondary students is crucial for improving economic development from both short-term and long-term perspectives. Moreover, the positive association between students' learning quality and economic development is confirmed. Compared to the within-country effect, the greater between-country effect of the relationship between learning quality and economic development is confirmed, showing that expectations of the between-country effect might overestimate the favorable effect of education on economic development. On the contrary, the findings show that population learning inequality is less likely to affect national attitudes toward nuclear electricity generation or renewable energy adoption. The insightful policy implications suggest that policy makers should consider reducing learning outcome inequality among students and improving the within-country relationship between education and economic development.
Contributions to the knowledge of the geohydraulic model and geothermal potential of the São Vicente Medical Spa aquifer system (Central Portugal)
Authors: Ferreira-Gomes L. M. , Santos-Alves J. F.
Published: July 2024

São Vicente Medical Spa is located in mainland Portugal (Southwest Europe) and has been using thermal waters for therapeutic purposes for a long time. The Romans were known to have used its sulphureous waters around 2000 years ago. The spa has a Roman bathhouse that is still visible today, and its ruins were discovered during recent excavations. In this work are presented some elements of the Roman baths, the current baths, as well as the main aspects of the thermal park, with the location of the sulphureous water abstractions, including the classic thermal spring, which discharges water at a temperature of 18.6 ºC. The geomorphological, geological, and hydrogeological aspects are outlined, giving particular attention to the water chemistry of the various abstractions to develop multiple applications of geothermometers to contribute to the knowledge of the geohydraulic model at depth and the geothermal potential of the aquifer system. The conclusions are drawn from a conceptual model, including the reservoir depth, which, according to various scenarios, will be between 3 km and 8 km, in a favorable situation, respectively, to reach groundwater with temperatures between 112 ºC and 118 ºC. Finally, some remarks are made about the location of the new groundwater abstraction and the depth to be reached to increase the exploitation flows and their temperature. Lastly, it outlined new studies to improve the current geohydraulic model and to investigate its relationship with the deep aquifer systems in its neighborhood, namely the Entre-os-Rios hydromineral system.
Transforming waste into innovation: a review of plastic bricks as sustainable construction materials
Authors: Yadav Kundan , Singh Abhinandan , Bhat Ovais Nazir , Sharma R. L.
Published: July 2024

Plastic waste has become a pressing global issue, posing significant environmental challenges. As the construction industry continues to grow, there is a growing need for sustainable construction materials that can address this problem. This review paper focuses on the transformation of waste into innovation by exploring the use of plastic bricks as sustainable construction materials. The paper examines the manufacturing processes, properties, environmental benefits, challenges, case studies, and future research directions associated with plastic bricks. It highlights the potential of plastic bricks to reduce plastic waste, carbon emissions, and resource consumption. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges related to structural integrity, long-term durability, regulatory compliance, and public perception. Case studies showcase successful implementations of plastic bricks in construction projects, emphasizing their innovative design possibilities, cost-effectiveness, economic feasibility, and notable structural strength. These case studies illustrate that plastic bricks can achieve the necessary strength for construction applications, making them a viable alternative to traditional materials. The paper also discusses the environmental impact and circular economy perspectives of plastic bricks, highlighting their recyclability, reusability, waste management implications, and contribution to circular economy initiatives. Finally, the review concludes with future research directions and recommendations, focusing on advancements in manufacturing techniques, enhanced performance and engineering properties, and long-term performance monitoring and assessment. This comprehensive review sheds light on the transformative potential of plastic bricks as sustainable construction materials and provides insights for addressing the global plastic waste problem.
Longitudinally reinforced recycled aggregate beams without transverse steel: a review
Authors: Abdulla Nwzad Abduljabar
Published: July 2024

Concrete recycling has gained a lot of attention recently in an effort to lessen the material's harmful effects on the environment. Using concrete from construction and demolition debris as a recycled aggregate in fresh concrete can help achieve sustainability in civil construction. For structural applications, a number of studies have used coarse recycled material in concrete beams. The focus of this review is on studies that looked at the shear behavior of concrete beams made from recycled aggregate without shear reinforcement. A number of parameters linked to the mechanical properties and structural behavior of recycled aggregate concrete are evaluated based on experimental and numerical results. Computational methods adopted for shear capacity of recycled concrete beams without stirrups were also assessed. The current study offers fresh perspectives in this area of study, which helps to encourage the responsible usage of recycled aggregate in civil engineering applications.
Spin-filtering properties of topological structures based on stanene and bismuthene nanoribbons with one edge magnetism
Authors: Akhoundi Elaheh , Houssa Michel , Afzalian Aryan
Published: July 2024

The transport properties of spin filters based on two-dimensional magnetic topological insulators (TI) with magnetism at one edge are theoretically studied. The non-equilibrium-Green’s-function (NEGF) formalism based on density functional theory (DFT) derived Hamiltonian is used to study the one-way helical edge states in these structures. We investigated the electronic and magnetic properties of stanene and bismuthene nanoribbons with various metal edge modifications. Our DFT simulations predict the formation of one-way helical edge states in stanene nanoribbons with asymmetric edge passivation. Our results suggest that the spin filtering properties of such structures outperform a comparable spin filter based on spin-polarized quantum-anomalous-Hall effect, as it bypasses a need for a strict interplay of magnetism, topology, and a large electric field (around 2 V gate voltage difference).
Interaktionsqualität in Kinderkrippen
Authors: Flöter Manja , Barta Mailina , Geißler Claudia , Pölzl-Stefanec Eva , Walter-Laager Catherine
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Internationale Studien zeigen, dass eine gute Interaktionsqualität zwischen pädagogischen Fachkräften und Kindern für die kindliche Entwicklung bedeutsam ist. Der vorliegende Artikel beschäftigt sich mit dem Status Quo der Interaktionsqualität in deutschen und österreichischen Kinderkrippen, da in den beiden Ländern bislang nur eine begrenzte Datenlage für den Krippenbereich vorliegt. Die Stichprobe umfasst quantitative Daten aus insgesamt 250 nicht teilnehmenden Beobachtungen pädagogischer Fachkräfte ( ND = 123; NAT = 127) mit dem Qualitätsmessinstrument GrazIAS. Die Ergebnisse zeigen keinen Unterschied zwischen den Ländern bezüglich der Subskala Beziehung und Wohlbefinden sichern. Demgegenüber fällt die Qualität in der Subskala Lernanregung in deutschen Krippen signifikant höher als in österreichischen aus.
Einsatz digitaler Medien in der Elternkommunikation
Authors: Hummel Theresia G. , Cohen Franziska , Anders Yvonne
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Im Zuge gesellschaftlicher Entwicklungen gewinnen neue Herangehensweisen in der Elternzusammenarbeit an Bedeutung. Digitale Medien nehmen hierbei eine wichtige Rolle ein. Der Beitrag untersucht mithilfe von inhaltsanalytischer Auswertungen und multipler Regressionsanalysen, a) welche digitalen Medien in der Elternkommunikation genutzt werden und b) ob Einstellungs-, Orientierungsmerkmale und Qualifikationen frühpädagogischer Fachkräfte für die Implementation digital gestützter Elternkommunikation bedeutsam sind. Datenbasis bildet eine Onlinebefragung von 266 Fachkräften in Kindertageseinrichtungen. Die Ergebnisse verweisen auf eine vielfältige Nutzung von digitalen Medien in der Elternkommunikation, die sich teilweise auf Fachkraftmerkmale (z.B. Fort- und Weiterbildungsaktivität) zurückführen lässt. Die Befunde werden im Hinblick auf Implikationen für die Praxis und weiteren Forschungsbedarf diskutiert.
A Feature-Space Theory of the Production Effect in Recognition
Authors: Caplan Jeremy B. , Guitard Dominic
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Mathematical models explaining production effects assume that production leads to the encoding of additional features, such as phonological ones. This improves memory with a combination of encoding strength and feature distinctiveness, implementing aspects of propositional theories. However, it is not clear why production differs from other manipulations such as study time and spaced repetition, which are also thought to influence strength. Here we extend attentional subsetting theory and propose an explanation based on the dimensionality of feature spaces. Specifically, we suggest phonological features are drawn from a compact feature space. Deeper features are sparsely subselected from a larger subspace. Algebraic and numerical solutions shed light on several findings, including the dependency of production effects on how other list items are encoded (differing from other strength factors) and the production advantage even for homophones. This places production within a continuum of strength-like manipulations that differ in terms of the feature subspaces they operate upon and leads to novel predictions based on direct manipulations of feature-space properties.
More Than Half of Contiguous U.S. River Water Comes from Ephemeral Streams
Authors: Scharping Nathaniel
Published: July 2024

The finding has potential implications for water regulations, which don’t currently cover these seasonal streams.
A multibranch and multiscale neural network based on semantic perception for multimodal medical image fusion
Authors: Lin Cong , Chen Yinjie , Feng Siling , Huang Mengxing
Published: July 2024

Medical imaging is indispensable for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, with modalities like MRI and CT providing diverse yet complementary information. Traditional image fusion methods, while essential in consolidating information from multiple modalities, often suffer from poor image quality and loss of crucial details due to inadequate handling of semantic information and limited feature extraction capabilities. This paper introduces a novel medical image fusion technique leveraging unsupervised image segmentation to enhance the semantic understanding of the fusion process. The proposed method, named DUSMIF, employs a multi-branch, multi-scale deep learning architecture that integrates advanced attention mechanisms to refine the feature extraction and fusion processes. An innovative approach that utilizes unsupervised image segmentation to extract semantic information is introduced, which is then integrated into the fusion process. This not only enhances the semantic relevance of the fused images but also improves the overall fusion quality. The paper proposes a sophisticated network structure that extracts and fuses features at multiple scales and across multiple branches. This structure is designed to capture a comprehensive range of image details and contextual information, significantly improving the fusion outcomes. Multiple attention mechanisms are incorporated to selectively emphasize important features and integrate them effectively across different modalities and scales. This approach ensures that the fused images maintain high quality and detail fidelity. A joint loss function combining content loss, structural similarity loss, and semantic loss is formulated. This function not only guides the network in preserving image brightness and texture but also ensures that the fused image closely resembles the source images in both content and structure. The proposed method demonstrates superior performance over existing fusion techniques in objective assessments and subjective evaluations, confirming its effectiveness in enhancing the diagnostic utility of fused medical images.
On the critical competition between singlet exciton decay and free charge generation in non-fullerene based organic solar cells with low energetic offsets
Authors: Pranav Manasi , Shukla Atul , Moser David , Rumeney Julia , Liu Wenlan , Wang Rong , Sun Bowen , Smeets Sander , Tokmoldin Nurlan , Cao Yonglin , He Guorui , Beitz Thorben , Jaiser Frank , Hultzsch Thomas , Shoaee Safa , Maes Wouter , Lüer Larry , Brabec Christoph , Vandewal Koen , Andrienko Denis , Ludwigs Sabine , Neher Dieter
Published: July 2024

A quantitative study, supported by Marcus theory and DFT, showing why the fate of singlet excitons is the pivot to free charge generation in low-energy offset organic solar cells.
Fully printed flexible perovskite solar modules with improved energy alignment by tin oxide surface modification
Authors: Dong Lirong , Qiu Shudi , García Cerrillo José , Wagner Michael , Kasian Olga , Feroze Sarmad , Jang Dongju , Li Chaohui , M. Le Corre Vincent , Zhang Kaicheng , Peisert Heiko , U. Kosasih Felix , Ducati Caterina , Arrive Charline , Du Tian , Yang Fu , J. Brabec Christoph , Egelhaaf Hans-Joachim
Published: July 2024

Fully printed carbon-based flexible perovskite module with an efficiency of 11.6%.
High-solvation electrolytes for ultra-stable calcium-ion storage
Authors: Wang Junjun , Yu Ruohan , Jiang Yalong , Qiao Fan , Liao Xiaobin , Wang Jianxiang , Huang Meng , Xiong Fangyu , Cui Lianmeng , Dai Yuhang , Zhang Lei , An Qinyou , He Guanjie , Mai Liqiang
Published: July 2024

Calcium-ion batteries (CIBs) have potential as electrochemical energy storage devices due to the low redox potential of Ca2+/Ca and the abundant reserves of Ca.
Research on Landslide Disaster Risk Assessment Method Based on GIS and Information Model
Authors: Xu Jiangtao , Sun Chengyong , Zhou Yujun , Zhang Yaohui
Published: July 2024

In this paper,a geological disaster early warning model is constructed based on GIS,and a susceptibility evaluation system is constructed by using GIS spatial information system to obtain seven influencing factors,including slope,topographic relief,slope shape,rock and soil mass type,geological structure,land use type and vegetation coverage rate.The information quantity value of each influencing factor is determined based on the information model method.At the same time,the hidden points of geological disasters in research area are superimposed and the prone zones are divided to provide reference for the prediction and prevention of geological disasters in this area.
Scientific Justification of the Nature of Ultramudflow Disaster
Authors: Krinochkina Olga , Kurochkina Valentina , Lavrusevich Andrey , Mashkova Elena
Published: July 2024

Based on the research and analysis of numerous publications about the Genaldon disaster, the authors propose an ingenious, scientifically grounded approach to understanding the nature of the process. It is shown that the mechanism of displacement of large ice-waterrock (moraine-ice) masses has a complicated pattern and represents an ultramudflow displacement. Initially, several mechanisms were implemented in the process: 1) impact; 2) vibration and 3) water hammer. At the beginning, this led to the breakaway of the glacier, its movement, disintegration, and then the gliding mechanism turned on and caused stretching of the moving mass, its rocking and powerful blows against the sides of the valley in the Karmadon Gorge, then its compaction, squeezing and stopping at the Karmadon Gate. Below is the zone of low-power water-soil mass accumulation.
Soil organic carbon stock assessment for soil fertility improvement, ecosystem restoration and climate-change mitigation
Authors: Tesfay Tumuzghi , Mohamed Elsayed S. , Ghebretnsae Tesfalem W. , Ghebremariam Samuel B. , Mehrteab Medhanie
Published: July 2024

Food insecurity, land degradation, desertification, and climatechange are prevalent in Eritrea. Though SOC stock is very crucial for soil fertility improvement, ecosystem restoration and climate-change mitigation, the status of it in different land uses in Eritrea is unknown. Thus, the study collected 64 surface soil samples from rainfed, irrigated, enclosure and grazing land uses from Keren subzone, Eritrea, and analysed for SOC. The ANOVA test results showed that land uses had very highly significant effects on SOC stock (p < 0.001). Rainfed and irrigated cropping recorded the minimum and maximum mean SOC stocks, 6.57 and 25.29 Mg ha-1, respectively. This implies that shifting from rainfed to irrigated agriculture would not only contribute to soil fertility improvement, increased yield, and food security but also to climate-change mitigation. Converting the 2500 hectares rainfed land in the study area to irrigated, would store 46,800 Mg C and offset 171,756 Mg CO2 emission. Grazing and enclosure land uses with 18.53 and 18.92 Mg SOC stocks ha-1, respectively, had no significant difference between them (Tukey test) which indicates poor enclosure management. Thus, the study realizes that irrigated agriculture with good agronomic practices is helpful to improve soil quality and mitigate climatechange.
Resistance of various soil geosystem bacteria to enzymatic lysis at different pH
Authors: Gasanova Dariya A. , Smirnov Sergey A. , Rastriga Nikolay V. , Klimov Dmitriy A. , Levashov Pavel A.
Published: July 2024

Bacteria appear to be an inevitable element of soil geochemistry because they participate actively in chemical transformations of soil media components. One of the factors determining the composition of bacterial population in soil is resistance of bacteria to enzymes which hydrolyze cell walls. In the following research, resistance of bacteria (Priestia megaterium, Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli) to lysozyme in the pH range appropriate for soils is investigated. All the three species are proved to be most sensitive to lysozyme in slightly alkaline conditions (P. megaterium is least resistant at pH 8.0, M. luteus at pH 8.3, E. coli at pH 8.5), and resistance of all the three microorganisms in the range of pH values of 6.0—7.0 changes insignificantly. A possible factor defining the pH optimum for lysozyme activity in relation to these bacteria is the structure of negatively charged components of their cell walls and outer membranes.