bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Consumer’s Willingness to Engage with Digital Reuse Systems
Authors: Matthews Meghann , Webb Thomas L.
Published: October 2023

Reusable packaging systems can help tackle the global problem of plastic waste by keeping material in circulation. Furthermore, technology now makes it possible to trace material as it moves through the reuse process, which potentially confers benefits across the supply chain. However, research into these digital reuse systems remains limited, particularly from the perspective of consumers who are asked to use such systems. The current work involved a series of online studies designed to identify (i) the barriers and enablers to engaging with digital reuse systems, (ii) which are most strongly endorsed and predict willingness to engage, and (iii) what information about digital reuse systems influences consumers’ willingness to engage and their beliefs. Studies 1 (N = 40) and 2 (N = 300) found that, while people are typically willing to engage with digital reuse systems, some people have concerns over the tracking aspect of digital reuse systems, and this is associated with their willingness to engage. Study 3 (N = 690) found that providing consumers with different types of information about digital reuse systems (e.g., going into more vs. less detail) did not influence their willingness to engage with digital reuse systems or their beliefs about the systems. These findings have implications for how digital reuse systems should be implemented.
Big Data Analysis for Travel Time Characterization in Public Transportation Systems
Authors: Nesmachnow Sergio , Massobrio Renzo , Guridi Santiago , Olmedo Santiago , Tchernykh Andrei
Published: October 2023

In this article, we introduces a model based on big data analysis to characterize the travel times of buses in public transportation systems. Travel time is a critical factor in evaluating the accessibility of opportunities and the overall quality of service of public transportation systems. The methodology applies data analysis to compute estimations of the travel time of public transportation buses by leveraging both open-source and private information sources. The approach is evaluated for the public transportation system in Montevideo, Uruguay using information about bus stop locations, bus routes, vehicle locations, ticket sales, and timetables. The estimated travel times from the proposed methodology are compared with the scheduled timetables, and relevant indicators are computed based on the findings. The most relevant quantitative results indicate a reasonably good level of punctuality in the public transportation system. Delays were between 10.5% and 13.9% during rush hours and between 8.5% and 13.7% during non-peak hours. Delays were similarly distributed for working days and weekends. In terms of speed, the results show that the average operational speed is close to 18 km/h, with short local lines exhibiting greater variability in their speed.
Multivariate Analysis of Harvested Rainwater Quality Utilizing Sustainable Solar-Energy-Driven Water Treatment
Authors: Khalid Bisma , Alodah Abdullah
Published: October 2023

The rising importance of utilizing rainwater as a sustainable and viable alternative water source is evident amid increasing urbanization and the mounting global apprehensions about water scarcity. This research aims to develop a comprehensive and sustainable approach to rainwater treatment by effectively utilizing the recently constructed solar panels at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) in Pakistan. The study’s distinctiveness lies in its comprehensive examination of treatment plant efficiency under various weather conditions in a water-scarce region. The main objective of this work is to maximize the harvested rainwater in order to provide safe drinking water while lessening the carbon footprint of treatment operations. The proposed University of Engineering and Technology water purification process (UETWPP) method involves a sequence of four essential rainwater filtration stages, namely aeration, absorption, sediment filtration, and finally, UV disinfection, all powered by solar energy. Water samples were collected monthly for a year to assess the quality of untreated and treated rainwater, including physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Multivariate analysis techniques were used to assess these parameters, including the Friedman test and principal component analyses. By reducing the initial set of twenty components down to the four most critical ones identified in the untreated water samples, the interrelationships among these components were investigated. The results indicate that the quality of treated water using the UETWPP process was found to be suitable for human consumption, aligning with the local standards as well as those established by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the effectiveness of the process in transforming rainwater into potable water. Ultimately, this pilot project showcases the viability and economic efficiency of the proposed system, rendering it easily implementable in other regions.
Relationships between Informal Sports Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mercader-Rubio Isabel , Ángel Nieves Gutiérrez , Teixeira Ana , Brito-Costa Sónia
Published: October 2023

Sports leadership research has increased in recent years in sport psychology and is now considered an indication of variables such as sport efficacy, satisfaction and happiness with sport, and emotional well-being. The aim of this manuscript is to analyze the relationship between informal sports leadership and each of the dimensions of emotional intelligence. Two validated and standardized instruments were applied to measure each of the psychological constructs, respectively, that make up the thematic axis of this research. Thus, to measure self-perceived leadership, we used the Sport Leadership Behavioral Scale and its Spanish version, the Sport Leadership Behavioral Inventory. On the other hand, to measure the self-perceived emotional intelligence of the participants, we used the Trait Meta Mood Scale (TMMS-24). The total number of participants was 163 students with a mean age of 20.33 years (SD = 3.44) from university degrees related to physical activity and sport sciences. The main contribution of our research lies in the demonstration that there is a statistically significant relationship between clarity and emotional regulation with empathy (=0.18, p < 0.001), decision making (=0.08, p < 0.001), social support l (=0.19, p < 0.001) and sports values (=0.01, p < 0.001). This indicates that the definition of a leader is a person who is aware of their own emotions and those of their group, who fosters positive, communicative, supportive inter-relationships based on sporting values, through the exercise of a positive influence on the other members of the group. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the existence of a significant connection between the components of emotional intelligence (attention, clarity and regulation) and sports leadership (social support, empathy, sports values, decision making and task orientation). Thus, this study concludes that this link is characterized by being direct and positive.
Food Systems Transformation in Scotland—The Journey to, Vision of, and Challenges Facing the New Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act
Authors: Brennan Mary
Published: October 2023

Building on growing global and local calls for food systems transformation, and years of policy and legislative consultation (2009–2022), the Scottish Parliament unanimously passed transformational food systems legislation in June 2022. Built on a clear vision, clarity of purpose, a common set of outcomes, an agreed direction of travel, strong partnership working, sufficient time, and independent oversight, the Good Food Nation (GFN) (Scotland) Act is an innovative legislative framework designed to foster a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable Scottish food system for all. It places, for the first time, statutory responsibilities on the Scottish Government and relevant authorities (all Scottish local authorities and public health boards) to develop and implement national and local GFN plans, and importantly, makes provision for the establishment of a new independent, statutory Scottish Food Commission to oversee the implementation, with significant powers of oversight and scrutiny and a formal remit to make recommendations to any Scottish ministers and relevant authorities regarding issues/actions relevant to the Good Food Nation Plans. This paper outlines Scotland’s agriculture, food, and drink sector, reviews its food policy and GFN journey since the establishment of the Scottish parliament in 1999, critiques the core principles, stated outcomes, key provisions, and planned timescales of the GFN (Scotland) Act, reflects on its transformational potential, and considers unresolved concerns and remaining tensions.
Sustainable Ice Cream Base: Harnessing Mango Seed Kernel (Mangifera indica L. var. Tommy Atkins) Waste and Cheese Whey
Authors: Trejo-Flores Pedro Gerardo , Santiago-Rodríguez Lester Alejandro , Domínguez-Espinosa María Emperatriz , Cruz-Salomón Abumalé , Velázquez-Jiménez Paulina Elizabeth , Hernández-Méndez Jesús Mauricio Ernesto , Morales-Ovando Mario Alberto , Cruz-Salomón Kelly del Carmen , Hernández-Cruz Maritza del Carmen , Vázquez-Villegas Paola Tayde , Cruz-Rodríguez Rosa Isela , Serrano-Ramírez Rocío del Pilar , Sánchez-Roque Yazmin , Vilchis-Bravo Heber
Published: October 2023

The agro-food industry plays a crucial role in enhancing living standards; however, inadequate losses and waste management persists as significant challenges within its processes. Particularly, mango and cheese processing generate substantial waste, leading to ecological disruptions, economic losses, and concerns related to food security and public health. To address these issues, this study was aimed at utilizing this waste to produce a high-quality ice cream base, thereby valorizing the discarded materials. This approach not only adds nutritional value but also contributes to food security and sovereignty. The raw materials (cheese whey, oil, and starch) were subjected to physicochemical characterization, leading to the development of three different ice cream base formulations. Subsequently, the ice cream bases were evaluated for their physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties. The findings of this study revealed that mango seed kernel and cheese whey waste contain valuable components that enable the creation of an ice cream base with excellent physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties. Moreover, this research showcases a promising solution for effectively valorizing food waste and generating value-added products such as ice cream, thus promoting sustainability and resource optimization within the agro-food industry.
Impact of Population Density on Spatial Differences in the Economic Growth of Urban Agglomerations: The Case of Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Chen Le , Yu Leshui , Yin Jiangbin , Xi Meijun
Published: October 2023

In the new period of ups and downs in the international environment, it is necessary to seek a new endogenous impetus for the economic growth of urban agglomerations. Population agglomeration provides a new idea to explain the spatial differences in the economic growth of urban agglomerations. Thus, we ask the question, does population agglomeration affect the spatial differences in the economic growth of urban agglomerations, and how? This study first measured the spatial differences in district- and county-scale economic growth in China’s Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration from 2005 to 2020 and then constructed an empirical formula to calculate the impact of population density on the urban agglomeration’s economic growth, taking into account the roles of both intra- and inter-district and county interactions. Thus, based on the population density data extracted from nighttime lighting data, we analyzed the impact of population density on economic growth within urban agglomerations, as well as the extent of the impact of population density on economic growth when incorporating spillover effects from neighboring districts and counties. The results indicate that, firstly, the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration in China has formed a “core-periphery” development pattern, with the main urban areas of Xi’an–Xianyang and Baoji as the core and the core area gradually spreading out to the neighboring districts and counties of their cities. Secondly, population density can significantly and steadily promote the economic growth of the districts and counties within the urban agglomeration, and the population agglomeration of districts and counties with railway stations can have a stronger effect on the economic growth of these districts and counties. Third, the agglomeration of economic and demographic factors in neighboring counties has a positive spillover effect on the local economy, while the positive impact of population density on economic growth remains unchanged when it is integrated into the spillover effect of neighboring counties. This study not only provides a theoretical basis for systematically exploring the influence of population density on the economic growth of urban agglomerations but also provides a reference for local governments to formulate policies related to regional economic development and spatial territorial planning. According to the research conclusion, this study suggests that local governments can continue to promote the regional development policy of spatial agglomeration and intensive land planning, strengthen the construction of the industrial chain and road network within the urban agglomeration, and deepen the network connection between districts and counties.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamic Characteristics and Landscape Connectivity of Heat Islands in Xiamen in the Face of Rapid Urbanization
Authors: Chen Ziyi , Lin Xiaoqian , Li Mingzhe , Chen Ye , Huang Yabing , Zhu Yujie , Chen Jiaxin , Li Taoyu , Fu Weicong , Dong Jianwen
Published: October 2023

With the acceleration of urbanization, urban heat waves have become a major problem affecting the lives of citizens. In this context, the accurate identification of the key patches and nodes of urban heat islands is important for improving the urban environment. This study examined the Landsat image data from Xiamen city in 2001, 2011, and 2021 to analyze the construction of the urban heat island (UHI) network. A morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and landscape connectivity model were utilized to identify the central thermal landscape patches and key nodes of UHI and their spatial and temporal evolution characteristics in the urban development process. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide valuable insights that can contribute to the enhancement of the urban environment. The results showed that (1) there was a significant increase in the heat island area (HIA) of Xiamen from 2001 to 2021, and the heat island patches show a concentrated trend. The temperature contrast between the urban area and the surrounding countryside was more distinct, indicating the urban construction land has a tendency to gather and spread. (2) The core area of the heat island accounted for the largest proportion of the thermal landscape area during the study period, and its proportion increased significantly. And the rate of increase was first rapid and then slow. The areas of the edge, branch, islet, bridge, loop, and perforation classes all showed different degrees of a decreasing trend. This indicates an increasing degree of aggregation between heat island patches. (3) The top 20 thermal landscape patches with high landscape connectivity importance values were identified. Among them, the importance value and area of the first four patches are relatively large, and belong to the three importance classes of extremely important, important, and generally important heat island core patches, which deserve focused attention and optimization. (4) Cooling measures can be prioritized for core areas of heat islands with high importance values. Connections between hot and cold islands can be interrupted or connected to mitigate the heat island effect throughout the region. The results of this study have important practical guidance for urban planning and sustainable development.
Vulnerability Assessment of Potato Growth to Climate Change Based on GIS in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Yang Li-Tao , Sun Yong-Gang , Jiang Chuan , Zhao Jun-Fang , Qian Jin-Xia
Published: October 2023

Since 2016, the potato has gradually become the fourth major staple food in China, and the potato planting area and total output in Inner Mongolia rank among the top in the country. Potato is a climate dominant crop in Inner Mongolia, and it is an urgent requirement to study the impact of the potato’s climate vulnerability and effectively avoid climate risks to ensure national food security. An index system for a vulnerability assessment of potato production in Inner Mongolia was established based on GIS and AHP. Based on the definition of vulnerability and the theory of disaster risk, a comprehensive evaluation model of potato growth vulnerability was established. The results showed that the potato production in central Inner Mongolia was highly vulnerable, while the potato production in eastern and western Inner Mongolia was relatively vulnerable. Central Ulanqab, southern Hohhot, southern Baotou and southwestern Xilin Gol League were most vulnerable. The eastern part of Hulunbuir, Xingan League, Tongliao City and the southern part of Ordos City are the least vulnerable areas, while Chifeng, Bayannur and most other parts of northern Ordos City are moderately vulnerable areas. According to the different influencing factors of climate change vulnerability in major potato producing areas, different countermeasures should be taken respectively. The results can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of potato production in autonomous regions. The research results were approved by the national Potato Meteorological Service Center.
Activated Carbon and P-Rich Fertilizer Production from Industrial Sludge by Application of an Integrated Thermo-Chemical Treatment
Authors: Salimbeni Andrea , Di Bianca Marta , Rizzo Andrea Maria , Chiaramonti David
Published: October 2023

The cost and environmental impact of sludge disposal methods highlight the necessity of new solutions for resource recovery. This study aims at concurrently producing activated carbon while recovering phosphorous by applying an integrated thermo-chemical treatment to a sludge of industrial origin. The sludge was first subjected to slow pyrolysis on a laboratory scale at different temperatures, and the produced chars were processed by leaching to obtain biocoal. Leaching tests enabled us to define the optimal slow pyrolysis temperatures to maximize leaching performances. Then, sludge was processed in a slow pyrolysis pilot-scale plant, and the produced char was subjected to acid leaching and finally to physical activation. Chemical precipitation was then applied to the liquid leachate to recover phosphorous as a salt. Laboratory-scale slow pyrolysis and leaching tests showed that a higher pyrolysis temperature leads to a lower degree of demineralization by leaching. Leaching enabled us to reduce the char ash content by almost 88%, extracting 100% P, Mg, Ca, and Fe and almost 90% Al. Physical activation of biocoal with CO2 at 700 and 800 °C produced materials with a surface area of 353 and 417 m2 g−1, respectively, that make them potentially applicable as adsorbents in wastewater treatment or in industrial emissions processes. Moreover, the activated carbons showed the atomic H/C and O/C ratios of anthracite, which opens a wide range of alternative market applications to fossil coal, such as metallurgy and the advanced material sector. In addition, the high P and K concentrations in the salt obtained by precipitation make it a promising fertilizing product in line with the current regulations.
A Systematic Literature Review on Migration and Remittances in Mountainous Regions: Key Takeaways for Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, South Africa
Authors: Sunge Regret , Mudzingiri Calvin
Published: October 2023

Remittances are essential to the sustainability of economies in mountainous regions that face massive labour migration due to limited income generation and employment opportunities. In 2021, the share of remittances in GDP in the top 10 mountainous economies in the world was over 20%. Nonetheless, most are characterised by relatively lower GDP per capita and high poverty levels. Drawing a comparison with other mountainous areas, Phuthaditjhaba, an emerging mountainous city of South Africa on the border with Lesotho, faces similar out-migration and inferior socio-economic parameters. A global systematic literature review on the impact of remittances on livelihoods, specifically targeting mountainous areas, is missing. We, therefore, interrogate the role that remittances can play in Phuthaditjhaba. To inform our intended research, we seek to draw lessons from evidence on how migration and remittances affect mountainous communities globally. Accordingly, we carry out a systematic literature review (SLR) based on an updated Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 statement supported by bibliometric (co-word) analysis (BA) in VOSViewer. We collected data from the Scopus and Dimensions websites and drew 165 publications, of which only 88 were included after exclusion and inclusion assessments. The PRISMA results show that Mountain Research and Development, Russell King, and Nepal are the most productive and cited journal, the most productive and cited author, and the most researched country, respectively. The bibliometric analysis on keyword co-occurrences revealed that women, agriculture, labour migration, land management, forest, and poverty are the research hotspots. In light of these findings, we proffer important recommendations for future researchers and policymakers and identify thematic research areas for Phuthaditjhaba.
Bluer Than Blue: Exit from Policy Support for Clean Marine Energy
Authors: Roeben Volker , Macatangay Rafael Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

The amendment or removal of superfluous government support policies is typically difficult, yet in the ever more important debate on low-carbon (i.e., clean) marine energy policy under the international law of climate action, the law of the sea, and international investment protection, there are additional dimensions of legal or economic peril. Coastal states enact policies subsidising clean energy investments, such as offshore wind energy generation, in their exclusive economic zones or continental shelves. Investors are attracted to the prospect that policies granting subsidies for ostensibly new industries are sufficiently durable. Are such subsidy policies salient or stale? In principle, the purpose of regulatory policy is the promotion of social welfare, and hence, there is an optimal incidence, magnitude, and duration of the subsidy, in essence, an ideal strategy for starting, altering, or exiting such policy. We aim to introduce the concept of optimisation to the design and implementation of regulatory policy in this context. Our contribution is to offer three maxims of optimal clean marine energy law and policy: the efficiency and equity of alternative regulatory arrangements; the continuous optimisation of such arrangements; and the recognition of linguistic entanglements in the law. We test these maxims against the case of clean marine energy policy on offshore wind energy generation. One legal implication for international investment protection is that coastal states should establish a policy exit clause in their investment contracts. Our analysis of policy optimisation is generalisable across policies supporting the transition to sustainable energy forms.
Unleashing Employee Potential: A Mixed-Methods Study of High-Performance Work Systems in Bangladeshi Banks
Authors: Khan Sardana Islam , Haque Amlan , Bartram Timothy
Published: October 2023

This two-stage sequential mixed-methods study explores the contextual configuration of perceived high-performance work systems (HPWSs) and its association with psychological empowerment (PE), trust in immediate managers (ET), affective commitment (AC) and employee performance (EP) in two Bangladeshi private commercial banks (PCBLs). In the first stage, qualitative data were collected through interviews with 15 industry experts. Based on the qualitative findings, a HPWS framework has been hypothesised and tested using the survey data from 436 employees in the two selected PCBLs in Bangladesh. The findings demonstrated that ET and PE both mediated the perceived HPWS–EP link and that perceived HPWS positively influences AC. However, AC does not mediate the HPWS–EP link. In line with the social exchange theory, perceived HPWS can positively predict attitudinal outcomes and employee performance, provided it is configured to the specific institutional context. Implications are drawn for HPWS theory, sustainable HR development and performance, and future international human resource management research.
Research on the Dynamic Characteristics of Photovoltaic Power Production and Sales Based on Game Theory
Authors: Hou Yanfang , Tian Hui
Published: October 2023

This paper mainly studies the dynamic characteristics of production and sales of distributed photovoltaic power. This is beneficial for the construction and development of a green power system, and it promotes the sustainable development of the social economy. First, the production and sales laws of the photovoltaic power are analyzed, and the trade process between photovoltaic power producers (PVPs) and photovoltaic power demanders (PVDs) is modeled as a game. Different from the existing relevant literature, two kinds of payoff bimatrices are provided, which correspond to the PVD market and PVP market, respectively. Then, the dynamic characteristics of the model are revealed by using the semitensor product method. The results present a more reliable theoretical basis for the sustainable development of the green electricity market. Finally, through an illustrative example, it can be seen that the strategies of all participants are constantly changing to obtain more profits rather than stable at a traditional Nash equilibrium point. It is worth pointing out that the method and results are applicable to other distributed low-carbon energies, contributing to the development of sustainable energy systems.
Radar Interferometry for Urban Infrastructure Stability Monitoring: From Techniques to Applications
Authors: Wu Songbo , Zhang Bochen , Ding Xiaoli , Zhang Lei , Zhang Zhijie , Zhang Zeyu
Published: October 2023

Urban infrastructure is an important part of supporting the daily operation of a city. The stability of infrastructure is subject to various deformations related to disasters, engineering activities, and loadings. Regular monitoring of such deformations is critical to identify potential risks to infrastructure and take timely remedial actions. Among the advanced geodetic technologies available, radar interferometry has been widely used for infrastructure stability monitoring due to its extensive coverage, high spatial resolution, and accurate deformation measurements. Specifically, spaceborne InSAR and ground-based radar interferometry have become increasingly utilized in this field. This paper presents a comprehensive review of both technologies for monitoring urban infrastructures. The review begins by introducing the principles and their technical development. Then, a bibliometric analysis and the major advancements and applications of urban infrastructure monitoring are introduced. Finally, the paper identifies several challenges associated with those two radar interferometry technologies for monitoring urban infrastructure. These challenges include the inconsistent in the distribution of selected measurements from different methods, obstacles arising from rapid urbanization and geometric distortion, specialized monitoring techniques for distinct urban features, long-term deformation monitoring, and accurate interpretation of deformation. It is important to carry out further research to tackle these challenges effectively.
The Healthy and Sustainable City—Influences of the Built Environment on Active Travel
Authors: Kopal Kerstin , Wittowsky Dirk
Published: October 2023

The city’s built environment and functionality play a crucial role in shaping individual mobility patterns, impacting the overall health and quality of life of its population. Understanding these influences is an important research topic, making it a central focus of this paper. This study aims to identify the factors responsible for promoting healthy mobility behavior. To address this comprehensively, a multidisciplinary empirical survey was developed based on the “Triad”—a model consisting of the built environment, mobility(-behavior), and public health. In addition to the evaluation of socio-demographic factors and activity radius mapping, statistical analyses like multiple linear regression were used. These statistical analyses allow the assessment of the impact of various independent variables on the promotion of healthy mobility behavior within urban settings. The multiple regression shows that the satisfaction with the accessibility of public transport and the sense of safety as a cyclist contribute to explaining the variation of healthy mobility. Furthermore, the satisfaction with walking in the neighborhood and the inhalation of exhaust fumes while walking also seem to have an impact. The results show the link between the Triad and make it clear that mobility planning and urban planning must take a more integrated approach to promote health and simultaneously protect the climate.
Stability Results and Parametric Delayed Mittag–Leffler Matrices in Symmetric Fuzzy–Random Spaces with Application
Authors: O’Regan Donal , Aderyani Safoura Rezaei , Saadati Reza , Li Chenkuan
Published: October 2023

We introduce a matrix-valued fractional delay differential system in diverse cases and present Fox type stability results with applications of aggregated special functions. In addition we present an example showing the numerical solutions based on the second type Kudryashov method. Finally, via the method of variation of constants, and some properties of the parametric Mittag–Leffler matrices, we obtain both symmetric random and symmetric fuzzy finite-time stability results for the governing fractional delay model. A numerical example is considered to illustrate applicability of the study.
Solvability Criteria for Uncertain Differential Equations and Their Applicability in an Economic Lot-Size Model with a Type-2 Interval Phenomenon
Authors: Rahaman Mostafijur , Haque Rakibul , Alam Shariful , Zupok Sebastian , Salahshour Soheil , Azizzadeh Fariba , Mondal Sankar Prasad
Published: October 2023

Interval numbers comprise potential fields of application and describe the imprecision brought on by the flexible nature of data between boundaries. The recently added type-2 interval number allows a more thorough understanding of interval numbers. Differential equations are commonly employed in mathematical models to handle dynamic problems. It is essential to provide theories of differential equations to describe these models in an ambiguous environment controlled by type-2 interval numbers. This study proposes the type-2 interval context solvability requirements for the initial-valued first differential equation. The conditions for the solution’s existence and uniqueness must be met before a brief manifestation of the solution under generalized Hukuhara differentiation occurs. An economic order quantity model analysis in a type-2 interval scenario uses a generalized Hukuhara differentiation approach.
Unsymmetrically Distributed Bolt Axial Forces between Symmetrically Spaced Bolts of Clamping Sleeve
Authors: Hruzik Lukas , Struz Jiri , Trochta Miroslav , Zacal Jiri
Published: October 2023

This article deals with the uniformity of the distribution of axial forces between the individual bolts of the clamping sleeve. Clamping sleeves are machine components connecting the shaft to the hub using contact force. For sleeve pretension, bolts are used and positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis of the clamping sleeve. Though the bolts are placed symmetrically around the axis, the bolt axial forces are not uniformly distributed when the bolts are tightened according to the manufacturer’s catalog. First, this article describes the procedure for tightening the sleeve bolts according to the manufacturer’s catalog. In the next part of the article, an FEA simulation of sleeve tightening is performed. The FEM simulation is then compared with the values found by measurement.
Removal of Aflatoxin B1 Using Alfalfa Leaves as an Adsorbent Material: A Comparison between Two In Vitro Experimental Models
Authors: Nava-Ramírez María de Jesús , Vázquez-Durán Alma , Figueroa-Cárdenas Juan de Dios , Hernández-Patlán Daniel , Solís-Cruz Bruno , Téllez-Isaías Guillermo , López-Coello Carlos , Méndez-Albores Abraham
Published: October 2023

An adsorbent material derived from alfalfa leaves was prepared and further characterized, and its efficacy for removing aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was investigated. Characterization consisted of the use of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), point of zero charge (pHpzc), zeta potential (ζ-potential), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and spectral analysis. To determine the adsorption capacity against AFB1 (250 ng AFB1/mL), pH-dependent and avian intestinal in vitro models were used. The adsorbent inclusion percentage was 0.5% (w/w). In general, the pH-dependent model gave adsorption percentages of 98.2%, 99.9%, and 98.2%, evaluated at pH values of 2, 5, and 7, respectively. However, when the avian intestinal model was used, it was observed that the adsorption percentage of AFB1 significantly decreased (88.8%). Based on the characterization results, it is proposed that electrostatic, non-electrostatic, and the formation of chlorophyll-AFB1 complexes were the main mechanisms for AFB1 adsorption. From these results, it can be concluded that the adsorbent derived from alfalfa leaves could be used as an effective material for removing AFB1 in in vitro digestion models that mimic the physiological reality.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Tegument Proteins Involved in Capsid Transport and Virion Morphogenesis of Alpha, Beta and Gamma Herpesviruses
Authors: Sucharita Soumya , Krishnagopal Akshaya , van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk Sylvia
Published: October 2023

Herpesviruses are enveloped and have an amorphous protein layer surrounding the capsid, which is termed the tegument. Tegument proteins perform critical functions throughout the viral life cycle. This review provides a comprehensive and comparative analysis of the roles of specific tegument proteins in capsid transport and virion morphogenesis of selected, well-studied prototypes of each of the three subfamilies of Herpesviridae i.e., human herpesvirus-1/herpes simplex virus-1 (Alphaherpesvirinae), human herpesvirus-5/cytomegalovirus (Betaherpesvirinae) and human herpesvirus -8/Kaposi’s sarcomavirus (Gammaherpesvirinae). Most of the current knowledge is based on alpha herpesviruses, in particular HSV-1. While some tegument proteins are released into the cytoplasm after virus entry, several tegument proteins remain associated with the capsid and are responsible for transport to and docking at the nucleus. After replication and capsid formation, the capsid is enveloped at the nuclear membrane, which is referred to as primary envelopment, followed by de-envelopment and release into the cytoplasm. This requires involvement of at least three tegument proteins. Subsequently, multiple interactions between tegument proteins and capsid proteins, other tegument proteins and glycoproteins are required for assembly of the virus particles and envelopment at the Golgi, with certain tegument proteins acting as the central hub for these interactions. Some redundancy in these interactions ensures appropriate morphogenesis.
WINDS Model Simulation of Guayule Irrigation
Authors: Katterman Matthew E. , Waller Peter M. , Elshikha Diaa Eldin M. , Wall Gerard W. , Hunsaker Douglas J. , Loeffler Reid S. , Ogden Kimberly L.
Published: October 2023

The WINDS (Water-Use, Irrigation, Nitrogen, Drainage, and Salinity) model uses the FAO56 dual crop coefficient and a daily time-step soil–water balance to simulate evapotranspiration and water content in the soil profile. This research calibrated the WINDS model for simulation of guayule under full irrigation. Using data from a furrow irrigated two-season guayule experiment in Arizona, this research developed segmented curves for guayule basal crop coefficient, canopy cover, crop height and root growth. The two-season guayule basal crop coefficient (Kcb) curve included first and second season development, midseason, late-season and end-season growth stages. For a fully irrigated guayule crop, the year one midseason Kcb was 1.14. The second year Kcb development phase began after the crop was semi-dormant during the first winter. The second year Kcb value was 1.23. The two-season root growth curve included a growth phase during the first season, no growth during winter, and a second growth phase during the second winter. A table allocated fractions of total transpiration to soil layers as a function of root depth. With the calibrated tables and curves, the WINDS model simulated soil moisture content with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1- to 3-% volumetric water content in seven soil layers compared with neutron probe water contents during the two-year growth cycle. Thus, this research developed growth curves and accurately simulated evapotranspiration and water content for a two-season guayule crop.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loading Characteristics of Agricultural Non-Point Sources in the Tuojiang River Basin
Authors: Fu Dong , Gong Yanchuan , Chen Chuntan , Gui Xiao , Liu Hepei , Chen Shu , Ren Juntao , Hou Bingjie
Published: October 2023

Agricultural non-point source (ANPS) pollution has emerged as a significant factor influencing water quality within watersheds. Understanding the spatial distribution and composition of ANPS is crucial for effective river water quality management. Based on the statistical data of 28 districts and counties in the Tuojiang River Basin (TJRB), the load distribution characteristics of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) from ANPS were studied in this work by using the pollutant discharge coefficient method. In 2018, ANPS contributed 60,888.92 tons of TN and 20,085.98 tons of TP to the TJRB. By 2019, the TN load had decreased to 57,155.44 tons, while the TP load increased to 21,659.91 tons. Spatially, TN and TP loads follow a pattern of being lowest in the upstream, intermediate in the downstream, and highest in the middle reaches. Planting sources emerged as the primary contributors to TN and TP loads from ANPS in the TJRB, accounting for 61.43% and 77.39%, respectively. Rural living sources made a lesser contribution, at 20.23% for TN and 9.15% for TP, while poultry and livestock farming sources accounted for 18.34% of TN and 13.46% of TP loads. The analysis of grey water footprint (GWF) and water pollution level (WPL) revealed that TN and TP loads continued to exert significant pressure on the TJRB’s water environment throughout the study period. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing water quality management in the TJRB.
Seepage Prediction Model for Roller-Compacted Concrete Dam Using Support Vector Regression and Hybrid Parameter Optimization
Authors: Zhuo Mei-Yan , Chen Jinn-Chyi , Zhang Ren-Ling , Zhan Yan-Kun , Huang Wen-Sun
Published: October 2023

In this study, a seepage prediction model was established for roller-compacted concrete dams using support vector regression (SVR) with hybrid parameter optimization (HPO). The model includes data processing via HPO and machine learning through SVR. HPO benefits from the correlation extraction capability of grey relational analysis and the dimensionality reduction technique of principal component analysis. The proposed model was trained, validated, and tested using 22 years of monitoring data regarding the Shuidong Dam in China. We compared the performance of HPO with other popular methods, while the SVR method was compared with the traditional time-series prediction method of long short-term memory (LSTM). Our findings reveal that the HPO method proves valuable real-time dam safety monitoring during data processing. Meanwhile, the SVR method demonstrates superior robustness in predicting seepage flowrate post-dam reinforcement, compared with LSTM. Thus, the developed model effectively identifies the factors related to seepage and exhibits high accuracy in predicting fluctuation trends regarding the Shuidong Dam, achieving a determination coefficient R2 > 0.9. Further, the model can provide valuable guidance for dam safety monitoring, including diagnosing the efficacy of monitoring parameters or equipment, evaluating equipment monitoring frequency, identifying locations sensitive to dam seepage, and predicting seepage.
Harnessing ICT Resources to Enhance Community Disaster Resilience: A Case Study of Employing Social Media to Zhengzhou 7.20 Rainstorm, China
Authors: Zhai Linpei , Lee Jae Eun
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to explore how community disaster resilience can be enhanced via the utilization of ICT resources. Three social media applications were selected. Taking the 2021 Zhengzhou 7.20 rainstorm as an example, questionnaire responses were collected and analyzed, and a linear regression model was constructed to explore the impact of the relationships between responses. The findings showed that the use of WeChat, TikTok, and Weibo had positive effects on community disaster resilience. Specifically, the use of social media (WeChat, TikTok, and Weibo) by the general public during this rainstorm disaster was positively related to convenience and trust, creation and dissemination, emotion and communication, cooperation and collective action, and relief and release. We also analyzed the differences in the use of the three social media platforms during the rainstorm disaster and found that the number of people who used TikTok was the highest, but the variable scores for TikTok were not the highest. WeChat had the highest variable scores, and both the number of users and variable scores for Weibo were in the middle.
Efficacy of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal and Microbial Characterization of Combined A2O-MBBR Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Li Jiawei , Dong Kun , Bai Shaoyuan , Fan Yubing , Feng Yishan , Liang Meina , Wang Dunqiu
Published: October 2023

A combined anaerobic–anoxic–oxic moving bed biofilm reactor (A2O-MBBR) constructed wetlands process was used to treat low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) simulated sewage. The results showed that the removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) by this process were 94.06%, 94.40%, 67.11%, and 84.57%, respectively, and the concentrations of COD, NH4+-N, TN, and TP in the effluent were lower than the Class I-A standard of GB18918-2002. In the anoxic zone, NH4+-N had an inhibitory effect on phosphorus uptake via phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs). The highest community diversity was observed in the anoxic zone sludge at 24 d. During the water-quality-shock loads stage, microbial community diversity decreased in a combined A2O-MBBR constructed wetlands reactor. At the phylum level, bacteria within the mature activated sludge were dominated by Proteobacteria, while Planctomycetes bacteria were the dominant species in the constructed wetlands. At the genus level, Tolumonas spp. were the dominant species in the 12 d and 24 d constructed wetlands and the anaerobic zone, with relative abundance percentages ranging from 20.24 to 33.91%. In the water-quality-shock loads stage, they were replaced by denitrifying bacteria such as Herbaspirillum spp. Unclassified_Burkholderiales was the dominant species in the constructed wetlands, with a relative abundance of 33.09%.
Old Europe and young Latin America
Authors:   Diplomatic academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, Moscow, Mozel K. N.
Published: October 2023

The third summit between the EU and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) was held in Brussels on 17–18 July for the fi rst time in eight years. The leaders of 27 European countries and 33 CELAC member-states attended the gathering. Since 2015 the world has transformed drastically with the balance of power changing and polycentric developments accelerating. Latin America is increasingly asserting itself as an infl uential global political power, one of the centers in the multipolar world. Growing divergence between the EU and the Caribbean, Latin American states over a world order vision urges Europe to revise its approach to the region. The summit outcome proves that convincingly. The EU`s bid to entangle Latin American and the Caribbean states in its anti-Russian strategy has evidently ended in a fi asco as well.
The main priorities of Russia's Foreign Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Historical experience and Modern approaches
Authors:   Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs of Russia, Moscow, Krutko A. A. , Agureev S. A. ,   Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs of Russia, Moscow
Published: October 2023

The authors of the article consider the main directions of development of Russia's foreign policy in sub-Saharan Africa; show how the historical foundations of cooperation with sub-Saharan African countries were laid. Today, the African continent is one of the dynamically developing regions of the world with huge reserves of natural resources and human resources; the role of African countries in global political processes is also rapidly increasing, while developing countries are striving to create a multipolar world as opposed to the "rules-based world" imposed by the West. The Russian Federation as the successor of the USSR historically builds its relations with African countries on equal partnership basis, being guided in its foreign policy by the norms of international law. Such an approach lays a solid foundation for the active development of relations with African countries. From their side African countries are also manifesting increasing interest in hands cooperation with the Russian Federation, seeing it as reliable economic and political partner. The authors of the article come to the conclusion that it is necessary to activate Russian presence in Africa in the conditions of intensified competition for influence on the continent.
FORMATION OF THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PLAN FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE TRAM SYSTEM OF ST. PETERSBURG: IDENTIFICATION OF KEY GOAL SAND OBJECTIVES
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, BESHENTSEV I.D. , BELYAEV А.I. ,   St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Published: October 2023

The main provisions, characteristics and elements of the first stage of the author's Plan for the restoration and development of the tram economy of St. Petersburg are considered. The importance of the procedure for restoring the development of electric transport lines, as well as ensuring the full engineering and technological priority of the tram over other modes of transport, is indicated. A methodology for designing the transport system of a metropolis using the theory of decision-making in an uncertain state of the research environment is proposed. The use of the expected results is planned to be expanded to five stages in the direction of the development of St. Petersburg, in the future - in the direction of the restoration, development and integration of tram facilities in other cities of Russia and the world.