bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Inonotus Polysaccharides: Characterization and Anticomplementary Activity of Inonotus rheades Mycelium Polymers
Authors: Olennikov Daniil N. , Gornostai Tatyana G.
Published: March 2023

Inonotus is a small genus of xylotrophic basidiomycetes and a source of bioactive fungochemicals among which a special place is occupied by polymeric compounds. In this study, polysaccharides that are widespread in Europe, Asia, and North America and a poorly understood fungal species, I. rheades (Pers.) Karst. (fox polypore), were investigated. Water-soluble polysaccharides of I. rheades mycelium were extracted, purified, and studied using chemical reactions, elemental and monosaccharide analysis, UV–Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and linkage analysis. Five homogenic polymers (IRP-1–IRP-5) with molecular weights of 110–1520 kDa were heteropolysaccharides that consist mainly of galactose, glucose, and mannose. The dominant component, IRP-4, was preliminary concluded to be a branched (1→3,6)-linked galactan. Polysaccharides of I. rheades inhibited the hemolysis of sensitized sheep erythrocytes by complement from human serum, signifying anticomplementary activity with the greatest effects for the IRP-4 polymer. These findings suggest that I. rheades mycelium is a new source of fungal polysaccharides with potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
Green Phenolic Resins from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Phenolated Lignin and Bio-Oil as Phenol Substitutes for Bonding Plywood
Authors: Lim Kah Yen , Yasim-Anuar Tengku Arisyah Tengku , Sharip Nur Sharmila , Ujang Farhana Aziz , Husin Hazwani , Ariffin Hidayah , Md Tahir Paridah , Li Xinping , Lee Seng Hua , Yusof Mohd Termizi
Published: March 2023

Lignin is a natural biopolymer with a complex three-dimensional network and it is rich in phenol, making it a good candidate for the production of bio-based polyphenol material. This study attempts to characterize the properties of green phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins produced through phenol substitution by the phenolated lignin (PL) and bio-oil (BO), extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch black liquor. Mixtures of PF with varied substitution rates of PL and BO were prepared by heating a mixture of phenol–phenol substitute with 30 wt.% NaOH and 80% formaldehyde solution at 94 °C for 15 min. After that, the temperature was reduced to 80 °C before the remaining 20% formaldehyde solution was added. The reaction was carried out by heating the mixture to 94 °C once more, holding it for 25 min, and then rapidly lowering the temperature to 60 °C, to produce the PL−PF or BO−PF resins. The modified resins were then tested for pH, viscosity, solid content, FTIR, and TGA. Results revealed that the substitution of 5% PL into PF resins is enough to improve its physical properties. The PL−PF resin production process was also deemed environmentally beneficial, as it met 7 of the 8 Green Chemistry Principle evaluation criteria.
Imidazolium Salts for Candida spp. Antibiofilm High-Density Polyethylene-Based Biomaterials
Authors: Martins Leal Schrekker Clarissa , Sokolovicz Yuri Clemente Andrade , Raucci Maria Grazia , Leal Claudio Alberto Martins , Ambrosio Luigi , Lettieri Teixeira Mário , Meneghello Fuentefria Alexandre , Schrekker Henri Stephan
Published: March 2023

The species of Candida present good capability to form fungal biofilms on polymeric surfaces and are related to several human diseases since many of the employed medical devices are designed using polymers, especially high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Herein, HDPE films containing 0; 0.125; 0.250 or 0.500 wt% of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C16MImCl) or its analog 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate (C16MImMeS) were obtained by melt blending and posteriorly mechanically pressurized into films. This approach resulted in more flexible and less brittle films, which impeded the Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis biofilm formation on their surfaces. The employed imidazolium salt (IS) concentrations did not present any significant cytotoxic effect, and the good cell adhesion/proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells on the HDPE-IS films indicated good biocompatibility. These outcomes combined with the absence of microscopic lesions in pig skin after contact with HDPE-IS films demonstrated their potential as biomaterials for the development of effective medical device tools that reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Quaternized Poly(N,N′-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) Star Nanostructures in the Solution and on the Surface
Authors: Teper Paulina , Celny Anna , Kowalczuk Agnieszka , Mendrek Barbara
Published: March 2023

Antibacterial polymeric materials are promising in the fight against resistant bacteria strains. Amongst them, cationic macromolecules with quaternary ammonium groups are one of intensively studied, as they interact with the bacterial membranes causing cell death. In this work, we propose to use nanostructures composed of polycations with star topology for the preparation of antibacterial materials. First, star polymers of N,N′-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and hydroxyl-bearing oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA-OH) were quaternized with various bromoalkanes and their solution behavior was studied. It was shown that in water two modes of star nanoparticles were observed, of diameters about 30 nm and up to 125 nm, independently of the quaternizing agent. Separately layers of P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA-OH) stars were obtained. In this case, the chemical grafting of polymers to the silicon wafers modified with imidazole derivatives was applied, followed by the quaternization of the amino groups of polycations. A comparison of the quaternary reaction in solution and on the surface showed that in the solution it is influenced by the alkyl chain length of the quaternary agent, while on the surface such relationship is not observed. After physico-chemical characterization of the obtained nanolayers, their biocidal activity was tested against two strains of bacteria E. coli and B. subtilis. The best antibacterial properties exhibited layers quaternized with shorter alkyl bromide, where 100% growth inhibition of E. coli and B. subtilis after 24 h of contact was observed.
Effect of Flame Treatment on Bonding Performance of GF/EP Pultrusion Sheets Used for VARI Process
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ji Yundong , Cao Dongfeng , Zhang Hongyuan , Chen Hongda , Hu Haixiao
Published: March 2023

This paper presents an easy and low-cost flame treatment method to improve the bonding performance of GF/EP (Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy) pultrusion plates, which are using widely for large size wind blades. In order to explore the effect of flame treatment on the bonding performance of the precast GF/EP pultruded sheet vs. the infusion plate, the GF/EP pultruded sheets were treated with different flame treatment cycles and were embedded in the fiber fabrics during the vacuum-assisted resin infusion process (VARI). The bonding shear strengths were measured by tensile shear tests. It is found that after 1, 3, 5, and 7 flame treatments, the tensile shear strength between the GF/EP pultrusion plate and infusion plate increased by 8.0%, 13.3%, 22.44%, and −2.1%, respectively. This indicates that the maximum tensile shear strength can be obtained after five times of flame treatment. In addition, DCB and ENF tests were also adopted to characterize the fracture toughness of the bonding interface with the optimal flame treatment. It is found that the optimal treatment gives increments of 21.84% and 78.36% for G I C and G II C, respectively. Finally, the surficial topography of the flame-treated GF/EP pultruded sheets were characterized by optical microscopy, SEM, contact angle test, FTIR, and XPS. The results show that flame treatment plays an impact on the interfacial performance through the combination of physical meshing locking and chemical bonding mechanism. Proper flame treatment would remove the weak boundary layer and mold release agent on the surface of the GF/EP pultruded sheet, etch the bonding surface and improve the oxygen-containing polar groups, such as C–O and O–C=O, to improve the surface roughness and surface tension coefficient of pultruded sheet to enhance the bonding performance. Excessive flame treatment destroys the integrity of epoxy matrix on bonding surface which results into the exposure of the glass fiber, and the carbonization of release agent and resin on the surface loosen the surficial structure, which reduces the bonding properties.
The Application of a Solar–Air-Source Heat Pump Dual-Supply Heating System in a High-Cold Area in China
Authors: Wu Jiarui , Shen Miao , Feng Junxiao
Published: March 2023

Solar energy is the most available renewable resource and has great potential for various applications. Solar heat pumps are limited when operating alone due to weather and the unstable and intermittent nature of solar energy. The idea of combining a solar collector with an air-source heat pump (ASHP) is proposed to solve the problems. Taking solar energy and air energy as the heat source of the system can improve the heat collection efficiency and heating performance coefficient of the dual-supply heating system in realizing the efficient and stable operation of the whole unit. This study investigated the application of a solar–air-source heat pump (S/AS-HP) dual-supply heating system for a residential building in Lhasa and compared the winter work performance and economic benefits of three different heating forms: solar–air-source heat pump, air-source heat pump, and solar–electric auxiliary heating systems. A simulation model was established and analyzed using the measurement data. The results show that during the heating period, the temperature of the primary side water supply is stable at about 60 °C, and the total operating hours of the solar collector period accounted for 26.9% of the total hours, of which 23.16% were independent operating hours. The average COPsys of the solar–air-source heat pump is 4.21, which greatly improves work performance compared with other systems, and the annual cost is the lowest among the three forms for the same service life at 41,824.6 CNY, saving 9.6% and 35.1% per year compared with the air-source heat pump system and the solar–electric auxiliary heating system. Considering conditions in alpine regions, S/AS-HP systems are the optimal heating solution for single buildings.
The Bāb and ʿAlī Muḥammad, Islamic and Post-Islamic: Multiple Meanings in the Writings of Sayyid ʿAlī Muḥammad Shīrāzī (1819–1850)
Authors: Heern Zackery Mirza
Published: March 2023

Instead of arguing whether or not Sayyid ʿAlī Muḥammad Shīrāzī (the Bāb, 1819–1850) and his writings are Islamic, this paper suggests that they are simultaneously Islamic and post-Islamic. The Bāb’s Qayyūm al-asmāʾ, written at the outset of the Bābī movement in 1844, can be understood as a commentary on the Quran, the original Quran, and divine revelation. Although the Bāb gradually disclosed his identity to the public, his status (associated with the Imām, Muḥammad, and a manifestation of God) is present in the Qayyūm al-asmāʾ, in which he refers to himself as the Gate (Bāb), Remembrance (Dhikr), Point (Nuqṭah), ʿAlī, and Muḥammad. The Bāb participates in the long tradition of Islamic literary culture by creating meaning through metaphorical, symbolic, and paradoxical language, which for the Bāb ultimately point to post-Islamic revelation. The simultaneous absence and presence of Islam in the Bāb’s writings created a real-world division between the Bāb’s followers and his critics, many of whom were Muslim scholars. By focusing on multiple meanings in the Bāb’s texts, this paper analyzes the interplay between the Bāb’s identity and his writings as they relate to Islam.
The Durability and Efficacy of Cryopreserved Human Umbilical Cord Tissue Allograft for the Supplementation of Cartilage Defects Associated with the Sacroiliac Joint: A Case Series
Authors: Lai Albert , Shou Jon , Traina Steve A. , Barrett Tyler
Published: March 2023

This Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved retrospective observational protocol aims to report the safety and efficacy of birth tissue allografts applied in 38 patients with treatment-resistant sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. The research methodology consisted of an observational recording of the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), which measure pain, stiffness, and physical function. No adverse events or adverse reactions were observed in the 38 patients. Statistically significant improvements in NPRS and WOMAC scores of the affected SI joint were reported after 90 days. The observational data suggests that Wharton’s jelly allograft applications are safe, minimally invasive, and efficacious. They may present an alternative to surgery for patients who fail conservative and procedural management of pain originating from chondral cartilage degeneration of the SI joint.
Deep-Learning-Based Low-Frequency Reconstruction in Full-Waveform Inversion
Authors: Gu Zhiyuan , Chai Xintao , Yang Taihui
Published: March 2023

Low frequencies are vital for full-waveform inversion (FWI) to retrieve long-scale features and reliable subsurface properties from seismic data. Unfortunately, low frequencies are missing because of limitations in seismic acquisition steps. Furthermore, there is no explicit expression for transforming high frequencies into low frequencies. Therefore, low-frequency reconstruction (LFR) is imperative. Recently developed deep-learning (DL)-based LFR methods are based on either 1D or 2D convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which cannot take full advantage of the information contained in 3D prestack seismic data. Therefore, we present a DL-based LFR approach in which high frequencies are transformed into low frequencies by training an approximately symmetric encoding-decoding-type bridge-shaped 3D CNN. Our motivation is that the 3D CNN can naturally exploit more information that can be effectively used to improve the LFR result. We designed a Hanning-based window for suppressing the Gibbs effect associated with the hard splitting of the low- and high-frequency data. We report the significance of the convolutional kernel size on the training stage convergence rate and the performance of CNN’s generalization ability. CNN with reasonably large kernel sizes has a large receptive field and is beneficial to long-wavelength LFR. Experiments indicate that our approach can accurately reconstruct low frequencies from bandlimited high frequencies. The results of 3D CNN are distinctly superior to those of 2D CNN in terms of precision and highly relevant low-frequency energy. FWI on synthetic data indicates that the DL-predicted low frequencies nearly resemble those of actual low frequencies, and the DL-predicted low frequencies are accurate enough to mitigate the FWI’s cycle-skipping problems. Codes and data of this work are shared via a public repository.
Natura 2000 Grassland Habitats Mapping Based on Spectro-Temporal Dimension of Sentinel-2 Images with Machine Learning
Authors: Marcinkowska-Ochtyra Adriana , Ochtyra Adrian , Raczko Edwin , Kopeć Dominik
Published: March 2023

Habitat mapping is essential for the management and monitoring of Natura 2000 sites. Time-consuming field surveys are still the most frequently used solution for the implementation of the European Habitats Directive, but the use of remote sensing tools for this is becoming more common. The high temporal resolution of Sentinel-2 data, registering the visible, near, and shortwave infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum, makes them valuable material in this context. In this study, we aimed to use multitemporal Sentinel-2 data for mapping three grassland Natura 2000 habitats in Poland. We performed the classification based on spectro-temporal features extracted from data collected from eight different terms within the year 2017 using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), and we also tested other widely used machine learning algorithms for comparison, such as Random Forests (RFs) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs). Based on ground truth data, we randomly selected training and validation polygons and then performed the evaluation iteratively (100 times). The best resulting median F1 accuracies that we obtained for habitats were as follows: 6210, 0.85; 6410, 0.80; and 6510, 0.84 (with SVM). Finally, we concluded that the accuracy of the results was comparable, but we obtained the best results using SVM (median OA = 88%, with 86% for RF and 84% for CNNs). In this work, we confirmed the usefulness of the spectral dimension of Sentinel-2 time series data for mapping grassland habitats, and researchers of future work can further develop the use of CNNs for this purpose.
Analysis of the Rockfall Phenomena Contributing to the Evolution of a Pocket Beach Area Using Traditional and Remotely Acquired Data (Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, Southern Italy)
Authors: Cappadonia Chiara , Cafiso Fabio , Ferraro Riccardo , Martinello Chiara , Rotigliano Edoardo
Published: March 2023

The coastal domain of central western Sicily is characterized by the presence of rocky coasts, which mainly consist of pocket beaches situated between bedrock headlands that constitute ecological niches of great touristic and economic value. In this peculiar morphodynamic system, the sedimentary contributions are mainly derived from the rockfall that affects the back of nearby cliffs or the sediment supply of small streams that flow into it. In this study, we investigated the geomorphological processes and related landforms that contribute to the evolution of a pocket beach area located in a coastal sector of NW Sicily Island. The cliffs in this are affected by several rockfalls, and deposits from these rockfalls also add to the rate of sedimentary contribution. The analysis was conducted through the application of traditional approaches and contemporary methods that have previously been used to forecast the collection of input data in the field, often under difficult conditions due to the accessibility of the sites, and which have been supported by UAV surveys. Through the analysis of the digital models of terrain and orthophotos, geometrical and multitemporal analyses of landforms were carried out. A dedicated software was utilized for the detection of rockfall runout zones and block trajectories and for defining the automatic extraction of rock mass discontinuities. The data were compared with those derived from traditional geomechanical surveys. The availability of the existing and acquired remote sensing data proved essential for this study for both defining the reference geological model and for performing the site-specific analysis of rockfall.
A Lightweight Approach to Localization for Blind and Visually Impaired Travelers
Authors: Crabb Ryan , Cheraghi Seyed Ali , Coughlan James M.
Published: March 2023

Independent wayfinding is a major challenge for blind and visually impaired (BVI) travelers. Although GPS-based localization approaches enable the use of navigation smartphone apps that provide accessible turn-by-turn directions in outdoor settings, such approaches are ineffective in indoor and other GPS-deprived settings. We build on our previous work on a localization algorithm based on computer vision and inertial sensing; the algorithm is lightweight in that it requires only a 2D floor plan of the environment, annotated with the locations of visual landmarks and points of interest, instead of a detailed 3D model (used in many computer vision localization algorithms), and requires no new physical infrastructure (such as Bluetooth beacons). The algorithm can serve as the foundation for a wayfinding app that runs on a smartphone; crucially, the approach is fully accessible because it does not require the user to aim the camera at specific visual targets, which would be problematic for BVI users who may not be able to see these targets. In this work, we improve upon the existing algorithm so as to incorporate recognition of multiple classes of visual landmarks to facilitate effective localization, and demonstrate empirically how localization performance improves as the number of these classes increases, showing the time to correct localization can be decreased by 51–59%. The source code for our algorithm and associated data used for our analyses have been made available in a free repository.
Towards Enhanced Eddy Current Testing Array Probes Scalability for Powder Bed Fusion Layer-Wise Imaging
Authors: Barrancos André , Batalha Rodolfo L. , Rosado Luís S.
Published: March 2023

This work presents a new eddy current testing array probe and readout electronics that target the layer-wise quality control in powder bed fusion metal additive manufacturing. The proposed design approach brings important benefits to the sensors’ number scalability, exploring alternative sensor elements and minimalist signal generation and demodulation. Small-sized, commercially available surface-mounted technology coils were evaluated as an alternative to usually employed magneto-resistive sensors, demonstrating low cost, design flexibility, and easy integration with the readout electronics. Strategies to minimize the readout electronics were proposed, considering the specific characteristics of the sensors’ signals. An adjustable single phase coherent demodulation scheme is proposed as an alternative to traditional in-phase and quadrature demodulation provided that the signals under measurement showed minimal phase variations. A simplified amplification and demodulation frontend using discrete components was employed together with offset removal, vector amplification, and digitalization implemented within the microcontrollers’ advanced mixed signal peripherals. An array probe with 16 sensor coils and a 5 mm pitch was materialized together with non-multiplexed digital readout electronics, allowing for a sensor frequency of up to 1.5 MHz and digitalization with 12 bits resolution, as well as a 10 kHz sampling rate.
Intimate Lovers, Legal Strangers—The Politics of Dissident Relationality in Portugal
Authors: Santos Ana Cristina , Santos Ana Lúcia
Published: March 2023

Dominant cultural frameworks, laws, and social policy in Southern Europe often stem from and replicate a collective imaginary based on a reproductive, cohabiting, monogamous, and cis-heterosexual couple. Concomitantly, despite significant advances in legislation in recent years, LGBTQ+ intimacies continue to be subject to daily prejudice, violence, and shame. The purpose of this article is to understand how state recognition contributes to the un/doing of the abject culturally attached to LGBTQ+ intimacies; and to examine personal, sociocultural, and legal traits that shape biographies turning intimate citizens into intimate lovers and/or legal strangers. The first part of this chapter involves an outlining of developments regarding law and relational diversity in Portugal. The second part deals with the visibility of non-normative sexuality that is often a target of abject gaze, rejection, and other cultural practices of discrimination. It is suggested that legally recognized marital status can become a way to overcome the abject or the invisible, both in relation to the state and the cultural milieu. We offer the notion of relational performativity and suggest that non-monogamy (even when consensual) is a major cultural source of the relational abject, encapsulating moral panic around the promiscuous, unhealthy, and uncommitted sexual monster. The article finishes with reflections that move beyond the examples provided to dialogue with dissident relationality as a concept that describes the intimate experiences of aging LGBTQ+ people.
Towards Inquiry-Based Learning in Spatial Development and Heritage Conservation: A Workshop at Corviale, Rome
Authors: Caudo Giovanni , Fava Federica , Oevermann Heike
Published: March 2023

Situated local knowledge and co-evolutionary processes overtake certitude and formal planning, challenging the way (cultural) heritage is produced in terms of both space and knowledge. This article contributes to the debate surrounding planning education and research by exploring the potential of inquiry-based learning (IBL) in spatial development and heritage conservation. The main argument is that the IBL format presented herein enables interaction and cooperation between various groups and their diverse sets of knowledge. To that end, the IBL approach was implemented both through project work and by creating a specific learning environment encompassing theory, exhibition, places, and people, and in which a research process was realised by students through iteration and reflection. The contribution systematises the results of a 2021 workshop held in Venice and Rome, including at the Corviale housing complex (Rome). In seeking to respond to the title-theme of the Venice Biennale, How will we live together?, initial evidence shows that educational activities stemming from clear research questions and “embedded” ways of inquiry-based learning present remarkable opportunities for participants to improve their ability to navigate into fragile and uncertain futures of the territory, engaging students in a wider process of knowledge-building.
Analysis of Virtual Water Flow Patterns and Their Drivers in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Xu Yike , Tian Guiliang , Xu Shuwen , Xia Qing
Published: March 2023

Virtual water flows have a profound impact on the natural water system of a country or region, and they may help conserve local water resources or exacerbate water scarcity in some areas. However, current research has only focused on the measurement of virtual water flows, without analysis of the causes of virtual water flow patterns. This study first obtained virtual water flow patterns across provinces by constructing a multi-regional input–-output (MRIO) model of the Yellow River basin in 2012 and 2017, and then analyzed its driving factors by applying the extended STIRPAT model to provide directions for using virtual water trade to alleviate water shortages in water-scarce areas of the basin. We found the following: (1) The Yellow River basin as a whole had a net virtual water inflow in 2012 and 2017, and the net inflow has increased from 2.14 billion m3 to 33.67 billion m3. (2) Different provinces or regions assume different roles in the virtual water trade within the basin. (3) There is an obvious regional heterogeneity in the virtual water flows in different subsectors. (4) Per capita GDP, tertiary industry contribution rate, consumer price index, and water scarcity are the main positive drivers of virtual water inflow in the Yellow River Basin provinces, while primary industry contribution rate, per capita water resources, and water use per unit arable area promote virtual water outflow. The results of this paper present useful information for understanding the driving factors of virtual water flow, which could promote the optimal allocation of water resources in the Yellow River basin and achieve ecological protection and high-quality development in this area.
Characterization Methods of Ions and Metals in Particulate Matter Pollutants on PM2.5 and PM10 Samples from Several Emission Sources
Authors: Correa Mauricio A. , Franco Santiago A. , Gómez Luisa M. , Aguiar David , Colorado Henry A.
Published: March 2023

This research investigated the current methods of characterization of ions and metals in particulate matter pollutants from different emission sources. The study was conducted through the Proknow-C methodology, in which a portfolio that includes scientific and review articles was selected. The document addresses different methodologies currently used to quantify diverse ions and metals (IIMM) found in particulate matter (PM), specifically focused on PM10 and PM2.5. The investigation was made going through the types of filters used to capture the pollutant, the equipment and the corresponding characterization techniques. Results show the Proknow-C method is a reliable way to analyze PM pollution research, revealing the state of art for metals and ions types, characterization technologies, current situations and trends. Sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium ions are found in concentrations between 70 and 80% of the PM. Among the main metals found are chromium, nickel, lead, cadmium, iron, manganese, coper, and zinc. The main detection method found in the studied research was inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. It was also found that geographic information systems are a good tool for integrating special data with PM and air pollution, which could accelerate the diagnosis and thus the actions to give solution to the problem.
Assessment of Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals and Their Ecological Risk in Sea Lettuce (Ulva spp.) along the Coast Alexandria, Egypt: Implications for Sustainable Management
Authors: El-Mahrouk Mohammed E. , Dewir Yaser H. , Hafez Yaser M. , El-Banna Antar , Moghanm Farahat S. , El-Ramady Hassan , Mahmood Qaisar , Elbehiry Fathy , Brevik Eric C.
Published: March 2023

The pollution of aquatic ecosystems is an issue facing many countries all over the world and may result in issues such as eutrophication in coastal zones. Managing this eutrophication is a real challenge. The current study focuses on the investigation and identification of aquatic environmental characteristics, including the sediments, waters, and seaweed, of seven eutrophicated locations along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria (Egypt). Different ecological risk assessment and bioaccumulation factors were calculated in order to identify the probable pollution source and the degree of the problem, in addition to the accumulation of heavy metals in the seaweed. The characteristics of the seaweed, sediments, and waters were chemically analyzed and heavy metals were measured. The genetically and biochemically identified seaweed species were Ulva compressa, Ulva fasciata, Ulva lactuca and Ulva linzea. The sediments of the El-Tabia location contained the highest concentrations of Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb, because this location receives these elements from the El-Amia drain. The Abu Qir location was found to contain the highest concentrations of the same heavy metals in the studied water samples because it was located much closer to the Abu Qir harbor. Ecological risk assessment indices indicated moderate to high contamination for most of the studied elements and locations. The results of the bioaccumulation factor analysis indicated that the studied seaweed species are accumulators of trace elements. These seaweed species should be further investigated concerning ecotoxicology if they are to be used in the human diet and for other benefits. This study opens many windows of research to be investigated in the future regarding the sustainable management of polluted coastal zones.
The Effects of Monetary Policy on Macroeconomic Variables through Credit and Balance Sheet Channels: A Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Peykani Pejman , Sargolzaei Mostafa , Takaloo Amir , Valizadeh Shahla
Published: March 2023

Economic policies aimed at managing economic variables in the short and long term have always been of special importance. These policies seek to reduce economic fluctuations in the short term and increase sustainable economic growth in the long term. One of these policies is monetary policy, which is mainly carried out by central banks worldwide. This paper uses the Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model to examine the effects of monetary policy on the real variables of the Iranian economy through the credit channel and the balance sheet channel. The presented model analyzed information about macroeconomic variables in Iran for the period from 1990 to 2020. The obtained results show that with the implementation of restrictive monetary policy in the economy, all productive activities of enterprises decreased, and this led to a decrease in household income, which in turn reduced household savings in the form of bank deposits. Because the most important sources of financing for banks are deposits, the ability of banks to offer loans was reduced. On the other hand, a restrictive monetary shock was associated with a decline in the value of corporate securities. As a result, the amount of received loans by firms was reduced by the value of the assets. This reduced the demand of banks for bank loans, which intensified the effects of the initial shock, along with a reduction in the banks’ ability to provide lending services. Further, the results indicate the relative success of the model in simulating Iran’s macro economy.
Study on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Basalt Fiber-Modified Red Clay
Authors: Song Yu , Geng Yukun , Dong Shuaishuai , Ding Song , Xu Keyu , Yan Rongtao , Liu Fengtao
Published: March 2023

The effects of basalt fiber incorporation on the mechanical properties of red clay soils were investigated. Through the direct shear test, unconfined compressive strength test, and microstructure test, the shear strength curves and stress–strain curves of basalt fiber-modified red clay soils were obtained under different basalt fiber incorporation rates and different soil dry density conditions. The results showed that: (1) the shear strength and compressive strength of the soil were significantly increased after the incorporation of basalt fiber; (2) the strength increase was greatest at 0.3% of basalt fiber incorporation, which was the optimum incorporation level; (3) the damage form of the soil changed, and the red clay soil incorporated with basalt fiber changed from brittle damage to ductile damage; and (4) the microscopic electron microscope pictures showed that, at the appropriate amount of fiber incorporation conditions, the fiber bond with the soil particles and form a fiber‒soil column. When subjected to external forces, the discrete fiber‒soil columns interact with each other to form an approximate three-dimensional fiber‒soil network, which acts to restrain the displacement and deformation of the soil particles, which is the main reason for the improved mechanical properties of the improved soil. The experimental research on the improvement of red clay soil with basalt fiber can provide a theoretical basis for engineering practice and help provide an environmentally friendly and efficient method of road base treatment in engineering.
Community-Managed Fish Sanctuaries for Freshwater Fishery Biodiversity Conservation and Productivity in Malawi
Authors: Jamu Daniel M. , Torell Elin C. , Chisale Essau
Published: March 2023

Key fish breeding and other biodiverse areas in Malawian lakes are under threat from illegal fishing, the siltation of key breeding areas (due to deforestation-induced soil erosion), and the clearing of shoreline aquatic vegetation. Freshwater protected areas, also called sanctuaries, have the potential to support the restoration of degraded aquatic environments and protect fisheries’ biodiversity. In Malawi, community-managed fish sanctuaries have been established by beach village committees (BVCs) throughout Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe, Lake Chilwa and Lake Chiuta. The sanctuaries were established to conserve exploited stocks, preserve biodiversity, and enhance fisheries’ yield. The BVCs are aligned with local decentralized village development committees linked to District Councils. Together, they constitute a defragmented decentralized ecosystem-based management of fishery resources. A monitoring study was conducted in sanctuaries in the four lakes during the wet and dry season over three years (2016–2019). The monitoring was carried out to evaluate the sanctuaries’ biological performance. The results showed that community-managed sanctuaries contributed to a 24% increase in the total number of observed species. The Shannon Diversity Index increased from an average 1.21 to 1.52. Small and mid-size (<50 ha) sanctuaries showed a higher performance improvement than large (>50 ha) sanctuaries. This is likely due to multiple factors, including a higher level of fish movement and the greater ability of communities to surveil and enforce smaller sanctuaries. The participation of communities in monitoring enhanced the demonstration effects of sanctuaries. This, in turn, encouraged communities to expand the number and size of the sanctuaries. The biological performance results indicate that community-managed freshwater sanctuaries can be used to protect and restore fish biodiversity in freshwater lakes in Africa. Linking the BVCs to defragmented decentralized structures ensures that the interconnectedness between ecosystem uses, including forestry, agriculture, and tourism, which impinge on fish productivity, are addressed holistically.
Digital Economy, Factor Allocation, and Sustainable Agricultural Development: The Perspective of Labor and Capital Misallocation
Authors: Jia Xingmei
Published: March 2023

As an emerging economy, the combination of the digital economy and industrial development can lead to a variety of new industries and new formats and form new momentum. This paper aims to analyze how the digital economy affects sustainable agricultural development, through what path, and what role the factor allocation plays in this process. Based on the analysis of the impact mechanism of the digital economy on sustainable agricultural development, this paper takes 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2020 as the research object, builds a panel data model and mediation effect model, empirical analyses on the impact of the digital economy on sustainable agricultural development, and verifies the mediation effect of factor allocation in this process. This study found that the digital economy significantly promoted sustainable agricultural development. At the national level, this obvious promotion effect was achieved by reducing the misallocation of labor and capital. At the regional level, sustainable agricultural development in the eastern region of China depended on the optimization effect of the digital economy on the allocation of labor and capital, but the situation was slightly different in the central and western regions of China. The digital economy in the central and western regions of China significantly improved sustainable agricultural development by allocation effect of labor factors. Although the allocation effect of capital factors had a positive effect on sustainable agricultural development, it was not significant. In order to promote sustainable agricultural development, the digital industry development should be accelerated, the allocation effect of the factor market should be brought into play, and the digital economy should be better integrated with sustainable agricultural development so as to realize the modernization of agricultural development.
Road-Section-Based Analysis of Vehicle Emissions and Energy Consumption
Authors: Jang Sunhee , Song Ki-Han , Kim Daejin , Ko Joonho , Lee Seongkwan Mark , Elkosantini Sabeur , Suh Wonho
Published: March 2023

To monitor air pollution on roads in urban areas, it is necessary to accurately estimate emissions from vehicles. For this purpose, vehicle emission estimation models have been developed. Vehicle emission estimation models are categorized into macroscopic models and microscopic models. While the calculation is simple, macroscopic models utilize the average speed of vehicles without accounting for the acceleration and deceleration of individual vehicles. Therefore, limitations exist in estimating accurate emissions when there are frequent changes in driving behavior. Microscopic emission estimation models overcome these limitations by utilizing the trajectory data of each vehicle. In this method, the total emissions in a road segment are calculated by adding together the emissions from individual vehicles. However, most research studies consider the total vehicle emissions in a road section without considering the difference in vehicle emissions at different locations of a selected road section. In this study, a road segment between two intersections was divided into sub-sections, and energy consumption and emission generation were analyzed. Since there are unique driving behaviors depending on the section of the road segment, energy consumption and emission generation patterns were identified. The findings of this study are expected to provide more detailed and quantitative data for better modeling of energy consumption and emissions in urban areas.
Standardizing Pen Culture of Small Indigenous Fish Labeo bata in the Tropical Floodplain Wetland of the North Eastern Region, India: A Step towards Sustainable Fisheries Management
Authors: Borah Simanku , Das Basanta Kumar , Bhattacharjya Birendra Kumar , Karnatak Gunjan , Yadav Anil Kumar , Pandit Arun , Parida Pranaya Kumar , Roy Aparna , Sahoo Amiya Kumar , Behera Bijay Kumar , Das Archan Kanti , Rabha Nilmani , Priyadarshini Priyanka
Published: March 2023

Labeo bata fry were reared in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pens at different stocking densities to determine growth, survival, feed utilization efficiency and economics in Borkona beel, Barpeta, Assam. Pens (500 m2 each) were stocked with fry at four stocking densities, 3 (SD3), 5 (SD5), 7 (SD7) and 9 (SD9) no. m−2 in triplicates. Feeding was performed twice a day at a rate of 3–5% body weight with floating pelleted feed containing 28% crude protein. Fish grew from 2.38 ± 0.30 g to 82.78 ± 3.18, 75.94 ± 0.89, 71.94 ± 0.89 and 61.81 ± 3.35 g at stocking densities of 3, 5, 7 and 9 no. m−2, respectively. Weight gain per cent ranged from 2491.85 ± 140.56 to 3371.33 ± 133.16 and specific growth rate from 1.41 ± 0.02 to 1.55 ± 0.02, both of which decreased with increasing stocking density. The net and gross yields increased with increasing stocking density and were highest at SD9. The benefit-cost ratio was maximum at SD7 (1.42), followed by SD9 (1.41). Post-pen culture, the monthly income of fishers increased by 6.10% (SD3) to 40.50% (SD9). Significant differences (p > 0.05) in water quality parameters were not observed between treatments (inside pens) and reference site (outside pen at 10 m distance). Weight gain exhibited a significant positive correlation with temperature (r = 0.92; p = 0.029) and alkalinity (r = 0.95; p = 0.014). The present study can provide impetus towards species diversification in pen enclosures, income enhancement of small-scale wetland fishers and sustainable ecosystem-based floodplain wetland fisheries management.
Digital Virtual Consultations and Improved Stakeholders’ Health and Wellbeing amongst Hospital Doctors
Authors: Zammit Dorothy , Tomaselli Gianpaolo , Buttigieg Sandra C. , Garg Lalit , Macassa Gloria
Published: March 2023

The past several decades have seen a shift in patient care towards digitalisation, which has ushered in a new era of health care delivery and improved sustainability and resilience of health systems, with positive impacts on both internal and external stakeholders. This study’s aim was to understand the role of digital virtual consultations in improving internal and external stakeholders’ health, as well as wellbeing among hospital doctors. A qualitative research approach was used with semi-structured online interviews administered to hospital doctors. The interviews showed that the doctors viewed digital virtual consultations as supplementary to in-person consultations, and as tools to reduce obstacles related to distance and time. If the necessary infrastructure and technology were in place, doctors would be willing to use these options. Implementing these technologies would improve the medical profession’s flexibility on the one hand; but it might affect doctors’ work–life balance if consultations extended beyond standard working hours.
Opportunities and Potential for Energy Utilization from Agricultural and Livestock Residues in the Region of Thessaly
Authors: Argyropoulos Christos , Petrakis Theodoros , Roditi Lito-Aspasia , Kavga Angeliki
Published: March 2023

In recent years, due to the circular economy, the use of green energy forms, such as biofuels and biogas from anaerobic digestion of fermentable materials (e.g., agricultural and livestock residues) has entered our lives. According to the International Energy Agency it is estimated that the needs in 2040 will be 48% higher than in 2012 so all political decisions have converged on an urgent need for the use of more and more renewable and green energy. Considering the overall economic activity of these sectors in the region of Thessaly, the aim of this study is to highlight the residues from agricultural and livestock activities in the primary sector and calculate the annual biomass production, the methane and biogas potential, the electrical and thermal energy that can be produced from these wastes, as well as the solid residue that can be used to improve the soil of the region. The study was based on data referring to the years 2015 to 2020. The production of livestock and agricultural residues, averaged over the above six-year period in the study area, was estimated at approximately 4.8 × 106 t·yr.−1, with livestock residues accounting for 83% and agricultural residues for 17%. Furthermore, the total residues can produce an average biogas potential of approximately 4.7 × 106 m3·yr.−1, while the amount of electricity that can be produced ranges from 708–1091 GWh·yr.−1, and the corresponding thermal energy from 1112–1577 GWh·yr.−1. As a result of the complete anaerobic digestion process, a solid residue could also be obtained for the improvement of the region’s soil, which translates into a quantity in the range of 4.01 × 104 to 5.10 × 104 t·yr.−1.
Law Reinforcement, Production Pattern and Enterprise Environmental Performance: Evidence from Environmental Courts in China
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Tao Xinping , Huang Meibo
Published: March 2023

Law reinforcement agencies can be established to improve enterprise environmental performance, a determinant of sustainable growth, but their micropractical evaluation is unclear. This paper uses panel data (1998–2014) from the Chinese Industrial Enterprise Pollution Database and the Chinese Industrial Enterprise Database and adopts the multiperiod difference-in-differences (DID) method to investigate the impact of law reinforcement on enterprise environmental performance (measured by air pollutant emissions). Using the establishment of China’s city-level environmental courts (ECs) as an identification strategy, the study finds a strong positive effect of EC establishment on firms’ environmental performance and confirms the validity of law reinforcement. Furthermore, the effects are heterogeneous for firms with different characteristics (including scale, profit, ownership, pollution intensity and location). Notably, we find that firms improve their environmental performance by changing their production pattern and energy consumption structure. Additionally, ECs could influence firms’ environmental behaviors by enhancing judicial efficiency and generating a deterrence effect. These findings show the government could improve enterprises’ environmental performance through law reinforcement but should consider the heterogeneous effect on different firms.