bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-attribute-based procedure for seismic risk scenario in a historical area
Authors: Mascheri Glenda , Chieffo Nicola , Lourenço P.B.
Published: June 2024

Seismic events have shown to be exceedingly damaging to structures over time, with serious social and economic consequences. As a result, large-scale seismic risk assessments are essential for reducing the potential damage from future earthquakes. Therefore, the proposed study attempts to examine the vulnerability and risk of unreinforced masonry buildings (URM) placed in aggregate conditions in a historical area of the city centre of Lisbon. To this purpose, a comprehensive exposure model was developed combining satellite remote sensing, GIS software, and census data. Subsequently, seismic hazard was evaluated in the area, considering both Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and macro-seismic intensity for different return periods (i.e. 2-50-100-475-975-2500-5000 years). Vulnerability was assessed by introducing a novel approach to earthquake risk assessment using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methodologies. Specifically, the method employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) computational methods to evaluate parameter weights and vulnerability index. Damage scenarios, fragility curves and mean damage ratios curves were provided to offer an overview of the vulnerability of the assets exposed to risk. Finally, the expected consequences were evaluated in terms of direct economic losses showing an economic loss of 595 M€ for a 475-years return period, while 1108 M€ for 5000-years. This study significantly enhances seismic risk analysis for urban areas by introducing a Multi-Criteria Approach. This method simplifies vulnerability assessment, ensuring ease of application and reproducibility. Its insights offer valuable support for disaster risk management decisions, facilitating the implementation of resilience and risk-reduction strategies.
KCS 2 TM: A key sharing approach and Deep Learning Model for Primary User Emulsion Attack detection in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Biradar Shilpa , Singh Kishan , Patil Giriraj
Published: June 2024

The demand for wireless transmission and existence of the cognitive radio networks (CRN) insist the need for detecting the Primary User Emulsion Attack (PUEA) that authenticates the network as the licensed user for accessing the spectrum in CRN. Such condition creates disruptions in the communications. Hence, in this research, PUEA detection in the CRN is proposed using the deep learning and key sharing approach (KCS2TM model). The key sharing approach enables sharing the secret key between Primary User (PU) and Secondary User (SU) that supports the generation of the communication data, which easily assists in detecting the PUEA for which the ChimSp optimizer enabled Bidirectional Long Short Term Memory (CS2TM) model is proposed. The ChimSp optimizer is designed theoretically and mathematically to train the classifier and ensure the improved detection performances. The model provides increased accuracy, highly reliable, reduce computational cost and time are the supremacy of the model. The performance of the model is analyzed with the existing methods, which shows better accuracy sensitivity and specificity of 85.01%, 87.61% and 82.42% compared to other state of art methods.
Effects of Masculine Culture on the Mental Health of Northern Sotho Male Youth
Authors: Mashele Tshepo Hope , Letsoalo Daniel Lesiba , Oduaran Choja Akpovire
Published: June 2024

Background
Mental health challenges have become a pressing public health concern in recent years, with the World Health Organisation reporting a notable prevalence of such difficulties in Africa. In the region, the contributing factors to this conundrum include inadequate infrastructure, severe underfunding, and a strong adherence to masculine culture. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the effects of masculine culture on the mental health of males, particularly black African males.
Objective
The current study aimed to examine the effects of masculine culture on the mental health of Northern Sotho male youth.
Methods
The study adopted a qualitative research approach, an interpretive research paradigm, and an exploratory research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. Researchers collected data through individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed it through qualitative content analysis.
Results
The findings suggest that Northern Sotho male youth value adhering to masculine culture, but such adherence can have negative consequences, as failing to meet these expectations may lead to mental health issues. Future studies should include black male youth from other ethnic groups to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the influence of masculine culture on mental health.
Conclusion
The current study enhanced our understanding of the impact of masculine culture on the mental well-being of Northern Sotho male youth, emphasising the importance of tailoring mental health interventions to this specific group within the study's context.
Effect of synthetic conditions on the structure and magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles in diethylene glycol medium
Authors: Nizamov Timur R. , Bordyuzhin Igor G. , Mogil’nikov Pavel S. , Abakumov Maxim A. , Shchetinin Igor V. , Savchenko Alexander G.
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a study on the influence of synthetic conditions on the structure and properties of hydrophilic iron oxide nanoparticles obtained by thermal decomposition in diethylene glycol. The phase composition of the nanoparticles was studied using X-ray diffraction analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The mass content of the magnetic phase was determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine the sizes of the nanoparticles. The magnetic properties were measured using a vibration magnetometry and magnetic resonance imaging. X-ray diffraction revealed that all the obtained samples are of spinel structure (Fd-3m), specific to both magnetite and maghemite. Sample 60-2h is maghemite in terms of isomer shift (Is=0.353 ± 0.001 mm/s). With an increase in the synthesis time and concentration of iron (III) acetylacetonate, crystallite size changed from 1.8 ± 0.2 to 5.2 ± 0.5 nm, the mass fraction of non-volatile residue increased from 67.6 ± 0.1% to 85.9 ± 0.1%, the average size according to transmission electronic microscopy changed from 3.3 ± 0.8 to 3.8 ± 0.4 nm, and the saturation magnetization from 13.9 ± 0.3 to 83.3 ± 1.7 A•m2/kg. It was shown that the samples obtained using this synthesis method have high values of r2-relaxivity, up to 235 mM− 1•s− 1, which is usually uncharacteristic for iron oxide nanoparticles of this size range. The studied method for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles is promising for use in creating T2 contrast agents for MRI.
­­Dynamics of rain-triggered lahars and destructive power inferred from seismo-acoustic arrays and time-lapse camera correlation at Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala.
Authors: Bosa Ashley R , Bejar Gustavo , Waite Gregory P. , Mock Jerry C. , Pineda Armando , Anderson Jacob F.
Published: June 2024

Lahars, or volcanic mudflows, are one of the most devastating natural, volcanic hazards. Deadly lahars, such as the one that occurred after the Nevado del Ruiz, Columbia eruption in 1985, in which at least 23,000 people tragically lost their lives, threaten the safety and well-being of humans, the economy, and the infrastructure of many of the communities living in the vicinity of volcanoes. Due to their complex flow behaviors, lahars remain a major challenge to those studying them. We present an analysis of several rain-triggered lahar events at Volcán Fuego in Guatemala using both seismic and infrasound monitoring to quantify both ground vibrations and low-frequency atmospheric sound waves associated with these mudflows. Geophysical data collected over this field campaign quantifies flow parameters such as velocities, stage and the frequency of these rain-triggered mudflows. Time-lapse imagery of lahar flows is compared with filtered seismo-acoustic signal characteristics to ascertain stage predictions and relationship to stage fluxes. Using random forest regression models, we establish moderate correlations (correlation coefficient modes 0.48–0.53) with statistical significance (p-value = 0.01–0.02) between energetics in the flows and respective stage. We observe that energetic thresholds exist when using infrasound to detect small lahars, likely due to storm noise and co-location of sensors to cameras. Compiling a catalog of rain-triggered lahar events in Volcán de Fuego’s drainages over a season permits a dataset amenable to statistical analysis. Our goal is the development of new-generation geophysical monitoring tools that will be capable of remote and real-time estimation of flow parameters.
GraphPCA: a fast and interpretable dimension reduction algorithm for spatial transcriptomics data
Authors: Yang Jiyuan , Wang Lu , Liu Lin , Zheng Xiaoqi
Published: June 2024

The rapid advancement of spatial transcriptomics technologies has revolutionized our understanding on cell heterogeneity and intricate spatial structures within tissues and organs. However, the high dimensionality and noise in spatial transcriptomic data present great challenges for downstream analyses. Here, we develop GraphPCA, a novel graph-constrained, interpretable, and quasi-linear dimension-reduction algorithm tailored for spatial transcriptomic data. GraphPCA leverages the strengths of graphical regularization and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to extract low-dimensional embeddings of spatial transcriptomes that integrate location information in nearly linear time complexity. Through comprehensive evaluations on simulated data and multi-resolution spatial transcriptomic data generated from various platforms, we demonstrate the capacity of GraphPCA to enhance downstream analysis tasks including spatial domain detection, denoising, and trajectory inference. The computational efficiency and scalability of GraphPCA facilitate the development of GraphPCA_multi, a multi-slice extension of GraphPCA that effectively captures shared tissue structures across slices. GraphPCA_multi achieved more accurate spatial domain detection than its single-slice version and other competing methods in the field. The substantial power boost enabled by GraphPCA benefits various downstream tasks of spatial transcriptomic data analyses and provides more precise insights into transcriptomic and cellular landscapes of complex tissues.
Performance evaluation and analysis of scalable Raspberry Pi 4 Model B clusters
Authors: Liu Peng , Cao Xiaofan , Jia Yujiao
Published: June 2024

This study systematically investigates the performance scalability of Raspberry Pi 4 Model B clusters across various configura-tions. Leveraging the latest advancements in the Pi4B architecture, including improved processor performance, increased memory capacity, and enhanced network bandwidth, we explore Raspberry Pi clusters’ computational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We use the High-Performance Linpack (HPL) benchmark to measure the clusters’ floating-point operations per second (FLOPS) across diverse node combinations and memory usage scenarios, examining cluster scalability andperformance thresholds. Our findings reveal a nuanced, nonlinear scaling behavior of performance with increasing cluster sizes. This paper contributes valuable insights for designing and optimizing Raspberry Pi clusters in scalable computing applications,offering a foundational perspective for future exploration in this rapidly evolving field.
Prevalence and Knowledge of modern contraceptives among married women in Kombo North District of The Gambia
Authors: Jatta Solomon PS , Badjie Mansour , Sreed Aswathy , Jassey Fatoumata
Published: June 2024

Background
The family planning services that are a part of reproductive health care give couples the chance to have the number of children they want with the proper spacing between each birth. Family planning is important for community socioeconomic advancement, public health, and resource conservation. It is the most economically impactful health and development intervention and has significant positive effects on women, communities, and nations as a whole. The study aimed at assessing married women's knowledge and prevalence of using contemporary contraceptives in the Kombo North District of The Gambia.
Methods: The study design was a descriptive hospital-based cross-section study design using the Maternal and Child Health clinics in the Gambia's Kombo North District. A total of two hundred and thirty-two randomly selected married women participants were recruited for the study.
A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the participants. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to analyze the data with the results presented using tables. IBM SPSS version 20.0 is used for data entry and analysis.
Results:
Ninety-three percent (93.1%) of married women used injectables with 6.9% used pills. The reasons for utilizing modern contraceptives were child spacing, prevention of unplanned pregnancy (78.9%), affordability and availability (18.4%), and suitability and reliability (4.9%). Two-thirds (65.1%) of the participants reported ever used family planning. However, 66% of the participants claimed to lack knowledge of family planning methods. Married women were able to identify only three family planning methods - Pills (58.2%), Injectable (78.9%), and Implants (9.5%).
Conclusion:
Married women showed some amount of understanding about using modern contraceptives even though the majority could only identify just three methods. The availability and acceptance of injectables and pills by married women and society may be a contributing factor to their use. Therefore, there is a need for more awareness creation to enable women to opt for other methods other than pills and injections.
Predicting Rice Blast (Pyriculariaoryzae) Severity Using Epidemiological Data with Advanced Regression Modeling Strategies
Authors: Arooj Saneela , Ahmad Salman , Ali Yasir , Ijaz Muhammad , Nawaz Muhammad , Shahzad Umbreen , Shah Adnan Noor , Ahmad Irfan , Ercisli Sezai , Ali Hayssam M. , Alsakkaf Waleed A. A. , Alomran Maryam M.
Published: June 2024

Rice blast is a detrimental disease widely prevalent in the world. Many disease predictive models have been developed for Rice blast disease (RBD) in different regions, but the disease prediction modeling in semi-arid areas is less characterized. Here, we focused on developing a disease predictive model (DPM) for rice blast disease (RBD) based on eight-year (2009–2016) environmental variables and their correlation with the RBD severity data, followed by validation with two-year (2017–2018) field trial data in a semi-arid region of Pakistan. Besides the correlation analysis, the model implied multiple linear regression analysis. The DPM indicated that five environmental variables maximum (Max) and minimum (Min) temperature, rainfall (RF), relative humidity (RH) and windspeed (WS), significantly contributed to the development of RBD during eight years. The obtained values of standard statistical indicators, coefficient of determination (R2) low standard error (SE) ≤ 10, and significance of F-distribution of regression statistics proved the effectiveness in predicting RBD for eight years. Furthermore, the criteria of root-mean square error (RMSE) and error (%) of 8 year data and observed data suggested a striking closeness between old and observed values of RBD severity, indicating the effective reliability of the model in both contexts. The analysis of 8 year DPM data showed that five environmental variables (max and min temps, RF, RH and WS) could cause up to 92% variability in RBD. Except for min temp, which showed a negative correlation suggesting a minor influence on disease development, the other four environmental factors exhibited a positive correlation with RBD severity, indicating the maximum contributing factors in disease development. The developed model helped us to predict the ranges of environmental factors, Max and Min temp 40–42°C and 22–24°C, RF 2-2.5 mm, RH 50–70%, and WS 9–11 Km/h, significantly favorable for RBD. The current prototype DPM of RBD has the potential for practical application if combined with a weather prediction system, which could be useful in developing rice blast disease warning system in the semi-arid zone of Punjab and predicting the appropriate time of the fungicidal sprays.
Trend Analysis of the Monthly and Annual Air Temperatures in Port-Said City (Egypt)
Authors: Dabbous Amna , El-Wakeel Yasser , El-Geziry Tarek
Published: June 2024

This study investigated variations in a long-term air temperature record in Port Said; to conclude the presence or absence of climate change in this important Egyptian city. The data collection spans 31 years, from 1991 to 2021. The research examined the homogeneity of the annual data, and the linear regression approach to specify the trend of air temperature variations throughout the study period. Moreover, the study investigated the trend significancy by using the Mann-Kendall test, the anomaly calculations and statistically specified the extreme air temperature events. Results revealed that the data were homogenous. Monthly mean air temperatures had increasing trends with varying rates, and the annual increasing trend had a rate of + 0.04°C/yr at 99% confidence level. A negative anomaly period existed only during the period 1991–1997, and as of 1998 the anomaly was always positive. The extreme air temperature times were precisely specified. Four extreme high and 12 extreme low monthly events were detected throughout the study period. The year 2010 (22.7°C) and the year 1991 (20.5°C) were determined as sole years of respectively extreme high and extreme low mean annual air temperatures. The research findings are regarded to be a trustworthy indicator of climate change in Port Said.
Assessing the contribution of genes involved in monogenic bone disorders to the etiology of atypical femoral fractures
Authors: Garcia-Giralt Natalia , Ovejero Diana , Grinberg Daniel , Nogues Xavier , Castañeda Santos , Balcells Susanna , Rabionet Raquel
Published: June 2024

Background
Recent studies suggested that genetic variants associated with monogenic bone disorders were involved in the pathogenesis of atypical femoral fractures (AFF). Here, we aim to identify rare genetic variants by whole exome sequencing in genes involved in monogenic rare skeletal diseases in 12 women with AFF and 4 controls without any fracture.
Results
Out of 33 genetic variants identified in women with AFF, eleven (33.3%) were found in genes belonging to the Wnt pathway (LRP5, LRP6, DAAM2, WNT1, and WNT3A). One of them was rated as pathogenic (p.Pro582His in DAAM2), while all others were rated as variants of uncertain significance according to ClinVar and ACMG criteria.
Conclusions
Osteoporosis, rare bone diseases, and AFFs may share the same genes, thus making it even more difficult to identify unique risk factors.
Analysis of conformable Fokas system in monomode optical fiber viathe modified Recatti equation mapping approach
Authors: Murad Muhammad Amin S. Murad , Omar Faraj M.
Published: June 2024

In the present paper, we apply modified generalized Riccati equation mapping method, whichresults in the successful derivation of numerous optical solutions for the conformable Fokas system.As a result, various optical solutions such as dark, singular, bright, and wave soliton solutionsare constructed. The novel optical soliton solutions derived in this study are depicted via contourgraphs, two-dimensional graphs, and three-dimensional surface plots. The physical significanceand dynamic nature of the optical solutions in the present conformable system through graphicalsimulations presented in multiple graphs are highlighted. The new optical soliton solutions holdpromise for applications in single-mode optical fibers. The Fokas method can be applied to modeland analyze the propagation of optical pulses through nonlinear fiber channels. To our knowledge,these solutions are original and have not been documented in existing literature. They hold promisefor applications in the field of nonlinear optics.
Novel early-onset Alzheimer-associated genes influence risk through dysregulation of glutamate, immune activation, and intracell signaling pathways
Authors: Cruchaga Carlos , Bradley Joseph , Western Daniel , Wang Ciyang , Fonseca Eder Lucio Da , Neupane Achal , Kurup Jiji , Ray NIcholas , Jean-Francois Melissa , Gorijala Priyanka , Bergmann Kristy , Budde John , Martin Eden , Pericak-Vance Margaret , Cuccaro Michael , Kunkle Brian , Morris John , Holtzman David , Perrin Richard , Naj Adam , Haines Jonathan , Schellenberg Gerard , Fernandez Victoria , Reitz Christiane , Beecham Gary , Consortium Alzheimer's Disease Genetics , ADRC Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer's disease research ce
Published: June 2024

Alzheimer Disease (AD) is a highly polygenic disease that presents with relatively earlier onset (≤70yo; EOAD) in about 5% of cases. Around 90% of these EOAD cases remain unexplained by pathogenic mutations. Using data from EOAD cases and controls, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and trans-ancestry meta-analysis on non-Hispanic Whites (NHW, NCase=6,282, NControl=13,386), African Americans (AA NCase=782, NControl=3,663) and East Asians (NCase=375, NControl=838 CO). We identified eight novel significant loci: six in the ancestry-specific analyses and two in the trans-ancestry analysis. By integrating gene-based analysis, eQTL, pQTL and functional annotations, we nominate four novel genes that are involved in microglia activation, glutamate production, and signaling pathways. These results indicate that EOAD, although sharing many genes with LOAD, harbors unique genes and pathways that could be used to create better prediction models or target identification for this type of AD
Comparative analysis of the profitability of major value-added activities along the pineapple value chain in Ghana
Authors: Boakye Kwaku , Salifu Iddrisu , Danso Hayford , Lee Yu-Feng
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to analyze the profitability for sampled pineapple farmers, processors, and marketers in Ghana which will help evaluate how these actors optimize available resources to generate profits and achieve production efficiencies. It employed the descriptive survey while the interview schedules were used as the instruments for the data collection. A sample size of 320, 66, and 169 pineapple farmers, processors, and marketers was obtained respectively. Empirically, it revealed that pineapple production and processing were profitable whereas marketing was not. It rejected the null hypothesis identifying no significant difference in the profit share of the group actors and concluded that the profit share of each actor along the pineapple value chain is different. That is revenue, capital, and planting materials were the determinants of farmers’ profit; capital, pineapple fruits, and packaging materials were the predictors of the processors’ profit, while transportation, revenue, and loading and off-loading costs predict the profit of the marketer. The study recommended, among others, that NGOs and other partner agencies promote the pineapple industry in various ways in hopes of decreasing the country's poverty by providing the actors with credit facilities that will enhance their productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
Beyond National Borders: The troubled relationship between Corsica and Sardinia (1948-2020)
Authors: Farinelli Marcel
Published: June 2024

Corsica and Sardinia are two Mediterranean islands, belonging to two different mainland countries: France and Italy. The islands are separated by the Strait of Bonifacio, which at its narrow point is 13 km wide. This has enabled a bond between the population living on both sides. However, this relationship has progressively been disrupted since the 19th century. The islands can be described as an ‘impeded archipelago’, an island group where existing links were not only removed but also potential new relations have been discouraged. Nevertheless, since the second half of the 20th century, Sardinian and Corsican political and economic elites have tried to establish an island-to-island cooperation. Despite their attempts, it was just in 2016 that the Corsican and Sardinian local governments signed an agreement. This article aims to explore the concept of an impeded archipelago through a detailed analysis of the attempts made to establish an island-to-island relationship, and of the elements that have disrupted this relation, from 1948 to 2020. In doing so, it also provides some reflections on the implications and challenges of a fragmented geography and economy for Island Studies.
Scaling limit of the staggered six-vertex model with $U_q\big(\mathfrak{sl}(2)\big)$ invariant boundary conditions
Authors: Frahm Holger , Gehrmann Sascha , Andreevich Kotousov Gleb
Published: June 2024

We study the scaling limit of a statistical system, which is a special case of the integrable inhomogeneous six-vertex model. It possesses U_q\big(\mathfrak{sl}(2)\big)Uq(𝔰𝔩(2)) invariance due to the choice of open boundary conditions imposed. An interesting feature of the lattice theory is that the spectrum of scaling dimensions contains a continuous component. By applying the ODE/IQFT correspondence and the method of the Baxter QQ operator the corresponding density of states is obtained. In addition, the partition function appearing in the scaling limit of the lattice model is computed, which may be of interest for the study of nonrational CFTs in the presence of boundaries. As a side result of the research, a simple formula for the matrix elements of the QQ operator for the general, integrable, inhomogeneous six-vertex model was discovered, that has not yet appeared in the literature. It is valid for a certain one parameter family of diagonal open boundary conditions in the sector with the zz-projection of the total spin operator being equal to zero.
Matrix method and the suppression of Runge's phenomenon
Authors: Shen Shuifa , Qian Weiliang , Zhang Jie , Pan Yu , Yan Yupeng , Shao Chenggang
Published: June 2024

Higher-degree polynomial interpolations carried out on uniformly distributed nodes are often plagued by , known as Runge’s phenomenon. This work investigates Runge’s phenomenon and its suppression in various versions of the matrix method for black hole quasinormal modes. It is shown that an appropriate choice of boundary conditions gives rise to desirable suppression of oscillations associated with the increasing Lebesgue constant. For the case of discontinuous effective potentials, where the application of the above boundary condition is not feasible, the recently proposed scheme with delimited expansion domain also leads to satisfactory results. The onset of Runge’s phenomenon and its effective suppression are demonstrated by evaluating the relevant waveforms. Furthermore, we argue that both scenarios are either closely related to or practical imitations of the Chebyshev grid. The implications of the present study are also addressed.
Analyzing the Effects of Combining Gradient Conflict Mitigation Methods in Multi-Task Learning
Authors: Alison Richard , Jonathan Welly , Suhartono Derwin
Published: June 2024

Multi-task machine learning approaches involve training a single model on multiple tasks at once to increase performance and efficiency over multiple singletask models trained individually on each task. When such a multi-task model is trained to perform multiple unrelated tasks, performance can degrade significantly since unrelated tasks often have gradients that vary widely in direction. These conflicting gradients may destructively interfere with each other, causing weights learned during the training of some tasks to become unlearned during the training of others. The research selects three existing methods to mitigate this problem: Project Conflicting Gradients (PCGrad), Modulation Module, and Language-Specific Subnetworks (LaSS). It explores how the application of different combinations of these methods affects the performance of a convolutional neural network on a multi-task image classification problem. The image classification problem used as a benchmark utilizes a dataset of 4,503 leaf images to create two separate tasks: the classification of plants and the detection of disease from leaf images. Experiment results on this problem show performance benefits over singular mitigation methods, with a combination of PCGrad and LaSS obtaining a task-averaged F1 score of 0.84686. This combination outperforms individual mitigation approaches by 0.01870, 0.02682, and 0.02434 for PCGrad, Modulation Module, and LaSS, respectively in terms of F1 score.
MODELAGEM DE MISTURAS BINÁRIAS PELA APLICAÇÃO DA EQUAÇÃO DE SCHRÖEDER-van LAAR A UM CONJUNTO DE SUBSTÂNCIAS COM DIVERSIDADE ESTRUTURAL
Authors: de Matos Ursula , Lopes Luana , Scheeren Ana Paula , Schneider Juliana Maria , Bortoluzzi Adailton João , Bonacorso Helio , Gonçalves Itamar Luís , Merlo Aloir Antonio
Published: June 2024

MODELING OF BINARY MIXTURES BY APPLYING THE SCHRÖEDER-van LAAR EQUATION TO A SET OF SUBSTANCES WITH STRUCTURAL DIVERSITY. The Schröeder-van Laar equation to predict the theoretical eutectic melting temperature values was applied to a set of fourteen binary mixtures (UR1 to UR14). The fourteen binary mixtures belong to a structurally diverse group of organic molecules. They are represented by the 5-membered heterocycles containing N-S and N-O rings, flexible methylene chains (RH), semi-rigid semi-fluorinated chains (RF), and hydrogen bonds (HB). A virtual screening totalizing ninety-one possible theoretical combinations was planned. The UR1 to UR14 were prepared by mixing individual components using the calculated mole fractions. The experimental (Te) and theoretical (Tt) temperatures for the eutectic melting points were determined using polarized optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Heterogeneous mixtures were formed for components with large structural diversity as seen by POM. During the melting of the mixtures, irregular behavior through the segregation of the components was recorded. The study showed that the similarities in structural diversities favor the formation of homogeneous mixtures, with Te values approaching Tt, as predicted by the Schröeder-van Laar equation and by the theory of eutectic mixtures. Liquid crystal properties were affected in homogeneous binary mixtures containing one of the individual liquid crystal components.
A Jewel of Kurmanji Literature of Out of Sight Kurdish from the Eye: Mele Telheyê Şerefkî
Authors: Yıldız Ayhan
Published: June 2024

Mele Telheyê Şerefkî, one of the scholars of Kurmanji Kurdish literature, has so far been the subject of only one symposium paper and mentioned in one sentence in an academic article with his life story, works and literary personality. Apart from these, only a few of his poems were in the possession of Diyarbakır madrasah teachers. Apart from this, there was no extensive information about him in the literature. Therefore, we identified this situation as a research problem and prepared our questions in order to introduce him together with his life story, his works and his literary personality and started the study field. During the research process, we saw Şerefki, met him face to face, asked him our questions and recorded his voice. We collected information several times through face-to-face interviews, one of the qualitative research techniques. Then we obtained his manuscript works and analysed them. As a result of the research, we found out that this scholar was educated in the 1960s in the madrasas of famous madrasas in the Serhat, Diyarbakır and Batman regions, and finally received his madrasah icazet from Mele Mûsa, the scholar of Diyarbakır Cimikan Madrasah. He started to write poems in Turkish, Arabic and Kurdish/Kurmanji from his early youth. Since he was the son-in-law of Şêx Xalidê Zengokî and his family benefited from his religious-literary works in Kurmanji, he was influenced by him in terms of religious literature. However, as he studied in various madrasas in the region of Serhat, Diyarbakır and Batman, he began to write Kurmanji poetry under the influence of Mele Şêxmus (Cegexwîn) and Mele Ebdurrehmanê Muşî (Durre). Şerefkî wrote a poetic mawlid, two divans, a poetic biography and a prose biography in Kurmanji, as well as several poems in Arabic and Turkish. Until now, none of these works have been published and researchers of Kurmanji literature have not been aware of him. Although the theme of his poems is usually national sentiments, there are also many poems that deal with the values of Islam.
Impact of the model structure and calibration strategy on baseflow modeling in the German low mountain range
Authors: Kissel Michael , Bach Michael , Schmalz Britta
Published: June 2024

Baseflow is a vital component of the water balance. The fractured hard rock aquifers of the German low mountain range are in danger of increased water stress due to climate change because they react rapidly to deficits in precipitation and groundwater tables decline sharply. Therefore, simulation software must be able to model baseflow accurately. Three soil moisture simulation and two monthly factor-based baseflow models are evaluated using two calibration strategies. Models were calibrated to total flow (S1) or stepwise to baseflow and then total flow (S2). Results were not significantly different for total flow. Regarding baseflow, S2 proved significantly better with median values (S1 calibration, validation | S2 calibration, validation) of SSE (20.3, 20.3 | 13.5, 13.8), LnNSE (0.15, 0.17 | 0.47, 0.34), and PBIAS (27.8, 21.6 | 2.5, −0.8). Parallel linear reservoir proved best at modeling baseflow with a median SSE (S2: 6.1, 5.9), LnNSE (S2: 0.64, 0.71), and PBIAS (S2: 3.8, 3.8). The new modified monthly factor approach is a simple and robust alternative with SSE (13.0, 13.3), LnNSE (0.61, 0.61), and PBIAS (9.8, −8.6). The results are useful regarding selection of baseflow model structure and calibration strategy in low mountain ranges with fractured hard rock aquifers.
Climate-resilient urban drainage planning: An approach using a GIS-based SCS-CN model
Authors: Huq Md Habibul , Rahman Md Mafizur , Hasan G. M. Jahid
Published: June 2024

Inexorable urbanization continues apace across the world and urban flooding in megacities is now frequently evidenced due to extreme rainfall events due to climate change (CC). Climate-resilient urban drainage planning is critical towards making sustainable cities or any new urbanization. This paper presents an approach through an insightful assessment of climate resilient urban drainage applying GIS-based Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number (SCS-CN) model of a new urban growth of megacity Dhaka, Bangladesh. A precise DEM (Digital Elevation Model) of the study area has been used for catchment delineation using ArcSWAT. Localized climate anomalies of rainfall of around 11% have been identified during monsoon from statistical downscaling and included in the cumulative rainfall event of 5 days. The effect of historical and CC-induced rainfall have been used to identify and map the peak discharges of sub-catchments considering the return period of 5-day cumulative rainfall for 10, 25, and 100 years of the urban catchment for both existing and future land-use scenarios accounting for the change in CN. The varying results of the peak discharges of the sub-catchments for resilient drainage planning is not only dependent on the increase in rainfall but also the combined response of the land-use and soil profile.
Seasonal distributions of Ti-containing NPs in the main tributaries of the Tamsuei River Basin in northern Taiwan
Authors: Chen Jou-An , Chen Yen-Tzu , Liu Chia-Hsin , Hwang Yaw-Huei
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to characterize seasonal variations in Ti-containing nanoparticles in the Tamsuei River Basin, situated in northern Taiwan, using sp-ICPMS. The highest particulate mass concentrations were present in the Dahan River, 0.80 − 1.64 ng/mL and 5.65 − 9.94 ng/mL in the dry and wet seasons, respectively, whereas the lowest concentrations were observed in the Xindian River, 0.05 − 0.31 ng/mL and 0.34 − 1.92 ng/mL in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The highest particulate number concentrations were found in the Keelung River, 170 × 103 − 231 × 103 part./mL in the dry season and 1,372 × 103 − 4,110 × 103 part./mL in the wet season, while the lowest ones presented in the Xindian River. Notably, both particulate mass and number concentrations were significantly elevated during the wet season compared with the dry season, exhibiting a general increase from upstream to downstream. Moreover, a higher proportion of Ti in particulate form was observed in all samples during the wet season. The most frequent sizes for particles present in the samples of the Dahan River were larger during the dry season, 60 − 72 nm, in contrast to the wet season, 38 − 52 nm. These findings suggest that local geology and land use patterns may contribute to variations in Ti-containing nanoparticle concentration distributions among different rivers, particularly during the wet season.
Public awareness and concern about harmful algal blooms – United States, 2020
Authors: Jacobi Amy L. , Thuneibat Muhammad , Vigar Marissa K. , Rutt Candace , Andújar Ashley , Roberts Virginia A.
Published: June 2024

Harmful algal blooms can cause human and animal illnesses, environmental damage, and socioeconomic impacts. We analyzed data from the first nationally representative survey to estimate public awareness and concerns about the health impacts of harmful algal blooms. Porter Novelli's Fall 2020 ConsumerStyles survey was sent to 4,548 U.S. adults between September 24 and October 10, 2020, with an overall response of 3,625 adults (80%). Weighted descriptive analyses found that over half (59%) of respondents were aware that harmful algal blooms can be a health threat, while almost a third (32%) were concerned about health or economic impacts. Awareness and concern varied by demographic characteristics. Those who reported awareness of at least one health impact were more likely to be older, White, non-Hispanic, have higher income and education levels, and not have a child in the household. Concern about harmful algal bloom impacts was lowest among males, Mountain region and inland state residents, those with higher income and education levels, and those who identify as White and non-Hispanic. Public health practitioners can improve outreach about harmful algal blooms by using information about public awareness and concerns to tailor messages for different audiences.
Estimation of willingness to pay for improved water supply service: Case of Algerian households
Authors: Boukhari Sofiane , Kertous Mourad , Nassiri Abdelhak , Maliki Samir B.
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the water company in Algeria (ADE) subscribers’ Willingness To Pay (WTP) for a better service offer. This study assessed the WTP for improved drinking water in the department of Souk-Ahras (Algeria), using contingent valuation survey data of 5,342 households, with a response rate of 10.86% (greater than 10% of each municipality's total number of subscribers). Then, Probit and Tobit models were applied to analyze the determinants of WTP. The results show that the majority of respondents (62.84%) testified that they were not satisfied with the quality of the service provided in terms of quantity and quality of the water distributed. This research revealed that the WTP for an improved water supply service was approximately 16.18 Algerian dinar (DZD)/m3 (approximately 0.11 US$/m3) instead of the current tariff (6.3 DZD/m3–0.04 US$ /m3). With this new water tariff, the average water charge for a household is around 1.37% of the average monthly income.
Utilizing big data to determine the temperature dependency of Legionella in hot water systems
Authors: Kistemann Thomas , Zacharias Nicole , Droop Felix , Freier Lia , Schreiber Christiane , Mutters Nico T. , Rechenburg Andrea
Published: June 2024

Domestic hot water installations provide an ideal habitat for Legionella spp. and pose a potential risk of human infection. Heating the water is considered the major preventive measure against Legionella contamination. Our study aimed to understand better the relationships between hot water temperatures and Legionella spp. occurrence within such systems. We utilized routine monitoring data from public and apartment buildings, comprising 292,937 data sets. We employed the analysis of variance, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and relative probability of occurrence to quantitatively assess statistical relationships. In the case of supply flow (SF) and return flow (RF), i.e. near the water heater, water temperature strongly regulates Legionella spp. growth. Below calculated tipping points (SF: 56 °C, RF: 53 °C), the relative probability of Legionella spp. occurrence is 18.7 and 7.5 times higher, respectively. For peripheral samples, the relationship between temperature and Legionella spp. occurrence is less pronounced. Additionally, statistical relationships between central and peripheral temperatures, as well as between central temperatures and peripheral Legionella spp. concentrations within one system, were weak or zero, respectively. Thus, the central temperature regime of hot water systems alone is insufficient to control the occurrence of Legionella spp. in the periphery.
Urban drainage channels as a pathway for microplastics in riverine systems: A case study of Delhi, India
Authors: Vaid Mansi , Sarma Kiranmay , Gupta Anshu
Published: June 2024

Urban drainage channels act as significant routers of microplastics (MPs) originating from terrestrial to aquatic systems. In the present study, contamination of MPs (250–5,000 μm size) has been investigated in an interlinked urban aquatic system comprising Najafgarh drain, corresponding secondary drains, and Yamuna River in Delhi, India. A range of 100–4,300 MPs/m3 (pre-monsoon) and 100–6,700 MPs/m3 (post-monsoon) were detected in secondary drains, which meet the Najafgarh drain through its course in the city. Najafgarh drain showed an average abundance of 771 and 343 MPs/m3 during pre- and post-monsoon season, respectively. The discharge of MP-laden wastewater from the Najafgarh drain into the Yamuna River created a rise in MP abundance in the river at the drain’s downstream location. Thus, revealing that secondary drains play a significant role in MP channelization to the Najafgarh drain and subsequently Yamuna River. White MP fragments were dominating in the study area. Chemical characterization revealed 11 types of MP polymers, with a predominance of polyethylene. Considering the knowledge gap in MP database of interconnected urban aquatic systems in India, this study might help in providing baseline information and encourage more studies addressing the magnitude of this problem for predicting long-term environmental risks.
Photovoltaic cells with transparency for glass coverage: case study in party space
Authors: Dos Santos Christian Antonio , Vendruscolo Ágata , Rogovski Bruna , REIS Mari Aurora Favero
Published: June 2024

Sustainable energy and technological development in electricity generation processes offer opportunities for the development and utilization of new photovoltaic technologies in construction. Photovoltaic cells for glazed surfaces, known as double glass or double-skin, have been applied in modern buildings due to their attributed characteristics that can enhance thermal comfort, provide natural lighting for internal areas, ensure privacy in external environments, and reduce energy consumption. The objective of this study is to investigate the viability of using double glass in the glazed roof of a family party venue. The qualitative method, a case study, was employed to assess the demand for electrical energy in the building and the potential use of double glass photovoltaic technologies. Market research was initially conducted with technology suppliers, enabling the evaluation of characteristics for the technological and economic feasibility of the project. The results show that the installation of double glass photovoltaic technology offers 40% transparency to solar radiation through the roof, resulting in thermal and luminous comfort. In terms of economic viability, the study demonstrates the possibility of return on investment in 4.6 years, considering energy generation, reduced building energy costs, and installation expenses. The installation of double glass technology, according to market research, is economically viable and generates local electrical energy for residents, providing comfort in the environment and enhancing the quality of life for occupants.
Potencial energético de biomassa e carvão de bambu
Authors: Campos Rafaela Faber de , Almeida Valdeci Souza de , Silva Dimas Agostinho da , Garcia Luiz Claudio , Antunes Sandra Regina Masetto , Weirich Neto Pedro Henrique , Payret-Arrúa Maria Elena
Published: June 2024

A biomassa sempre foi utilizada pela humanidade como fonte de energia. Atualmente, devido aos problemas decorrentes da utilização de combustíveis fósseis, a biomassa volta a despertar interesse. Devido a produtividade, o bambu pode se tornar uma alternativa sustentável. Sendo assim avaliou-se potencial energético da biomassa e do cravão de quatro espécies de bambu. As espécies estudadas foram Phyllostachys aurea A. C. Rivière (bamboo golden), Chusquea gracilis Mcclure & Smith (criciúma), Chusquea mimosa Mcclure & Smith (caratuva) and Merostachys multiramea Hackel (taquara lixa). Estas são encontradas na Meso Região Centro Sul do estado do Paraná, Brasil. O bambu foi avaliado quanto ao conteúdo de água, massa específica, análise imediata e poder calorífico. A massa específica da Phyllostachys aurea foi de 0,63 g cm-3 in natura e 0,41 g cm-3 após carbonizada. A espécie Phyllostachys aurea in natura apresentou poder calorífico superior de 18,91 MJ kg-1 e conteúdo de cinzas de 4,90 g kg-1, enquanto seu carvão chegou a um poder calorífico do 25,05 MJ kg-1 e conteúdo de cinzas de 12,4 g kg-1. O poder calorífico superior Chusquea mimosa foi de 25,55 MJ kg-1, porém com grande quantidade de cinzas geradas, (79,3 g kg-1). A espécie Chusquea mimosa apresenta potencial para ser utilizada in natura e a espécie Phyllostachys aurea como carvão.
Produção de biogás a partir dos resíduos da produção de biodiesel no Brasil - uma revisão
Authors: Honório Glaucio
Published: June 2024

Problemas ligados à queima de combustíveis fósseis aliados a crescente demanda mundial tem contribuído para que a sociedade se lance na busca por fontes alternativas e sustentáveis de energia, principalmente a proveniente da biomassa, onde se destaca o biodiesel. Durante o seu processo de produção, o glicerol é o principal subproduto formado, podendo ser absorvido por diversas indústrias. Porém o crescimento na produção tem levado a uma saturação do mercado com o glicerol, e encontrar formas de aproveitamento deste resíduo torna-se fundamental. O presente estudo busca esclarecer a utilização da glicerina residual como substrato para a codigestão anaeróbia na produção de biogás, outra fonte de energia renovável, que vem sendo amplamente estudada na busca de um futuro mais sustentável, reduzindo o consumo de gás natural. Conforme apresentado, a utilização do glicerol associado a diversos resíduos melhora a produção do biogás, sobretudo do metano, constituindo em uma forma promissora para destinação desses resíduos.