bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Nature-Based Solutions to Improve the Urban Microclimate in Mediterranean Climate Conditions: A Case Study of Izmir-Karsıyaka
Authors: Kaçmaz Akkurt Gülşah , Şemsiyeci Seda
Published: March 2024

Today, rapid urbanization and increasing human activities have affected the climate at macro and micro scales in cities and caused unfavorable conditions in terms of human thermal comfort, especially in outdoor spaces. In this context, new solutions need to be researched, developed, tested, and updated to improve thermal comfort in cities. Using ENVI-met 5.1 software, this study investigated the effects of different NBS combinations on the urban microclimate and human bioclimatic comfort in Izmir (Turkey). The current situation, the scenarios where some nature-based solutions (NBS) are applied within the scope of the European Union’s HORIZON 2020 “URBAN GreenUP” project, and two other scenarios planned within the scope of the study were evaluated. The findings of the study showed that both the NBS scenarios created within the scope of the EU project and the NBS scenarios with large deciduous trees had the most positive impacts on improving thermal comfort conditions in all three study zones and achieved temperature reductions of up to 2.5 °C in urban temperatures. In terms of thermal comfort, the most significant differences were calculated between the minimum PMV values and were close to 1 °C. In addition, the simulation results showed positive changes in psychological stress levels.
European Green Deal: Satellite Monitoring in the Implementation of the Concept of Agricultural Development in an Urbanized Environment
Authors: Opryshko Oleksiy , Pasichnyk Natalia , Kiktev Nikolay , Dudnyk Alla , Hutsol Taras , Mudryk Krzysztof , Herbut Piotr , Łyszczarz Piotr , Kukharets Valentyna
Published: March 2024

To improve energy and environmental security in urban environments and in accordance with the requirements of the EU, the task of sustainable developing agriculture in urban agglomerations and monitoring it using satellite images becomes relevant. The aim of the work is the development of methods and means for determining stable islands of thermal energy to substantiate the optimal locations for plant growing practices in the metropolis. The research was conducted in Kyiv, the largest metropolis of Ukraine. Data from the Landsat 8 and 9 satellites were used because of the free data and they have better spatial resolution and an available archive of observation results. It was established that the temperature map of the city of Kyiv shows differences in temperature between different parts of the city, probably due to the presence of different sources of heat radiation. It is obvious that the standard deviation of the temperature in the plots depends on many factors, in particular, the season and the type of land use. It is necessary to find alternative solutions for the development of crop production in this area, taking into account the characteristics of thermal emissions. Based on software products from free satellite monitoring providers, EO Browser, a specialized software solution (web application) has been created for monitoring agricultural plantations in an urban environment. A collection of LANDSAT 8 satellite images was used. Areas with stable heat emissions were found, which are due to the operation of a modern shopping and entertainment center, and non-traditional crops for landscaping adapted to its design are proposed. As a result of research, strong heat emissions were recorded for some objects, for them the temperature exceeds the surrounding area by 4 °C, while the minimum standard deviation in January is 0.5 °C, the maximum in July is 2.8 °C, in April and October—1.7 °C and 1.2 °C, respectively.
Can the Synergy of Digitalization and Servitization Boost Carbon-Related Manufacturing Productivity? Evidence from China’s Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Li Gang , Chen Yanan , Cheng Yan
Published: March 2024

With the goal of carbon peaking and neutrality, carbon productivity has become a means of sustainability in manufacturing, and the impact of the synergy of digitalization and servitization (DSS) on carbon productivity (CP) deserves in-depth study. Based on data with respect to manufacturing in 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2020, a coupled coordination degree model is used to calculate the degree of manufacturing coordination. A regression effect model is used to explore the intrinsic mechanism of the impact of DSS on CP. The main results show the following: (1) The DSS in manufacturing positively contributes to enhancing CP, and there are non-linear features in both. (2) Technological innovation can contribute to the impact of DSS on CP, as does industry structure, and there is a mediating effect between the two. (3) When economic growth is used as the threshold, DSS and CP reflect a positive “U” relationship. Based on the above findings, policy recommendations are made to promote the sustainable development of manufacturing.
Disparity of Rural Income in Counties between Ecologically Functional Areas and Non-Ecologically Functional Areas from Social Capital Perspective
Authors: Zhang Hong , Song Wenfei
Published: March 2024

In China, income disparities between regions continue to widen, especially in rural areas where environmental policies are implemented, where regional development is more underdeveloped and inequality is high. This paper provides an explanation from the perspective of social capital. Based on the panel data of 2077 counties in 2001–2015, this paper finds that the difference in social capital between ecological and non-ecological functional areas is not only from the gap in the total amount but also from the gap in the income effects. Empirical evidence shows that, although there is a positive correlation between social capital and rural income, the difference between the income effects is further caused by the lower level of social capital in ecological functional areas than in non-ecological functional areas. It is proved that there is a gap between the income effects of social capital in ecological function areas and non-ecological function areas, especially among the low-income groups of the two sectors. The results of the further decomposition of the differences show that the total difference in rural income between ecological function areas and non-ecological function areas is about 40%, of which the contribution of social capital is greater than the contribution of the two sectors. Therefore, the national key ecological functional areas need to explore new models for poverty reduction through social capital.
Virtual Reality in Historic Urban District Renovation for Enhancing Social and Environmental Sustainability: A Case of Tangzixiang in Anhui
Authors: Li Tingjun , Li Qingxiang
Published: March 2024

Virtual reality (VR) technology has attracted the attention of architectural practitioners due to its ability to allow people to interact with proposed design elements through unique and immersive experiences. This study aims at providing a bottom-up decision-making approach, using VR technology for inhabitant engagement in the design process of historic urban district renovation to preserve local culture, improve community interaction, and replace printed paper use for review. The study focuses on the Tangzixiang district in the Anhui province, providing Scheme 1 with a traditional architectural style and Scheme 2 with a modern architectural style for the renovation. The schemes are developed in a VR environment in both smooth movement mode and node-based movement mode. A total of 62 inhabitants and 10 architecture practitioners finished the VR experience, and the survey-based results indicate that VR quality can satisfy the requirements of practitioners in a professional review. In the inhabitants’ view, Scheme 1, with a traditional architectural style, is identified as being more effective in preserving local culture. The scheme is improved by the design studio after the survey, based on the questionnaire results and comments. Notably, 56 participants scored five, indicating their agreement with the notion that VR enhances their engagement in the design stage. The effectiveness of the VR technology in the bottom-up decision-making process has proven to offer inhabitants opportunities to participate. This study demonstrates how this level of immersive experience in VR environments has the potential to be applied in more projects, aiding clients in better understanding design intent and helping them make more informed decisions early in the design process.
Environmental Sanitation in Porto Alegre City, Brazil: A Basic Step towards Sustainable Development
Authors: Ziliotto Marina , Chies José Artur Bogo , Ellwanger Joel Henrique
Published: March 2024

Porto Alegre city, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul State, is an important medical, educational, and technological hub in Brazil. However, Porto Alegre faces critical challenges in achieving adequate environmental sanitation, hampering the development of the city, and negatively impacting the most socially vulnerable segments of the population. Although Porto Alegre’s sanitation plan aims at universal access to sewage collection and treatment services by 2035, some of the city’s sanitation indicators have deteriorated in recent years compared to other Brazilian cities. The inadequate or lack of proper sanitation (e.g., shortcomings in sewage collection and treatment, suboptimal management of solid waste, deficiencies in the distribution of treated water) contribute to the proliferation of disease vectors like mosquitoes and to the spread of infectious and parasitic diseases (e.g., toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, arboviral diseases). Recently, Porto Alegre’s population experienced a significant number of dengue infection cases. Climate change, social issues, and unplanned urbanization will further favor disease transmission in the region. In this Review, we provide an overview concerning the ecological, socio-economic, and public health aspects of Porto Alegre, drawing attention to the insufficient environmental sanitation in the city, a neglected problem by local authorities. We argue that this issue needs to be seriously addressed if Porto Alegre wants to realistically achieve sustainable development, protecting ecosystems and human health.
The Thermophysical Aspects of the Transformation of Porous Structures in Versatile Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Koshlak Hanna , Basok Borys , Pavlenko Anatoliy , Hrabova Tatiana , Opryshko Vitalii
Published: March 2024

The technology of obtaining porous nanostructures is based on ecological organosilicon materials and their uses in some spheres of human life, for example, for medical preparations, for thermal insulation of building structures and industrial equipment, and for cleaning. The purpose of this study was to establish correlations between various experimental parameters (shear stress, speed pulsations, temperature, viscosity, and processing time) and the rheological characteristics of suspensions obtained by the method of liquid-phase dispersion; it was a study of hydrodynamic effects and the processes of heat and mass exchange in liquid systems during the liquid-phase dispersion of hydrogel monoliths by means of discrete-pulse activation in a special rotary apparatus. The dehydration of hydrogels was carried out by two methods: convective drying in a layer and spraying in the coolant flow. Experiments have shown that the key parameters for obtaining stable homogeneous suspensions are a synergistic combination of concentration factors and processing time. To obtain adsorbents in the form of pastes with specified adsorption properties and a monolith size of up to 300 μm, the optimal parameters were a hydrogel concentration of 70% and a processing time in the double-recirculation mode. Xerogels obtained by convective drying are a polydisperse mixture of strong monoliths and fragile aggregates. In contrast, xerogel monoliths obtained by spray drying show great homogeneity in terms of dispersion and strength characteristics. The rheological parameters of the hydrogel dispersions, which depend on the concentration and hydrodynamic treatment modes, are the dominant factors affecting the moisture extraction during drying. This study marks the first investigation into the resilience of porous organosilicon structures against the influence of intense turbulence fields and mechanical stresses experienced within the rotor apparatus during suspension production.
Methods for the Geophysical Exploration and Sustainable Utilisation of Coalbed Methane Resources in Abandoned Mines of Shanxi, China
Authors: Liu Chunlin , Li Guoxun , Yu Chuantao
Published: March 2024

Underground coal mining results in large goafs and numerous abandoned mines that contain substantial amounts of coalbed methane. If this methane is not used and controlled, it will escape into the atmosphere through geological fractures and can result in serious greenhouse gas effects and environmental damage. Exploring and developing the coalbed methane resources of abandoned mines can not only improve coal mine safety and protect the ecological environment but also reuse waste and mitigate energy shortages. Geophysical methods have made some progress in detecting abandoned coal mines, but there are still some challenges and difficulties. The resolution of seismic exploration may not be enough to accurately describe the details of coal seams and CBM rich areas, and the effect of resistivity method in deep CBM exploration is limited. In addition, the geological structure of abandoned coal mines is usually more complex, such as faults, folds, etc., which makes the application of exploration methods more difficult and increases the difficulty of data interpretation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and perfect exploration technology continuously including the application of geophysical big data, deep learning, and artificial intelligence inversion to realize the accurate detection and evaluation of CBM resources in abandoned coal mines.
Workplace Buoyancy and Servant Leadership as Catalysts for Sustainable Disaster Management: Mitigating Emotional Exhaustion in Disaster Response Teams
Authors: Yikilmaz Ibrahim , Surucu Lutfi , Maslakci Ahmet , Dalmis Alper Bahadir , Ergun Meric
Published: March 2024

Amid global crises like natural disasters and climate change, the emotional well-being of disaster response workers (DRWs) is a key factor in sustainable public health and disaster management. The study highlights the issue of emotional exhaustion among DRWs, which can impact organizational effectiveness and the health and well-being of affected communities. The study examines the roles of servant leadership (SL) and workplace buoyancy (WB) in addressing these issues. Using data from 336 DRWs involved in the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, JD-R Theory is employed to study how these factors interact in high-demand scenarios. Analysis with the Smart PLS 4 program reveals that SL and WB play key roles in reducing emotional exhaustion (EE). Notably, WB partially mediates the relationship between SL and EE. These insights are vital for creating sustainable public health and disaster management strategies in times of growing conflicts and climate crises. By extending the JD-R Theory to encompass these elements, the study provides valuable suggestions for policymakers and managers to enhance the resilience and well-being of DRWs. The study deepens our understanding of public health challenges in disaster settings and highlights the need for integrated, sustainable responses to support those on the front lines of disaster relief efforts.
The Evaluation and Significance of Smart City Projects in Korea: Targeting Enterprises within the Smart City Association Convergence Alliance
Authors: Kim Jaehwan
Published: March 2024

This study identified, analysed, and prioritised significant factors for standardising the Korean smart city project evaluation system. We analysed the efficiency and productivity of companies currently providing smart city services, considering both policy and practical aspects. The prioritisation of smart city planning reflects the latest trends in South Korea, where urban planning is moving towards smart city planning. Furthermore, public–private and private–private partnership capacity-building highlights the importance of business scalability. This shows that smart city services are only stabilised when the private sector is involved in and leads the project, rather than focusing on public development. The feasibility of building intelligent facilities indicates that smart city projects should be implemented after securing cost–benefit feasibility. The results were used as the basis for an evaluation system, showing that, in smart city convergence alliances, small- and medium-sized enterprises achieved the highest efficiency by reducing inputs to 81% and 86% under the assumptions of constant and variable returns to scales, respectively. As the operational aspect is more problematic than the technical aspect, policy alternatives are necessary for smooth business progress, including increased flexibility of laws and institutions and the activation of policies that temporarily relieve regulations for smart city projects.
Exploring the Impact of Visual Perception and Taste Experience on Consumers’ Acceptance of Suboptimal Fresh Produce
Authors: Elimelech Efrat , Ert Eyal , Parag Yael , Hochman Guy
Published: March 2024

Consumers’ tendency to avoid purchasing cosmetically “suboptimal” fruits and vegetables has been widely recognized as a significant contributor to food waste. However, the mechanisms that shape and influence this tendency remain largely unknown. The current study evaluates the impact of visual perception and taste experience on willingness to purchase and quality perceptions of fresh produce, focusing on two types of suboptimality: small size and abnormal shape. The study employed a 3 × 2 between-subjects factorial design in which participants indicated their perceived quality and willingness to purchase suboptimal tomatoes and sweet peppers in three informational conditions: viewing the vegetable picture (no taste), view then taste (participants tasted a slice after viewing the vegetable picture), and taste then view. The results revealed that, as expected, the abnormally shaped vegetable was judged less favorably than the normal one. The small-sized vegetable was judged more favorably than the regular one, in contrast to the current size regulations applied by retailers. Tasting significantly increased people’s willingness to purchase the abnormally shaped produce, but had no effect on the willingness to purchase the abnormally sized produce, nor did it impact the perceived quality of the abnormal products. This study highlights consumer bias towards aesthetic qualities and suggests that direct taste experiences can alter perceptions towards accepting visually imperfect produce, thereby contributing to sustainability and food-waste reduction efforts.
Quality Management in Chinese Academic Libraries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hu Bin , Moro-Cabero María-Manuela , De-La-Mano Marta
Published: March 2024

With global digital transformation and higher education evolution, academic libraries are enhancing their information and knowledge management practices. This study responds to this trend by identifying quality management (QM) models discussed and implemented in Chinese academic libraries, as well as by examining the enablers and challenges associated with QM planning and implementation. A systematic review was executed adhering to the PRISMA guidelines to critically appraise the relevant literature from five international and Chinese scholarly databases. Out of 435 initial records, 52 studies were included based on the established inclusion criteria and quality assessment benchmarks. The results revealed that Chinese academic libraries were increasingly integrating international QM models, including ISO 9000, TQM, and EFQM. This integration was driven by six enablers: four external enablers, including the introduction of QM, government support, technological advancements, and quality assessment practices; and two internal enablers, including developmental needs and cultural emphasis on educational excellence. However, these libraries also encountered six challenges in this process: three external challenges, including rapid industrial evolution, deficiency in comprehensive evaluation indicators, and rigorous ISO audits; and three internal challenges, including resistance to change, insufficiency of motivation for improvement, and inequitable distribution of resources. The findings of the current research could deepen the theoretical understanding of the enablers and challenges of QM in academic libraries from both external and internal dimensions. These findings could also support library management, higher education institution leaders, and policymakers in developing sustainable QM strategies for libraries in China and other countries.
Endotoxin Translocation Is Increased in Broiler Chickens Fed a Fusarium Mycotoxin-Contaminated Diet
Authors: Reisinger Nicole , Doupovec Barbara , Czabany Tibor , Van Immerseel Filip , Croubels Siska , Antonissen Gunther
Published: March 2024

Broiler chickens in livestock production face numerous challenges that can impact their health and welfare, including mycotoxin contamination and heat stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate the combined effects of two mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins (FBs), along with short-term heat stress conditions, on broiler gut health and endotoxin translocation. An experiment was conducted to assess the impacts of mycotoxin exposure on broilers, focusing on intestinal endotoxin activity, gene expression related to gut barrier function and inflammation, and the plasma concentration of the endotoxin marker 3-OH C14:0 either at thermoneutral conditions or short-term heat stress conditions. Independently of heat stress, broilers fed DON-contaminated diets exhibited reduced body weight gain during the starter phase (Day 1–12) compared to the control group, while broilers fed FB-contaminated diets experienced decreased body weight gain throughout the entire trial period (Day 1–24). Furthermore, under thermoneutral conditions, broilers fed DON-contaminated diets showed an increase in 3-OH C14:0 concentration in the plasma. Moreover, under heat stress conditions, the expression of genes related to gut barrier function (Claudin 5, Zonulin 1 and 2) and inflammation (Toll-like receptor 4, Interleukin-1 beta, Interleukin-6) was significantly affected by diets contaminated with mycotoxins, depending on the gut segment. This effect was particularly prominent in broilers fed diets contaminated with FBs. Notably, the plasma concentration of 3-OH C14:0 increased in broilers exposed to both DON- and FB-contaminated diets under heat stress conditions. These findings shed light on the intricate interactions between mycotoxins, heat stress, gut health, and endotoxin translocation in broiler chickens, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions for the development of effective management strategies in livestock production to enhance broiler health and welfare.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Male Infertility: Evaluation and Treatment: A Narrative Review
Authors: Venishetty Nikit , Alkassis Marwan , Raheem Omer
Published: March 2024

Male infertility has affected an increasingly large population over the past few decades, affecting over 186 million people globally. The advent of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) and artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the landscape of diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. Through an extensive literature review encompassing the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases, various AI techniques such as machine learning (ML), artificial neural networks (ANNs), deep learning (DL), and natural language processing (NLP) were examined in the context of evaluating seminal quality, predicting fertility potential, and improving semen analysis. Research indicates that AI models can accurately estimate the quality of semen, diagnose problems with sperm, and provide guidance on reproductive health decisions. In addition, developments in smartphone-based semen analyzers and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) are indicative of initiatives to improve the price, portability, and accuracy of results. Future directions point to possible uses for AI in ultrasonography assessment, microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE), and home-based semen analysis. Overall, AI holds significant promise in revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, offering standardized, objective, and efficient approaches to addressing this global health challenge.
Profiling the Interaction between Human Serum Albumin and Clinically Relevant HIV Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Authors: Costa-Tuna Andreia , Chaves Otávio A. , Almeida Zaida L. , Cunha Rita S. , Pina João , Serpa Carlos
Published: March 2024

Tenofovir (TFV) is the active form of the prodrugs tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), both clinically prescribed as HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The biophysical interactions between these compounds and human serum albumin (HSA), the primary carrier of exogenous compounds in the human bloodstream, have not yet been thoroughly characterized. Thus, the present study reports the interaction profile between HSA and TFV, TDF, and TAF via UV–Vis, steady-state, and time-resolved fluorescence techniques combined with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and in silico calculations. A spontaneous interaction in the ground state, which does not perturb the microenvironment close to the Trp-214 residue, is classified as weak. In the case of HSA/TFV and HSA/TDF, the binding is both enthalpically and entropically driven, while for HSA/TAF, the binding is only entropically dominated. The binding constant (Ka) and thermodynamic parameters obtained via ITC assays agree with those obtained using steady-state fluorescence quenching measurements, reinforcing the reliability of the data. The small internal cavity known as site I is probably the main binding pocket for TFV due to the low steric volume of the drug. In contrast, most external sites (II and III) can better accommodate TAF due to the high steric volume of this prodrug. The cross-docking approach corroborated experimental drug-displacement assays, indicating that the binding affinity of TFV and TAF might be impacted by the presence of different compounds bound to albumin. Overall, the weak binding capacity of albumin to TFV, TDF, and TAF is one of the main factors for the low residence time of these antiretrovirals in the human bloodstream; however, positive cooperativity for TAF and TDF was detected in the presence of some drugs, which might improve their residence time (pharmacokinetic profile).
Human and Viral microRNA Expression in Acute and Chronic HIV Infections
Authors: Lazzari Elisabetta , Rozera Gabriella , Gagliardini Roberta , Esvan Rozenn , Mondi Annalisa , Mazzotta Valentina , Camici Marta , Girardi Enrico , Antinori Andrea , Maggi Fabrizio , Abbate Isabella
Published: March 2024

Human and viral microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of gene transcription, and the establishment of their profiles in acute (AHI) and chronic (CHI) HIV infections may shed light on the pathogenetic events related to different phases of HIV disease. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of miRNA libraries was performed, and the reads were used to analyze miRNA differential expression in the plasma with AHI and CHI. Functional analysis was then undertaken to investigate the biological processes characterizing the two phases of HIV infection. Except for hsa-miR-122-5p, which was found in 3.39% AHI vs. 0.18% CHI, the most represented human miRNAs were similarly represented in AHI and CHI. However, when considering the overall detected miRNAs in AHI and CHI, 15 displayed differential expression (FDR p < 0.05). Functional analysis identified 163 target mRNAs involved in promoting angiogenesis activation in AHI versus CHI through the action of hsa-miR10b-5p, hsa-miR1290, hsa-miR1-3p, and hsa-miR296-5p. The viral miRNAs detected, all belonging to herpesviruses, accounted for only 0.014% of total reads. The present data suggest that AHI patients exhibit strong innate immune activation through the upregulation of hsa-miR-122-5p and early activation of angiogenesis. More specific investigations are needed to study the role of viral miRNAs in HIV pathogenesis.
Comparing Remote Sensing and Geostatistical Techniques in Filling Gaps in Rain Gauge Records and Generating Multi-Return Period Isohyetal Maps in Arid Regions—Case Study: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Helmi Ahmed M. , Farouk Mohamed I. , Hassan Raouf , Mumtaz Mohd Aamir , Chaouachi Lotfi , Elgamal Mohamed H.
Published: March 2024

Arid regions are susceptible to flash floods and severe drought periods, therefore there is a need for accurate and gap-free rainfall data for the design of flood mitigation measures and water resource management. Nevertheless, arid regions may suffer from a shortage of precipitation gauge data, whether due to improper gauge coverage or gaps in the recorded data. Several alternatives are available to compensate for deficiencies in terrestrial rain gauge records, such as satellite data or utilizing geostatistical interpolation. However, adequate assessment of these alternatives is mandatory to avoid the dramatic effect of using improper data in the design of flood protection works and water resource management. The current study covers 75% of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s area and spans the period from 1967 to 2014. Seven satellite precipitation datasets with daily, 3-h, and 30-min temporal resolutions, along with 43 geostatistical interpolation techniques, are evaluated as supplementary data to address the gaps in terrestrial gauge records. The Normalized Root Mean Square Error by the mean value of observation (NRMSE) is selected as a ranking criterion for the evaluated datasets. The geostatistical techniques outperformed the satellite datasets with 0.69 and 0.8 NRMSE for the maximum and total annual records, respectively. The best performance was found in the areas with the highest gauge density. PERSIANN-CDR and GPM IMERG V7 satellite datasets performed better than other satellite datasets, with 0.8 and 0.82 NRMSE for the maximum and total annual records, respectively. The spatial distributions of maximum and total annual precipitation for every year from 1967 to 2014 are generated using geostatistical techniques. Eight Probability Density Functions (PDFs) belonging to the Gamma, Normal, and Extreme Value families are assessed to fit the gap-filled datasets. The PDFs are ranked according to the Chi-square test results and Akaike information criterion (AIC). The Gamma, Extreme Value, and Normal distribution families had the best fitting over 56%, 34%, and 10% of the study area gridded data, respectively. Finally, the selected PDF at each grid point is utilized to generate the maximum annual precipitation for 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100-year rasters that can be used directly as a gridded precipitation input for hydrological studies.
Determining Water Use Patterns for the Betula platyphylla in the Southern Greater Khingan Mountains and Its Adaptation to Drought
Authors: Zhao Pengwu , Wu Yiheng , Yao Huaxia , Li Yuanqiao , Liu Bingbing , Zhou Mei , Shu Yang , Zhou Liwen , Xiang Changlin
Published: March 2024

Due to global climate change, seasonal droughts have intensified and become more frequent in certain semi-arid regions, and plants often adjust their water uptake depths to adapt to shifting environmental conditions. The southern Greater Khingan Mountains have a large natural secondary forest area and act as an important ecological barrier. This study focused on examining the water use patterns of the primary plant species, Betula platyphylla, within the natural secondary forest of the southern Greater Khingan Mountains. The investigation utilized oxygen stable isotope techniques and covered a timeframe spanning from July 2019 to September 2020. The findings indicate that the adaptable water utilization strategies and rapid response to precipitation could facilitate plants fully utilizing water from all depths, thereby enabling them to better adapt to arid environments. When the rainfall was low (390.4 mm in the growing season of 2019), the developed shallow roots quickly absorbed shallow soil water (0–20 cm, with a utilization ratio of 40.4% for the entire root depth), but when the rainfall increased (501.5 mm in the growing season of 2020), Betula platyphylla gradually transitioned to extracting soil water from deeper soil layers (40–60 cm) and deepened its root system (with a utilization ratio of 39.4%), indicating its adaptability to semi-arid environments. Therefore, the flexible water use strategy of Betula platyphylla in the same habitat may give it a competitive advantage during low rainfall periods. The findings are important for the protection of natural forests and water management in the southern Greater Khingan Mountains.
Desalination of Seawater, Synthetic Saline Irrigation Water and Produced Water Using Nano Zero Valent Metals: Results from a Pilot-Scale Desalination System
Authors: Walker William J.
Published: March 2024

Two pilot-scale desalination systems employing carbon modified nano-sized, zero valent metals (n-ZVMs) were manufactured and tested to determine (1) the degree to which high-salt water (20 to 130 mS) could be desalinated and (2) if this degree of desalination could be maintained throughout an extended treatment period. The two pilot systems (referred to as Generation 1 and Generation 2) consisted of parallel lines of four individual reactors in series, a settling tank and an activated carbon cell at the end of each reactor line. The system capacity was 300 gal in Generation 1 and 600 gal in Generation 2 with a total hydraulic residence time of 6 h per reactor line (one hour per cell/tank). A slurry of n-ZVMs manufactured from mixtures of ferrous sulfate and green or black tea extract was introduced in the first reactor on each line to yield approximately 5 to 45 g of nano metal per 100 L of influent salt water based on dosing experiments required to achieve maximum salt removal at each of the three influent salt contents used, 28 mS, 44 mS and 123 mS. Once dosing was set, continuous runs (14 days, 23 days and 9 days) were carried out. The results demonstrated that maximum removal occurred with 10 g/100 L of salt for the 30 mS salt solution, 16 g/100 L of salt for the 40 mS influent water and 40 g/100 L for the 130 mS influent. Salt removal (expressed as Na+ and Cl− removed) approached 78% for the 30 mS influent and 41 mS influent, respectively, while removal for the highest concentration salt influent (130 mS) approached 81%. Continuous operation over the extended time-period showed no significant decrease in salt removal with a typical day to day variation of no more than 10%, suggesting that this approach to desalination could rapidly provide usable water from saline aquifers, seawater or even produced water.
Summary of Experiments and Influencing Factors of Sediment Settling Velocity in Still Water
Authors: Li Yani , Xu Zhihao , Zhan Xiaoyun , Zhang Tibin
Published: March 2024

Sediment deposition significantly impacts soil erosion processes, consequently influencing the geographical morphology and surrounding environments of reservoirs and estuaries. Given the intricate nature of sediment deposition, it is imperative to consolidate and analyze existing research findings. Presently, studies on sediment settling velocity primarily employ theoretical, laboratory, and field experimentation methods. Theoretical approaches, rooted in mechanics, examine the various forces acting on sediment particles in water to derive settling velocity equations. However, they often overlook external factors like temperature, salinity, organic matter, and pH. Although laboratory experiments scrutinize the influence of these external factors on sedimentation velocity, sediment settling is not solely influenced by individual factors but rather by their collective interplay. Field observations offer the most accurate depiction of sediment deposition rates. However, the equipment used in such experiments may disrupt the natural sedimentation process and damage flocs. Moreover, measurements of sediment particle size from different instruments yield varied results. Additionally, this paper synthesizes the impact of suspended sediment concentration, particle size, shape, temperature, salinity, and organic matter on sediment settling velocity. Future research should focus on innovating new laboratory observation methods for sediment settling velocity and utilizing advanced scientific and technological tools for on-site measurements to provide valuable insights for further investigation into sediment settling velocity.
Effects of Phosphate and Arsenate on As Metabolism in Microcystis aeruginosa at Different Growth Phases
Authors: Zhang Ping , Liu Jinxin , Yang Fen , Xie Shaowen , Wei Chaoyang
Published: March 2024

Arsenic (As) metabolism in freshwater algae at different growth phases has rarely been documented. To address this gap, this study was conducted to assess the intra- and extracellular As metabolism, along with speciation changes, in Microcystis aeruginosa across three growth phases. The treatment involved varying concentrations of As (0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 mg/L, in the form of arsenate, iAsV) under three phosphorus levels (0.02 mg/L as low, 0.1 mg/L as medium, and 0.5 mg/L as high P in the form of phosphate). The findings revealed that extracellular iAsV remained the dominant As species during the lag and exponential growth phases of M. aeruginosa in the growth media, while intracellular trivalent As (iAsIII) emerged as the pronounced species during the exponential growth phase, but also exhibited a significant negative correlation with the P levels. Moreover, elevated P levels had promoted the formation of intra- and extracellular dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) in the exponential growth phase. During the stationary growth phase, intracellular iAsV was found to decrease with the increasing P levels. During the whole growth phases, P had consistently reduced algal As absorption levels. The significant promotion of algal As absorption in response to iAsV was observed only during the lag growth phase. The As bioaccumulation exhibited a correlational relationship with the algal reproduction. Both low and high P levels (0.02 and 0.5 mg/L) decreased the accumulation of As in algae cells during the exponential and stationary growth phases. The transformation and release rate of As were concomitantly influenced by P, and exhibited the same trends within the growth phase. These trends differed between the exponential and stationary growth phases, with an inhibitory effect being present during the former, while a promotional effect was observed during the latter. This study provides insight into potential As hazards in freshwater lakes with algae bloom.
“I Was Determined to Fulfill This Image of Myself That I Wanted of a ‘Good Asian Student’”: A Photovoice Study of Asian American College Student Mental Health
Authors: Sevillano Lalaine , La Torre Joanna C. , Geyton Taylor A.
Published: March 2024

Asian American (AsA) youth and emerging adults are growing at a faster rate than all other racial and ethnic populations in the United States. Burgeoning empirical evidence shows that they are experiencing increased adverse mental health outcomes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, trends in AsA youth and emerging adults’ utilization and help-seeking behaviors remain low. Health equity scholars posit that the model minority stereotype continues to obscure and minimize these mental health disparities. The current study aims to contribute to this vital research through a Photovoice study with AsA emerging adults. Fourteen AsA undergraduate students (M age = 19.77 years old; SD = 1.12) produced photographs and captions and participated in semi-structured interviews to describe mental health. Four themes were developed: (1) mind–body health connection and the belief that mental health is about the synchronization of one’s mind and body; (2) environmental connectedness and the view that mental health is connected to nature; (3) social connectedness and how interpersonal relationships influence mental health; and (4) the internalization of the “good Asian student” stereotype and its impact on mental health. Implications for culturally tailored prevention and intervention strategies are discussed to ultimately improve health equity.
Analisis Penyaluran Program RTLH dalam Pandangan Ekonomi Islam di Desa Banyuwangi Kecamatan Bandongan Kabupaten Magelang
Authors: Sofian Alif , Ulum Makrifatul , Rozaq Muhammad Abdul , Nasikin Mukhamat , Puspitasari Dakusta
Published: March 2024

Poverty according to islam is dangerous thing for morality,logical think,family and people. Poverty alleviation effort is the one of the main focus on islam is the existence of economic empowernment teachings for weak people. Islam views human resourches profesionally became the main agenda to empowernment poeple. One step of government policy to pressing poverty rate are through program RTLH (Rumah Tidak Layak Huni)/unhebitable house. This program is stimulant help from government to improve equitable house construction that livable from people. This research are use interview and document study metode that be held in Banyuwangi and Sukodadi vilaage.kecamatan Bandongan Kabupaten Magelang. Obstacle in RTLH program is till now increase along with high of natality rate with low of parents education. Economic development requires Islamic economic principles in managing existing resources. The principle of justice is to distribute wealth to all people so that there is no inequality of income distribution. Khalifah (leadership) that we as caliphs on this earth who have been bestowed by Allah in the form of abundant natural wealth are used as productive capital to be processed to achieve the common good.
Turning Point Induced Knowledge Forecasting under Uncertainties (TrIK)
Authors: Vinyak Jagtap , Parag Kulkarni , Pallavi Joshi
Published: March 2024

Time series forecasting is used in many applications like price prediction, stock trend analysis, etc., This forecasting is dependent on multiple variables, which have an impact on contextual uncertainties. The inability to handle contextual uncertainty, induces incorrect predictions, leading to crucial business decision-making failures. This further restricts the abilities of forecasting and decision-making in a dynamic and partially observable real-life environment. This paper proposes a Turning Points-based approach along with shoulder impact processing. This imparts uncertainties in learning and handles such scenarios more scientifically and gracefully. Turning points are predicted based on probable impending surprise. These turning points are forecasted based on uncertainties found in the variables contributing to sudden out-of-the-pattern changes in the next cycle of forecasting. The shoulder impact areas are classified based on trend changes to improve decisions. Multivariate analysis, fuzzy time series analysis, and contextual impact determination assist to identify such uncertainties and inter-dependencies for improved forecasting. These points support trend forecasting instead of forecasting at an instance. This helps in many applications including decision-making regarding pricing, storing, and distribution of short-span, medium-span, and long-term span perishable commodities. TrIK can be extended to multiple time series forecasting applications to reduce wastage and economic loss.
Les liens d’apprentissage dans le groupe
Authors: Villarino-Minquet Martha S.
Published: March 2024

El aprendizaje en el grupo.

Gracias a las experiencias grupales que permiten revivir situaciones cercanas de los aprendizajes tempranos, favorizando la modificación de vínculos de conocimiento, el niño tiene la posibilidad de restaurar su capacidad de aprender.

Proponemos grupos cuyo funcionamiento a doble nivel : 1. actividades de aprendizaje ; 2. elaboración de ansiedades básicas que constituyen el obstáculo epistemológico, se articula a partir de las primeras fases del aprendizaje.
Liaison et déliaison dans le processus d’individuation
Authors: Dufour Roger Y.
Published: March 2024

Binding and unbinding in the individuation process.

The debate between Freud and Jung concerning the conception of psychotherapy as synthesis or analysis led to peripheral confrontations on the questions of development phases and psychogogy. But a more important question existed in this debate, concerning the intrapsychic bonds which favour (or hinder) the subject in his quest for self-access and development. In an anthropological approach, the author illuminates this definition of individuation with examples from his research on the processes put into action by the traditional talmudic study used for the reform of délinquants in Israël (applied on a volonteer basis). He presents and analyses the Hebrew texts which explain the conditions required to transform this study program into creativity. This analysis convers the links between the spoken word, the body and imaginative structures.
Les débuts du psychodrame en France (1946-1972)
Authors: Anzieu Didier
Published: March 2024

L’auteur précise le contexte culturel qui a favorisé l’introduction du psychodrame en France. Il décrit ensuite les étapes du développement du psychodrame : psychothérapie collective des enfants inadaptés scolaires, psychothérapie individuelle des enfants psychotiques, formation psychologique des adultes. Il résume enfin la diversité des recherches théoriques.
Institution soignante et double prise en charge
Authors: Fustier Paul
Published: March 2024

En ce qui concerne l’institution de soins, l’auteur montre l’existence de deux modèles théoriques de prise en charge. L’un est appelé "vivre avec" ; il suppose une forme d’accompagnement dans le quotidien, et serait sous-tendu par une imago maternelle préoedipienne. L’autre est appelé "acte technique" ; il suppose des interventions partielles, limitées dans l’espace et dans le temps, et il serait sous-tendu par les interdits oedipiens. Toutes les fois que ces deux modèles sont associés dans une institution, il se développe des modalités particulières d’un scénario de scène primitive. Si cet imaginaire n’est pas élaboré dans l’institution, il y a alors domination de l’organisateur préoedipien , susceptible de dénaturer les actes de soin relevant de l’organisateur oedipien.
Caractéristiques groupales et indications thérapeutiques : «sensorium de groupe» et emboîtement d’enveloppes. À propos de musicothérapies et des thérapies multiples
Authors: Lecourt Edith
Published: March 2024

Considerations on group psychotherapy indications are illustrated by a technique of music therapy, and centered on two groupal characteristics : the «group-sensorium», and the encasing of envelopes by the redoubling of the groupal dimension. At last the author asks a question which concerns the plural therapies (for a same patient) : what about the therapists collectif, or their grouping in this case ?
La structuration interlocutoire des groupes
Authors: Trognon Alain
Published: March 2024

Par quel processus un groupe parvient-il à se constituer en tant qu’unité qui transcende la simple addition des personnes qui le composent ? L’auteur travaille sur un exemple concret de réamorçage d’une règle de changement de tour de parole dans une réunion. Il met à profit des résultats récents obtenus en pragmatique et en analyse des conversations pour montrer que le «lien associatif» par quoi se forme un groupe repose sur deux processus combinés : a) un processus de coopération dans l’accomplissement d’une intentionnalité collective ; b) un processus de fixation et de stabilisation des contenus de pensée des personnes engagées dans l’action collective, et qui crée un degré de savoir mutuel nécessaire au processus précédent.