bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing On-Demand Bus Services for Remote Areas
Authors: Li Xudong , Yang Zhongzhen , Lian Feng
Published: April 2023

This study proposes on-demand bus services for remote areas with low transit demand, incorporating travelers’ willingness to pay and values of time. To jointly optimize the on-demand service of overlapping bus routes, we construct a bi-level model. The upper-level model (UM) optimizes bus departure frequency in different time windows and ticket prices of on-demand services to minimize the total generalized cost, subject to travelers’ willingness to pay for on-demand services. The lower-level model (LM) calculates the probability of travelers choosing on-demand stops. A numerical analysis based on Meishan Island data in Ningbo indicates that with on-demand bus services, the total generalized cost incurred by buses and travelers can be reduced by 30.36% and 15.35% during rush and off-rush hours, respectively. Additionally, the waiting time at an on-demand bus stop is only 4.3 min during rush hours and 6.8 min during off-rush hours.
Analysis of Travel Behaviour of Professional Sports Organisation Members to the Stadium: Future Implications for Sustainability
Authors: Cayolla Ricardo Roseira , Quintela Joana A. , Santos Teresa
Published: April 2023

This research focuses on the analysis of the travel behaviour of paid members of a professional sports organisation (PSO) on the route taken between their areas of residence to the stadium. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the type of transport, fuel, and number of occupants members selected for this displacement. An online survey was distributed among PSO’s paid members, and a total of 5694 responses were obtained. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Most members travel to the stadium by car (66%); public transport (subway, train, and bus) is used by 23.5%, and only 5.1% use vehicles powered by more environmentally friendly energies. There is a relationship between the distance travelled between members’ residences and the selected means of transport, the fuel used, and the number of people transported. Globally, it is necessary to define policies that promote the use of public transport to the detriment of an individual vehicle. Individually, paid members are required to become aware of the pollution generated when travelling to the stadium, promoting new behaviours (e.g., using a car with more occupants). PSOs can generate new forms of communication to attract new members and alternative sources of income.
Financial Literacy and Impulsivity: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Katauke Takuya , Fukuda Sayaka , Khan Mostafa Saidur Rahim , Kadoya Yoshihiko
Published: April 2023

The existing literature considers financial literacy to be a proxy for rational decision-making instruments. Although there is empirical evidence on the impact of financial literacy on improving rational decision-making ability, it is not yet known whether financial literacy reduces irrational decisions. Impulsive decisions are a form of irrationality where people prefer smaller but earlier rewards over larger but delayed rewards. Thus, impulsive decisions lead to suboptimal decisions in terms of utility gain. This study investigated whether financial literacy reduces impulsivity in financial and economic decisions. We use data from the Preference Parameter Study (PPS) of Osaka University. We measure hyperbolic discounting as a proxy for impulsive decision making. To control for the endogeneity bias between financial literacy and hyperbolic discounting, we use childhood experiences of talking about finances with parents as an instrumental variable. Our probit regression results show that financial literacy is negatively associated with hyperbolic discounting, after controlling for endogeneity bias. Furthermore, we observed that the effect was significant among respondents aged over 40 and among female respondents. Our results suggest that authorities should consider using financial literacy as an alternative policy intervention to change impulsivity preferences.
A Novel Operating State Evaluation Method for Photovoltaic Strings Based on TOPSIS and Its Application
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Wang Zhao , Liu Yinnan , Wang Haifeng , Pei Liusheng , Wu An , Sun Shuang , Lian Yongjun , Zhu Honglu
Published: April 2023

PV strings are essential for energy conversion in large-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants. The operating state of PV strings directly affects the power generation efficiency and economic benefits of PV power plants. In the process of evaluating PV arrays, a reference array needs to be identified. By comparing PV arrays with the reference array, the operational status of the PV arrays can be evaluated. However, in the actual operation of PV power stations, it is difficult to directly determine the reference state of a PV array due to random fluctuations in the PV power output. In order to solve the problems mentioned above, this paper proposes a method to select the reference state and perform a grading evaluation of PV strings. Additionally, the proposed method is based on the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) algorithm, which is used to rank the performance of PV arrays to determine their status. In order to solve the problem of random fluctuations in PV power generation, a probability distribution model of the PV string conversion efficiency was built by using the kernel density estimation method. Then, the characteristic indicator of the PV string’s operating state was described by the output power of the PV string and its probability distribution model. Then, based on the operating characteristic indicator, the reference state of the PV string was determined using the TOPSIS method, and the grading evaluation of the operating state of the PV string was realized. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified using the actual data of a PV power station.
Redesigning for Disassembly and Carbon Footprint Reduction: Shifting from Reinforced Concrete to Hybrid Timber–Steel Multi-Story Building
Authors: Morales-Beltran Mauricio , Engür Pınar , Şişman Ömer Asım , Aykar Gizem Nur
Published: April 2023

To reduce carbon emissions, holistic approaches to design, plan, and build our environment are needed. Regarding multi-story residential buildings, it is well-known that (1) material choices and construction typologies play a fundamental role in the reduction of carbon footprint, (2) shifting from concrete to timber will reduce significantly the carbon footprint, and (3) a building designed to be disassembled will increase the potential of achieving zero-carbon emissions. However, little has been said about the consequences of such shifts and decisions in terms of building architecture and structural design, especially in seismic-prone regions. In this study, an existing 9-story reinforced concrete (RC) multi-story residential building is redesigned with cross-laminated timber floors and glue-laminated timber frames for embodied carbon reduction purposes. Firstly, the reasons behind design decisions are addressed in terms of both architecture and structure, including the incorporation of specially steel concentrically braced frames for seismic-resistance. Then, the outcomes of life cycle assessments and pushover analyses show that the RC residential building emits two times more carbon than the hybrid steel-timber residential building, and that while the hybrid building’s lateral load-capacity is less than in the RC building, its deformation capacity is higher. These results highlight the relevance of considering the carbon footprint in combination with the design decisions, which seems to be the key to introducing circular projects in seismic-prone areas.
Forest Carbon Sequestration Potential in China under Different SSP-RCP Scenarios
Authors: Chou Jieming , Hao Yidan , Xu Yuan , Zhao Weixing , Li Yuanmeng , Jin Haofeng
Published: April 2023

The estimation of forest carbon sequestration and its economic value as a carbon sink are important elements of global carbon cycle research. In this study, based on the predicted forestland changes under the future shared socioeconomic pathways SSP1-RCP2.6, SSP2-RCP4.5, and SSP5-RCP8.5, the growth equations of different tree species were fitted using forest inventory data, and the biomass conversion factor continuum function method was used to estimate forest vegetation carbon fixation at the national scale. The carbon sink potential of the forest ecosystems in 2020–2100 was estimated under the three scenarios. Under the three social scenarios, the fixed amount of forest carbon in China exhibits a significant upward trend. Forest area increases the most, and carbon sequestration increases the most rapidly under SSP1-RCP2.6. The carbon sequestration level in Southwest China is higher than in other parts of the country, and those in Northwest and East China are lower than the national average. In order to continuously improve the carbon sequestration capacity of terrestrial ecosystem resources in China, the following actions are recommended: strengthen the protection projects of natural forests in various regions, improve the level of forest management, and gradually achieve the goal of carbon neutrality in China.
Bio-Based Chemicals from Dedicated or Waste Biomasses: Life Cycle Assessment for Evaluating the Impacts on Land
Authors: Cespi Daniele
Published: April 2023

Green chemistry and engineering encourage the usage of renewable sources, in replacement fossil fuels. The sector of bio-based products is one of the most predominant examples of such replacements in different fields. However, the impact of biomasses usage is far from being negligible or net zero. A life cycle perspective is required in order to assess all the different environmental impacts related to biomass exploitation and usage, in particular when dedicated sources are used. This study points out the importance of including the results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) early in the design of new bio-based products, to identify the stage of the value chain with the greatest hotspots and set proper eco-design strategies. At the same time, the use of the LCA results may support purchasing activities through comparing products with different burdens. In this manuscript, a focus on land compartment is carried out, given its relevance to the cultivation phase. Five analysis methods are selected for further description. Three are classified as multi-impact approach methodologies (ReCiPe 2016, IMPACT World + and EF 3.0) since they are able to translate mass and energy balances into several impact categories at the same time, not only those on land comparts which are also included. In addition, the LANCA® model and the True pricing method for agri-food products are discussed, underlining the importance of their usage when a detailed review of the impact on soil is necessary (e.g., during an environmental impact assessment). They are compared in this paper, underlining the main differences and potential fields of application.
Water Pumping and Refilling (WPR): A Resource Allocation Algorithm for Maximizing Acceptance Ratio in Asymmetrical Edge Computing Networks
Authors: Dong Li , He Wenji , Liu Yunjie
Published: April 2023

Computation offloading has received a significant amount of attention in recent years, with many researchers proposing joint offloading decision and resource allocation schemes. However, although existing delay minimization schemes achieve minimum delay costs, they do so at the cost of losing possible further maximization of the number of serviced requests. Furthermore, the asymmetry between uplink and downlink poses challenges to resource allocation in edge computing. This paper addresses this issue by formulating the joint computation offloading and edge resource allocation problem as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem in an edge-enabled asymmetrical network. Leveraging the margin between a delay-minimum scheme and a near-deadline scheme, a water pumping and refilling (WPR) algorithm is proposed to maximize the number of accepted requests. The WPR algorithm can function both as a supplementary algorithm to a given offloading scheme and as a standalone algorithm to obtain a resource allocation scheme following a customizable refilling policy. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm outperforms delay-minimum schemes in achieving a high acceptance ratio.
Influence of Spatial Dispersal among Species in a Prey–Predator Model with Miniature Predator Groups
Authors: Shivam  , Aljrees Turki , Singh Teekam , Varshney Neeraj , Kumar Mukesh , Singh Kamred Udham , Vimal Vrince
Published: April 2023

Dispersal among species is an important factor that can govern the prey–predator model’s dynamics and cause a variety of spatial structures on a geographical scale. These structures form when passive diffusion interacts with the reaction part of the reaction–diffusion system in such a way that even if the reaction lacks symmetry-breaking capabilities, diffusion can destabilize the symmetry and allow the system to have them. In this article, we look at how dispersal affects the prey–predator model with a Hassell–Varley-type functional response when predators do not form tight groups. By considering linear stability, the temporal stability of the model and the conditions for Hopf bifurcation at feasible equilibrium are derived. We explored spatial stability in the presence of diffusion and developed the criterion for diffusion-driven instability. Using amplitude equations, we then investigated the selection of Turing patterns around the Turing bifurcation threshold. The examination of the stability of these amplitude equations led to the discovery of numerous Turing patterns. Finally, numerical simulations were performed to validate the outcomes of the analysis. The outcomes of the theoretical study and numerical simulation were accorded. Our findings demonstrate that spatial patterns are sensitive to dispersal and predator death rates.
Stabilization of Nonlinear Systems with External Disturbances Using the DE-Based Control Method
Authors: Sun Keran , Wang Xiaolong , Guo Rongwei
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the stabilization of nonlinear systems with external disturbances, which are both bounded and unbounded. Firstly, the stabilization problem of the nominal nonlinear system is realized, and the corresponding stabilization controllers are designed. Then, three suitable filters are proposed and applied to asymptotically estimate the corresponding disturbances, and the disturbance estimators are presented and used to exactly eliminate the corresponding disturbances. Then, the disturbance estimator (DE)-based controllers are proposed to stabilize such nonlinear systems. It should be pointed out the unbounded disturbances are exactly estimated by suitable filters, which has advantages over the existing results. Finally, two illustrative examples, which have certain symmetrical properties, are taken, and the related numerical simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed results.
Planck Constants in the Symmetry Breaking Quantum Gravity
Authors: Volovik Grigory E.
Published: April 2023

We consider the theory of quantum gravity in which gravity emerges as a result of the symmetry-breaking transition in the quantum vacuum. The gravitational tetrads, which play the role of the order parameter in this transition, are represented by the bilinear combinations of the fermionic fields. In this quantum gravity scenario the interval ds in the emergent general relativity is dimensionless. Several other approaches to quantum gravity, including the model of superplastic vacuum and BF theories of gravity support this suggestion. The important consequence of such metric dimension is that all the diffeomorphism invariant quantities are dimensionless for any dimension of spacetime. These include the action S, cosmological constant Λ, scalar curvature R, scalar field Φ, wave function ψ, etc. The composite fermion approach to quantum gravity suggests that the Planck constant ℏ can be the parameter of the Minkowski metric. Here, we extend this suggestion by introducing two Planck constants, bar ℏ and slash /h, which are the parameters of the correspondingly time component and space component of the Minkowski metric, gMinkμν=diag(−ℏ2,/h2,/h2,/h2). The parameters bar ℏ and slash /h are invariant only under SO(3) transformations, and, thus, they are not diffeomorphism invariant. As a result they have non-zero dimensions—the dimension of time for ℏ and dimension of length for /h. Then, according to the Weinberg criterion, these parameters are not fundamental and may vary. In particular, they may depend on the Hubble parameter in the expanding Universe. They also change sign at the topological domain walls resulting from the symmetry breaking.
Biocontrol Capabilities of Bacillus subtilis E11 against Aspergillus flavus In Vitro and for Dried Red Chili (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Yuan Shenglan , Wu Yongjun , Jin Jing , Tong Shuoqiu , Zhang Lincheng , Cai Yafei
Published: April 2023

As a condiment with extensive nutritional value, chili is easy to be contaminated by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) during field, transportation, and storage. This study aimed to solve the contamination of dried red chili caused by A. flavus by inhibiting the growth of A. flavus and detoxifying aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). In this study, Bacillus subtilis E11 (B. subtilis) screened from 63 candidate antagonistic bacteria exhibited the strongest antifungal ability, which could not only inhibit 64.27% of A. flavus but could also remove 81.34% of AFB1 at 24 h. Notably, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that B. subtilis E11 cells could resist a higher concentration of AFB1, and the fermentation supernatant of B. subtilis E11 could deform the mycelia of A. flavus. After 10 days of coculture with B. subtilis E11 on dried red chili inoculated with A. flavus, the mycelia of A. flavus were almost completely inhibited, and the yield of AFB1 was significantly reduced. Our study first concentrated on the use of B. subtilis as a biocontrol agent for dried red chili, which could not only enrich the resources of microbial strains for controlling A. flavus but also could provide theoretical guidance to prolong the shelf life of dried red chili.
Aflatoxin B1 Degradation by Ery4 Laccase: From In Vitro to Contaminated Corn
Authors: Loi Martina , De Leonardis Silvana , Ciasca Biancamaria , Paciolla Costantino , Mulè Giuseppina , Haidukowski Miriam
Published: April 2023

Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus spp. and are found in food and feed as contaminants worldwide. Due to climate change, AFs occurrence is expected to increase also in western Europe. Therefore, to ensure food and feed safety, it is mandatory to develop green technologies for AFs reduction in contaminated matrices. With this regard, enzymatic degradation is an effective and environmentally friendly approach under mild operational conditions and with minor impact on the food and feed matrix. In this work, Ery4 laccase, acetosyringone, ascorbic acid, and dehydroascorbic acid were investigated in vitro, then applied in artificially contaminated corn for AFB1 reduction. AFB1 (0.1 µg/mL) was completely removed in vitro and reduced by 26% in corn. Several degradation products were detected in vitro by UHPLC-HRMS and likely corresponded to AFQ1, epi-AFQ1, AFB1-diol, or AFB1dialehyde, AFB2a, and AFM1. Protein content was not altered by the enzymatic treatment, while slightly higher levels of lipid peroxidation and H2O2 were detected. Although further studies are needed to improve AFB1 reduction and reduce the impact of this treatment in corn, the results of this study are promising and suggest that Ery4 laccase can be effectively applied for the reduction in AFB1 in corn.
MAVS-Based Reporter Systems for Real-Time Imaging of EV71 Infection and Antiviral Testing
Authors: Li Xiaozhen , Yang E , Li Xinyu , Fan Tingting , Guo Shangrui , Yang Hang , Wu Bo , Wang Hongliang
Published: April 2023

Enterovirus consists of a variety of viruses that could cause a wide range of illness in human. The pathogenesis of these viruses remains incompletely understood and no specific treatment is available. Better methods to study enterovirus infection in live cells will help us better understand the pathogenesis of these viruses and might contribute to antiviral development. Here in this study, we developed fluorescent cell-based reporter systems that allow sensitive distinction of individual cells infected with enterovirus 71 (EV71). More importantly, these systems could be easily used for live-cell imaging by monitoring viral-induced fluorescence translocation after EV71 infection. We further demonstrated that these reporter systems could be used to study other enterovirus-mediated MAVS cleavage and they are sensitive for antiviral activity testing. Therefore, integration of these reporters with modern image-based analysis has the potential to generate new insights into enterovirus infection and facilitate antiviral development.
Intra-Host Co-Existing Strains of SARS-CoV-2 Reference Genome Uncovered by Exhaustive Computational Search
Authors: Cai Xinhui , Lan Tian , Ping Pengyao , Oliver Brian , Li Jinyan
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has had a severe impact on people worldwide. The reference genome of the virus has been widely used as a template for designing mRNA vaccines to combat the disease. In this study, we present a computational method aimed at identifying co-existing intra-host strains of the virus from RNA-sequencing data of short reads that were used to assemble the original reference genome. Our method consisted of five key steps: extraction of relevant reads, error correction for the reads, identification of within-host diversity, phylogenetic study, and protein binding affinity analysis. Our study revealed that multiple strains of SARS-CoV-2 can coexist in both the viral sample used to produce the reference sequence and a wastewater sample from California. Additionally, our workflow demonstrated its capability to identify within-host diversity in foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Through our research, we were able to shed light on the binding affinity and phylogenetic relationships of these strains with the published SARS-CoV-2 reference genome, SARS-CoV, variants of concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2, and some closely related coronaviruses. These insights have important implications for future research efforts aimed at identifying within-host diversity, understanding the evolution and spread of these viruses, as well as the development of effective treatments and vaccines against them.
Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Sub-Lineages Isolated from Turkish Patients Infected with COVID-19
Authors: Sayan Murat , Arikan Ayse , Sanlidag Erdal
Published: April 2023

Early detection and characterization of new variants and their impacts enable improved genomic surveillance. This study aims to evaluate the subvariant distribution of Omicron strains isolated from Turkish cases to determine the rate of antiviral resistance of RdRp and 3CLpro inhibitors. The Stanford University Coronavirus Antiviral & Resistance Database online tool was used for variant analyses of the strains uploaded to GISAID as Omicron (n = 20.959) between January 2021 and February,2023. Out of 288 different Omicron subvariants, B.1, BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BE.1, BF.1, BM.1, BN.1, BQ.1, CK.1, CL.1, and XBB.1 were the main determined subvariants, and BA.1 (34.7%), BA.2 (30.8%), and BA.5 (23.6%) were reported most frequently. RdRp and 3CLPro-related resistance mutations were determined in n = 150, 0.72% sequences, while the rates of resistance against RdRp and 3CLpro inhibitors were reported at 0.1% and 0.6%, respectively. Mutations that were previously associated with a reduced susceptibility to remdesivir, nirmatrelvir/r, and ensitrelvir were most frequently detected in BA.2 (51.3%). The mutations detected at the highest rate were A449A/D/G/V (10.5%), T21I (10%), and L50L/F/I/V (6%). Our findings suggest that continuous monitoring of variants, due to the diversity of Omicron lineages, is necessary for global risk assessment. Although drug-resistant mutations do not pose a threat, the tracking of drug mutations will be necessary due to variant heterogenicity.
Teaching Sprinkler Irrigation Engineering by a Spreadsheet Tool
Authors: Bautista-Capetillo Carlos , Robles Rovelo Cruz Octavio , González-Trinidad Julián , Pineda-Martínez Hugo , Júnez-Ferreira Hugo Enrique , García-Bandala Martín
Published: April 2023

Since being released 40 years ago, computer spreadsheets have proven to be worthwhile for use in educational contexts. There is plenty of evidence for this in practically every scientific discipline and engineering field. In view on this fact, the present work exposes a didactical resource, named the sprinkler irrigation tool, developed in Excel® spreadsheet licensed by 2018 Microsoft©. The objective of this tool is to offer an alternative to students in irrigation engineering, particularly for those training in the design of sprinkler irrigation systems so they can develop their theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired in laboratory and field experiments. The main findings reported in this paper address well-agreed methodologies for evaluating radial patterns of precipitation rates, diameter distribution frequency, ballistic simulation of water drops’ movement through air, kinetic energy, and performance indicators as part of the core parameters of efficient irrigation system management. This computing tool provides outcomes in tabular and graphical formats that are consistent with those found in studies previously published in specialized literature on related topics. Likewise, spreadsheets have been proven to be adequate pedagogical instruments on the path to achieving meaningful learning; however, this assertion still needs to be confirmed through a rigorous study of students who have used the developed tool.
Feasibility Studies of Rainwater Harvesting System for Ablution Purposes
Authors: Kapli Fadhlul Wafi Awg , Azis Fatin Amanina , Suhaimi Hazwani , Shamsuddin Norazanita , Abas Pg Emeroylariffion
Published: April 2023

For countries with an abundance of rain, there is definite potential to implement a rainwater harvesting system for different applications. This paper describes feasibility studies of an open-pond rainwater harvesting system for ablution purposes, analysing the quality of harvested rainwater and formulating a rainwater harvesting model with suitable performance measures. The formulated model can be used to analyse the feasibility of the system in any locality by inputting local meteorological data. Quality analysis has shown that the harvested rainwater can be used safely for ablution purposes, albeit with a slightly acidic pH below 6.5. At a depth of 1.0 m and using the current pond configuration of a local mosque, the reliability of the system is 62.5% (228 days per year), and the amount of water saved is 345 m3, which is 60.7% of the water demand. It has been shown that a pond surface area of 60–70 m2 provides optimum reliability and water saving, and more water savings can be expected with a more economical usage of water during ablution. These results indicate the feasibility of implementing a rainwater harvesting system for ablution purposes in religious institutions to help curb the water shortage crisis.
Exploring the Cyber-Physical Threat Landscape of Water Systems: A Socio-Technical Modelling Approach
Authors: Moraitis Georgios , Sakki Georgia-Konstantina , Karavokiros George , Nikolopoulos Dionysios , Tsoukalas Ioannis , Kossieris Panagiotis , Makropoulos Christos
Published: April 2023

The identification and assessment of the cyber-physical-threat landscape that surrounds water systems in the digital era is governed by complex socio-technical dynamics and uncertainties that exceed the boundaries of traditional risk assessment. This work provides a remedy for those challenges by incorporating socio-technical modelling to account for the adaptive balance between goal-driven behaviours and available skills of adversaries, exploitable vulnerabilities of assets and utility’s security posture, as well as an uncertainty-aware multi-scenario analysis to assess the risk level of any utility against cyber-physical threats. The proposed risk assessment framework, underpinned by a dedicated modelling chain, deploys a modular sequence of processes for (a) the estimation of vulnerability-induced probabilities and attack characteristics of the threat landscape under a spectrum of adversaries, (b) its formulation to a representative set of stochastically generated threat scenarios, (c) the combined cyber-physical stress-testing of the system against the generated scenarios and (d) the inference of the system’s risk level at system and asset level. The proposed framework is demonstrated by exploring different configurations of a synthetic utility case study that investigate the effects and efficiency that different cyber-security practices and design traits can have over the modification of the risk level of the utility at various dimensions.
Impregnation of Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles on Low-Cost Agro-Waste-Derived Biochar for Enhanced Removal of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds: Performance Evaluation and Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Siddiqui Arif Jamal , Kumari Nisha , Adnan Mohd , Kumar Sanjeev , Abdelgadir Abdelmushin , Saxena Juhi , Badraoui Riadh , Snoussi Mejdi , Khare Puja , Singh Ritu
Published: April 2023

In the present study, a magnetic nanocomposite based on biochar (BC) derived from sugarcane bagasse, nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI), and chitosan (CS) was fabricated to investigate its efficacy for the removal of two widely used pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), namely aspirin (ASA) and carbamazepine (CBZ). The synthesized nanocomposite (BC-CS@nZVI) was characterized using XRD, FTIR, and FESEM-EDX. The Response Surface Methodology–Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD) model was used for the optimization of removal efficacies for both drugs using five variables, i.e., adsorbent dose (0.05–0.1 g), pH (2–10), drug concentration (20–40 ppm), time (40–80 min), and temperature (40–60 °C). Under optimized conditions of adsorbent dose: 0.075 g, pH: 2, drug concentration: 30 ppm, time: 60 min, and temperature: 50 °C, the maximum removal efficiency of ASA drug was observed to be 97.8%, while in the case of CBZ drug under similar conditions with pH 6, the maximum removal was found up to 89.32%. The isotherm models revealed that both ASA and CBZ adsorption data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm showing monolayer adsorption. The kinetics of adsorption was well explained by the pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order models in the case of ASA and CBZ, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed the feasibility of the reaction and its spontaneous and exothermic nature. The reusability and efficiency in water samples of the Ha’il region were investigated to demonstrate its potential for practical application.
Quantifying the Nitrogen-Removal Performance of a Constructed Wetland Dominated by Diffuse Agricultural Groundwater Inflows Using a Linked Catchment–Wetland Model
Authors: Hoang Linh , Sukias James P. S. , Montemezzani Valerio , Tanner Chris C.
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen loading from diffuse agricultural sources is a major water-quality problem worldwide. Constructed wetlands have been increasingly used to treat runoff and drainage from agricultural lands. However, the diffuse nature of nitrogen loading from farmlands often makes it challenging to trace flow pathways and measure the direct input loading to wetlands, and assess their nutrient-reduction performance. The Owl Farm wetland, Cambridge, New Zealand, receives inputs mainly from a subsurface drain and groundwater seepage. As it was not possible to directly measure wetland inflows, we used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to estimate and partition the wetland inflow and nitrogen loading from the drain and seepage. A dynamic first-order tanks-in-series wetland model was linked with SWAT to evaluate the wetland capacity for nitrogen removal over a four-year period. The linked catchment–wetland model could simulate flow and nitrate load at the wetland outlet reasonably well with a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.7 and 0.76, respectively, suggesting that it provides a good representation of the hydrological and nitrogen processes in the upland catchment and the constructed wetland. We used two approaches, a mixed measurement-and-modelling-based approach and a process-based modelling approach to estimate the wetland efficiency of nitrogen removal. In both approaches, we found that the percentage load removal for nitrate-N and total N was related exponentially to the wetland outflow rate. Based on the process-based model estimates, the Owl Farm constructed wetland is very effective in removing nitrate-N with annual estimates of 55–80% (average 61%) removal. However, this capacity is very dynamic depending on the inflow from the catchment. The removal efficiency is very high at low flow and reduces when flow increases but is still maintained at around 20–40% during higher-flow periods. However, actual nitrogen-load removal in the wetland is greatest during high-flow periods when input loads are elevated. This study illustrates how a linked catchment–wetland modelling approach can be used to partition and quantify diffuse nitrogen input loads into wetlands from different types of runoff and to evaluate their subsequent reduction rates. The tool is particularly useful for situations where diffuse groundwater inflows, which are difficult to measure, are important nutrient sources.
Modelling the Influence of Vegetation on the Hydrothermal Processes of Frozen Soil in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Yang Han , Hong Xiaofeng , Yuan Zhe , He Xiaobo
Published: April 2023

Climate changes and vegetation conditions are key factors affecting the hydrothermal processes of frozen soil in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Due to the complex relationship between climate factors, vegetation conditions and hydrothermal processes, few studies analyze the individual influences of climate changes and vegetation conditions on hydrothermal processes. Compared to changes in climate, it is easier to control other influential factors of vegetation change, especially human activities. Thus, it is necessary to analyze the possible influence of vegetation change on hydrothermal processes in specific climate conditions; this analysis could provide technical support to inform future human activities on frozen soil. This study uses a vertical hydrothermal process model, the SHAW model, based on meteorological and soil observation data from 2020 to 2021, to model the influence of vegetation changes on the soil temperature and moisture simulations at each layer of frozen soil by changing the key input values that represent vegetation conditions from −100% to 100% at 10% intervals. The results show that: (1) the simulated values have a certain credibility since the simulated soil temperature and moisture are basically consistent with the observed values over time; (2) the performance of soil temperature simulations in the deep layer is better than that in the shallow layer, while the performances of both soil temperature and moisture simulations in the warm season are better than those in the cold season; (3) among the LAI, dry biomass and surface albedo, the LAI is the main vegetation factor that affects the soil temperature and moisture simulations of the SHAW model in the frozen soil; (4) both the soil temperature and moisture simulations show declining trends when the LAI decreases by a large extent (larger than 60%) or increases, and show increasing trends when the LAI decreases by a small extent (smaller than 50%); (5) the warm period and the freeze–thaw alternating period are, respectively, the key periods when the soil temperature and moisture are affected by vegetation changes. The results of this study can provide theoretical supports for the prediction of the hydrothermal processes of frozen soil under a changing vegetation environment in the future.
Remote Sensing Monitoring of Soil Salinity in Weigan River–Kuqa River Delta Oasis Based on Two-Dimensional Feature Space
Authors: Ma Yingxuan , Tashpolat Nigara
Published: April 2023

Soil salinization is a serious resource and ecological problem globally. The Weigan River–Kuqa River Delta Oasis is a key region in the arid and semi-arid regions of China with prominent soil salinization. The saline soils in the oasis are widely distributed over a large area, causing great harm to agricultural development and the environment. Remote sensing monitoring can provide a reference method for the management of regional salinization. We extracted the spectral indices and performed a correlation analysis using soil measurement data and Sentinel-2 remote sensing data. Then, two-dimensional feature space inversion models for soil salinity were constructed based on the preferred spectral indices, namely, the canopy response salinity index (CRSI), composite spectral response index (COSRI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and green atmospherically resistant vegetation index (GARI). The soil salinity in a typical saline zone in the Weigan River–Kuqa River Delta Oasis was monitored and analyzed. We found that the inversion of the CRSI-COSRI model was optimal (R2 of 0.669), followed by the CRSI-NDWI (0.656) and CRSI-GARI (0.604) models. Therefore, a model based on the CRSI-COSRI feature space can effectively extract the soil salinization information for the study area. This is of great significance to understanding the salinization situation in the Weigan River–Kuqa River Delta Oasis, enriching salinization remote sensing monitoring methods, and solving the soil salinization problem in China.
Bioeconomics of Florida Recreational Fisheries to Estimate Willingness to Pay for Bag and Size Limits of Spotted Seatrout
Authors: Schwarzmann Danielle , Smith Steven G. , Ault Jerald S. , Leeworthy Vernon (Bob)
Published: April 2023

This research focuses on the economic component of a bioeconomic model for spotted seatrout in the recreational fisheries on Florida’s west coast. A survey was designed to assess how anglers, who caught or targeted spotted seatrout on Florida’s west coast, valued combined changes in the existing bag limit and size limit. The biological component of the stated preference model deemed such change necessary to ensure a sustainable stock. The biological model provides an economic constraint and results in the treatment of the bag and size limits as a composite good in which separate utilities cannot be measured for each component of the composite good. The stated preference choice method (SPCM) was used to estimate the change in economic value by boat mode of access (e.g., charter boat and private boat). The models also controlled for length of trip (full day versus half-day) for charter boat trips and for type of day (weekend or weekday) for both boat modes of access. Since those who accessed the fishery by private boat had a lower probability of achieving the bag limit/size limit, a model was run to predict the probability of achieving the bag limit/size limit and the probability was interacted with the bag limit/size limit choice. This yielded a positive willingness to pay for the bag limit/size limit combination that was sustainable. Estimated values per person per day for changing the bag limit/size limits to a sustainable level were USD 20.24 for the charter boat mode and USD 32.54 for the private boat mode. Aggregating this to a total value change using a five-year annual average (2012–2016) of total days of fishing for spotted seatrout on Florida’s West Coast yielded an estimate of USD 147.9 million per year for charter boat anglers. The total annual value was about USD 3.4 million, while for private boat anglers the annual value was about USD 144.5 million.
Understanding the Role of Macroalgal Complexity and Allelochemicals Production in Invasive and Non-Invasive Macroalgae in the North-Western Adriatic Sea: Effect on the Associated Communities
Authors: Lenzo Denise , Colangelo Marina Antonia , Pasteris Andrea , Rindi Fabio , Pistocchi Rossella , Pezzolesi Laura
Published: April 2023

Highly diverse microphyto and meiobenthic communities are associated with large-sized marine macroalgae. Both morphological traits and allelochemical responses of macroalgae affect the composition of these communities, but the relative importance of these factors remains incompletely understood. In this study we investigated the microphytobenthic and meiobenthic communities associated with some native macroalgae and a non-indigenous species (Sargassum muticum) of the north-western Adriatic Sea. These seaweeds were sampled in two coastal sites subjected to different impacts. The possible effects of the structural complexity of the macroalgae and the potential role of allelochemicals (specifically polyunsaturated aldehydes, PUAs) on the associated communities were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. The results indicate that distinct assemblages were associated with the macroalgae collected at the two different sites. Differences in microphytobenthic communities could be ascribed to differences in the macroalgal morphological traits and in their PUAs production. Conversely, variation of the meiobenthic community seemed to be related mainly to differences in the macroalgal communities at the two sites. This apparent inconsistency between the two analyzed communities suggests that microphytobenthos and meiofauna were differently shaped by the environmental habitat provided by macroalgae in the two sites, that are subjected to different environmental conditions and human activities. Overall, these results indicate that interactions between organisms belonging to different trophic groups (e.g., microphytobenthos and meiofauna) should be investigated in detail to better understand the global role of macroalgae as habitat formers on coastal ecosystems, especially in the case of large-sized introduced species.
An Analysis of Landslide Risk Using the Change in the Volumetric Water Content Gradient in the Soil Layer Per Unit Time of Effective Cumulative Rainfall
Authors: Kim Man-Il , Lee Seung-Jae
Published: April 2023

The topographical characteristics of South Korea are coupled with heavy rain and typhoons concentrated from July to September, which take up two-thirds of the country’s annual precipitation, causing substantial damage from slope failures, landslides, debris flows, and other mountain disasters. This study uses the Land-Atmosphere Modeling Package (LAMP) data to study the area, which has been affected by numerous landslides in the past. Specifically, to analyze the likelihood of slope failure, this study simulates the rainfall events in the area at the time of the landslides as well as changes in the volumetric water content in the soil layer and uses the changes in the volumetric water content per unit time, which are affected by the effective cumulative rainfall within the soil layer. To that end, this study assesses the risk of landslides based on how rainwater infiltration in the saturation depth changes the saturation depth ratio and compares the results with the landslide spots in the past. Moreover, this study analyzes the landslide risk by applying the saturation depth ratio (Ht) to an infinite slope stability analysis model. The landslide threshold proposed in this study was obtained by analyzing the rainfall events that caused the landslides in the study area using the LAMP model. It can then be concluded that, when compared with the spatial information on the previous landslides, if the change in the volumetric water content per unit time during the first and second rainfall events is 0.7, a landslide may occur. These results indicated that the landslide risk increases the volumetric water content in the soil layer, along with the congruence between past landslide risk points and spatial landslide risks.
Flash Floods: Forecasting, Monitoring and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Wang Xiekang , Goreville Philippe , Liu Changjun
Published: April 2023

In recent decades, flash floods have become a major natural disaster and show a continuously increasing trend on a worldwide scale [...]
The ways of regulation of labour discipline
Authors:   Department of Environmental, Natural Resource and Labor Law, Udmurt State University, Russia, Izhevsk, Shishkina K.V.
Published: April 2023

The article examine an issues of the legal regulation of labour discipline at companies. The author analyze a legislative approach on the procedure for adopting rules of internal labour discipline and its alteration. Besides the author examine the ways of ensuring of labour discipline such as reward and prosecution. Special attention is paid to the problem of non-payment of cash reward and its reduction. In addition, a disadvantages in the legal regulation of the imposition of disciplinary sanctions are considered separately.
Salary payment discipline (on disputes about gray wages)
Authors:   Department of Labor Law, Ural State Law University named after V.F. Yakovlev, Russia, Yekaterinburg, Kozina E.V.
Published: April 2023

Facts of violation by employers of the requirements provided for in Part 3, 5 of Article 136 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, according to which wages are paid to an employee, as a rule, at the place of performance of their work or transferred to a credit institution specified in the employee’s application, wages are paid directly to the employee, except in cases where another payment method is provided by federal law or an employment contract, may not lead to a violation of the labor rights of employees. Employers, for example, in order to avoid taxes, violate the procedure for paying wages by transferring all or part of the salary to the account of one of the employee’s family members or transfer funds from the personal account of the director, members of his family or another colleague. In such cases, if disputes arise about wages, the court recognizes these funds as structural elements of wages, takes them into account as wages.
Problems of providing social security to unemployed citizens
Authors:   Department of Labor and International Law, Perm State Research University, Perm, Russia, Mamatkazin I.R.
Published: April 2023

To date, the legislation on social security in many cases grants the right to receive social security in the absence of employment. It should be understood that in addition to those measures of social protection and social security that are directly related to the status of the unemployed, in particular, unemployment benefits, the right of social security has a number of payments that, although they do not directly imply protection from unemployment, but as a consequence of the fact that they are provided in the absence of employment, respectively, may be the source of income during the period when the person is unemployed. In this regard, the article draws attention to the recipients of the survivor’s insurance pension, caring for disabled children, brothers, sisters of the deceased breadwinner under the age of 14, who themselves receive this pension. Their receipt of an insurance pension in case of loss of a breadwinner is currently associated with a number of problems in determining the amount of insurance pensions in case of loss of a breadwinner.