bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation Mean Analysis, Heterosis, and Genetic Diversity in Five Egyptian Faba Beans and Their Hybrids
Authors: Abd El-Aty Mohamed S. , El-Hity Mahmoud A. , Abo Sen Tharwat M. , El-Rahaman Ibrahim A. E. Abd , Ibrahim Omar M. , Al-Farga Ammar , El-Tahan Amira M.
Published: August 2023

The faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a major legume crop; thus, it is important to apply various biometrical techniques to develop the most efficient breeding procedures to face biotic and abiotic stressors. During the four consecutive winter seasons of 2017–2021, five populations of five faba bean hybrids were studied at Sakha agricultural research station in Egypt. Five basic generations, including two parents (P1 and P2) and the first, second, and third generations, were studied. This analysis found significant variations between generations in all attributes studied in all crosses (P1, P2, F1, F2, and F3). Sakha 4 was the earliest parent (138 days) based on the maturity date, whereas Giza 40 had the most significant number of pods and seeds per plant (25.68–78.94), and Giza 716 had the tallest plant height (124.00 cm). Giza 843 and Sakha 4 had the highest seed yield per plant values (62.84 g and 61.77 g). The data demonstrated highly substantial heterosis in the favorable direction over mid and better parents for all features, except for the number of branches in Cross 3 (Giza 40 × Giza 843) over mid and better parents and a maturity date in Cross 1 over mid parents. Contrarily, opposite-direction dominance and dominance × dominance effects increased narrow-sense heredity. Broad-sense heritability values for all examined characteristics were high in all crosses, ranging from 90.24% to 97.67%. In both Crosses 5 (Giza 716 × Qahera 4) and 3, genetic advance through selection ranged from 1.73% at the maturity date to 95.12% for seed yield per plant. Cross 3 (Giza 40 × Giza 843) had the greatest number of branches, pods, and seeds per plant. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of employing faba beans in breeding programs.
Energy Storage Sharing for Multiple Services Provision: A Computable Combinatorial Auction Design
Authors: Wei Bo , Liu Wenfei , Shao Chong , Yang Yong , Su Yanbing , Wu Zhaoyuan
Published: August 2023

Given the profound integration of the sharing economy and the energy system, energy storage sharing is promoted as a viable solution to address the underutilization of energy storage and the challenges associated with cost recovery. While energy storage sharing offers various services for system operation, a significant question remains regarding the development of an optimal allocation model for shared energy storage in diverse application scenarios and the proposal of efficient solving algorithms. This paper presents the design of a computable combinatorial mechanism aimed at facilitating energy storage sharing. Leveraging the distinct characteristics of buyers and sellers engaged in energy storage sharing, we propose a combinatorial auction solving algorithm that prioritizes and incorporates the offers of shared energy storage, accounting for temporal variations in the value of energy resources. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed solving algorithm achieves a computation time reduction of over 95%, adequately meeting the practical requirements of industrial applications. Importantly, the proposed method maintains a high level of computational accuracy, ranging from 92% to 98%, depending on the participants and application scenarios. Hopefully, our work is able to provide a useful reference for the further mechanism design for energy storage sharing.
Fair Development Transition of Lignite Areas: Key Challenges and Sustainability Prospects
Authors: Siontorou Christina G.
Published: August 2023

As Europe transitions away from fossil fuel energy, the challenges associated with closing mines, along with restructuring mine-dependent communities, continue to reduce the rate at which this transition occurs. A large volume of research has been published during the last decade on the fair development context of mine reclamation. Using lignite mines as a case study and a properly modified analytical-hierarchy-process-based roadmapping methodological framework, the current study attempted to elucidate the key challenges and the bottlenecks that researchers view as critical to a just transition. The results indicated four critical areas that researchers expected to drive policymaking: social implications, stakeholder divergence, land-use challenges and sustainability prospects. Further, the coupling of mining operations to green strategies, such as circular economy and recycling, seems to be put forward by the academics as a viable solution to enhance the sustainability of the sector.
Advances in the Supply Chain and Circular Economy towards Sustainability
Authors: Kuik Swee
Published: August 2023

A transformational shift has occurred in the 21st century, with many enterprises in the manufacturing or service sectors adopting sustainable and circular approaches and abandoning linear and wasteful processes [...]
Development of Computational Thinking through STEM Activities for the Promotion of Gender Equality
Authors: Paucar-Curasma Ronald , Cerna-Ruiz Liszeth Paola , Acra-Despradel Claudia , Villalba-Condori Klinge Orlando , Massa-Palacios Luis Alberto , Olivera-Chura Andrés , Esteban-Robladillo Isabel
Published: August 2023

In the article, the authors evaluate the computational thinking skills according to gender of a group of male and female students of industrial engineering and systems engineering from universities located in the Andean region of Peru; the five key skills were evaluated: abstraction, decomposition, generalization, algorithmic design, and evaluation. To strengthen computational thinking, activities related to agriculture, livestock, the environment, safety, and education were proposed, which are of interest to the community where the students live. The research methodology followed is quasi-experimental of the post-test type with intentional non-probabilistic sampling. During the development of the activities, the students used microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators; thus, they also used block-based programming to implement hardware and software prototypes. The results have shown, according to the inferential analysis, that there are no significant differences between male and female students in any of the computational thinking skills. These results were due to the educational strategy applied in the development of STEM activities, which focused on solving real problems in the student community and generated the same enthusiasm in female and male students compared to other activities that only generated motivation in male students.
Economic Growth and Sustainable Transition: Investigating Classical and Novel Factors in Developed Countries
Authors: Wang Wei , Wei Kehui , Kubatko Oleksandr , Piven Vladyslav , Chortok Yulija , Derykolenko Oleksandr
Published: August 2023

In this study, the factors affecting economic growth in developed countries within the context of their sustainability transition are explored. By analyzing both traditional and novel factors, we aim to expand the scientific knowledge of the drivers behind sustainable economic development. To achieve this purpose, some factors that have demonstrated the potential to positively impact economic growth while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability are included. Research results demonstrate that a 1% increase in energy consumption is associated with a 0.314% increase in real GDP, indicating a positive relationship between energy usage and economic growth. Additionally, the consumption of renewable energy boosts a positive impact on sustainable economic growth: When it grows by 1%, the real GDP increases by 0.12%. The empirical findings further reveal that scientific progress and economic freedom are significant drivers of economic growth, as a 1% increase in both factors leads to an increase in economic output by 0.349% and 0.323%, respectively. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, we provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between economic growth and sustainability in developed countries. Based on these findings, the study offers specific policy recommendations, which include the diversification of the energy mix, the promotion of education and scientific advancement, and the digitalization of public services.
An Evaluation of the Alignment of Surplus Food Recovery and Redistribution Technologies with the Circular Economy
Authors: Abusin Sana , Al-Emadi Noor , Mandikiana Brian
Published: August 2023

In Qatar, food security is a top research priority. The National Food Security Strategy (2018–2023) and the Qatar National Vision 2030 show evidence of policy support regarding food security. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (S.D.G.) 12.3 frames the basis of food waste reduction efforts. Our study aims to provide basic information for innovative mobile application development that addressed food insecurity and waste in Qatar. Furthermore, we discuss how such a technology and the proposed features align with the circular economy concept. The circular economy aims to prolong the useful life of materials and products to maximize resource value and reduce waste. In addition, we highlight the main potential benefits that various stakeholders in the Qatar economy could derive from the innovative surplus food recovery mobile application. The scope of this work is necessary given the diverse nature of the stakeholders involved in the surplus food recovery and redistribution industry. The innovation demonstrated significant solutions to many problems, and using them in the food sector could provide optimal solutions to manage/reduce food surplus waste and loss. The suggested platform differs from the existing food services application, as it closes the food circle and achieves the sustainable goals for a better environment and society for future generations. We conclude with suggestions concerning how public–private collaboration could help recover surplus food and reduce food loss.
Urban Heritage, Planning and Design and Development
Authors: Haas Tigran , Olsson Krister
Published: August 2023

Urban heritage is increasingly expected to contribute to future urban development, not least in declining cities that have experienced drastic economic, social and spatial structural change [...]
Post-Conflict Safeguarding of Built Heritage: Content Analysis of the ICOMOS Heritage at Risk Journal, 2000–2019
Authors: Al-Barzngy Mohamed Yahya Mohamed , Khayat Mahmood
Published: August 2023

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) publishes several academic and professional publications, including Heritage at Risk World Reports. These reports examine heritage properties at risk globally, showing the trends and sharing recommendations. The role of local communities (LCs) and local resources (LRs) in safeguarding built heritage in periods following conflict has been highlighted by academics and international organisations. However, there are few research studies examining the indicators of the roles of LCs and LRs, which can depict the priorities in such circumstances. A systematic review (analysis) of this ICOMOS publication in a post-conflict context has yet to be undertaken. This method is utilised to identify key indicators of both elements in the context of post-conflict safeguarding of built heritage. The systematic review using content analysis and keyword frequency classified 69 post-conflict cases (countries) and identified significant LC and LR indicators. The findings reveal that the community’s awareness of built heritage and the availability of local experts are the most significant indicators for the LC and LRs, respectively. Both the LC and LR roles have a strong correlation in periods following conflicts. In addition, within the ICOMOS reports, results show a growing emphasis on post-conflict situations since the first volume. This study contributes to providing a shared vision regarding the roles that LCs and LRs can play in safeguarding built heritage following conflicts. Through analysing related policy documents, future research could investigate a policy-led perspective for safeguarding built heritage following conflicts.
Nonequilibrium Casimir–Polder Interaction between Nanoparticles and Substrates Coated with Gapped Graphene
Authors: Klimchitskaya Galina , Korikov Constantine , Mostepanenko Vladimir , Tsybin Oleg
Published: August 2023

The out-of-thermal-equilibrium Casimir–Polder force between nanoparticles and dielectric substrates coated with gapped graphene is considered in the framework of the Dirac model using the formalism of the polarization tensor. This is an example of physical phenomena violating the time-reversal symmetry. After presenting the main points of the used formalism, we calculate two contributions to the Casimir–Polder force acting on a nanoparticle on the source side of a fused silica glass substrate coated with gapped graphene, which is either cooler or hotter than the environment. The total nonequilibrium force magnitudes are computed as a function of separation for different values of the energy gap and compared with those from an uncoated plate and with the equilibrium force in the presence of graphene coating. According to our results, the presence of a substrate increases the magnitude of the nonequlibrium force. The force magnitude becomes larger with higher and smaller with lower temperature of the graphene-coated substrate as compared to the equilibrium force at the environmental temperature. It is shown that, with increasing energy gap, the magnitude of the nonequilibrium force becomes smaller, and the graphene coating makes a lesser impact on the force acting on a nanoparticle from the uncoated substrate. Possible applications of the obtained results are discussed.
Revenue and Risk Sharing Mechanism Design in Agriculture Supply Chains Considering the Participation of Agricultural Cooperatives
Authors: Shi Yan , Wang Fulin
Published: August 2023

Uncertain yield and demand often result in unbalanced revenue and risk sharing among agriculture supply chain (ASC) members. Agricultural cooperatives help smallholder farmers enhance their bargaining power via revenue and risk sharing and are a significant bridge between farmers and retailers. Therefore, this study aimed to design a contractual mechanism considering a cooperative’s participation in the coordination of ASCs that face random yield and demand in pursuit of risk and benefit equivalence. We first compared two- and three-echelon decentralized ASCs with a centralized system, and the results indicate that the cooperative’s participation is conducive to redistributing profit between the retailer and farmer. As a verified revenue-sharing (RS) contract cannot coordinate a two-echelon ASC under uncertain yield and demand, we developed a double revenue-sharing (DRS) contract, which has been demonstrated to coordinate an ASC system with the cooperative’s participation. A numerical analysis was conducted to show that the cooperative can influence profit distribution among the upstream and downstream members via wholesale prices. Therefore, equivalence of risk and benefit is realized and fairly allocated among the members under the DRS contract, which is of great significance to the ASC system’s stable and sustainable development.
Evaluation of Laboratories Supporting Invasive Bacterial Vaccine-Preventable Disease (IB-VPD) Surveillance in the World Health Organization African Region, through the Performance of Coordinated External Quality Assessment
Authors: Mandomando Inacio , Mwenda Jason M. , Nakamura Tomoka , de Gouveia Linda , von Gottberg Anne , Kwambana-Adams Brenda A. , Antonio Martin , Messa Augusto , Litt David , Seaton Shila , Weldegebriel Goitom Gebremedhin , Biey Joseph Nsiari-Muzeyi , Serhan Fatima
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Laboratories supporting the invasive bacteria preventable disease (IB-VPD) network are expected to demonstrate the capacity to identify the main etiological agents of pediatric bacterial meningitis (PBM) (Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae) on Gram stains and in phenotypic identification. Individual reports of sentinel site (SSL), national (NL) and regional reference (RRL) laboratories participating in the World Health Organization (WHO)-coordinated external quality assessment, distributed by the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment (EQA) Services (UK NEQAS) for Microbiology between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed. (2) Methods: The panels consisted of (1) unstained bacterial smears for Gram staining, (2) viable isolates for identification and serotyping/serogrouping (ST/SG) and (3) simulated cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples for species detection and ST/SG using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). SSLs and NLs tested for Gram staining and species identification (partial panel). RRLs, plus any SSLs and NLs (optionally) also analyzed the simulated CSF samples (full panel). The passing score was ≥75% for NLs and SSLs, and ≥90% for RRLs and NLs/SSLs testing the full panel. (3) Results: Overall, 63% (5/8) of the SSLs and NLs were able to correctly identify the targeted pathogens, in 2019; but there were challenges to identify Haemophilus influenzae either on Gram stains (35% of the labs failed 2014), or in culture. Individual performance showed inconsistent capacity, with only 39% (13/33) of the SSLs/NLs passing the EQA exercise throughout all surveys in which they participated. RRLs performed well over the study period, but one of the two failed to reach the minimal passing score in 2016 and 2018; while the SSLs/NLs that optionally tested the full panel scored between 75% and 90% (intermediate pass category). (4) Conclusions: We identified a need for implementing a robust quality management system for timely identification of the gaps and then implementing corrective and preventive actions, in addition to continuous refresher training in the SSLs and NLs supporting the IB-VPD surveillance in the World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO).
Genetic Predictors of Comorbid Course of COVID-19 and MAFLD: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Buchynskyi Mykhailo , Oksenych Valentyn , Kamyshna Iryna , Vari Sandor G. , Kamyshnyi Aleksandr
Published: August 2023

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its potential impact on the severity of COVID-19 have gained significant attention during the pandemic. This review aimed to explore the genetic determinants associated with MAFLD, previously recognized as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and their potential influence on COVID-19 outcomes. Various genetic polymorphisms, including PNPLA3 (rs738409), GCKR (rs780094), TM6SF2 (rs58542926), and LYPLAL1 (rs12137855), have been investigated in relation to MAFLD susceptibility and progression. Genome-wide association studies and meta-analyses have revealed associations between these genetic variants and MAFLD risk, as well as their effects on lipid metabolism, glucose regulation, and liver function. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests a possible connection between these MAFLD-associated polymorphisms and the severity of COVID-19. Studies exploring the association between indicated genetic variants and COVID-19 outcomes have shown conflicting results. Some studies observed a potential protective effect of certain variants against severe COVID-19, while others reported no significant associations. This review highlights the importance of understanding the genetic determinants of MAFLD and its potential implications for COVID-19 outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking these genetic variants to disease severity and to develop gene profiling tools for the early prediction of COVID-19 outcomes. If confirmed as determinants of disease severity, these genetic polymorphisms could aid in the identification of high-risk individuals and in improving the management of COVID-19.
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Population Genetics from Samples Associated with Huanan Market and Early Cases Identifies Substitutions Associated with Future Variants of Concern
Authors: Dong Xiaofeng , Hiscox Julian A.
Published: August 2023

SARS-CoV-2 began spreading through human-to-human transmission first within China and then worldwide, with increasing sequence diversity associated with time and the further spread of the virus. The spillover events in the Huanan market were associated with two lineages of SARS-CoV-2 (lineages A and B). Infecting virus populations and those in infected individuals consist of a dominant genomic sequence and minor genomic variants; these latter populations can indicate sites on the genome that may be subject to mutational changes—either neutral or advantageous sites and those that act as a reservoir for future dominant variants—when placed under selection pressure. The earliest deposited sequences with human infections associated with the Huanan market shared very close homology with each other and were all lineage B. However, there were minor genomic variants present in each sample that encompassed synonymous and non-synonymous changes. Fusion sequences characteristic of defective RNA were identified that could potentially link transmission chains between individuals. Although all the individuals appeared to have lineage B as the dominant sequence, nucleotides associated with lineage A could be found at very low frequencies. Several substitutions (but not deletions) associated with much later variants of concern (VoCs) were already present as minor genomic variants. This suggests that low-frequency substitutions at the start of a pandemic could be a reservoir of future dominant variants and/or provide information on potential sites within the genome associated with future plasticity.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Economic Burden of Dengue in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Yu Yi , Liu Ying , Ling Feng , Sun Jimin , Jiang Jianmin
Published: August 2023

Dengue imposes a heavy economic burden on families and society. We used surveillance data reported in 2019 to characterize the dengue epidemic in Zhejiang Province, China, which provided guidance for dengue prevention and control. Dengue epidemics mostly occurred in July to October. People aged 30–44 years, males, and commercial service workers were more likely to suffer from dengue. The epidemic areas were mainly in Hangzhou and Wenzhou. Meanwhile, we assessed the economic cost of dengue in the province from both family and organizational perspectives. The direct economic burden of dengue patients was estimated to be USD 405,038.25, and the indirect economic burden was USD 140,364.90, for a total economic burden of USD 543,213.00. The direct economic burden of dengue patients should be reduced by increasing the coverage and reimbursement of health insurance. Additionally, the total annual cost of dengue prevention and control for the government and organizational sectors was estimated to be USD 7075,654.83. Quantifying the dengue burden is critical for developing disease control strategies, allocating public health resources, and setting health policy priorities.
Burden of Chikungunya Virus Infection during an Outbreak in Myanmar
Authors: Ngwe Tun Mya Myat , Kyaw Aung Kyaw , Nwe Khine Mya , Myaing Su Su , Win Ye Thu , Inoue Shingo , Takamatsu Yuki , Urano Takeshi , Thu Hlaing Myat , Hmone Saw Wutt , Thant Kyaw Zin , Morita Kouichi
Published: August 2023

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is a re-emerging arboviral disease with no approved vaccine, although numerous options are in development. Before vaccine implementation, disease burden, affected age group, and hospitalization rate information should be documented. In 2019, a sizeable outbreak of the East Central South African genotype of CHIKV occurred in Myanmar, and during this period, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two regions, Mandalay and Yangon, to examine the molecular and seropositivity rate of the CHIKV infection. The participants (1124) included dengue-suspected pediatric patients, blood donors, and healthy volunteers, who were assessed using molecular assays (quantitative real-time RT-PCR), serological tests (anti-CHIKV IgM capture and IgG indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays), and neutralization tests. The tests confirmed the following positivity rates: 11.3% (127/1124) for the molecular assay, 12.4% (139/1124) for the anti-CHIKV IgM Ab, 44.5% (500/1124) for the anti-CHIKV IgG Ab, and 46.3% (520/1124) for the CHIKV neutralizing Ab. The highest rate for the molecular test occurred with the dengue-suspected pediatric patients. The seroprevalence rate through natural infection was higher in the healthy volunteers and blood donors than that in the pediatric patients. The results of this study will help stakeholders determine the criteria for choosing appropriate recipients when a CHIKV vaccine is introduced in Myanmar.
Clinical Validity of a Machine Learning Decision Support System for Early Detection of Hepatitis B Virus: A Binational External Validation Study
Authors: Ajuwon Busayo I. , Richardson Alice , Roper Katrina , Lidbury Brett A.
Published: August 2023

HepB LiveTest is a machine learning decision support system developed for the early detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, there is a lack of evidence on its generalisability. In this study, we aimed to externally assess the clinical validity and portability of HepB LiveTest in predicting HBV infection among independent patient cohorts from Nigeria and Australia. The performance of HepB LiveTest was evaluated by constructing receiver operating characteristic curves and estimating the area under the curve. Delong’s method was used to estimate the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Compared to the Australian cohort, patients in the derivation cohort of HepB LiveTest and the hospital-based Nigerian cohort were younger (mean age, 45.5 years vs. 38.8 years vs. 40.8 years, respectively; p < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of HBV infection (1.9% vs. 69.4% vs. 57.3%). In the hospital-based Nigerian cohort, HepB LiveTest performed optimally with an AUROC of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91–0.97). The model provided tailored predictions that ensured most cases of HBV infection did not go undetected. However, its discriminatory measure dropped to 0.60 (95% CI, 0.56–0.64) in the Australian cohort. These findings indicate that HepB LiveTest exhibits adequate cross-site transportability and clinical validity in the hospital-based Nigerian patient cohort but shows limited performance in the Australian cohort. Whilst HepB LiveTest holds promise for reducing HBV prevalence in underserved populations, caution is warranted when implementing the model in older populations, particularly in regions with low incidence of HBV infection.
Identifying Reservoir-Induced Hydrological Alterations in the Upper Yangtze River Basin through Statistical and Modeling Approaches
Authors: Liu Hanqi , Wang Tingting , Feng Yao , Liu Fa , Wang Ning , Wang Hong , Liu Wenbin , Sun Fubao
Published: August 2023

Elucidating the impact of reservoir operation on hydrological signatures is crucial for the effective management of large rivers under the changing climate. This study first revised the reservoir operation scheme in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to improve its description of actual operation laws of reservoirs in the upper Yangtze River basin (UYRB). Then, we identified the reservoir-induced hydrological alteration through a hydrological index method driven by observed and simulated daily streamflow from 1960 to 2017. The results revealed the superiority of the revised reservoir algorithm in the SWAT model in simulating streamflow and floods at Cuntan and Yichang stations with the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient and the Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE) coefficient improved from 0.01 to 0.08 and 0.01 to 0.05, respectively. Relative to the baseline period (1960–2002), the hydrological signatures in the impact period (2003–2017) changed substantially after 2003. Reservoirs induced a remarkable increase of 27.76% and 55.97% in streamflow from January to March, accompanied by a notable decrease of 6.95% and 20.92% in streamflow from September to October after 2003 at Cuntan and Yichang stations, respectively. Meanwhile, the annual streamflow range contracted, and the flow became more stable with a reduced variation in daily streamflow, extremely low flow spell duration, and extremely high flow spell duration. Consequently, our results improved the quantitative understanding of reservoir-induced alteration and informed the management and planning of reservoir construction in the UYRB under climate change.
Rapid Urbanization Has Changed the Driving Factors of Groundwater Chemical Evolution in the Large Groundwater Depression Funnel Area of Northern China
Authors: Wang Long , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Huiwei
Published: August 2023

With the rapid development of urbanization, the chemical evolution of groundwater has been significantly affected by human activities. However, the driving mechanisms of groundwater chemical evolution at different stages of urbanization are still unclear, which severely affects the implementation of groundwater protection. This study investigated the driving mechanisms of groundwater chemical evolution based on the long-term series (from 1985 to 2015) of hydrochemical data from 19 groundwater monitoring sites in rapidly urbanizing areas (Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China). The results show that the concentrations of various chemical components in groundwater gradually increase with the acceleration of the urbanization process, especially NO3−, which has increased from 13.7 mg/L in the primary stage of urbanization (PSU) to 65.1 mg/Lin the advanced stage of urbanization (ASU), exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard (50 mg/L), indicating that the groundwater chemistry has been significantly affected by human activities. The main hydrochemical types have changed from the HCO3•SO4-Ca•Mg-type water in the primary stage of urbanization (PSU) to the SO4•HCO3-Ca•Mg-type water in the advanced stage of urbanization (ASU). It is worth noting that there are obvious differences in driving factors of groundwater chemical evolution at different urbanization stages. In the primary stage of urbanization (PSU), the driving factors were carbonate and rock salt dissolution, cation exchange, and industrial activities. However, in the intermediate stage and advanced stage, the driving factors were changed to carbonate and gypsum dissolution, groundwater over-exploitation, agricultural fertilization, and domestic sewage. Based on the above conclusions, it is suggested that future groundwater management should control the amount of agricultural fertilizers, apply scientific fertilization, and prohibit the discharge of various types of non-compliant sewage, while strengthening the supervision of groundwater extraction to reduce the impact of urbanization development on the groundwater chemical evolution process.
Composite Factors during Snowmelt Erosion of Farmland in Black Soil Region of Northeast China: Temperature, Snowmelt Runoff, Thaw Depths and Contour Ridge Culture
Authors: Fan Haoming , Hou Yunqing , Xu Xiuquan , Mi Caihong , Shi Hao
Published: August 2023

Snowmelt erosion could cause serious damage to soil quality and agricultural production conditions of slope farmland in the black soil region of northeast China. Contour ridge tillage is a traditional and effective measure to mitigate soil loss on slope farmland. However, the characteristics and influence factors of snowmelt erosion of slope farmland with contour ridge culture and the effect of this measure on the snowmelt process have not been comprehensively investigated, especially at the field scale. To bridge the gap, in situ observation was conducted on the snowmelt erosion process of a typical farmland in Baiquan County, Heilongjiang Province, China. The results revealed that during the snowmelt erosion period, the average daily snowmelt runoff volume and sediment concentration exhibited a trend of first increase and then a subsequent decrease. In the early stage, although the sediment concentration was large, limited discharge and soil thaw depths led to minimal soil loss. In the following stage, due to increased runoff and thaw depths, 94% of the total soil loss amount was obtained with an obvious erosion path formed. For each event, when soil thaw depths were shallow, sediment concentration had a high and early peak, whereas a reverse trend was observed when thaw depths increased. The hysteresis relationship of discharge–sediment indicated that the location where snowmelt erosion primarily occurred would change, under the influence of variations in runoff, freeze and thaw action, thaw depths, and micro-topography. The results could provide a guide in the control of soil erosion in seasonal snowmelt-erosion-prone areas.
A New Tool for Mapping Water Yield in Cold Alpine Regions
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Chen Rensheng , Yang Yong , Liu Guohua , Wang Xiqiang
Published: August 2023

Watershed management requires reliable information about hydrologic ecosystem services (HESs) to support decision-making. In cold alpine regions, the hydrology regime is largely affected by frozen ground and snow cover. However, existing special models of ecosystem services usually ignore cryosphere elements (such as frozen ground and snow cover) when mapping water yield, which limits their application and promotion in cold alpine regions. By considering the effects of frozen ground and snow cover on water yield, a new version of the Seasonal Water Yield model (SWY) in the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) was presented and applied in the Three-River Headwaters Region (TRHR) in southeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). Our study found that incorporating the effects of frozen ground and snow cover improved model performance. Frozen ground acts as a low permeable layer, reducing water infiltration, while snow cover affects water yield through processes of melting and sublimation. Both of these factors can significantly impact the distribution of spatial and temporal quickflow and baseflow. The annual average baseflow and water yield of the TRHR would be overestimated by 13 mm (47.58 × 108 m3/yr) and 14 mm (51.24 × 108 m3/yr), respectively, if the effect of snow cover on them is not considered. Furthermore, if the effect of frozen ground on water yield were not accounted for, there would be an average of 6 mm of quickflow misestimated as baseflow each year. Our study emphasizes that the effects of frozen ground and snow cover on water yield cannot be ignored, particularly over extended temporal horizons and in the context of climate change. It is crucial to consider their impacts on water resources in cold alpine regions when making water-related decisions. Our study widens the application of the SWY and contributes to water-related decision-making in cold alpine regions.
Enhancing Urban Surface Runoff Conveying System Dimensions through Optimization Using the Non-Dominated Sorting Differential Evolution (NSDE) Metaheuristic Algorithm
Authors: Cemiloglu Ahmed , Zhu Licai , Chen Biyun , Lu Li , Nanehkaran Yaser A.
Published: August 2023

Rapid urban development and increase in construction have significantly altered the surface coverage of cities, resulting in a rise in impervious surfaces such as roofs, streets, and pavements. These changes act as barriers against rainwater infiltration into the soil, leading to a substantial increase in surface runoff. Managing surface runoff has become a critical task in civil engineering and urban planning, as it can mitigate damage and provide opportunities for utilizing excess water. However, traditional flood control and guidance systems tend to be extensive and expensive, prompting researchers to explore cost-effective alternatives that consider all design parameters and variables. In this research, we propose an innovative approach that combines the NSDE (non-dominated sorting differential evolution) metaheuristic algorithm as an optimizer with the SWMM (storm water management model) as a simulator. The objective is to design efficient surface runoff collection networks by thoroughly investigating their hydraulic behaviors. This study focuses on the Chitgar watershed in Tehran, Iran, utilizing the SWMM model and NSDE multi-objective metaheuristic algorithm to determine the optimal dimensions of the channel and its intersecting structures. The aim is to minimize costs and reduce water leakage from the network. A comparison is made between the optimized design results and the existing network plan (without any design modifications). The analysis reveals substantial reductions in water leakage for all three design scenarios: a 7.66% reduction when considering only bridges, a 7.35% reduction with only the canal, and an impressive 95.26% reduction when both the canal and bridges are incorporated. These findings demonstrate the superiority of the optimized designs in terms of cost-effectiveness and the efficient management of surface runoff.
Spatially Consistent Drought Hazard Modeling Approach Applied to West Africa
Authors: Araujo Bonjean Catherine , Sy Abdoulaye , Dury Marie-Eliette
Published: August 2023

A critical stage in drought risk assessment is the measurement of drought hazard, the probability of occurrence of a potentially damaging event. The standard approach to assess drought hazard is based on the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and a drought intensity classification established according to a fixed set of SPI values. We show that this method does not allow for the assessment of region-specific hazards, and we propose an alternative method based on the extreme value theory. We model precipitation using an extreme value mixture model, with a normal distribution for the bulk, and a generalized Pareto distribution for the upper and lower tails. The model estimation allows us to identify the threshold value below which precipitation can be qualified as extreme. The quantile function is used to measure the intensity of each category of droughts and calculate the drought hazard index (DHI). By construction, the DHI value varies according to the specific characteristics of the left tail of the precipitation distribution. To test the relevance of our approach, we estimate the DHI over a gridded set of rainfall data covering West Africa, a large and climatically heterogeneous region. The results show that our mixture model fits the data better than the model used for SPI calculation. In particular, our model performs better to identify extreme precipitation in the left tail of the distribution. The DHI map highlights clusters of high drought hazard located in the central part of the region under study.
“My Thighs Can Squash You”: Young Māori and Pasifika Wāhine Celebration of Strong Brown Bodies
Authors: Nemani Mihi Joy , Thorpe Holly
Published: August 2023

Media representations and dominant social constructions of the ‘ideal’ physique for young women are often framed through a Westernised lens that focuses on heteronormative, White able-bodied aesthetics of beauty and femininity. Until very recently, the imagery available for young women to connect with and aspire to has been highly limited, failing to represent the embodied cultural beliefs that Indigenous and culturally-minoritised young women may have towards the gendered body. In this paper, we draw upon focus groups (wānanga) and digital diaries with young, physically active Māori and Pasifika wāhine (women) in Aotearoa New Zealand, to reveal how they are making meaning out of dominant framings of beauty, and drawing upon cultural knowledge to refuse such portrayals, instead reclaiming power in their own bodies. Working at the intersection of Mana Wahine and Masi methodologies, this article amplifies the voices of young Māori and Pasifika wāhine who actively participate in sport and/or physical activity, embrace and appreciate their strong brown bodies, and are critically reading and rejecting dominant Western framings of beauty and femininity. In so doing, this paper contributes to a growing international dialogue about the need for new culturally-informed understandings of body image by young women from Indigenous and culturally marginalised communities.
The problem of older people’s adaptation to the modern information environment
Authors:   Depar tment of Social Work and Psychological and Pedagogical Education, FSBEI HE Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University, Slepukhina G. V., , Gordeeva Т. I. ,   Depar tment of Social Work and Psychological and Pedagogical Education, FSBEI HE Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University
Published: August 2023

The article presents the rationale of the project, the purpose of which was to increase the level of legal culture and social adaptation of the older generation. The relevance of the social project is due to the need to solve problems associated with the older generation’s adaptation to the modern information environment. As part of the project, older people will be taught the skills to search for legal information on the Internet, as well as work with online services to obtain social services.
Socio-psychological aspect of work with the population: theory and practice
Authors:   Department of Social Psychology and Social Work, FSBEI HE Ryazan State University named after S. A. Yesenin, Sukhov А. N.
Published: August 2023

This article reveals the essence and history of the development of social psychology of social work, the concept and classification of socio-psychological phenomena, and technologies used for its implementation.
Social psychology of the family: current state and development prospects
Authors:   Department of Social Psychology and Social Work, FSBEI HE Ryazan State University named after S. A. Yesenin, Sukhov A. N.
Published: August 2023

This article reveals the relevance of the study of the family issue, as well as the essence of the socio-psychological approach to its understanding. It analyzes the history, approaches to the definition, and classification of external and internal threats to family sustainability and security. These include several dozen economic, social, psychological, and other factors, including destructive conflicts, which together make up an interconnected system complex (profiling). The article also examines the practice of overcoming these threats in order to ensure the stability and security of the family. These circumstances allow speaking about the social psychology of the family as an independent branch that is under development.
Organization of leisure activities for elderly citizens in the Autonomous Non-Commercial Organization Veteran Public Social Service Center, Sterlitamak
Authors:   FSBEI HE Ufa University of Science and Technology, Bolshakova N. L. , Klochkova М. А. ,   FSBEI HE Ufa University of Science and Technology
Published: August 2023

The article describes the features of organizing the leisure of elderly citizens in the conditions of a social service center. It has been determined that a properly organized pastime is necessary to maintain the social, motor, and life activity of the elderly.
Some aspects of personal insurance: participants in the contract
Authors:   FSBEI HE Chelyabinsk State University, Malkov A. M.
Published: August 2023

The article examines the distinctive quality of subjects acting as parties to the personal insurance contract, considers the problems of differentiation and features of the beneficiary, the policyholder, and the insured person, and reveals the specifics of sports accident insurance. The paper substantiates the need to eliminate the discriminatory component in the field of insurance for persons over 65 years of age engaged in active sports. As a result of the study, aspects requiring more detailed legislative regulation in order to provide personal insurance services to consumers as fully as possible and eliminate possible litigation have been identified. A proposal to legislatively increase the age limit of persons who play sports in case of accident insurance has been made.
Effects of Plasma Nitriding Temperature on the Properties of 1.3207 Type High Speed Steel
Authors: Korsós Krisztián , Kovács Dorina
Published: August 2023

Active screen plasma nitriding on HS 10-4-3-10 high-speed steel specimens was performed at three different low nitriding temperatures while trying to keep the other nitriding parameters uniform. In addition, two extra samples were made to increase the treatment time. Optical microscopic investigation and microhardness testing were performed on the segments of the samples, and their qualitative composition was determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Based on the measurements, it is stated that the hardness of the surface can be increased 50% with active screen plasma nitriding.
Proof of the Elongation Reserve of Longitudinally Compressed Wood by Tensile Tests
Authors: Sajdik Tamás , Báder Mátyás
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with the proof of the theory of elongation reserve remaining in wood after compression parallel to the grain. After compression, the wood becomes much more pliable and the force required for bending is reduced. At the end of the 1-minute fixation following 20% compression, the compressive stress in the beech samples was reduced to an average of 72.3%, while the oak samples showed a 65.6% change. The remaining shortening at this time was 3-5%. At the end of the 3-hours fixation, the compressive stress had decreased to 37.1% for beech and 27.9% for oak, resulting in a residual shortening of 12-18%. An average maximum tensile force of 1.76 kN was required for untreated beech samples, which resulted in a 1.55 mm increase in size parallel to the grain. For specimens fixated for a short-time, a tensile force of 1.06 kN caused a 3.66 mm increase in size, while for specimens fixated for a long-time, a force of 0.85 kN caused an 8.79 mm increase in size. The trends were similar for oaks. The higher moisture content provided a significantly larger increase in size during the tensile tests. The existence of the elongation reserve was clearly confirmed.
Investigation of Bonded Joints in Glass Fiber Reinforced Flat Profiles
Authors: Szabó Valentin , Vaczkó Dániel
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, raw material shortage is a characteristic problem that affects every sector of the industry. Composite materials reinforced with fiberglass, manufactured through the pultrusion process, have extremely favorable properties. In our research, we examined the application of surface treatments on pultruded profiles to enhance surface energy. We roughened the surfaces to be bonded using manual sanding and sandblasting techniques, and then performed wetting measurements using various degreasing agents. To demonstrate the occurrence of surface treatment and determine its magnitude, we inspected the surfaces with a roughness tester. The bonds were created using two different structural adhesives as well as epoxy resin. The shear strength values of the flat profiles were compared through tensile tests, and the effects of the surface treatments were determined. Based on the results, the appropriate surface treatment and adhesive type greatly influence the developed bond strength.