bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Shift: Analyzing Drivers for Low-Carbon Transportation Adoption in California’s Heavy-Duty and Off-Road Sectors
Authors: Chowdhury Vuban , Tuli Farzana Mehzabin , Mitra Suman Kumar
Published: February 2024

The transportation sector stands out as a major challenge for California’s transition to a more sustainable transportation system, as it accounts for most of the greenhouse gas emissions. This underscores the urgency for government agencies to take decisive action in promoting the adoption of low-carbon transportation (LCT) within the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) and off-road equipment (ORE) sectors. This study employs content analysis to investigate the impact of behavioral factors, specifically awareness and impression, on LCT adoption within these sectors. The analysis results are refined using a generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool. The results indicate that awareness about LCT, in conjunction with factors such as government incentives and environmental considerations, positively influences the likelihood of adopting LCT. Moreover, the findings highlight the significant impact of financial barriers on small-fleet organizations, reflecting the inherent challenges these entities may encounter in adapting to significant changes. Conversely, technical barriers are particularly notable for adopters and larger organizations. These insights provide valuable guidance for government agencies to develop targeted strategies, including mandates and incentives, tailored to the specific needs of organizations within the HDV and ORE sectors. By addressing these barriers and fostering a supportive environment for sustainable practices, policymakers can accelerate California’s transition toward a greener transportation landscape.
How Urban-Level Credit Expansion Affects the Quality of Green Innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Song Zhengge , Tang Jingjing , Zeng Haijian , Pang Fangying
Published: February 2024

We take the economic stimulus package in China as a quasi-natural experiment to investigate the effect of urban credit expansion on the quality of green innovation at the city level. The analysis takes urban-level and firm-level data from 2004 to 2015 and adopts the PSM-DID approach. Our empirical results suggest that the implementation of credit expansion makes a significant contribution to the improvement of green patent quality. In addition, the mechanism suggests that urban credit expansion policies promote corporate green innovation through channels such as providing credit expansion and a lower cost of financing enterprise transformation and upgrading. This research also suggest that credit expansion promotes economic growth while also incentivising first-tier cities to engage in more green transformations and upgrade to improve the quality of green patents. Our findings also provide an important insight for the implementation of credit expansion policies and the achievement of sustainable development in countries around the world, particularly in developing countries. Finally, this paper argues that China’s credit expansion policy in 2009 has played a role in improving the quality of green innovation and improving green transformation.
Enhancing Food and Nutrition Literacy: A Key Strategy for Reducing Food Waste and Improving Diet Quality
Authors: Lisciani Silvia , Camilli Emanuela , Marconi Stefania
Published: February 2024

Excessive food purchases, improper storage, incorrect food preparation, and the disposal of non-expired products contribute significantly to household food waste. Food and nutritional literacy can, therefore, be linked to household food waste and not just to diet quality. Consumers with high food literacy appear to better organize their food shopping and waste less than people with low food literacy. Different studies have demonstrated the association between high nutritional literacy, healthy eating habits, and a high amount of food waste, represented by highly perishable products. The relationship between a high-quality diet and food waste is mainly attributable to the consumption of fruit and vegetables, while an unhealthy diet is associated with fewer leftovers due to the high consumption of ultra-processed foods with a long shelf life. Social and economic conditions influence the effects of literacy on the production of domestic food waste. Many studies have reported that low-income individuals rarely waste food, while richer ones tend to produce more leftovers. The challenge for the scientific, educational, and health policy sectors is to promote the consumption of fresh, healthy, and inexpensive foods, especially in the most disadvantaged segments of the population, and at the same time, provide the knowledge necessary to limit the production of household waste.
Carbon Emissions Reduction of a Circular Architectural Practice: A Study on a Reversible Design Pavilion Using Recycled Materials
Authors: Zhu Hui , Liou Shuenn-Ren , Chen Pi-Cheng , He Xia-Yun , Sui Meng-Lin
Published: February 2024

The construction industry, as a major consumer of resources and energy, accounts for about 40% of global carbon emissions. The concept of a circular economy (CE) is one effective means to address this issue. The entire lifecycle of a building includes: material production, construction, operation, and demolition. The production of building materials emits the largest proportion of carbon dioxide, followed by the operational phase, while construction (including demolition) has the smallest proportion. However, it is crucial to note the waste phase after demolition, where building materials are typically disposed of through incineration or landfill, leading to significant carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Therefore, carbon emissions generated during both the production and waste phases of the construction industry cannot be overlooked. This article employs a combined approach of practice and research, using the Circular Pavilion as a case study. From the design stage, reducing resource usage and carbon emissions are considered crucial factors. Reversible design, modularity, and the use of recycled materials are employed to reduce the emissions of “embodied carbon” and enhance material reuse. To validate the effectiveness of recycled materials in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this study calculates the material usage and carbon emissions during the production, transportation, and waste phases of the Circular Pavilion, Concrete Pavilion, and Steel Pavilion. The Circular Pavilion accounts for 34% and 3.5% of the total carbon emissions of the Concrete Pavilion and Steel Pavilion, respectively. In conclusion, the practical implementation of reversible design and recycled materials based on the concept of a circular economy is key to transitioning the construction industry from environmentally harmful impacts to eco-friendly practices. This establishes an effective method for resource reuse and carbon dioxide reduction in the construction sector, allowing waste resources to re-enter production and manufacturing processes, thereby reducing natural extraction, waste disposal, and energy consumption. Future applications of this method in the construction field involve establishing multidimensional composite design models and conducting feasibility assessments with upstream and downstream supply chains to support the realization of circular cities.
Influence of Aggressive Environment in Macro and Microstructural Properties of Bottom Ash Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Saravanakumar R. , Elango K. S. , Revathi V. , Balaji D.
Published: February 2024

India generates 759.02 million metric tons of coal ash annually. Part of that quantity is successfully utilized, and the remaining portion of the ash is discarded into a landfill. There also is a need to address pollution. Cement industries are responsible for 7% of global warming. Cement has been replaced entirely by thermal power plant waste, and bottom ash is used as a binder to overcome those issues. A few researchers have carried out strength characterization, but an extensive study needs to be carried out under different environmental exposures. Therefore, the present study investigated macro and micro properties of bottom ash geopolymer concrete (BAGPC) subjected to aggressive ecological exposure conditions such as acid, salt, and sulfate attack. Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) of eight molarities were used as activators for the bottom ash geopolymer concrete (BAGPC) binder. Further bonding between steel and conventional concrete BAGPC mixes was investigated. The durability of conventional concrete (CC) was taken as the control mix to compare the durability of the optimized mix (B4) of bottom ash geopolymer. The test samples were cured for 28 days under ambient temperature and tested for the effect of MgSO4, NaCl, and HCl. The strength loss and weight loss of the BAGPC B4 mix after 7, 28, 56, 90, and 180 days under aggressive conditions showed better performance than CC. It has been observed that geopolymer concrete has good bonding in nature, and the bond strength results indicate excellent bonding between steel and concrete. Microstructure studies revealed that the BAGPC B4 mix had a strong microstructure and not as much of a porous structure. It is concluded that BAGPC has potential value in the construction industry based on all aspects of the experiment.
E-Learning Canvases: Navigating the Confluence of Online Arts Education and Sustainable Pedagogies in Teacher Education
Authors: Pavlou Victoria , Castro-Varela Aurelio
Published: February 2024

Recent education policy debates in Europe focus on adapting European education systems to modern societal needs, emphasizing competency-based education to cultivate personal fulfillment, employability, active citizenship, social cohesion, and lifelong learning. Notably, digital and sustainability competencies are regarded as pivotal for building sustainable societies. Within this context, arts education assumes significance because of its experiential nature, engaging learners not only intellectually but also emotionally and ethically. This article explores how teacher educators can provide quality arts education that embraces sustainable pedagogies through digital technologies. It delves into teacher educators’ perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technologies when teaching arts courses online. Conducted as part of the European-funded project ‘Critical Arts Education for Sustainable Societies,’ this study involved interviews with 25 academics from five European countries. Key challenges identified include converting course content for online delivery, ensuring access to high-quality resources, or maintaining students’ active involvement in the online learning process. Conversely, educators adapted arts education by revising teaching methods through digital technologies and developing new materials to promote inclusivity, engagement, participation, and action. Implications offer guidance to arts educators on how to reconfigure their role when delivering arts courses online.
Evaluating Design Guidelines for Intuitive, Therefore Sustainable, Virtual Reality Authoring Tools
Authors: Chamusca Iolanda L. , Cai Yiyu , Silva Pedro M. C. , Ferreira Cristiano V. , Murari Thiago B. , Apolinario Antonio L. , Winkler Ingrid
Published: February 2024

Virtual reality software might be challenging to utilize for beginners and unskilled professionals who do not have a programming or 3D modeling background. Concurrently, there is a knowledge gap in software project design for intuitive virtual reality authoring tools, which were supposed to be easier to use. These tools are frequently insufficient due to a lack of support and standard operating procedures. This study evaluates the validity of fourteen design guidelines for the development of intuitive virtual reality authoring tools. Adopting the Design Science Research approach, a previous study completed the first steps of the protocol by identifying problems, defining solution objectives, and developing and demonstrating the design guidelines. This work evaluates their application in a experiment. A group of engineering students with no prior experience in creating virtual worlds were tasked with examining the design guidelines while using the NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise as an exemplary use case by following the tutorials in the platform. Previously, the students answered a Likert-scale questionnaire and a focus group interview, with eighteen questions about how they perceived these guidelines. An average score value for the tool was estimated through the questionnaire answers and a correlation analysis and, using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC), it was confirmed that most guidelines scores behaved as expected and were ranked according to the use-case functionality. The participants understood the guidelines’ definition and could decide if they agreed or disagreed with their presence during the experiment. We evaluated that, in accordance with the Design Science Research, the proposed artifact is useful, i.e., the design guidelines for virtual reality authoring tools perform what they are designed to do and are operationally reliable in accomplishing their goals.
Breaking a Combinatorial Symmetry Resolves the Paradox of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen and Bell
Authors: Jakumeit Jürgen , Hess Karl
Published: February 2024

We present a Monte Carlo model of Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen experiments that may be implemented on two independent computers and resembles the measurements of the Clauser–Aspect–Zeilinger-type which are performed in two distant stations SA and SB. Our computer model is local deterministic because we show that a theorist in station SB is able to conceive the products of the measurement outcomes of both stations, conditional to any possible equipment configuration in station SA. We show that the Monte Carlo model violates Bell-type inequalities and approaches the results of quantum theory for certain relationships between the number of measurements performed and the number of possible different physical properties of the entangled photon pairs. These relationships are clearly linked to Vorob’ev cyclicities, which always enforce Bell-type inequalities. The realization of this cyclicity depends, however, on combinatorial symmetry considerations that, in turn, depend on the mathematical properties of Einstein’s elements of physical reality. Because these mathematical properties have never been investigated and, therefore, may be free to be chosen in the models for all published experiments, Einstein’s physics does not contradict the experimental findings, instantaneous influences at a distance are put into question and the paradox of Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen and Bell is, thus, resolved.
Quantum Chromodynamics of the Nucleon in Terms of Complex Probabilistic Processes
Authors: Gevorkyan Ashot S. , Bogdanov Aleksander V.
Published: February 2024

Despite the obvious progress made by the Feynman, Ravndal, and Kislinger relativistic model in describing the internal motion of a system with confinement of quarks in a nucleon, it turned out to be insufficiently realistic for a number of reasons. In particular, the model does not take into account some cornerstone properties of QCD, namely, gluon exchange between quarks, the influence of the resulting quark sea on valence quarks, and the self-interaction of colored gluons. It is these phenomena that spontaneously break the chiral symmetry of the quark system and form the bulk of the nucleon. To eliminate the above shortcomings of the model, the problem of self-organization of a three-quark dynamical system immersed in a colored quark–antiquark sea is considered within the framework of complex probabilistic processes that satisfy the stochastic differential equation of the Langevin–Kline–Gordon–Fock type. Taking into account the hidden symmetry of the internal motion of a dynamical system, a mathematically closed nonperturbative approach was developed, which makes it possible to construct the mathematical expectation of the wave function and other parameters of the nucleon in the form of multiple integral representations. It is shown that additional subspaces arising in a representation characterized by a noncommutative geometry with topological features participate in the formation of an effective interaction between valence quarks against the background of harmonic interaction between them.
Comparison of the Meta-Heuristic Algorithms for Maximum Likelihood Estimation of the Exponentially Modified Logistic Distribution
Authors: Kasap Pelin , Faouri Adi Omaia
Published: February 2024

Generalized distributions have been studied a lot recently because of their flexibility and reliability in modeling lifetime data. The two-parameter Exponentially-Modified Logistic distribution is a flexible modified distribution that was introduced in 2018. It is regarded as a strong competitor for widely used classical symmetrical and non-symmetrical distributions such as normal, logistic, lognormal, log-logistic, and others. In this study, the unknown parameters of the Exponentially-Modified Logistic distribution are estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Five meta-heuristic algorithms, including the genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization algorithm, grey wolf optimization algorithm, whale optimization algorithm, and sine cosine algorithm, are applied in order to solve the nonlinear likelihood equations of the study model. The efficiencies of all maximum likelihood estimates for these algorithms are compared via an extensive Monte Carlo simulation study. The performance of the maximum likelihood estimates for the location and scale parameters of the Exponentially-Modified Logistic distribution developed with the genetic algorithm and grey wolf optimization algorithms is the most efficient among others, according to simulation findings. However, the genetic algorithm is two times faster than grey wolf optimization and can be considered better than grey wolf optimization considering the computation time criterion. Six real datasets are analyzed to show the flexibility of this distribution.
On Circular q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Sets with Dombi Aggregation Operators and Application to Symmetry Analysis in Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Ali Zeeshan , Yang Miin-Shen
Published: February 2024

Circular q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (FSs) were recently considered as an extension of q-rung orthopair FSs (q-ROFSs), circular intuitionistic FSs (Cir-IFSs), and circular Pythagorean FSs (Cir-PFSs). However, they are only considered for some simple algebraic properties. In this paper, we advance the work on circular q-ROFSs (Cirq-ROFSs) in Dombi aggregation operators (AOs) with more mathematical properties of algebraic laws. These include the circular q-rung orthopair fuzzy (Cirq-ROF) Dombi weighted averaging (Cirq-ROFDWA), Cirq-ROF Dombi ordered weighted averaging (Cirq-ROFDOWA), Cirq-ROF Dombi weighted geometric (Cirq-ROFDWG), and Cirq-ROF Dombi ordered weighted geometric (Cirq-ROFDOWG) operators. Additionally, we present the properties of idempotency, monotonicity, and boundedness for the proposed operators. In the context of artificial intelligence, symmetry analysis plays a significant and efficient role that can refer to several aspects. Thus, to compute the major aspect, we identify the multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) technique based on the proposed operators for Cirq-ROF numbers (Cirq-ROFNs) to enhance the worth of the evaluated operators. Finally, we use some existing techniques for comparison to our results to show the validity and supremacy of the proposed method.
Ecological Status of Algeciras Bay, in a Highly Anthropised Area in South-West Europe, through Metal Assessment—Part I: Abiotic Samples
Authors: Casanueva-Marenco María José , Galindo-Riaño María Dolores , Granado-Castro María Dolores , Díaz-de-Alba Margarita
Published: February 2024

The ecological status of Algeciras Bay (South-west Europe), highly influenced by anthropogenic activities, was assessed by monitoring Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in water and sediment samples. Total contents and metal fractions with different availabilities and their spatial-seasonal distribution were determined. The trend in water and sediment contents were Zn > Pb ≈ Cu > Cd, without significant seasonal variations. Sites 3 and 4, closest to industrial activities, had the highest metal concentrations, mainly in sediments. Cd showed low partition coefficient in water, indicating higher bioavailability. Total metal content in sediments exceeded the threshold effect level for Cu and were close to Pb. The BCR procedure revealed the highest availabilities for Cd and Pb, due to its higher content in exchangeable and reducible fractions. Higher Pb levels (21.4 ± 5.1 mg/kg) were found in sediments of this bay compared with other ecosystems. Pollution indexes for sediment quality revealed that site 3 was the most polluted (CF = 7.12 and Igeo = 2.25). For an integrative study of the ecological status of this significant bay, these results have been complemented with the metal evaluation in benthic and benthopelagic fish tissues in Ecological status of Algeciras Bay, in a highly anthropised area in south-west Europe, through metal assessment—Part II: Biotic samples.
Pion Interferometry with Lévy-Stable Sources in sNN = 200 GeV Au + Au Collisions at STAR
Authors: Kincses Dániel
Published: February 2024

Measurements of femtoscopic correlations in high-energy heavy-ion collisions are used to unravel the space–time structure of the particle-emitting source (the quark–gluon plasma). Recent results indicate that the pion pair source exhibits a power law behavior and can be described well by a Lévy distribution. In this study, Lévy fits were applied to the measured one-dimensional two-pion correlation functions in Au + Au collisions at sNN = 200 GeV. The three extracted source parameters are the Lévy scale parameter, R, which relates to the size of the source; the correlation strength parameter, λ; and the Lévy exponent, α, which characterizes the power law tail of the source. In this paper, we report the current status of the analysis of the extracted Lévy source parameters and present their dependence on average transverse mass, mT, and on centrality.
Assessment of Gastroenteric Viruses in Marketed Bivalve Mollusks in the Tourist Cities of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2022
Authors: Cantelli Carina Pacheco , Tavares Guilherme Caetano Lanzieri , Sarmento Sylvia Kahwage , Burlandy Fernanda Marcicano , Fumian Tulio Machado , Maranhão Adriana Gonçalves , Silva Emanuelle de Souza Ramalho Ferreira da , Horta Marco Aurélio Pereira , Miagostovich Marize Pereira , Yang Zhihui , Leite José Paulo Gagliardi
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of gastroenteric viruses in mussels and oysters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One hundred and thirty-four marketed bivalve samples were obtained between January and December 2022. The viral analysis was performed according to ISO/TS 15216, and the screening revealed the detection of norovirus GII/GI (40.3%), sapovirus (SaV; 12.7%), human mastadenovirus (7.5%), and rotavirus A (RVA; 5.9%). In total, 44.8% (60) of shellfish samples tested positive for one or more viruses, 46.7% (28/60) of the positive samples tested positive for a single viral agent, 26.7% (16) tested positive for two viral agents, 8.3% (5) for three viral agents, and 13.3% (8) for four viral agents. Additionally, three mussel samples were contaminated with the five investigated viruses (5%, 3/60). Norovirus GII showed the highest mean viral load (3.4 × 105 GC/g), followed by SaV (1.4 × 104 GC/g), RVA (1.1 × 104 GC/g), human mastadenovirus (3.9 × 103 GC/g), and norovirus GI (6.7 × 102 GC/g). Molecular characterization revealed that the recovered norovirus strains belonged to genotypes GII.2, GII.6, GII.9, GII.17, and GII.27; SaV belonged to genotypes GI.1 and GIV.1; RVA to genotypes G6, G8, P[8]-III, and human mastadenovirus to types F40 and F41. The GII.27 norovirus characterized in this study is the only strain of this genotype reported in Brazil. This study highlights the dissemination and diversity of gastroenteric viruses present in commercialized bivalves in a touristic area, indicating the potential risk to human health and the contribution of bivalves in the propagation of emerging pathogens.
Treating COVID-19 with Medicinal Plants: Is It Even Conceivable? A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Al-Jamal Hadi , Idriss Sara , Roufayel Rabih , Abi Khattar Ziad , Fajloun Ziad , Sabatier Jean-Marc
Published: February 2024

In 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) challenged the world with a global outbreak that led to millions of deaths worldwide. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the symptomatic manifestation of this virus, which can range from flu-like symptoms to utter clinical complications and even death. Since there was no clear medicine that could tackle this infection or lower its complications with minimal adverse effects on the patients’ health, the world health organization (WHO) developed awareness programs to lower the infection rate and limit the fast spread of this virus. Although vaccines have been developed as preventative tools, people still prefer going back to traditional herbal medicine, which provides remarkable health benefits that can either prevent the viral infection or limit the progression of severe symptoms through different mechanistic pathways with relatively insignificant side effects. This comprehensive review provides scientific evidence elucidating the effect of 10 different plants against SARS-CoV-2, paving the way for further studies to reconsider plant-based extracts, rich in bioactive compounds, into more advanced clinical assessments in order to identify their impact on patients suffering from COVID-19.
Assessment of the Impact of Spatial Variability on Streamflow Predictions Using High-Resolution Modeling and Parameter Estimation: Case Study of Geumho River Catchment, South Korea
Authors: Kim Bomi , Lee Garim , Lee Yaewon , Kim Sohyun , Noh Seong Jin
Published: February 2024

In this study, we analyzed the impact of model spatial resolution on streamflow predictions, focusing on high-resolution scenarios (<1 km) and flooding conditions at catchment scale. Simulation experiments were implemented for the Geumho River catchment in South Korea using Weather Research and the Forecasting Hydrological Modeling System (WRF-Hydro) with spatial resolutions of 100 m, 250 m, and 500 m. For the estimation of parameters, an automatic calibration tool based on the Model-Independent Parameter Estimation and Uncertainty Analysis (PEST) method was utilized. We assessed the hydrological predictions across different spatial resolutions considering calibrated parameters, calibration runtime, and accuracy of streamflow before and after calibration. For both Rainfall Events 1 and 2, significant improvements were observed after event-specific calibration in all resolutions. Particularly for 250 m resolution, NSE values of 0.8 or higher were demonstrated at lower gauging locations. Also, at a 250 m resolution, the changes in the calibrated parameter values (REFKDT) were minimized between Rainfall Events 1 and 2, implicating more effective calibration compared to the other resolutions. At resolutions of 100 m and 500 m, the optimal parameter values for the two events were distinctively different while more computational resources were required for calibration in Event 2 with drier antecedent conditions.
Study on the Hydrodynamic Performance of Swing-Type Flapping Hydrofoil Bionic Pumps Affected by Foil Camber
Authors: Sun Qizong , Hua Ertian , Sun Liying , Qiu Linfeng , Song Yabo , Xiang Mingwang
Published: February 2024

The flapping hydrofoil bionic pump is an innovative hydrodynamic device that utilizes flapping hydrofoil technology. Flapping hydrofoil bionic pumps are crucial in addressing issues like inadequate river hydropower and limited water purification capabilities in flat river network regions. Optimizing the foil characteristics is essential for enhancing the hydrodynamic efficiency of the flapping hydrofoil bionic pump. This study investigates the impact of foil camber parameters on the hydrodynamic performance of swing-type asymmetric flapping bionic pumps. The NACA series standard foils with varying cambers are analyzed using the overlapping grid technology and finite volume method. The thrust coefficient, flow rate, pumping efficiency, and flow field structure of the flapping hydrofoil bionic pump are examined under pressure inlet conditions with the foil camber. The findings indicate that increasing the foil’s curvature within a specific range can greatly enhance the maximum values of thrust coefficient, propulsive efficiency, and pumping efficiency of the flapping hydrofoil bionic pump. Specifically, when the foil curvature is 6%c, the maximum value of the instantaneous thrust coefficient of the flapping hydrofoil bionic pump is significantly improved by 31.25% compared to the symmetric foil type under the condition of an oscillating frequency of f = 1 HZ. The flapping hydrofoil bionic pump achieves its maximum pumping efficiency when the oscillation frequency is within the range of f ≤ 2.5 Hz. This efficiency is 11.7% greater than that of the symmetric foil, and it occurs when the foil curvature is 8%c. Within the frequency range of f > 2.5 Hz, the flapping hydrofoil bionic pump that has a foil curvature of 6%c exhibits the highest enhancement in pumping efficiency. It achieves a maximum increase of 12.8% compared to the symmetric foil type. Nevertheless, the average head was less than 0.4 m, making it suitable for ultra-low-head applications.
Making Rivers, Producing Futures: The Rise of an Eco-Modern River Imaginary in Dutch Climate Change Adaptation
Authors: de Jong Lotte , Veldwisch Gert Jan , Melsen Lieke Anna , Boelens Rutgerd
Published: February 2024

In the field of climate change adaptation, the future matters. River futures influence the way adaptation projects are implemented in rivers. In this paper, we challenge the ways in which dominant paradigms and expert claims monopolise the truth concerning policies and designs of river futures, thereby sidelining and delegitimising alternative river futures. So far, limited work has been performed on the power of river futures in the context of climate change adaptation. We conceptualised the power of river futures through river imaginaries, i.e., collectively performed and publicly envisioned reproductions of riverine socionatures mobilised through truth claims of social life and order. Using the Border Meuse project as a case study, a climate change adaptation project in a stretch of the river Meuse in the south of the Netherlands, and a proclaimed success story of climate adaptation in Dutch water management, we elucidated how three river imaginaries (a modern river imaginary, a market-driven imaginary, and an eco-centric river imaginary) merged into an eco-modern river imaginary. Importantly, not only did the river futures merge, but their aligned truth regimes also merged. Thus, we argue that George Orwell’s famous quote, “who controls the past, controls the future: who controls the present, controls the past” can be extended to “who controls the future, controls how we see and act in the present, and how we rediscover the past”.
Hydrogeochemistry and Water Quality Index for Groundwater Sustainability in the Komadugu-Yobe Basin, Sahel Region
Authors: Shuaibu Abdulrahman , Kalin Robert M. , Phoenix Vernon , Banda Limbikani C. , Lawal Ibrahim Mohammed
Published: February 2024

The assessment of hydrochemical characteristics and groundwater quality is crucial for environmental sustainability in developing economies. This study employed hydrogeochemical analysis, geospatial analysis, and groundwater quality index to assess hydrogeochemical processes and quality of groundwater in the Komadugu-Yobe basin. The pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (EC) were assessed in situ using a handheld portable electrical conductivity meter. The concentrations of the major cations (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+), were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The major anions (chloride, fluoride, sulfate, and nitrate) were analyzed via ion chromatography (IC). Total alkalinity and bicarbonate were measured in situ using a HACH digital alkalinity kit by the titrimetric method. Hydrochemical results indicate some physicochemical properties of the groundwater samples exceeded the maximum permissible limits as recommended by the World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. Gibbs diagrams indicate rock–water interaction/rock weathering processes are the dominant mechanisms influencing the groundwater chemistry. Groundwater is predominantly Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO−3 water type, constituting 59% of the groundwater samples analyzed. The groundwater quality index (GWQI) depicted 63 and 27% of the groundwater samples as excellent and good water types for drinking purposes, respectively. This study further relates the interaction between geology, hydrochemical characteristics, and groundwater quality parameters. The results are essential to inform a sustainable management strategy and protection of groundwater resources.
Case Study of Contaminant Transport Using Lagrangian Particle Tracking Model in a Macro-Tidal Estuary
Authors: Gu Bon-Ho , Woo Seung-Buhm , Kwon Jae-Il , Park Sung-Hwan , Kim Nam-Hoon
Published: February 2024

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of contaminant transport in estuarine environments, focusing on the impact of tidal creeks and flats. The research employs advanced hydrodynamic models with irregular grid systems and conducts a detailed residual current analysis to explore how these physical features influence the movement and dispersion of contaminants. The methodology involves simulating residual currents and Lagrangian particle trajectories in both ‘Creek’ and ‘No Creek’ cases, under varying tidal conditions. The results indicate that tidal creeks significantly affect particle retention and transport, with notable differences observed in the dispersion patterns between the two scenarios. The ‘Creek’ case demonstrates enhanced material retention along the creek pathways, while the ‘No Creek’ case shows broader dispersion, potentially leading to increased sedimentation in open sea areas. The discussion highlights the implications of these findings for sediment dynamics, contaminant transport, and estuarine ecology, emphasizing the role of tidal creeks in modulating flow and material transport. The research underlines the necessity of incorporating detailed environmental features in estuarine models for accurate contaminant transport prediction and effective estuarine management. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of estuarine hydrodynamics and offers valuable insights for environmental policy and management in coastal regions.
Extensive Study of Electrocoagulation-Based Adsorption Process of Real Groundwater Treatment: Isotherm Modeling, Adsorption Kinetics, and Thermodynamics
Authors: AlJaberi Forat Yasir
Published: February 2024

In this study, several adsorption models were studied to predict the adsorption kinetics of turbidity on an electro-generated adsorbent throughout the electrocoagulation remediation of real groundwater. A new design for an electrocoagulation reactor consisting of a finned anode positioned concentrically in a tube-shaped cathode was fabricated, providing a significant active area compared to its immersed volume. This work completed a previous electrochemical study through a deep investigation of adsorption technology that proceeded throughout the electrocoagulation reactor under optimal operating conditions, namely a treatment period of 2–30 min, a 2.3-Ampere current, and a stirring speed of 50 rpm. The one-, two-, and three-parameter adsorption models investigated in this study possess significant regression coefficients: Henry (R2 = 1.000), Langmuir (R2 = 0.9991), Freundlich (R2 = 0.9979), Temkin (R2 = 0.9990), Kiselev (R2 = 0.8029), Harkins–Jura (R2 = 0.9943), Halsey (R2 = 0.9979), Elovich (R2 = 0.9997), Jovanovic (R2 = 0.9998), Hill–de Boer (R2 = 0.8346), Fowler–Guggenheim (R2 = 0.8834), Dubinin–Radushkevich (R2 = 0.9907), Sips (R2 = 0.9834), Toth (R2 = 0.9962), Jossens (R2 = 0.9998), Redlich–Peterson (R2 = 0.9991), Koble–Carrigan (R2 = 0.9929), and Radke–Prausnitz (R2 = 0.9965). The current behavior of the adsorption–electrocoagulation system follows pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 = 0.8824) and the Bangham and Burt mass transfer model (R2 = 0.9735). The core findings proved that an adsorption-method-based electrochemical cell has significant outcomes, and all the adsorption models could be taken into consideration, along with other kinetic and thermodynamics investigations as well.
Unveiling Pathways to Enhance Social Learning Processes in Water Struggles
Authors: Tubino de Souza Daniele
Published: February 2024

To advance actionable knowledge production in the context of water struggles, this article identifies ways to strengthen transformative learning processes within riverine social movements. The complex challenges associated with water struggles point to an increasing need to explore ways in which these processes can be shaped and to promote changes in the worldviews that inform how water and riverine environments are perceived and structured. This study draws on the grassroots movement for the social-ecological regeneration of the Taquara Stream in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Research on this case has shown that the actions conducted by this movement fostered learning processes through the creation of innovative forms of involvement that brought together multiple actors. A panel of experts conducted an in-depth analysis of the learning practices observed in this case. This article discusses five aspects of the learning process, which have been identified by the experts, that are essential to expanding the transformative potential of water-related social movements: (1) building relationships of trust between actors, (2) building links with and between key actors in the process, (3) creating dialogue spaces that promote the co-creation of actionable knowledge, (4) engaging actors spontaneously, proactively, and co-responsibly in the process, and (5) bringing participatory research into local processes.
Resonant Gate Drive Circuit with Active Clamping to Increase Efficiency and Reliability
Authors: Zheng Jiaming , Du Yi , Chen Dachuan , Ying Wucheng , Zhao Hui , Liu Kefu , Qiu Jian
Published: February 2024

In power converters with high switching frequency, drive losses constitute a significant portion of the overall power losses. Resonant gate drivers can reduce drive losses, thereby enhancing the efficiency. However, resonant drivers suffer certain challenges: parameter drifts lead to the mismatch between the resonant frequency and the control frequency, and this mismatch can cause gate-to-source voltage overshoot. Moreover, the resonant driver is susceptible to external interference. This paper proposes a resonant circuit structure and control timing scheme aimed at overcoming these limitations. By incorporating a half-bridge clamp circuit, the proposed design achieves voltage clamping, thereby insulating the system from disturbances caused by mains power fluctuations. When there is a mismatch in resonant frequencies, the strategy employs a combination of hardware circuit diodes and control system timing to prevent overvoltage issues. Additionally, the utilization of MOSFETs minimizes the loss caused by prolonged current flow through body diodes, further reducing the resonant driving losses. Simulations have demonstrated the system’s stability under varying resonant parameters and its effective anti-interference capabilities in voltage clamping. Experiments achieved a power saving of 83.3% at a 1 MHz operating frequency. Both simulations and experimental validations confirm the feasibility of the proposed solution, its effectiveness in interference suppression, handling of resonant mismatches, and its role in further augmenting power conservation.
Current state of research in the field of intranasal dosage forms and the possibility of using piracetam as an intranasal gel
Authors:   Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute — Branch of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Volgograd State Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Dadu Monib M. I.
Published: February 2024

The intranasal method of administration has been known for a long time and until recently was regarded only as a method of local treatment of nasal cavity diseases. However, nowadays it is increasingly being considered as a promising and convenient way to deliver many drugs with a resorptive effect into the body. This is not surprising: this method of administration has a number of advantages and can be used for drugs produced only in the form of injectable solutions. The drug will not be metabolized in the liver, since it will enter the blood directly through the epithelium of the nasal cavity, which is abundantly supplied with blood. In addition, compared with injectable dosage forms, this method is less traumatic and does not require the participation of medical personnel and special training. The use of intranasal dosage forms, primarily for the treatment of cerebral pathologies, is a promising direction in medicine and pharmacy.
Índices de calidad de suelo en Sistemas Convencional y Agroforestal de la Estación Experimental Sapecho
Authors: Choque Tarqui Carlos Eduardo , Gutiérrez Hurtado Melany , Ticona Quispe Celso
Published: February 2024

Esta investigación se desarrolló en la Estación Experimental Sapecho, dependiente de la Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, cuyo objetivo fue determinar los índices de calidad del suelo (ICS) en sistemas convencional y agroforestal entre 2016 y 2022 de la Estación Experimental Sapecho. Fue enfoque cuantitativo, tipo descriptiva, diseño no experimental longitudinal. En 2016 se realizó el primer análisis y el segundo en 2022, la muestra en 17 cultivos, la técnica fue aplicar una función en los diferentes parámetros del suelo los valores están rango 0 a 1, donde 0 es baja y 1 adecuada. Los resultados arrojan que el índice de calidad del suelo (ICS), fue por debajo de 0,40 correspondiente a moderada y baja calidad del suelo. Se concluye que la metodología ICS permitió realizar una interpretación del estado del suelo y comparar sus características, posibilitando toma de decisiones para el manejo y mejoramiento de los suelos; permitió identificar la deficiencia de nutrientes, observa que un suelo bajo SAF puede mejorar algunas propiedades del suelo.
Introduction talks of the one health EJP (european joint programme) final meeting September 11, 2023 Paris
Authors: Imberechts Hein , Callegari Arnaud , Behaeghel Isabelle , Jestin André
Published: February 2024

One Health, Foodborne Zoonoses, Food Safety, Collaboration, Harmonisation, Alignment, Data Sharing, Research Programme, European Commission
Prix de thèse d’université de l’AVF 2022 : une approche translationnelle de la recherche sur la physiopathologie de la schizophrénie et les interactions gènes-environnement
Authors: Demars Fanny , Chaumette Boris , Jay Thérèse , Pompili Marco , Krebs Marie-Odile
Published: February 2024

Cet article présente mon travail de thèse (« Variabilité interindividuelle des réponses comportementales face aux interactions entre gènes et environnement ») qui a été dirigé e par le Pr Krebs et récompensé par le prix de thèse d’université de l’Académie Vétérinaire de France 2022. La schizophrénie est une maladie fréquente qui résulte de facteurs environnementaux et génétiques. Identifier des biomarqueurs associés à la physiopathologie de l’apparition de la maladie est nécessaire pour développer des stratégies thérapeutiques précoces et personnalisées pouvant prévenir ou limiter la progression des symptômes. Pour cela, nous avons développé une approche translationnelle en travaillant chez l’être humain et sur des modèles animaux. Cette thèse a permis d’étudier les mécanismes sous-jacents au développement de la schizophrénie parmi des personnes à risque et de proposer des pistes d’amélioration des modèles animaux utilisés dans la recherche sur les maladies psychiatriques à travers l’exemple des modèles d’extinction d’une peur conditionnée. Mots-Clés : Schizophrénie, psychose, ultra-haut risque, 22q11DS, vulnérabilité interindividuelle, stress, extinction de la peur, modèle animal, épigénétique
The Periegesis of Dionysius and the traditions of hellenistic poetry
Authors: Hunter Richard
Published: February 2024

Cette étude examine certaines des manières utilisées par Denys pour exploiter la poésie du IIIe s. av. J.-C. Pour Denys le plus grand poète après Homère est Apollonios de Rhodes dont les Argonautiques offrent un modèle de voyage autour du monde et un exposé géographique poétique. Denys utilise aussi la tradition hellénistique de la poésie didactique, connue grâce à Aratos et Nicandre mais qui remonte en fait à Hésiode et au “Catalogue des vaisseaux” d'Homère. Toutefois, il se peut que ce soit la voix de Callimaque dans les Aitia qui influe principalement sur le ton de la Périégèse. La façon dont Denys tire parti de ces traditions est un excellent exemple pour expliquer comment les poètes “didactiques” composant en hexamètre trouvèrent leur place malgré les prétentions de la prose savante.
Moeurs et identité politique à Athènes au Ve siècle : l’exemple des gouvernants d’après Plutarque
Authors: Schmitt Pantel Pauline
Published: February 2024

Quand les textes grecs antiques font le portrait d’un homme politique à Athènes au Ve siècle, ils décrivent ses manières d’être, ses mœurs tout autant que les événements auxquels il prend part. Je me demande dans quelle mesure ces epitêdeumata sont présentées comme un élément constitutif de l’identité politique du personnage. Le corpus de sources comprend essentiellement les Vies de Plutarque et un des points importants de l’étude est de déterminer si ces textes peuvent être utilisés pour comprendre le travail de construction identitaire réalisé dès le Ve siècle. Les principaux aspects des mœurs mises en scènes dans les Vies sont abordés brièvement avant une étude plus précise des récits de la mort des responsables de la cité que furent Aristide, Thémistocle, Cimon, Périclès, Nicias et Alcibiade.
L'urbanisme archaïque des villes ioniennes : un point de vue occidental
Authors: Treziny Henri
Published: February 2024

L’étude des cités grecques occidentales d’origine ionienne, comparées aux autres cités coloniales, permet de dégager quelques caractéristiques, comme le caractère évolutif des cités ioniennes, qui contraste avec l’allure «programmée » des villes doriennes ou achéennes. La dimension des îlots, plutôt trapus par rapport aux plans per strigas, permet un rapprochement entre les plans de Marseille archaïque et de Thourioi au Ve s., et suggère de voir dans le plan de Marseille une image de la ville ionienne archaïque, dont dérivent les plans « hippodaméens ».
La volière cosmique de Varron à Casinum (Italie)
Authors: Etienne Robert
Published: February 2024

À Cassino (Casinum), Varron avait fait construire une somptueuse villa qui le classait parmi les piscinarii. Celle-ci était en effet accompagnée d’une volière en forme de tablette à écrire, intégrant des viviers. Sa construction répondait à l’arithmologie pythagoricienne fondée sur le chiffre 8 et l’on peut l’interpréter comme un temple du système astral.
Five inscriptions of Acmonia
Authors: Vàrinlioglu Ender
Published: February 2024

L’article réunit cinq inscriptions d’époque impériale provenant d’Acmonia. L’appendice indique les conditions et le contexte de la découverte.
New records of Colletes hederae S chmidt & W estrich, 1993 (Hymenoptera, Apiformes) in Poland
Authors: KIerat Justyna
Published: February 2024

The ivy bee Colletes hederae was recorded in the west and south of Poland in September 2023. While C. hederae is expanding its range in Europe, these are most probably the first records of the species in this country. The two localities, Górzyca (at the Polish-German
border) and Kraków (S Poland), are situated about 450 km apart from each other. This suggests that the species is colonising the territory of Poland simultaneously from Germany, as well as from the Czech Republic and/or Slovakia.