bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning-guided optimization of p-coumaric acid production in yeast
Authors: Moreno-Paz Sara , van der Hoek Rianne , Eliana Elif , Zwartjens Priscilla , Gosiewska Silvia , dos Santos Vitor A.P. Martins , Schmitz Joep , Suárez-Diez Maria
Published: November 2023

Industrial biotechnology uses Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycles to accelerate the development of microbial cell factories, required for the transition to a bio-based economy. To use them effectively, appropriate connections between each phase of the cycle are crucial. Using p-coumaric acid production inSaccharomyces cerevisieaas case study, we propose the use of one-pot library generation, random screening, targeted sequencing and machine learning (ML) as links during DBTL cycles. We showed that the robustness and flexibility of ML models strongly enable pathway optimization, and propose feature importance and SHAP values as a guide to expand the design space of original libraries. This approach led to a 68% increased production of p-coumaric acid within two DBTL cycles.
Business model innovation in sustainable entrepreneurship: co-evolutionary evidence from small accommodation firms
Authors: Baiocco Silvia , Paniccia Paola M.A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to better understand how business model innovation (BMI) occurs in the context of sustainable entrepreneurship, emphasizing the dialectical nature of entrepreneurial relationships. To do so, key interdependencies and reciprocal influences between internal/firm-specific and external/environmental factors underlying BMI for sustainability are analysed through co-evolutionary lenses.

Design/methodology/approach

A co-evolutionary framework is developed and applied to a longitudinal business model (BM) analysis of 15 Italian widespread hotels, which creatively use historic villages at risk of abandonment to establish their hotels.

Findings

Largely influenced by the interplay between internal and external factors, BMI of widespread hotels occurs through multilevel co-adaptations, which are recognised as virtuous by all stakeholders involved. Effective variations of the BM value elements are selected resulting in circular economy practices, which are retained for successful BMI, radical (first) and incremental (thereafter). Knowledge of specific local and multi-local conditions, time awareness and a future-oriented temporal perspective, by both entrepreneurs and policymakers, favour this dynamic.

Practical implications

Developing targeted policies and practices based on increased organisational knowledge supported by indicators can help in selecting and retaining successful variations of BMs appropriately in/with time with positive effects on firms' performance and sustainable development.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel co-evolutionary framework that explicitly links sustainable entrepreneurship and BM concepts in the accommodation sector. It further proposes a dynamic and holistic explanation of BMI for sustainability from which the crucial roles of the time-knowledge binomial and circular practices emerge.
HelpUsGreen LLP: driving next-level growth by building a sustainable circular economy
Authors: Agarwal Richa , Ghura Amarpreet Singh , Narang Tanu
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

On completion of this case study, students will be able to describe a circular economy and cross-marketing; discuss the common strategies under the circular economy paradigm; describe the benefits and risks of cross-marketing brand alliances and their strategic implications; examine the role of growth strategy in driving the growth of an organization; classify what constitutes the elements of a strategy for HelpUsGreen LLP; and discuss measures to be considered while selecting a partner for a cross-marketing brand alliance.

Case overview/synopsis

HelpUsGreen LLP was a start-up founded by Karan Rastogi in 2019, which manufactured incense sticks using the circular economy model. After deflecting from his earlier partner in 2019 and after approximately two years of effort, Rastogi expanded his business of making incense sticks using a circular economy model. Students through this case can step into the shoes of Rastogi, who, as of 9 January 2023, was in Kanpur and was in an urgent need to replicate a similar circular economy model in different cities. With over 21,060 tonnes of temple flower waste recycled, 210 tonnes of chemical pesticides offset and 100% natural products delivered, multiple opportunities emerged at the cross-marketing brand alliance and new product segment levels. Rastogi entered into several cross-marketing brand alliance arrangements and tasted success. Rastogi believed that choosing the right partner for cross-marketing was key to successful cooperation. Considering cross-marketing as a way forward, he urgently needed to develop a strategy that aligned with his mission to take HelpUsGreen LLP’s circular economy model to other parts of the country. Students should take into consideration the data regarding the processes at HelpUsGreen LLP that helped Rastogi restart from scratch and make assumptions to decide the growth route for entering different cities.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used as an introductory case in a post-graduate class on growth strategy for a business based on the circular economy model, as it delineates the challenges faced by a firm while creating a circular economy and managing its growth phase. The case can also be used in an entrepreneurship management course and a strategic management course. This case allows students to learn about the circular economy and challenges faced by the company during the growth phase. Thus, the case can be used for covering multiple perspectives related to growth strategy (e.g. the application of Ansoff matrix), for defining what is cross-marketing brand alliance and discussing what measures need to be considered while selecting a partner for cross-marketing brand alliance, and it is ideal for teaching the elements of strategy.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
The role of self-efficacy and psychological empowerment in explaining the relationship between emotional intelligence and work engagement
Authors: Hameli Kujtim , Ukaj Lekë , Çollaku Lum
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of emotional intelligence on work engagement by exploring the mediating roles of self-efficacy and psychological empowerment in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the survey method, data were collected through both physical and online means. The final sample comprised 304 teachers working in elementary, middle and high schools. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, utilizing IBM Amos version 26, was employed to assess the hypothesized model.

Findings

The study's results revealed that emotional intelligence does not exert a direct impact on work engagement. Additionally, self-efficacy was not found to mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and work engagement. However, psychological empowerment emerged as a mediating factor in this context. Furthermore, self-efficacy and psychological empowerment concurrently demonstrated significant mediation of the relationship between emotional intelligence and work engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The findings underscore the significance of teachers' emotional intelligence, suggesting that it can have profound implications for their work engagement through the mediating mechanisms of self-efficacy and psychological empowerment. Educational principals and administrators are encouraged to prioritize the enhancement of teachers' psychological empowerment, recognizing it as a pivotal link between teachers' emotional intelligence and work engagement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by comprehensively examining the mediating roles of self-efficacy and psychological empowerment, addressing prior empirical gaps, and enriching the understanding of how emotional intelligence influences work engagement within the educational sphere.
University students' perceptions of graduate employer selection tests
Authors: Quigley Martyn , Smith Charlotte , Stocker Eloise , Bradley Alexander
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to examine university students' knowledge, confidence and experience of popular graduate employer selection tests.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional self-report survey was administered to gather a sufficient number of quantitative responses from undergraduate students. A total of 241 students completed the survey with most of them being psychology students from Swansea University. Four key variables were examined: (1) students' experience, (2) confidence and (3) knowledge of selection tests and (4) their desire for more information about selection tests as part of their degree. An audit of selection tests used by the Times Top 100 graduate employers was also conducted.

Findings

Students tended to misjudge how often selection tests were used by employers, and generally lacked experience with these tests. Students' confidence in completing each test varied as a function of the selection test; however, prior experience with these tests positively predicted confidence. Additionally, over 70% of students reported a desire for further information about selection tests as part of their degree.

Practical implications

These novel findings suggest that students could benefit from further information about selection tests as part of their degree programme which would be of benefit to both students and universities.

Originality/value

These findings are, to the authors knowledge, the first to explicitly assess second- and third-year undergraduate students' knowledge, experience and confidence with popular graduate employer selection tests and demonstrate that students would like more information about these tests on their programme.
Prioritising sustainable garment choice among high-volume fashion consumers
Authors: McNeill Lisa S. , Potdar Balkrushna , McQueen Rachel H.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is addressing the negative environment and social impacts of the fashion industry that has emerged as a major societal challenge in the last century; however, people continue to over-consume and over-waste textile products in the form of fashion garments. More research is required to understand how fashion consumption connects with perceptions of sustainability and sustainable action by individual consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper surveys 501 Australian and New Zealand consumers, on their fashion purchasing habits, and the role of sustainability in their fashion consumption behaviour.

Findings

The study found a relationship between higher levels of garment consumption and increased focus on sustainability in fashion choices. This finding is significant, as it suggests that fashion over-consumers are still mindful of the sustainable impacts of their consumption, and are motivated towards reducing that impact, despite not reducing their volume of consumption.

Originality/value

The study indicates the importance of a continued focus on transparency and traceability of fashion products in Australasia, as some over-consumers use this information to make better choices in the purchase situation, as opposed to acting on a general call to reduce consumption.
STI historiography and the institutionalization in Dutch East Indies colonial period (1778–1941)
Authors: Putera Prakoso Bhairawa , Widianingsih Ida , Suryanto Suryanto , Ningrum Sinta , Rianto Yan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the emergence of science, technology and innovation (STI) institutions in Indonesia during the Dutch East Indies colonial period in 1778–1941. The emergence of these institutions reflected the dynamics of science and technology development and innovation in that era.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper navigates a historiographical approach. Data collection techniques use “secondary data research,” with archival investigation published by official sources in the Dutch East Indies in the 18th and 19th centuries as well as other reference sources, and data analysis techniques use “supplementary analysis.”

Findings

This research indicates that the STI institution during the Dutch East Indies colonial period was formed to maximize the natural resources of the Dutch East Indies. The STI institution at that time was constructed as part of Buitenzorg’s Plantentuin the lands, plantations, solutions for health, astronomy, geology, forestry and culture.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this research, as well as future research. Relying too much on “secondary data” is a limitation of this study. Therefore, it is necessary to collect primary data through in-depth interviews with historical scientists studying STIs in Indonesia in future research.

Originality/value

This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, considered the first study, reveals the dynamics of STI in Indonesia during the Dutch East Indies colonial era by examining the dynamics of the institution. In addition, this study succeeded in dividing five institutional STI clusters in the Dutch East Indies Colonial period 1778–1941, namely, units/institutions formed as part of Planuntungin te Buitenzorg; units/institutions formed based on plantations, initiated by private plantations to find solutions to the pests and diseases that attack their crops; units/institutions formed to seek solutions in the health sector; units/institutions formed based on astronomy, geology and forestry; and units/ institutions regarded as scientific councils/associations.
Gender and experience as moderators between talent management and turnover intention among faculty members in higher educational institutions in India
Authors: Antony Dayana Amala Jothi , Arulandu Savarimuthu , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between talent management, organizational commitment and turnover intention. The moderating role of gender and experience in relationships was explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed, and relationships were studied by collecting data from 392 faculty members working in higher educational institutions (HEIs) in southern India. After checking the instrument’s psychometric properties using the LISREL package of structural equation modeling, data were analyzed using Hayes’s PROCESS macros.

Findings

The results revealed that talent recruitment strategies positively predict organizational commitment and negatively predict turnover intention; organizational commitment mediates the relationship between talent management and turnover intention. Further, the results documented that experience (first moderator) and gender of faculty members (second moderator) influenced the relationship between talent management and organizational commitment and organizational commitment and turnover intention.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this research are helpful for the administrators of HEIs to strategize to attract and retain talented faculty to maintain sustained competitive advantage. This research also helps to understand gender differences that exist in talent management and retention and organizational commitment in HEIs.

Originality/value

The three-way interactions between talent management, gender and experience in influencing organizational commitment and turnover intentions is a novel idea that contributes to the talent management literature – the relationship between talent recruitment strategies and talent engagement. The implications for talent management theory and practice are discussed.
Impact of reinforcement proportions on mechanical properties and micro-structure of modified Al2O3-LM6 cast composites synthesize at self-pouring temperature: optimization through mixture design of experiment (DoE)
Authors: Singh Devendra Pratap , Dwivedi Vijay Kumar , Agarwal Mayank
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate and evaluate the impact of varying proportions of reinforcement on the mechanical properties of a modified Al2O3-LM6 cast composite under self-pouring temperature conditions. This study aims to determine the optimal mixture proportion of fine powders of Al, Si and xAl2O3 (with x values of 2%, 3% and 4%) through the application of design of experiment (DoE) and statistical analysis using the Minitab software. This study also involved evaluating the microstructural estimation and other physical properties of the cast composite to understand the combined effect of the reinforcement proportion on the material’s properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers initially mixed the powders through ball milling and then compacted the moisture-free powder mix in a closed steel die. The resulting preforms were heated at the self-pouring temperature in an inert environment to fabricate the final cast composite. By applying DoE and performing an analysis of variance (ANOVA), the researchers sought to optimize the mixture proportion that would yield the best mechanical properties.

Findings

The experimental results indicated that a mixture combination of 83.5% Al blended with 12.5% Si and 4% Al2O3 led to the greatest improvement in mechanical properties, specifically in terms of increased density, hardness and impact strength. The ANOVA further supported the interaction effect of each processing parameter on the observed results. The results of this study offer valuable insights for the fabrication of modified Al2O3-LM6 cast composites under self-pouring temperature conditions. The identified optimal mixture proportion provides guidance for manufacturing processes and material selection to achieve improved mechanical properties in similar applications.

Originality/value

This study focuses on a specific composite material consisting of modified Al2O3 and LM6. Although Al2O3 and LM6 have been studied individually in various contexts, the combination of these materials and their impact on mechanical properties under self-pouring temperature conditions is a novel aspect of this research. The researchers use DoE methodology, along with statistical analysis using Minitab software, to optimize the mixture proportion and analyze the data. This systematic approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of the parameter space and the identification of significant factors that influence the mechanical properties of the composite.
Numerical simulation of fracking and gas production in shale gas reservoirs
Authors: Arenas Zapata Naddia D. , Savioli Gabriela B. , Santos Juan E. , Gauzellino Patricia M.
Published: November 2023

In this work, different stages of gas production in shale reservoirs are modelled. First, hydraulic fracturing is considered by injecting water at high pressures to crack the formation and increase the flow capacity of the reservoir. During the fluid injection, rock properties are modified and water appears in the stimulated area. Then, these changes can be detected through seismic monitoring. Finally, once the fracking stage is completed, the simulation of gas production begins. The simultaneous gas–water flow in the injection and production stages is modelled using the Black‐Oil formulation. Furthermore, a fracture criterion is applied under the hypothesis of constant temperature and constant stress field in this first analysis of the problem. The numerical simulations allow us to analyse the propagation of the fracture and the behaviour of the pore pressure and water saturation in the stimulated area. The advance of the fracturing fluid is delayed in relation to the breakdown of the rock. Besides, the presence of new fractures is detected by applying a poroviscoelastic wave propagation simulator that considers mesoscopic losses induced by heterogeneities in rock and fluids. After the fracture network is created, the injection well becomes a producer, allowing the extraction of gas and the flowback of the injected fluid. The simulated gas flow rates are compared with those obtained by a simplified single‐phase analytical solution used for practical applications, achieving optimum matching results.
Covenant violation and operational efficiency
Authors: James Hui Liang , Wang Hongxia , Wang Zhimin
Published: November 2023

We examine the impact of covenant violation on corporate operational efficiency. Using an aggregate measure of operational efficiency developed by Demerjian et al. (Management Science, 58, 2012, 1229–1248), we provide strong empirical evidence that covenant violations hinder firms from achieving operational efficiency. Our finding is robust to alternative definitions of operational efficiency and various model specifications to address potential endogeneity issues. Further analyses show that lower operational efficiency is attributable to covenant‐violating firms' under‐investments in capital and labour. In addition, the negative effect of covenant violation on operational efficiency is not universally the same, and is less evident in violating firms with greater agency problems.
Automated, tailored adaptive mobile messaging to reduce alcohol consumption in help‐seeking adults: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Muench Frederick , Madden Sean P. , Oommen Sherry , Forthal Sarah , Srinagesh Aradhana , Stadler Gertraud , Kuerbis Alexis , Leeman Robert F. , Suffoletto Brian , Baumel Amit , Haslip Cameron , Vadhan Nehal P. , Morgenstern Jon
Published: November 2023

Aims

To test differential outcomes between three 6‐month text‐messaging interventions to reduce at‐risk drinking in help‐seeking adults.

Design

A three‐arm single‐blind randomized controlled trial with 1‐, 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups.

Setting

United States. A fully remote trial without human contact, with participants recruited primarily via social media outlets.

Participants

Seven hundred and twenty‐three adults (mean = 39.9 years, standard deviation = 10.0; 62.5% female) seeking to reduce their drinking were allocated to 6 months of baseline ‘tailored statically’ messaging (TS; n = 240), ‘tailored adaptive’ messaging (TA; n = 239) or ‘drink tracking’ messaging (DT; n = 244).

Interventions

TS consisted of daily text messages to reduce harmful drinking that were tailored to demographics and alcohol use. TA consisted of daily, tailored text messages that were also adapted based on goal achievement and proactive prompts. DT consisted of a weekly assessment for self‐reported drinking over the past 7 days.

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was weekly sum of standard drinks (SSD) at 6‐month follow‐up. Secondary outcome measures included drinks per drinking day (DDD), number of drinking days (NDD) per week and heavy drinking days (HDD) at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups.

Findings

At 6 months, compared with DT, TA resulted in significant SSD reductions of 16.2 (from 28.7 to 12.5) drinks [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71, 0.91] using intent‐to‐treat analysis. TA also resulted in significant improvements in DDD (aRR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.77–0.92) and drinking days per week (b = −0.39; 95% CI = −0.67, –0.10), but not HDD compared with DT at 6 months. TA was not significantly different from TS at any time‐point, except DDD at 6 months. All groups made improvements in SSD at 12‐month follow‐up compared with baseline with an average reduction of 12.9 drinks per week across groups.

Conclusions

Automated tailored mobile messaging interventions are scalable solutions that can reduce weekly alcohol consumption in remote help‐seeking drinkers over time.
Revisiting the Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale: Spanish adaptation, factor analysis, and sources of construct validity
Authors: Suso‐Ribera Carlos , Catalá Patricia , Carmona Javier , Peñacoba‐Puente Cecilia
Published: November 2023

Background

Women's dissatisfaction with perinatal health care services is associated with poor postpartum outcomes for the mother and the baby. The Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale is a frequently used measure of women's childbirth satisfaction. However, its factor structure has been inconsistent across investigations. The goal of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale (i.e., factor structure and sources of validity evidence).

Methods

This study is a descriptive prospective investigation. Participants included 106 pregnant women (mean age = 31.86, SD = 4.12) recruited from a public university hospital situated in South Madrid. Sources of construct validity of the Mackey were explored with the Women's View of Birth Labor Satisfaction Questionnaire. Sources of criterion validity were investigated with measures of pain (labor, delivery, and just after birth) and post‐traumatic stress symptoms.

Results

Minor adaptations in item distribution resulted in an adequate fit of the original six‐factor solution of the Mackey scale (i.e., oneself, the partner, the baby, the nurse, the physician, and overall satisfaction). Sources of validity evidence supported the construct and criterion validity of the scale.

Conclusions

Obtaining a psychometrically and conceptually sound factor solution is fundamental when validating a scale. With the present study, researchers and clinicians (e.g., midwives) will be able to measure women's childbirth satisfaction in a more robust manner. Both antecedents and consequences of satisfaction were found to correlate with several satisfaction subscales, which might help guide prevention programs in mother care in a more efficient way.
Post‐prostatectomy incontinence: a guideline of guidelines
Authors: Bhatt Nikita R. , Pavithran Aswathy , Ilie Cristian , Smith Lee , Doherty Ruth
Published: November 2023

Aim

To provide a comprehensive review of guidelines from various professional organisations on the work‐up and management of post‐prostatectomy Incontinence (PPI).

Materials and Methods

The following guidelines were included in this review: European Association of Urology (EAU 2023), American Urological Association/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (AUA/SUFU 2019), International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI, 2018), the Canadian Urological Association (CUA, 2012) and the Urological Society of India (USI, 2018).

Results

In general, the guidelines concur regarding the significance of conducting a comprehensive history and physical examination for patients with post‐prostatectomy incontinence (PPI). However, there are variations among the guidelines concerning the recommended additional investigations. In cases of troublesome PPI, male slings are typically recommended for mild to moderate urinary incontinence (UI), while artificial urinary sphincters are preferred for moderate to severe UI, although the precise definition of this severity remains unclear. The guidelines provided by AUA/SUFU and the ICI have offered suggestions for managing complications or persistent/recurrent UI post‐surgery, though some differences can be observed within these recommendations as well.

Conclusion

This is a first of its kind review encompassing Guidelines on PPI spanning over a decade. Although guidelines share overarching principles, nuanced variations persist, posing challenges for clinicians. This compilation consolidates and highlights both the similarities and differences among guidelines, providing a comprehensive overview of PPI diagnosis and management for practitioners. It is our expectation that as more evidence emerges in this and other areas of PPI management, the guidelines will converge and address crucial patient‐centric aspects.
Bladder trauma: a guideline of the guidelines
Authors: Reddy Deshin , Laher Abdullah E. , Moeng Maeyane , Adam Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To identify and review the most up‐to‐date guidelines pertaining to bladder trauma in a unifying document as an updated primer in the management of all aspects relating to bladder injury.

Methods

In accordance with the PRISMA statement, the most recent guidelines pertaining to bladder injury were identified and subsequently critically appraised. An electronic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was carried out in September 2023.

Results

A total of six guidelines were included: European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urological trauma (2023), EAU guidelines on paediatric urology (2022), Urotrauma: American Urological Association (AUA) (2020), Kidney and Uro‐trauma: World Society of Emergency Surgery and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (WSES‐AAST) guidelines (2019), Management of blunt force bladder injuries: A practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) (2019), and EAU guidelines on iatrogenic trauma (2012). Recommendations were summarised with the associated supporting level of evidence and strength of recommendation where available.

Conclusion

Several widely recognised professional organisations have published guidelines relating to the diagnosis, investigation, classification, management, and follow‐up related to bladder injury. There is consensus amongst all major guidelines in terms of diagnosis and management but there is some discrepancy and lack of recommendation with regards to the follow‐up of bladder injuries, iatrogenic bladder injury, paediatric bladder trauma, and spontaneous bladder rupture. The role of increasing minimally invasive techniques seem to be gaining traction in the select haemodynamically stable patient. Further research is required to better delineate this treatment option.
Nest traits for the world's birds
Authors: Sheard Catherine , Street Sally E. , Healy Susan D. , Troisi Camille A. , Clark Andrew D. , Yovcheva Antonia , Trébaol Alexis , Vanadzina Karina , Lala Kevin N.
Published: November 2023

Motivation

A well‐constructed nest is a key element of successful reproduction in most species of birds, and nest morphology varies widely across the class. Macroecological and macroevolutionary studies tend to group nest design into a small number of discrete categories, often based on taxonomic inference. In reality, however, many species display considerable intraspecific variation in their nest‐building behaviour, and broad‐level categories may include several functionally distinct nest types. To address this imprecision in the literature and facilitate future studies of broad‐scale variation in avian parental care, we here introduce a detailed, global comparative database of nest building in birds, together with preliminary correlations between these traits and species‐level environmental variables.

Main types of variables contained

We present species‐level data for nest structure, location, height, material composition, sex of builder, building time and nest dimensions.

Spatial location and grain

Global. Maps are presented at the 10 × 10 level.

Time period and grain

Included species are generally extant, although we present some data for recently extinct taxa. The data were collected in 2017–2021 and was drawn from secondary sources published in 1992–2021.

Major taxa and level of measurement

Partial or complete trait data is presented for 8601 species of birds, representing 36 of 36 orders and 239 of 243 families.

Software format

Data have been uploaded as Supplementary Material in .csv format and are separated by species and source for all traits (Dataset , and Metadata) as well as summarized at the species level for the major structure and location variables (Dataset , and Metadata).
Revolutionizing solar greenhouses: A lighting environment control system for renewable vegetable cultivation, empowered by roller shutter control
Authors: Fu Qiqi , Li Xinxing , Zhang Guoxiang , Ma Yunfei
Published: November 2023

Advanced solar greenhouse lighting environment control systems typically replace traditional empirical control methods to reduce unnecessary resource consumption. The research proposes a solar greenhouse light environment control system based on the opening of the roller shutter (ORS), which controls the light environment of greenhouse by operating the roller shutter under different conditions, and introduces the traditional feedback closed‐loop lighting (FCL) system for comparison. The real‐time adjustment of the roller shutter can adjust the light environment in the greenhouse more accurately. An experimental laboratory station was fabricated to evaluate effectiveness of the proposed control system. The test results show that the ORS control system can regulate the greenhouse light environment to a desired value (R2 = .994), and effectively adjust the light levels as required. In contrast, the FCL system has a larger average light tracking relative error (4.68% greater than the ORS control system), and is weaker in accurately reflecting the light environment in the greenhouse. The main technical contribution of this research is the development of a solar greenhouse light environment control strategy based on the opening of a roller shutter, enabling effective regulation of the light environment. The results can be used as a theoretical basis for the production management of solar greenhouses and hold significance practical implications for the subsequent automation and intelligent control of greenhouse environments.

Practical applications

The results can be used as a theoretical basis for the production management of solar greenhouses, and have an important practical significance for the subsequent automation and intelligent control of greenhouse environments.
Blockchain and digital governance: Decentralization of decision making policy
Authors: Kassen Maxat
Published: November 2023

Blockchain is gaining popularity as a potential solution for the decentralized management of public information. A number of interesting solutions have been proposed by independent developers around the world to promote blockchain as a promising platform to potentially accelerate democratic processes and achieve certain public values in reforming digital governance. This could be reflected in facilitating direct citizen participation in digital politics, promoting greater civic cooperation and engagement in political discussions, boosting the role of civic commentary and even collaborative decision‐making in e‐government. In this regard, the article critically elaborates on the potential of this technology to promote political dimensions of public sector reforms in a post‐positivist manner, resorting to the analysis of concrete e‐participation cases in a number of public areas where the potential has already been realized and the opinions of professional software developers who are currently engaged in building various blockchain‐driven data management solutions in the e‐government area. This paper identifies, debates, and draws on what benefits and risks public policy can yield from the implementation of blockchain governance.
Impact of wave, tides and fluid mud on fluvial discharge across a compound clinoform (Pliocene Orinoco Delta)
Authors: Osman Ariana , Steel Ronald J. , Ramsook Ryan , Olariu Cornel
Published: November 2023

Compound clinoforms are well‐recognized in modern large muddy deltas and in some ancient deltas, but there is still a lack of understanding regarding their lithology variations and the process by which sand from the shoreline clinothem reaches the subaqueous clinothem foresets that are sometimes 100 km away. Net‐to‐gross, thickness and facies association evaluation show overall coarsening‐upward through a 191 m thick exposure of the late Pliocene Orinoco, Lower Morne L'Enfer Formation, with a distinct tripartite lithology distribution. The subaqueous clinothem records a lower, relatively muddy coarsening‐upward interval, 112 m thick, with net‐to‐gross increasing from zero to 60%. On the lower delta front, zero net sand units show graded beds of silt and mud with occasional spring–neap rhythmites, strongly suggesting gravity flows influenced by tidal currents. These foreset beds are overlain by structureless very fine sand, interbedded with deformed wavy to lenticular, grey fluid mud layers that rapidly accumulated near the subaqueous clinoform rollover point. The tidally dominated subaqueous platform (subaqueous delta topset), 1 to 4 m thick, shows zero net sand units with anomalously high mud content, >70%, due to the high near‐bed suspended sediment concentration of externally derived fluid mud that migrated littorally alongshore from the Amazon Delta. The interaction of freshwater river flood discharge with fluid‐mud banks gave rise to density stratification with fine sand hypopycnally dispersing as a turbulent layer above the denser fluid‐mud carpet. The shoreline clinothem (<8 m thick) has high net‐to‐gross, >85%, attributed to winnowing of sediment by waves and tides. Utilizing net‐to‐gross trends and facies changes provide useful criteria to identify compound clinoforms in the rock record. The Orinoco Delta deposits, however, are unusual, since fluid mud hinders sand deposition on the platform, allowing for easy identification of platform facies and a clear distinction between the subaqueous and shoreline clinothem in outcrop.
Aerosol Mitigation Means for Fukushima Daiichi Fuel Debris Removal
Authors: Porcheron Emmanuel , Leblois Yohan , Gelain Thomas , Journeau Christophe , Berlemont Romain , Bouland Antonin , Delalez Rémi
Published: November 2023

The general context of the article is to evaluate strategies that can be used to mitigate aerosols dispersion during the fuel debris or corium retrieval of Fukushima damaged reactors. IRSN is involved in several projects led by ONET Technologies along with CEA to provide relevant information to analyze the risk of aerosol resuspension induced by fuel debris retrieval. The knowledge of the aerosol source term emitted during fuel debris retrieval operations is one of the key issues for the assessment of aerosol dispersion that can lead to the release of radionuclides into the environment. Such information are also necessary to define an efficient strategy to mitigate this risk. Various mitigation means could be implemented during the decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi damaged reactors, depending on the operations such as cutting of fuel debris or metallic structures or investigation in Primary Containment Vessel (PCV) by robots. It is also important to consider accidental scenarios such as earthquake event, to define countermeasures limiting the consequence in terms of safety and radioprotection. We propose to study various mitigation means such as the spray scrubbing technology used to collect airborne particles and therefore limit their dispersion during the cutting operations. Resuspension of deposited particles may also occur during the decommissioning operations due to various type of stress, such as aeraulic, mechanical, vibrational and also during underwater operations. To address these particle resuspension issues, another mitigation means made by coating of resins is introduced.
Transparency in Establishment of National Radioactive Waste Facilities - Criteria, Cases, Recommendations
Authors: Zeleznik Nadja , Swahn Johan , Haverkamp Jan , Hooge Niels Henrik , de Butler Malcolm , Daniska Michal , Wales Colin
Published: November 2023

The Civil Society (CS) experts involved in the ROUTES work package (Waste Management routes in Europe from cradle to grave) of the EURAD programme investigated how the pillars of the Aarhus convention together with a broader understanding of Transparency and Public Participation (T&PP) are transposed into Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) in the establishment of Radioactive Waste (RW) facilities, primarily geological disposal, in different national contexts. The criteria for T&PP in the development of national RW facilities are proposed and based on the RW Directive, the Aarhus Convention and the CS BEPPER report.

To obtain a broader understanding of the positions of different actors engaged in RWM, a questionnaire was submitted to ROUTES members and to the CS larger group. The focus of the questionnaire concerns transparency in the establishment of national RW facilities and included five topics: effective access to information, public participation, justice (Aarhus Convention), resources (BEPPER report) and T&PP in the development of the national programmes on RWM submitted to the European Commission pursuant to the RW Directive. Nine national cases from advanced and early stage RW programmes (Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greenland, France, The Netherlands, Slovakia, Sweden and United Kingdom) are presented and discussed within the context of the pillars of good T&PP. Finally, a quality assessment is provided with lessons learned and general recommendations from the case studies, focusing on how interaction with CS could more generally and robustly contribute to the establishment of national RW facilities.
Development of Risk Assessment Code for Dismantling of Radioactive Components in Decommissioning Stage of Nuclear Reactor Facilities
Authors: Shimada Taro , Sasagawa Tsuyoshi , Miwa Kazuji , Takai Shizuka , Takeda Seiji
Published: November 2023

Nuclear regulation inspection should be carried out based on the risk-informed during decommissioning stage at nuclear power station. However, it is difficult because the methodology for evaluating the radiation exposure risk quantitatively during dismantling activities has not been established. Therefore, a decommissioning risk assessment code DecAssess-R has been developed based on the decommissioning safety assessment code, DecAssess, creating event trees from initiating events and evaluating the radiation risk resulting from public exposure dose for each accident sequence. In the evaluation, that movable radioactive inventory which may be easily dispersed into workspace such as radioactive dust accumulated in HEPA filters attached at a contamination control enclosure is fluctuated according to the progress of dismantling works was taken into account. Initiating events were selected based on the investigation for accidents and troubles during activities of dismantling, disassembly and replace of components around the world, and event trees from the initiating events indicating progress scenario were created. Frequencies of occurrence were set with reference to data of general industry in addition to data regarding above accidents and troubles, event progression probabilities were set with reference to failure data during the operating stage. It was also taken into account that safety functions to be maintained during decommissioning stage which the operator applied at decommissioning plan were reduced according to the progress of dismantling activities. Public exposure dose after accidental release of radioactive dusts is evaluated at exposure pathway such as cloud shine, respiration and surface deposition by atmospheric dispersion. The exposure risks during dismantling of components in reference BWR were evaluated. As a result, public exposure dose was maximum in the case of fire during dismantling of reactor internals and spread of fire to combustibles and filters including radioactivity temporally stored at the workspace. Exposure risk also showed the maximum because the occurrence possibility of this accident sequence was larger than other scenario.
Application and Improvement of Chebyshev Rational Approximation Method in Activation Calculation of Materials
Authors: Yu Xiao , Zhang Jingyu , Ni Wangmuhong , Wang Juanjuan
Published: November 2023

In recent years, with the development of new nuclear materials, it is necessary to accurately and efficiently analyze the activation of materials suffering from neutron irradiation to ensure the radiation protection of workers. For the activation calculations, compared with other numerical methods, the Chebyshev rational approximation method (CRAM) has comprehensive advantages regarding computational accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, the basic theory of the CRAM algorithm is first described, the partial fraction decomposition (PFD) form of CRAM is derived, and then some typical cases are selected to test and verify. The results show that the precision of order 14 CRAM is dramatically compromised by the time steps in dealing with the decay system of short-lived nuclides, which will cause the obstacle of time step selection. A new incomplete partial fractions (IPF) form of CRAM, aiming at this issue, is introduced; and the influence of different orders on time step selection is analyzed systematically. Compared with order 14 PFD, the higher-order CRAM of IPF form is more accurate in computing the decay systems of short-lived nuclides, and the selection process of time steps can be omitted.
Elemental Analysis and Radioactivity Evaluation of Aerosols Generated During Heating of Simulated Fuel Debris: The URASOL Project in the Framework of Fukushima Daiichi Fuel Debris Removal
Authors: Tsubota Youichi , Porcheron Emmanuel , Journeau Christophe , Delacroix Jules , Suteau Christophe , Bouland Antonin , Lallot Yvan , Roulet Damien , Mitsugi Takeshi
Published: November 2023

In order to safely remove fuel debris from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (1F), it is necessary to quantitatively evaluate radioactive airborne particulate generated by the cutting of nuclear fuel debris. We fabricated Uranium-bearing simulated fuel debris (SFD) with In/Ex-Vessel compositions and evaluated the physical and chemical properties of aerosols generated by heating the SFDs. Based on these results, we estimated the isotopic composition and radioactivity of aerosols produced when 1F-Unit2 fuel debris is laser cut, which is a typical example of a heating method. Plutonium, mainly 238Pu, 239Pu 241Am, and 244Cm were found to be the alpha nuclide, and 241Pu, 137Cs-Ba, and 90Sr-Y were found to be the beta nuclide of interest.
Preliminary Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Cement-Based Materials for LLW Immobilization
Authors: Cancemi Salvatore Angelo , Lo Frano Rosa , Paci Sandro
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study is to investigate the thermo-mechanical properties of cement-based materials for immobilization of low/intermediate level waste. The cementation is an important technology, nevertheless the durability of such waste form must be studied in consideration of the institutional period of storage or even under disposal conditions. Moreover, if liquid organic wastes are immobilized into cement matrix, we must face a significant technological challenge due to their complex chemical composition and relatively high activity. To investigate the durability of cement cement-based materials, an experimental campaign was carried out by performing hot wire tests on (aged/unaged) cylindrical concrete samples at temperatures ranging from 100 to 800°C.

The determination of thermal conductivity up to 800°C was obtained according to the Hot Wire Parallel Method. Additional characterization procedures included X-ray inspection, porosity measurements, compressive strength testing, and aging investigations. The activity was developed within the framework of the H2020 PREDIS project.

Further, numerical simulation by finite element method (FEM) was carried out to properly consider different conditions. The obtained results show that the cement matrix demonstrated a good level of thermal, and physical stability. The visual and X-ray inspections of the samples did not reveal any significant damages that would affect the thermal performance of the studied cement-based material.

The thermal conductivity results obtained were found to be consistent with literature values, indicating a strong correlation between the simulation results and established knowledge in the field.